Skip to main content

Learn more about Northside Achievement Zone and their transformational work for families in North Minneapolis.

Sondra Samuels, president and CEO of Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ), speaks about the impact recent events have had on the North Minneapolis community, and how NAZ has stepped up to help their community process their fear and anxiety through work that brings hope.

“At NAZ, we have a corny saying that we are hope dealers. You know that African proverb that says when you unite a spider web you can tie up a lion – and for us, we have been tying up a lion of hopelessness because we have each other. This crisis situation has given me a lot of hope, and it’s the families; they are not giving up,” says Sondra.

Keep the Stories Coming

Stay connected with stories about how people across the state of Minnesota are responding to This Present Moment with generosity, compassion, courage and creativity.

More Stories

Minnesota Latino Museum: Celebrating Mexican and Latino Art and Culture

Learn how one organization is establishing an arts and cultural landmark in Saint Paul.

See the Highlights

Announcing Our 2025 Facing Race Award Recipients

This year’s awards recognize five Minnesotans building solutions that unite instead of divide from Saint Paul and Minneapolis to Duluth and Winona.

Read the News

Making Red Wing an Arts & Culture Destination

Art adds value to every community – and in Red Wing, Minnesota, a collaboration is bolstering economic growth and cultural vibrancy.

See the Highlights

A Letter from Chanda On Her First Day

Chanda Smith Baker, Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation President & CEO, shares a note to community on her first day leading the Foundation.

Read the letter

Inspiring Generosity in the Arts

At a recent Giving+Together event, art leaders addressed the economic and cultural benefits of the arts in our lives.

See the Highlights

Warroad RiverPlace: Where Art Meets Community Engagement

Learn how one arts nonprofit is making art more accessible in Warroad.

Read the story

Chanda Smith Baker Named President & CEO of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation

Meet the Foundation's New President & CEO in this letter to community from Board Chair Dr. Joseph Lee.

Read the news

Celebrating the Strength of Saint Paul’s Neighborhoods

Listen to stories from Saint Paul community leaders representing Rondo, Frogtown, the East Side, the West Side and the Mississippi River.

See the impact

GET MONTHLY STORIES, NEWS AND UPDATES

JOIN
US!

* Indicates a required field