Maryse Birr, Statewide Partnerships Manager, plays a vital role in connecting the Foundation's mission to communities across Minnesota. Her role is to strengthen local leadership, amplify philanthropic impact, and foster equity by ensuring all communities have a voice in addressing their unique needs. Through building relationships with donors, supporting resource development, and coordinating statewide learning opportunities, her position will help grow and sustain meaningful giving that creates lasting change.

Maryse has long admired the Foundation's commitment to supporting communities with care and purpose. Her favorite part of the job will be connecting with people and building meaningful relationships. Working at the Foundation allows her to combine her passion for equity and philanthropy with her personal commitment to uplifting the communities she knows and loves.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Maryse served as Junior Achievement's VP of Partnerships. Before that, she worked at the Minnesota Zoo and the University of Minnesota. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in English/Communications/Education from Hamline University and a Master of Arts in Leadership in Student Affairs from the University of St. Thomas.

Originally from rural Minnesota, Maryse lives in east Bloomington on the Minnesota River Bluffs with her husband and their wonderful furry companions—a lively crew of three cats and a dog. On weekends, they often retreat to their family's cherished A-frame cabin where they enjoy activities like hiking, kayaking, and simply unwinding in the quiet and calm of the woods.

In her free time, Maryse enjoys antiquing and thrifting. She loves it because it allows her to breathe new life into old treasures, giving them a second chance to shine and a new home where they'll be cherished. Whether it's regifting a thrifted find to someone who will love it or incorporating it into her own life, Maryse believes thrifting is a small yet impactful way of celebrating history, creativity, and sustainability all at once.