Maryse (Reez) Birr is the Statewide Partnerships Manager at the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, where she connects generosity with community across Minnesota. With 15+ years of experience leading partnerships and bridging relationships across sectors, she works alongside boards, local leaders and donors to strengthen community foundations, amplify place-based giving and ensure philanthropy reflects each community’s unique identity and values. Born in the Corn Capital of Minnesota and raised in a northern rural town of 3,000, Reez brings both proximity and deep care to her work across Minnesota and to small communities within the metro. Her approach is rooted in connection, trust and bridging differences — meeting people where they are and helping communities see the power of their own generosity.