Our Board
We are diverse nonprofit professionals who are culturally sensitive and passionate about community building. Our mission unites dedicated and innovative individuals.
Mary C. Turner
Chair - Minnesota Nurses Association President Elected 2018
Mary Turner is an ICU nurse at North Memorial Medical Center in Robbinsdale and previously worked at Abbott Northwestern Hospital for 10 years. She has served as the President of the Minnesota Nurses Association since 2015.During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Turner was selected by President Biden to serve as the only frontline healthcare worker on the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force. She has also served on the National Nurses United Joint Nursing Commission since 2011 and on the board of Isuroon, which provides empowerment, culturally sensitive health education, and advocacy for Somali women.Turner completed an Associate of Science in Nursing from North Hennepin Community College and has completed coursework in nursing at Metropolitan State University. She was recently appointed to the U Of M Board of Regents.
Fartun Weli
CEO/Founder Minneapolis Office
Fartun founded Isuroon in 2011, after two decades of working in the medical field, with the goal of developing an organization based on strength, using a relational approach to help Somali women build self-sufficiency and maintain healthy lives. She currently serves as the CEO and is always a community connector. Fartun has received many awards and international recognition for her outstanding voice and action in supporting immigrant and refugee communities to have equal access to resources and services. Fartun holds a BA in Business from Capella University and an MA in Public Health from Walden University. In her free time, she loves connecting with her niece and nephews.
- Email:Fartun.weli@isuroon.org
Abdullahi Farah
Member - The Executive Director of Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center (AAIC),
The Executive Director of Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center (AAIC),Abdullahi Farah is the current executive director of Abubakar As-Saddique Islamic Center (AAIC), the most prominent Islamic Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He has been a steady pillar of the Muslim community in the greater twin cities. He brings with him an abundant wealth of knowledge, management skills, and leadership experience. Abdullahi is responsible for the day-to-day management of the center. He has been in this role since 2017.He previously held senior roles, such as the CEO position at Abubakar Islamic Center in Tukwila, Washington. Mr. Farah earned a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management from Metro State University.He is also a recognized community leader and public speaker. His efforts in these areas involve working with community leaders, faith leaders, government officials, policymakers, advocates, and non-profit and youth service organizations. He is happily married and has a family.
Carolyn Vreeman
Member - United Healthcare Elected 2022
Carolyn is The Founder, President & Lead Consultant of Vreeman Consulting. She coaches leaders and teams across the world to foster an environment of committed, engaged, productive, results-focused employees who contribute personally to the success of the organization every day.With over 20 years of experience championing change at the individual, team, and organizational levels, her work has proven results: steadily increasing employee engagement, aligning strategy and goals throughout organizations, and inspiring innovation. Her Focus on Results Program contributed to lowering the levy in one MN County for the 8 consecutive years. Carolyn is the founder of the B.E. Organizational Change Leadership Certification Program.Carolyn's leadership has been recognized by Sheryl Sandberg (the COO of Facebook and Author of Lean In). At the City of Minneapolis, Carolyn inspired the 29% Club, the first Employee Resource Group. In addition she founded "Lean In Hennepin," the first Employee Resource Group also founded and directed the Hennepin5K at Hennepin County.
Michael L. Baker
Member - United Healthcare Consumer Operations Elected 2022
Mike Baker is the accomplished Chief Operating Officer of UnitedHealthcare Provider Operations, a pivotal division within UnitedHealth Group. With a dedicated team of over 14,000 professionals under his guidance, Mike drives the strategic direction and operational excellence of the largest provider network in the United States, serving more than 50 million UHC members.His leadership is marked by a focus on becoming the most highly recommended payer in healthcare, resulting in record-breaking performance and the prestigious J.D. Power Call Center Certification.Mike's extensive experience in large-scale operations, including key roles at First Data and Hershey's Chocolate Company, underscores his knack for transformative changes to enhance the consumer experience. He's not only a sought-after speaker but also holds the distinction of being an Honorary Senior Inventor at UnitedHealth Group, having completed the first Certified Professional Innovators program at Georgia State University.
Asia H. Mohamed
Member
Tanya K. Anderson is a seasoned transformational leader and strategist with a career spanning over 15 years. She has a proven track record in driving growth, equity, and belonging through personal and organizational change in sectors ranging from education and healthcare to community service organizations.Tanya excels in implementing innovative initiatives, fostering collaborative working models, and championing transformative change. Her current role as Senior Director of Learning - Anti Racism at Alia in St. Paul, Minnesota, exemplifies her dedication to promoting healing, belonging, and anti-racism. With a Master's in Educational Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Tanya's professional journey reflects her unwavering commitment to creating inclusive and equitable environments.