![]() Alex Askew launched his nonprofit career through AmeriCorps service, gaining valuable experience that laid the foundation for his commitment to community-centered development. With over a decade of expertise in fundraising, he came to Wallin Education Partners after successfully leading development efforts at The Bakken Museum, Genesys Works, and College Possible. A dedicated community advocate, Alex has served on the boards of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Unity Church Unitarian, and the InterCorps Council of Minnesota. He currently chairs the board of RECLAIM, a mental health care organization supporting queer and trans youth. As a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), Alex is committed to advancing ethical standards and best practices in the field. In his free time, Alex enjoys exploring Twin Cities neighborhoods with his dog and finding ways to be outdoors, such as running, hiking, birding, and skiing. He also spends time helping on his family’s century farm in southwest Iowa. Alex Askew serves as Director of Development
![]() Clarissa graduated from Carleton College with a degree in Sociology & Anthropology and minor in Educational Studies. At Carleton, she worked as a TRIO Peer Leader and Student Career Assistant. Clarissa is excited to work with students and unlock the endless possibilities of what their future career can look like. A career or job that we might want, may not even exist yet! In her spare time, Clarissa enjoys going on walks, exploring new food spots in the Cities, watching the latest Netflix shows/movies, and crocheting. She is also a proud plant mom. Clarissa Guzman serves as a Program Coordinator on the Career Development Team
![]() Lindsey is originally from the Chicago area but moved to Minnesota to earn her B.S. in Social Studies Teaching from Winona State University and never left! She spent four years working in a low-income school district in rural Minnesota, helping students of many different backgrounds achieve academic success. She also worked as an advisor to students volunteering in their community and expanded learning opportunities for her students through creating new and unique courses. In addition, Lindsey holds an M.Ed. in Learning Design and Technology from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Outside of work, you can find Lindsey spending quality time with her friends, baking her grandmother's recipes, exploring local wineries and bookstores, or playing video games and board games with her significant other. Lindsey is thrilled to continue her work in education at the higher education level and help students prepare to enter the career field. Lindsey Bernier serves as a Program Coordinator on the Career Development Team
![]() Dale comes to Wallin Education Partners having spent 15 years in cultural stewardship and political action working with nonprofits across the country to bolster economic prosperity, regional vitality, and inclusive communities through public experiences. He thrives in ushering in new eras of organizational growth and change while designing narratives and messaging that transform perspectives and forge meaningful connections. Most recently, Dale has worked in advance operations for the Democratic National Convention, Clinton Global Initiative, Secretary Pete Buttigieg’s run for office in the 2020 Presidential Election Cycle, and in communications for the National Democratic Training Committee, working to further democracy up and down the ballot in battleground states. His passion lies in providing opportunities for historically oppressed and marginalized communities to have agency in the political agendas that disproportionately affect their personhood and livelihood. Dale Dorlin serves as Director of Communications![]() Gabe Philibert has a diverse and extensive work experience in the banking industry. Gabe began their career at Highland Bank in 2000, where they held roles as an Assistant Vice President, Commercial Banker, Branch Manager, and Credit Analyst until 2005. Following that, Gabe joined Marshall BankFirst as a Vice President, specializing in Special Assets and Portfolio Management from 2005 to 2009. Gabe then worked at First Commercial Bank as a Vice President from 2009 to 2010. Gabe joined U.S. Bank in 2010, where they served as Assistant Vice President and Assistant Relationship Manager in Commercial Real Estate Lending until 2014. In 2015, Gabe joined Bell Bank as a Senior Vice President of Commercial Lending, later held positions as Market Development Director, Team Leader, and currently as Senior Vice President of Community Development, Lending & Investment. Gabe is a Wallin alum and obtained a BS degree in Business Management from Luther College. Gabe Philibert serves on the Board of Trustees![]() After 30 years in progressive leadership positions within corporate healthcare policy, advocacy, compliance and operations, William retired in February 2023, from working full-time to, among other things, focus on finding purpose through paying it forward and volunteering. William has built a brand of excellence in strategy and execution, policy, advocacy, building new initiatives and programs, change management, good culture, and mental wellness, passion for the patients he was working to support, and through serving in and building non-profit organizations. During his almost 20-year tenure at Medtronic, William held various roles within the Neuromodulation business, as well as within corporate shared services, including Legal, HR and government affairs. Prior to joining Medtronic, William worked at HealthPartners and on Capitol Hill at U.S. Senator Russ Feingold’s (D-WI) office. William received his master’s degree in health policy and social work from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and his undergraduate degree in theology from Marquette University. William Fehrenbach serves on the Board of Trustees
![]() Heidi has dedicated her career to working with nonprofits, primarily in fundraising and development. She is passionate about social justice, building strong communities rooted in equity, and creating sustainable access to educational opportunities for youth from all backgrounds. She comes to us most recently from the advancement team at Bethany Global University, where she relished the chance to build relationships with college students. She earned her BA in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. When not at work, Heidi enjoys cooking, camping, propagating houseplants, and adventuring outdoors. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband, their 4 children, and dog. Heidi Chase serves as Major Gifts Officer
Mike Omalanga serves as Enrollment & Analytics Intern![]() Saúl Roman (They/Them) was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. They graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Sociology at The University of Arizona. Then earned their Master of Arts in Leadership in Student Affairs at the University of St Thomas. While being an advisor at Wallin, Saúl strives to create an inclusive environment and one that flourishes the next generation of scholars! Saúl is a first-generation Mexican American and the first in their entire family to graduate college. And currently the only one outside their home state of Arizona. Saúl has traveled and lived around the country living in Spokane, Washington for a bit! They have worked in a variety of types of colleges and universities, such as public or private and different regional locations. Throughout their time, Saúl has found a specific focus and interest area around mental health, holistic wellbeing, LGBTQIA2S+ initiatives, and empowering Students of Color in predominantly white-insitutions. You can always catch Saúl at an open gym playing volleyball, walking their dog named Sol, or them reading at a local coffee shop reading a book! Saúl Roman serves as a 4-Year Scholar Advisor![]() A graduate of the University of St. Thomas, Malcolm Lawson has a background in student advocacy, empowerment, and systemic change. Previously a dual-sport athlete for the Tommies, Malcolm strives to create effective and efficient teams that benefit from the collective strength of all team members. Communication, Empathy, and Equity make up the core of Malcolm’s Values. Malcolm was born and raised in North Minneapolis has been surrounded by education his entire life, being the product of two educators in the public school system. Malcolm comes to Wallin from the University of St. Thomas Admissions Team after serving on Governor Tim Walz’s Staff and an appointed member of the Governor’s council on the Martin Luther King Jr Holiday. An avid sports and arts fan, Malcolm can be found in his free time either watching a Minnesota sports team play, attending one of his siblings plays/musicals/sporting events, or spending time with his family and close friends. Malcolm also participates in community outreach and uplift through various events in the community. Malcolm Lawson serves as a 4-Year Scholar Advisor |