Gardeski joins UWNEMN team

As United Way of Northeastern Minnesota (UWNEMN) works to launch its pilot mentoring program, Lunch Buddies, the organization is pleased to announce a new position and staff person to oversee the program.

Hibbing native Sarah Gardeski joins the UWNEMN team this month as the education and childhood programs specialist. The role was created to handle the workload associated with the new mentoring program, including screening mentor applicants, coordinating with schools, and matching mentors and mentees.

In addition, Gardeski will also be managing many of UWNEMN’s other child-related programs and events including Imagination Library, Smiles United, and Wild About Reading.

“Working with children is near and dear to my heart,” Gardeski said. “They always see the good in people, and their glass is always ‘half full.’”

Gardeski graduated from Hamline University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health Sciences and has been working with children ever since.

“Helping children succeed is a main focus for our organization, and the work Sarah will be doing is key to accomplishing that,” said UWNEMN Executive Director Shelley Valentini. “Her energy and enthusiasm will be wonderful assets in piloting our new mentoring program and continuing the success of our existing children’s programming.”

To contact Sarah, click here.