Meet the Team

ACC Board of Directors
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Michelle Biros

Ruiz Professor of Emergency Medicine at University of Minnesota School of Medicine

I am involved with ACC because I believe it addresses a root cause of poverty and inequality. An education is powerful and can be used for personal and community advancement.
 
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Therese Brinkman

Chief of Staff at Denamico

In today's interconnected world, I believe that it's crucial to embrace our role as global citizens. ACC provides a meaningful way to contribute to positive change beyond our borders, addressing the lingering effects of systemic injustice through education.

Robyn-Coquyt

Robyn Coquyt

Executive Director at Africa Classroom Connection
 
During my first visit to ACC classrooms, I was forever changed by the eagerness to learn that I saw from the learners. Giving kids the basic and fundamental right to a quality education has driven me ever since.
 
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Brendon Dennewill

CEO & Cofounder at Denamico

As a 12-year-old, I went to middle school in KwaZulu-Natal, about 2 hours from the rolling hills where ACC helps fund the building of schools. In Minneapolis, 30 years later, I met Henry the founder of ACC at our mutual Rotary club. It didn't take much to connect my heart and my head to do what I can for this amazing organization, by helping build one classroom at a time for more and more kids there to learn their way to success.


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Tammie Follett

Director of Advancement, Lawyers Without Borders
 
Because I am a strong believer in education for all children regardless of geography, I want to be a part of an organization that provides an effective and impactful solution like ACC. ACC has made a measured difference in the lives of children in South Africa.
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Heather Magnuson

Assistant Attorney at Bloomington City Attorney’s Office

I feel strongly that access to education is a basic human right and I am proud to be a part of an organization that helps ensure that need is met for rural South African students. I wanted to become involved because ACC is a fiscally responsible non-profit that is doing amazing work to benefit children.
Africa Classroom Connection Board Member Peter Maritz


Peter Maritz

Retired
 
South Africa has been one of my passions since I first traveled there in 1975. Making a difference in South Africa has long been a priority of mine, and I have found no better way to do so than through the mission of ACC.

Africa Classroom Connection Board Member Jeff Nelson


Jeff Nelson

Executive Director, Office of Business Finance at Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
 
I am a founder of Africa Classroom Connection and have served as Treasurer since the organization's inception. I support ACC because education is key to unlocking personal potential and, collectively, societal improvement, both economic and cultural.
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Angie Steen

Special Education and Resource Special Education Substitute Teacher, Osseo Area Schools
 
I am passionate about providing access to quality education both locally and internationally.  I am excited to serve with ACC and am excited for their future!

 

 
Ha-andza Young


Ha-andza Young

Vice President, Investment Banking at Macguarie Capital
 
I am a product of the South African public school system and intimately understand the need for resources in remote areas, a gap ACC is filling. Education remains one of the sure ways for social mobility in South Africa and I wholeheartedly believe in ACC's mission to make learning comfortable. 
 
 


Founder / Director Emeritus

Africa Classroom Connection Founder Henry Bromelkamp


Henry Bromelkamp

 

I believe in South Africa because of its skilled and ambitious people who endured apartheid. Our classrooms give kids the future they deserve.