Meet our new YAC Advisors
It’s back to school season in the Keweenaw! The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) at KCF is a way for youth to learn philanthropy and give back to their community. Students will be involved in the grantmaking process at KCF, and have the responsibility of reviewing grant applications and making funding recommendations for programs and projects that support youth in our area. This fall we’d like to introduce our new Youth Advisory Council team! We’ll be joined by Susan Nielsen and Hannah Karineimi, both of CAPE (Community Alliance for Progressive Education). YAC meetings will be held at CAPE in Hancock (Hirvonen Hall, 417 Quincy St. Hancock MI).
Susan Nielsen, KCF YAC Advisor, Executive Director of CAPE
Hannah Kariniemi, YAC Advisor, Logistics Coordinator and MTU-Finlandia Liaison, CAPE
Susan Nielsen’s career demonstrates a commitment to supporting individuals, teams, and organizations in creating empowering, innovative environments. She believes that an inspiring environment fosters new ideas, collaborations, and energy necessary for progress. For fifteen years she owned and operated a successful consulting firm specializing in leadership development, positive people systems, and career management programs. Susan has a B.S. in Organizational Psychology from the University of Michigan and completed her Master’s degree in Applied Behavioral Science from Johns Hopkins University. Her love of learning and education led her to transition from consulting to higher education when she accepted a leadership position at the Jackson Community College in Jackson, Michigan. In that role she was asked by the college President to start up and grow a new department for Corporate and Continuing Education. Upon moving to the Upper Peninsula, she has spent a decade working to transform the education experience in rural northern Michigan through her non-profit organization. She regularly inspires hundreds of students and families to think and act creatively in pursuit of their passions and dreams.
Hi, I’m Hannah!
I am a local who grew up in Calumet, MI. I graduated from Michigan Technological University with my B.S. in Psychology in 2020.
Throughout my life I have been involved in numerous outreach programs and projects, such as the Michigan Tech Summer Youth Programs. I have a passion for education, connecting with others, and serving my community. In my free time, I enjoy creating art, playing video games, and cruising on my longboard (when it isn’t snowing)!
With my unique background, I hope to create a safe and welcoming environment that inspires learning, encourages creativity, and facilitates growth.
I look forward to meeting you!
Find details on our 2022-2023 YAC program here!