At People First Economy we believe in taking a human-centered approach in all of our programs. And that approach starts with the folks at our organization. From workiversaries, to certifications to new hires, the People First Economy team has a lot to celebrate. Meet the people behind People First Economy. Roll call!
Hello! I’m Hanna Schulze, President of People First Economy. In this position, I spend most of my time fundraising for the organization, supporting the team in their various roles, and helping to build partnerships with our local, state, and national partners. I also get to look at our internal policies and make sure that we are living out our values in practice as a team. I’ve had the privilege of being a part of this team for 10 years now! My first role with People First Economy (then Local First) was as a part-time event planning assistant. Before I worked for People First Economy, I was a server at several local restaurants. I believe that my time as a server has helped me develop many of the skills that I bring to my job every day!
Hey everyone! My name is Alice Jasper and I serve as Program Director and Trained B Corp Consultant with People First Economy. In my role with the organization, I work collaboratively with PFE’s state and national partners to design and execute accessible, community-centered programs that support Michigan’s business community with operationalizing impactful, social and environmental practices. This August, I will be celebrating my 5 year anniversary since joining the team and it has been such an honor to work for an organization that truly ‘walks the talk’ by putting people first! Outside of my role with PFE, I contribute, in various capacities, to the community organizing work being done on local, state and national levels to increase access and representation for Black, Indigenous and People of Color in outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship spaces.
Kathleen Roark here! I serve as the Director of Engagement for People First Economy. You can most often find me around the office working on People First Economy’s Signature Initiatives, keeping our operations in order, and supporting the implementation of the Local First and Good For Michigan programs. It’s been a joy to learn and grow with the organization these past six years – wow time flies! It’s my privilege to serve on the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA) as a board member, engaging with ‘buy local’ programs around the country and bringing national best practices to our West Michigan ‘think local first’ program.
My name is Halla Maas and I am the newest member of the People First Economy team. As Experience Manager, my role offers support in event planning, social media posting, snapping pictures of the community to promote local businesses, & assisting with the development of our organization! I am so excited to be a part of an organization which is building an economy that puts people first. We must honor people in business because people are what keep the work diverse & provide opportunities for interconnectedness. When I’m not working, you can find me hiking; gardening; cooking & baking; or spending time with my family.
Hi! I’m Victoria Munro and I have the privilege of serving as People First Economy’s Community Engagement Manager. I am your go-to gal for all things Local First Membership. I have the honor of connecting with our members and supporting them with resources and initiatives, introducing new members to our programming, and more. I’m also the voice behind our organizational newsletters (make sure you’re on our mailing list!) and support social media and event efforts alongside Halla. A fun tidbit about me is that I am the unofficial organizational Meme Queen and love representing my fellow Gen Z-ers!
My name is Arick Davis, and I am the Impact Manager for People First Economy. As the Impact Manager, I support businesses throughout Michigan in their efforts to be more sustainable by offering technical support and consultation. I am excited to join this team that has been working for over 20 years to connect people with businesses and create thriving communities. Growing up in Grand Rapids, I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to see people connected. When I’m not supporting business development with our participants, I’m running my own. Pop by Last Mile Cafe and say hi!
Hey, I’m Meghan Disselkoen, Development Strategist for People First Economy. I support People First Economy through fundraising initiatives, grant writing, and stewarding relationships with businesses. This role allows me to utilize my institutional knowledge to help the organization grow in its updated work and priorities, and to be a part of new relationships with business owners and businesses! Traveling with my family brings me so much joy! I visited the Keweenaw Peninsula for the first time and ate my first pasty just this summer!
My name is Sarah Chartier and I am People First Economy’s Program Strategist. I largely support the operational deployment and program growth of People First Economy’s Good For Michigan program. I enjoy the collaborative environment, flexibility, and working with amazing folks to create a positive impact in our community. I feel my skills are valued, leveraged, and appreciated. A fun little tidbit about me – I am a proud Yooper and was on Michigan’s first girl’s hockey team.
Say hi the next time you see one of the People First Economy team out and about!
