Collaborative Leadership Team

Kiley Bednar, EdD, MSW
Co-Director
kileybednar@umsl.edu
(she/her/hers)

As one of CIAC's Co-Directors, Kiley leads and oversees a growing portfolio of strategies to build the strength of our region’s many community partnerships and coalitions, including ThreadSTL. A St. Louis native, Kiley comes with more than 20 years of experience in youth development, education, and social service administration. Most recently, she served 10 years with the Forum for Youth Investment, providing training and technical assistance to state and local leaders working to get young people ready for life. Through the Forum’s David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality, she supported out-of-school time partnerships throughout the U.S. in building systems to measure and improve the quality of their youth programs. Prior to this, she oversaw the Forum for Youth Investment’s training programs – including the Ready by 21 webinar series and the Ready by 21 Institutes – as well as coordinated the national Children’s Cabinet Network for statewide coordinating bodies. As a technical assistance provider at the Forum, she led community engagement efforts, data communications, and strategic planning for cities and states focused on better aligning their efforts around improved child and youth outcomes. Kiley received her EdD at UMSL, a Master of Arts at the University of Chicago's School of Social Service Administration, and is a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach.

Paul Sorenson, MSW
Co-Director
sorensonp@umsl.edu
(he/him/his)

As one of CIAC's Co-Directors, Paul leads the collaborative St. Louis Regional Data Alliance (RDA) to support local governments, nonprofits, funders, and universities in using data for community benefit. The RDA is actively involved in building public health data infrastructure to address COVID-19 and beyond, and works closely with United Way 2-1-1 and its partners on establishing the St. Louis Community Information Exchange to share referrals across health and social service providers. Paul co-authored the 2021 "Tackling Data Dilemmas in Social Care Coordination" white paper with Open Referral and helps lead the Missouri Aging Services Data Collaborative, a grand prize winner of the ACL’s Social Care Referrals Challenge in 2022. At CIAC, Paul also helps lead new project development, collaborative strategy, and other university and organizational support initiatives. Paul previously founded and ran GoodMap, an online tool for nonprofits to organize information about the services they provided to their communities, and served as the Director of Strategic Planning at Grace Hill Settlement House. Paul graduated from the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis in 2012 and is a Ph.D. candidate in Political Science at UMSL.

Risha Frazier, MPH
Data Strategy and Infrastructure Lead
mfrazier@umsl.edu
(they/them)

Risha Frazier (they/them), CIAC’s Data Strategy and Infrastructure Lead is an epidemiologist with 10 years of population health research experience. They completed their Bachelors in Biological Sciences and received their Master of Public Health in Environmental and Occupational Health and Epidemiology from Saint Louis University. Risha comes from a lineage of storytellers. Some used food, others song — Risha uses data. Their most recent focus has been the creation of a comprehensive data visualization hub that seeks to tell the story of infant mortality to a variety of stakeholders and policymakers. 

Through their experience as the principal investigator of a mixed methods study dedicated to addressing the health and healing of persons impacted by infant loss, they bring expertise for community voice and how social determinants affect health outcomes and health disparities. They are excited to bring their lived experience and expertise to help guide data strategy toward the aim of building a collaborative, equitable, and innovative approach to university projects and partnerships that is deeply responsive to community priorities.

Emily Laurent, MPH
Evaluation and Applied Research Lead
e.laurent@umsl.edu
(she/her/hers)

As CIAC's Evaluation & Applied Research Lead, Emily manages a portfolio of evaluation and applied research projects and works closely with project teams to support data collection, analysis, and dissemination. She brings extensive experience in mixed methods program and systems-level evaluation, project management, evaluation capacity-building, and data collection, analysis, and visualization. Emily is passionate about supporting programs that aim to improve the lives of individuals and their communities, and employs a participatory approach that centers stakeholder engagement and culturally responsive, equitable evaluation. 

Prior to joining CIAC, Emily served as an internal and external evaluator across various government, academic, and nonprofit settings. Emily has a Masters in Public Health from the University of Minnesota. She enjoys traveling, hiking, and attending live music shows.

Sara Mohamed, MPH
Equity and Engagement Lead
saramohamed@umsl.edu
(she/her/hers)

At the Community Innovation & Action Center (CIAC) and the St. Louis Regional Data Alliance (RDA), Sara focuses on developing and implementing strategies focused on racial equity, building community with local data partners, participatory decision making, qualitative data infrastructure, and community engagement work.

Sara Mohamed completed her MPH in behavioral science and health education at St. Louis University. Since then, she has worked at Washington University in St. Louis and St. Louis County Department of Public Health growing her knowledge and experience in systems dynamics and coordination, evaluation, and assessing the impact of policy on community. She is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion and always strives to center community voice in her work.

Leah Moser, MPH, CHES
Planning and Operations Lead
Coro Fellows Program Director
lmoser@umsl.edu
(she/her/hers)

As the Planning and Operations Lead at CIAC, Leah provides strategic support and planning for the Center’s project development, including the MO-SECA early childhood initiative, and develops internal systems across projects, governance and Center operations. Leah previously served as the Director of Planning and Partnerships at Generate Health, a St. Louis based maternal health coalition focused on eliminating racial disparities in birth outcomes. 

Previously, Leah was the Program Director at the Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health at Syracuse University where she managed the Healthy Monday Syracuse health promotion campaign and supported a portfolio of community-driven initiatives to reduce the community burden of chronic disease. Leah earned a master’s degree in public health and is a Certified Health Education Specialist who has earned certificates in health services management and creative leadership. Her interests are in multi-sector collaborations and place-based strategies to build strength with communities. 

Adriano Udani, PhD
CIAC Research Advisor
udania@umsl.edu
(he, him, his)

Adriano Udani joined the CIAC team in 2020 as its Research Advisor, partnering with the center to deepen its integration within the university and guide CIAC's focus on community-based applied research. Adriano is an Associate Professor of Political Science and Director of the Public Policy Administration Program at the University of Missouri, St. Louis. He received his Masters of Public Affairs from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University, and his PhD in political science at the University of Minnesota. Adriano specializes in the politics of U.S. immigration policymaking and enforcement. His research is published in Administrative Praxis & Theory; The American Review of Public Administration; American Politics Research; Social Sciences Quarterly; Politics, Groups, & Identities; Policy Studies Journal; State Politics & Policy Quarterly; and Public Integrity. Adriano was recently selected as an inaugural cohort member of the American Political Science Association’s Institute for Civically Engaged Research. His current work utilizes community-based and participatory methods with immigrant service providers, attorneys, and a group of Mexican and Central American asylum seekers to abolish detention of all forms. This work has led to broadly researching and theorizing on the co-production of knowledge from academics and collaborators outside of academia. Adriano has taught undergraduate and graduate courses on the politics of hate, difference, and social justice; public policy, inequality, and the U.S. democracy; survey design; applied statistics; and, policy-centered approaches to the study of inequality.

Data Team

Wyatt J. Humrichous
Community Data and Research Associate
wyatthumrichous@mail.umsl.edu
(he/him/his)

Wyatt J. Humrichous is a Community Data and Research Associate at UMSL’s Community Innovation and Action Center and is a part of the fiscal mapping team. Wyatt began as a Graduate Research Assistant at the center in the Fall of 2021, when he began pursuing his Master’s in Public Policy and Administration at UMSL. Since then he has helped support a number of CIAC projects. Wyatt is passionate about advocacy on a number of issues ranging from climate reality to LGBTQ+ protections. Wyatt brings experience working in Government, Law, and Human Resources. He is also the loving father of a rescued Labrador named Louisiana.

David Menninger
Community Developer and Data Analyst
dmenninger@umsl.edu
(he/him/his)

Joining in 2024 as Community Developer and Data Analyst, Dave Menninger brings to CIAC a wealth of experience in developing data-intensive interactive web tools with significant community impact. As a data analyst, he leverages regional geospatial and census data to discern factors and trends salient to nurturing vibrant communities in the service of CIAC community partner and the greater St. Louis metro area. He also applies his Silicon Valley background in user experience and user research to develop web apps and tools which strengthen partner productivity and extend outreach into the broader community. Prior to joining CIAC, Dave developed several locally impactful tools, including the St. Louis Vacant Property Explorer, St Louis Neighborhood Organizations Map and Directory, the St. Louis Landlord Cases website (for tracking eviction activity in the St. Louis and Kansas City metro areas), and MetroTreeLC (a web app for crowd-sourcing tree care).

Arianna Morris
Data and Projects Assistant
ammhff@umsl.edu
(She/her)

Graduated from Harris Stowe State University with a bachelor's in political science. On the Board of Adjustments in Jennings, Missouri.

Nat Mudd-Brooks
Community Data and Research Associate
n.mudd@missouri.edu
(she, her, hers)

Natalie (Nat) Mudd-Brooks is a Community Data and Research Associate at the Community Innovation & Action Center (CIAC) where she specializes in state budget research, stakeholder engagement, and data visualization. With a background in social work and policy analysis, Nat joined CIAC as a practicum student in January 2022 and quickly transitioned to a full-time role after completing her Masters in Social Work.

She brings expertise in policy analysis, community engagement, and a passion for equity, inclusion, and food security to the team. Nat's work involves collecting and analyzing state and federal data, data visualization, and fostering collaboration with stakeholders. She is driven by a profound commitment to create lasting impact for individuals and communities alike.

Lacey Robinson
Community Data and Research Associate
lacey.m.corbett@mail.umsl.edu
(she, her, hers)

Learning & Outreach Team

Hanna Katz Wilking
Communications & Outreach Specialist
hkatz@umsl.edu
(she, her, hers)

Hanna Katz Wilking (she/her) works with CIAC partners to support implementation of flexible information and data storage solutions that facilitate smooth internal and external communications processes. Hanna collaborates with data and subject matter experts to design systems and communications that meet the needs of a variety of stakeholders and audiences. She has supported professional development programs, public health initiatives, housing crisis response, and more. Hanna brings years of experience creating accessible, valuable, and entertaining conferences and events for professional communities.

Hilary Sedovic, MSW
Learning & Design Strategist
Coro Fellows Program Learning Director
hsedovic@umsl.edu
(she/her)

Jessica Wernli
Coro Fellows Program Trainer
jwernli@umsl.edu
(she/her/hers)

As a Vision Coach, Community Organizer, and Facili-Trainer, Jessica Wernli is rooted in her passion for curating spaces where groups and communities can reimagine, create, and grow together.

In 2011, Jessica was drawn from Chicago to the vibrant landscape of St. Louis, where she began her journey as the Executive Director of United Congregations of Metro East. Since then, she has continued her work to flip the paradigm of top-down power and decision-making.

Throughout her career, amplifying voices and cultivating leadership have been central to her work, making her a sought-after expert in designing opportunities for personal and collective transformation.  

Jessica has been fortunate to collaborate on projects like Forward Through Ferguson’s #STL2039 Visioning Workshops, WEPOWER’s Chisholm’s Chair Fellowship, and East Side Aligned’s Elevate Youth Voice Academy. She has also contributed to programs such as Action St. Louis’ BOSS Fellowship, the St. Louis Racial Equity Summit, and The North Face Athlete Development Program.

Under her brand, She had the audacity, Jessica channels her expertise into coaching changemaking women in leadership, helping them uncover and activate their personal and professional visions. Her coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that personal transformation is the key to community change.

Jessica’s passion for community voice and decision-making extends across sectors, from nonprofit to political campaigns, and even into the realms of entrepreneurship and the arts. She co-founded a new collective of wellness-focused entrepreneurs and creatives, and provides services that connect filmmakers to St. Louis businesses with unique spaces.

A resident of St. Louis' Grand Center Arts District, Jessica deeply values the city's rich cultural scene, from performances at the Muny and Shakespeare at the Park to festivals like Music at the Intersection and Frizz Fest. She believes in St. Louis' distinctive character and is dedicated to contributing to its growth and vitality.

Whether leading transformative group experiences, coaching visionary changemakers, or connecting creatives with new opportunities, Jessica is devoted to nurturing a thriving St. Louis region through the power of collective action and shared leadership.

Kalekidan Yeshiwas
Community Coordinator & Data Analyst
Coro Fellows Program Coordinator
kalekidanyeshiwas@umsl.edu
(she/her)

Graduate Assistants & Students

Nancy E. Aguilera, MA, MPPA
Graduate Research Assistant
neaxdx@umsl.edu
(she, her, hers)

At the Community Innovation and Action Center, Nancy assists with data collection, management and analysis. She earned a Master of Public Policy Administration and a Master of Political Science from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Nancy currently is a fourth-year doctoral candidate of political science at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Her interests are in the areas of international relations, democratization and democratic backsliding.

Samantha 'Sam' Walls
Graduate Research Assistant
sjwxzp@umsl.edu
(she/her/hers)

CIAC Affiliates

Claire Rippel, MSW
Education Director - Community Development
University of Missouri Extension
wolffca@missouri.edu

Claire Rippel is the Education Director - Community Development at University of Missouri Extension. In this role, she develops community partnership initiatives that link university resources with the needs and priorities of communities by working on a variety of topics including capacity building, leadership development, and community engagement. Claire joined University of Missouri Extension faculty in 2016 and has extensive experience working in urban communities. Prior to joining Extension, Claire worked as the Director for Community Development at Grace Hill Settlement House. Claire currently serves on the board of Old North St. Louis Restoration Group and Perennial STL and is the co-founder of the Park Picnic Project.

Todd Swanstrom, Ph.D.
Des Lee Professor
Community Collaboration
and Public Policy Administration
swanstromt@umsl.edu

Todd Swanstrom has a joint appointment in Political Science and Public Policy Administration. Todd has an MA from Washington University (1971) and a Ph.D. from Princeton (1981). His co-authored Place Matters: Metropolitics for the Twenty-First Century, 3rd ed., (U. Press of Kansas, 2014) won the Michael Harrington Award from the New Politics Section of the American Political Science Association. Todd’s current research focuses on neighborhood change in older industrial cities. He is facilitating a collaboration between urban scholars in St. Louis and Dortmund, Germany, on how “gentrification” is perceived differently by different actors.

Todd has used the resources of his endowed professorship to support the Community Builders Network of Metro St. Louis, a coalition of CDCs, banks, foundations, and governments working to build better neighborhoods in the St. Louis region. Todd is Chair of UMSL’s Anchor Institution Committee, which is guiding the work of the university with surrounding communities. Todd tries to relax by playing golf but it only makes him more stressed out. He strongly recommends against taking up the game.

Danielle Wallis
Consultant
danielle.wallis@umsl.edu
(She/Her)

Danielle has worked at the intersection of philanthropy, education, and regional coalitions for over a decade. She began her own consulting practice in 2019, focusing primarily on effective grantmaking, strategic planning, research, and building cross-organizational systems that improve the social sector. She has authored reports on regional collaboration in the social sector; the endowment landscape in St. Louis; and the national landscape of community and economic development philanthropy. Select clients include the Community Innovation and Action Network (CIAC) at UMSL, Gateway Center for Giving/Philanthropy Missouri, Incarnate Word Foundation, St. Louis Community Foundation, the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Youth Transition Funders Group, Inside Philanthropy, and others.

Prior to launching her consulting firm, Danielle worked with the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation where she designed and managed strategic program investments to support students in St. Louis’ largest urban public school system, researched and developed a report to inform the district’s decision to return to elected school board leadership, and developed infrastructure to support school-community partnerships in the school district. Danielle has also held positions at the United Way of Greater St. Louis, where she supported the back-office operations of the Ferguson Commission, and at the Gateway Center for Giving (now Philanthropy Missouri), where she supported regional foundations in making their grantmaking more coordinated and informed. 

Danielle was born and raised in St. Louis, MO. She graduated summa cum laude from Washington University with dual degrees in Education and American Culture Studies, with honors earned through a thesis on the role of school culture in charter schools. She is also an alum of the Coro Fellowship and holds a Master of Business Administration from Saint Louis University. In her free time, Danielle and her husband are renovating a historic home in St. Louis and wrangling a wild garden of native plants.

Founding Director

Paul Evensen, PhD
Founding Director
Paul passed away in June 2021. You can read more about his incredible life and work here.

Paul Evensen was the Founder and Executive Director of Social Innovation STL. After a successful three year start-up and incubation period, Paul led the merger of the Public Policy Research Center at UMSL with Social Innovation STL to form the new Community Innovation and Action Center.

Previously, Paul served as Senior Vice President of Community Planning and Evaluation at the Forum for Youth Investment, Senior Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Wyman, was the President and Co-Founder of Community Systems Group, Inc., served as the designated Subject Matter Expert for the National Guard Bureau’s J3/ Domestic Operations Joint Directorate Civil Operations Program, and is the co-founder of several nonprofit organizations located in South Carolina and Kansas. Paul completed his doctorate at the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Centre for Community Health and Development at the University of Kansas and has worked with hundreds of coalitions across the country addressing a range of outcomes including teen pregnancy, poverty, HIV prevention, literacy, hunger, school readiness, and substance abuse. 

WORK WITH CIAC!

We frequently have openings for graduate research assistants, practicum students, and staff positions. Interested in learning more? Please reach out to Kiley Bednar at kileybednar@umsl.edu.