Welcome Our Newest MINN Board Members!
We are thrilled to introduce an incredible group of professionals as the newest members of MINN's Board of Directors! These talented individuals join an exceptional group of existing board members who continue to guide MINN’s mission and vision. Each brings unique expertise, passion, and dedication to advancing global development and fostering international connections. Learn more about each new board member below!
Paul Hanscom
Paul Hanscom joined Ewald Consulting in 2004. He has worked in various companies, nonprofits and government institutions to maximize their impact and drive results, including the Bretton Woods Committee, the International Trade Administration, and the Latin American Network Project of Casa de la Paz. Paul is experienced in business development, innovation, strategic planning, board governance, stakeholder engagement, and growth strategies. He holds a M.A. degree in International Development and a double B.A. degree from the American University as well as a certificate in Leading Innovation from Dartmouth College. Paul has served as adjunct faculty with MNSCU and CAMPUS and is a guest lecturer at the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Business. His writing on governance, development and stakeholder analysis has been published in Nonprofit News, FORUM, and AssociationsNowmagazine. Paul earned the designation of Certified Association Executive (CAE) in 2008, in 2011 he received the CAI National Rising Star Award, and in 2014 he was recognized among the Forty Under 40 most successful association management professionals by USAE News and the Association Forum of Chicagoland. He is a MINN co-founder and has served on a variety of boards, committees, and advisory councils.
Alex Betley
Alex Betley is the owner and founder of Land of Lakes Real Estate Group, a partnership ethically investing in and rehabilitating distressed residential properties for forgotten Americans. Before this, he began his career in national security and defense working as a consultant in Washington, DC and a stint as a research fellow with the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels, Belgium. He holds an MALD from the Tufts University Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, where he studied international economics, international security, and international law, and a BA in political economy from St. Olaf College.
Kait Taha
Kait Taha is a GIS specialist focused on humanitarian issues, leveraging geospatial data to support global development. Holding a degree in International Relations, with advanced studies in GIS and Epidemiology, Kait integrates technology with diplomacy to address global challenges. A proud dinner host via Global Minnesota's International Visitor Leadership program, Kait and her family have welcomed guests from over 25 countries. Laughter and travel are central to her life.
Adriana Dobrzycka Bechara
Adriana is Children’s HeartLink’s Country Director for Bangladesh and Vietnam. At Children’s HeartLink, Adriana is responsible for the development of country strategy and implementation of programs in Bangladesh and Vietnam. Earlier in her career she worked in community grantmaking and non-profit organizations focused on human rights, cultural competency, immigrant health, and engaging diverse communities. She has master’s degrees in international development and public health (community and behavioral health) from the University of Pittsburgh.
Margretta Supuwood
Margretta Supuwood is a dedicated advocate for reproductive justice and an experienced leader in community engagement, program design, and evaluation. With over 10 years of expertise, she is committed to dismantling systemic barriers that limit access to resources and information, fostering inclusive spaces, and building strategic partnerships. In April 2023, Margretta joined the Mortenson Family Foundation as a Community Relationship Officer for the Strengthening Developing Communities—International program. In this role, she collaborates with community-driven organizations in 14 countries in Central America and Africa to advance equity, opportunity, and sustainable systems through community-led approaches.
Margretta is also a co-founder of the African Immigrant Professional Development Conference, which empowers underemployed African immigrant professionals to leverage their skills and education for meaningful career advancement. Additionally, she served as a Community Instructor for the Senior Seminar in Social Justice at the University of Minnesota, helping to shape the next generation of changemakers.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Margretta is an avid Chelsea FC fan and enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and watching soccer.
Niyati Panchal
Niyati Panchal is a 2024 MINN Fellow alumna and a passionate advocate for renewable energy solutions.
During her Fellowship, Niyati focused her research on India’s green energy framework. Through her work, she has demonstrated a strong dedication to empowering nations to achieve energy self-sufficiency through sustainable practices.
As a new board member, Niyati looks forward to collaborating with her MINN colleagues to advance the organization’s global vision. She is eager to connect with professionals in renewable energy, economics, and public policy to drive impactful change.