Cornerstone’s leadership team provides strategic direction and oversees the day-to-day operations of Cornerstone.
Artika Roller, Executive Director
Artikar@cornerstonemn.org
Artika Roller is a native of Saint Paul, Minnesota’s Rondo Community. She has twenty years of experience providing services for victims and survivors in the fields of intimate partner violence, sex trafficking, and sexual violence. Artika earned her Bachelor of Social Work degree from Metropolitan State University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Minnesota, with a concentration in organizational leadership, advocacy, public policy, and system change. In addition, she is a graduate of the Alliance for Children and Families Executive Leadership Institute from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Schools of Business and Social Work. Throughout her career, Artika has received recognition for her work, most recently she was the recipient of the University of Minnesota School of Social Work Alum of the Year Award and the Minnesota African American Heritage Calendar Visionary Honoree for making a significant difference in the lives of all Minnesotans. Artika serves on several non-profit Boards, Multidisciplinary Advisory Committees, and Professional Associations that focus on creating opportunities and eliminating system barriers for victims and survivors.
Directors
KaShon Austin, SHRM-CP, Director of Human Resources
kashona@cornerstonemn.org
KaShon Austin brings over a decade of nonprofit Human Resources expertise to her role at Cornerstone. She has extensive experience in employee relations, recruiting, and designing comprehensive onboarding programs that enhance new hire integration. In addition, KaShon has implemented impactful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and led training and coaching programs for staff and leadership teams. She is a certified SHRM-CP through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
Courtney Poja, Senior Director of Advancement
Courtneyp@cornerstonemn.org
Courtney Poja served as Cornerstone’s Development Coordinator from 2006-2013. Prior to rejoining Cornerstone in 2015, Courtney served as an Associate Development Officer at the University of Minnesota Law School. She received a B.A. in Sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School. Courtney is a member of the Board of Directors for LegalCORPS.
Colleen Schmitt, Director of Emergency Services/Day One/General Crime Victim Services and Strategic Initiatives
Colleens@cornerstonemn.org
Colleen Schmitt has worked in the field of interpersonal violence for 36 years, in the areas of shelter services, youth, community advocacy, intervention, deaf awareness training, volunteer and community education and building collaborations. Ms. Schmitt has been a Cornerstone management staff member since 2005, now overseeing Day One, VAP and Emergency Services Programs. Colleen is President of National Day One, LLC, a social enterprise wholly owned by Cornerstone, and serves on the ThinkSelf Board of Directors. In 2014, Ms. Schmitt was recognized for Cornerstone’s Social Justice Opening the Door work by the Bloomington Human Rights Commission and in 2017, received the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women’s Inspire Award. She holds a BS in Social Work with a minor in Women’s Studies from the College of St. Catherine.
Jennifer Smith, Senior Director of Finance and Administration
J.smith@cornerstonemn.org
Jennifer Smith has over 26 years of experience working in the accounting and administrative fields and has been with Cornerstone for 24 years. Jennifer has a BS in Accounting from Metropolitan State University and is currently a member of the Nonprofit Financial Group of Minnesota.
Jude Foster, Director of Community Services
Jude Foster has been working with victims/survivors of sexual violence and professionals in the field for more than 30 years. She has worked extensively in developing, implementing, and managing crisis services programs; working with and coordinating multidisciplinary teams; and providing training and technical assistance to victim services, medical forensic programs and criminal justice professionals. Jude has also worked extensively in public policy, focusing on sexual assault kit tracking and testing, equitable sexual assault exam payment, and statewide coordination. Jude serves as the Director of Community Services at Cornerstone, supporting the School Based Services, Community Navigation, and Civil and Criminal Justice Intervention programs.
Venus Burney, Director of Mental Health and Therapy Services
Venus Burney serves as the Director of Mental Health & Therapy Services and supervises the awesome Clinical Services Team of therapists at Cornerstone. She has over 10 years of experience in the mental health field in outpatient and community-based settings. She served Minneapolis Public School District; as a Student Support Specialist for their Adult Basic Education Program for a few years, before transitioning to a Licensed School Social Worker and a Mental Health Program Specialist supporting admin, educators, students and families in K-12 programs for over 14 years. Venus holds as BSW, from Metro State University, and a MSW from the University of St. Thomas. She is a member of the National Association of Social Work, a MN Board of Social Work Clinical Supervisor, and a Clinical Supervisor for the Board of Behavioral Health & Therapy. She is a Minneapolis native and social justice advocate to the core. She loves encouraging others and seeing them rise to the occasion in prioritizing their mental wellness intervention programs.
Shanelle Hall, Senior Director of Housing and Supports
Shanelle is deeply committed to supporting her community, with 19+ years of experience in nonprofit work, community engagement, and financial wellness education. She holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Brown College and serves on several boards in Minnesota. Shanelle is also the Founder and CEO of Women of Color in Leadership, a growing nonprofit based out of St. Paul, committing to promoting emotional well-being, physical health, mental clarity, and social empowerment through resources, education, and community engagement.
As a mentor and volunteer, Shanelle is passionate about empowering and collaborating with others. As a St. Paul native, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, hosting events, and networking. Her mission is to promote advocacy and advance equity.
You must be logged in to post a comment.