Dianne Anastos

Diane Anastos (she/her) has a master’s degree in public administration  from Hamline University and a bachelor’s degree in political science  from American University. She has worked in the public and nonprofit  sectors for over 20 years, in a variety of administrative and management  roles. Diane has overseen communications, program management and  neighborhood building for numerous organizations and cities, and was  proud to serve as a city administrator for a small city in MN and  nonprofit executive director in Phoenix, AZ. A natural leader, and  visionary, Diane led boards and councils through strategic planning and  initiatives. Currently Diane is working with the Metropolitan Council  coordinating outreach efforts for the light rail project in the south  and western suburbs. Before joining the Council, Diane worked with  culturally diverse communities to build programs to encourage  self-sufficiency, encourage civic engagement and social justice through  program management and in other leadership positions. She brought in  funds to support programs to improve the quality of life for underserved  communities and developed dozens of partnerships to strengthen existing  programs. With a creative bent, Diane writes a blog and is currently a  volunteer through the University of Minnesota Master Gardener Program so  she can expand her knowledge of gardening. She also tutors middle  school students. She previously served on a nonprofit board focused on  empowering youth in Liberia and taught English as a Second Language as a  volunteer. A world traveler, she has visited over 30 countries, and  learning about other cultures. She loves talking about her travels, her  own cultural heritage, and often shares humorous travel stories. Diane  has a deep appreciation for history and culture and believes learning  about the past can guide the future.