meet our board of directors

Danielle Hansen

Board Chair

Senior Director at Global Strategic Sourcing for Tonal

Danielle’s favorite power word is: “Powerful. So many girls, and even women, doubt that they possess power. Girls have the ability within themselves to be powerful. Girls Are Powerful helps to change girls’ thinking and harness that power. Together, we create a community of support that provides the tools that girls and young women need to achieve their dreams!”

Tory Merhar

Vice Chair

Senior Director of Partners in Community Supports

Tory’s favorite power word is: “Confident. I tell the girls: What you bring to this world is important. I believe in you. Believe in yourself, and rise to meet life’s challenges. When you do, your confidence will lead you through the changes you will face.”

Barbara Neske

Treasurer & Finance Chair

Information Technology Security Consultant at Voya Financial

Barbara’s favorite power word is: “Powerful. If girls believe in their own power from a young age, they will not see the roadblocks they will face as impacting their success, but rather as something they are capable of working through to achieve their goals.”

Cecilia Mische

Communication Chair

Global Communications Leader at Colopast

Cecilia’s favorite power word is: “CONFIDENCE! Too often, as young girls, confidence is equated to being arrogant.” Celia looks to combat this perception. “Confidence can be built in simple ways. I was shy growing up. I was lucky my parents found ways to delicately move me out of my comfort zone. We need to help build confidence in girls to advocate for themselves, speak up in tough situations, and be confident in who they are.”

Rachelle Niemann

Volunteer Chair

Founder of Advocating Wellness

Rachelle’s favorite power word is: “Confident. Having and holding confidence opens up worlds of possibilities. When girls are confident in their true selves, they can dream bigger and more easily take bold action toward realizing their dreams and goals.”

Isaiah Allen

Board Member

Girls Are Powerful is thrilled to welcome Isaiah Allen to our board of directors! Isaiah met his mentor, GRP Board Chair Danielle Hansen, as a student at the University of St. Thomas.

“I was quickly impressed with Isaiah’s strong dedication, communication skills and inquisitive nature,” said Danielle. “As someone who has experienced his own challenges in life, he is passionate about service to the community.”

Angela Powers