Jennifer Dotson,
Co-Founder & Executive Director
Jennifer Dotson, Co-Founder and Executive Director, is a social entrepreneur dedicated to transforming the media culture surrounding young women. Ms. Dotson holds a Bachelor of Arts from St. Olaf College in Music and Communication of Faith, and a certificate in nonprofit management from Hamline University's Graduate School of Management.
Since her volunteer work for Alive began in 2004, Ms. Dotson transitioned to full-time work in May of 2007 as the first paid staff member. Under her leadership, the organization nearly doubled its annual budget the first year, expanded in spring of 2008 to a larger office in NE Minneapolis, increased production to a bi-monthly schedule and over quintupled readership from 2008 to 2009.
Among her accomplishments, Ms. Dotson developed REACH, an internship program that allows college-aged women and recent graduates an opportunity to expand their portfolios and gain tremendous professional experience to jumpstart their careers. Alive Magazine was named one of the “Top 50 Places” to intern in 2008 by Intern Bridge.
Her inspiration for Alive Arts Media springs from nearly a decade of experience in the arts and nonprofit work. Her experience working with girls ranges from coaching high school volleyball to coordinating college mentorship programs, camp counseling to career counseling. An avid volleyball and tennis player, outdoors enthusiast and marathon runner, Ms. Dotson funnels her ambition into helping other young women realize their full potential.
Ms. Dotson shares her experience with companies in various industries as an active consultant in the areas of social consciousness in marketing aimed at youth, intergenerational communication in the workplace, corporate branding and design and organizational development. A tireless advocate for social justice and the potential of girls and women, she speaks by invitation to diverse audiences on social change, media literacy and civic engagement, youth activism and girls and women in leadership.
Nicolle Westlund
Managing Editor
Nicolle Westlund, Managing Editor, is a 2009 summa cum laude graduate of Bethel University in St. Paul, Minn., where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism with a minor in media communications. She brings to Alive a variety of writing and editing experiences, serving for four years on staff at Bethel University’s newspaper, The Clarion, first as a staff writer, then page editor, assistant managing editor and finally editor in chief in 2008. She also worked for Bethel’s Office of Communications and Marketing as a student writer and later as the student news manager. She is also the first recipient of the Gene and Kathy Johnson Journalism award, which honors an exemplary journalism student for his/her contribution the journalism program at Bethel.
She began her time at Alive as an editorial intern in 2008, writing, editing and mentoring contributors through Alive’s unique editorial process. She was promoted to the position of Managing Editor in December of 2008.
Ms. Westlund’s journalism experience includes a stint overseas, studying at Edith Cowan University in Perth, Western Australia, for five months in 2007 and serving as a writer and copy editor for the university’s weekly student e-newsletter, 3rd Degree. During her time down under, Ms. Westlund also freelanced as a copy editor for First Advice, Inc., editing copy for science education reform proposals for the Australian Federal Government.
Her passion for the arts includes music and dance as well. Ms. Westlund is a former gymnast, dancer and dance instructor who choreographs and instructs dance technique to young dancers in settings including camps and classes. As the assistant coach for the competitive dance team at Irondale High School in New Brighton, Minn., she helped guide the varsity dance team to three state tournament appearances.
In addition to her editorial responsibilities at Alive, Ms. Westlund serves part-time on staff at Church of the Open Door in Maple Grove, Minn., where she works with high school students and their mentors as part of the church’s Next Generation student program.
Mentorship carries over into her work for Alive, where she manages Alive’s interns as they write, edit, create and promote the content for Alive Magazine and its Web site.
Jamie Joslin Millard
Development Director
Jamie Joslin Millard, Director of Development, began her tenure at Alive Arts Media as a Development Intern during her senior year at the University of Minnesota, where she received a Bachelor of Arts in English. While at the University of Minnesota, Ms. Millard was a recipient of the University of Minnesota’s Maroon National Scholarship, as well as the College of Liberal Arts Internship Grant Award and the Paul and Lucienne Taylor Award based on her outstanding internship work with Alive.
Ms. Millard’s position with Alive Arts Media has allowed her to create a synthesis of her passion for community outreach and empowerment of young women through creative expression. In 2004, Ms. Millard held a volunteer position in Lima, Peru, which enabled local women to enter the work force and raise the standard of living for their families. During her years at the University, she held a teaching position with the Minnesota Literacy Council in Minneapolis working primarily with international women on their language skills and cultural adaptation. In 2009, Ms. Millard was Co-Editor-in-Chief for Journeys, the Minnesota Literacy Council’s annual publication of its students’ creative writing.
Ms. Millard has also held the positions of Managing Editor and Finance Director for the Ivory Tower, the student literary publication for the University of Minnesota. Under this position, she was responsible for the supervision and arrangement of the editorial processes, as well as coordinating the budget and fundraising plans. Her commitment to the Ivory Tower is ongoing as a member of the Ivory Tower Advisory Board.
As Director of Development for Alive Arts Media, Ms. Millard focuses her talents toward establishing extensive networks throughout the non-profit community to enhance Alive’s visibility and increase effectiveness in obtaining funding. Her success in this endeavor will expand Alive’s impact and ability to achieve their mission of empowering young women in the creative arts.
Cheyenne Kirkpatrick
Outreach Coordinator
Cheyenne Kirkpatrick, Outreach Coordinator, will graduate in 2010 from Crown College with degrees in communication and psychology. In 2009, she began as a public relations intern at Alive Magazine and developed a special interest in working with Alive’s readers one-on-one. Since her transition into Outreach Coordinator, she has developed and led workshops on self-esteem and media literacy, and continues to search for new and effective ways to reach and support young women.
Abby Zimmer
Intern Coordinator
Abby Zimmer, Intern Coordinator, graduated summa cum laude from St. Mary's University of Minnesota in Winona in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Electronic Publishing and minors in English and General Business. In August 2008, she began working with Alive Arts Media as a long-term volunteer through the St. Joseph Worker Program. Ms. Zimmer joined Alive as a member of the graphic design department, transitioning in spring of 2009 to the role of Executive Assistant. In this position, she oversaw development efforts and managed the internship recruitment process. Now as Intern Coordinator, Ms. Zimmer fuels her passion to see others succeed by networking with colleges and universities to place students in Alive's internship program.
Alive Arts Media
1720 Madison St NE
Suite 300
Minneapolis, MN 55413
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
612.284.4080