UMNDM is completely student-led. All of us come together weekly,
each with unique talents and skills, to plan and facilitate our big event.
"Dance Marathon at the University of Minnesota promotes acceptance and support for the
children and their families receiving care at Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare while
striving to heighten student and community awareness and involvement by hosting events throughout the year."
If you'd like to learn more about what we do together - or even better, join our team! -
feel free to e-mail one of our Directors at dance@umn.edu
Ben Hall
Co-Executive Director Ben is in the class of 2022 studying Marketing. He looks forward to working with a great group of people to help support some amazing and resilient kids! Ben is #ForTheKids because he is inspired by all that they go through and how they handle themselves. He enjoys seeing them smile and knowing that he had a small part in making that happen. |
Kiana Haug
Co-Executive Director Kiana is in the class of 2023 majoring in Cellular and Organismal Physiology. She is #ForTheKids because she's passionate about the organization and helping families that are affected by childhood illness and disease by raising awareness and hope! She is looking forward to growing our Dance Marathon and spreading awareness for all the kiddos and families. |
Rediate Masresha
Director of Communications Rediate is in the class of 2023, majoring in Sociology of Law, Crime, and Deviance & Political Science. She is most looking forward to getting ready for our main event! Rediate is #ForTheKids because the work we do changes lives and she wants to help do that. |
Dylan Durgapersad
Director of Sponsorship Dylan is in the class of 2023, studying Industrial and Systems Engineering. He is looking forward to being together with a wonderful group of people collaborating towards one great cause and having the opportunity to help so many kids and families. |
Olivia Cuoco
Recruitment Co-Director Olivia is in the class of 2023 and always brightens the room. Olivia is looking forward to spreading the word about our amazing club through recruitment, improving our event, and meeting tons of new people! She's for the kids because the kids rock her socks off. |
Jordan Arntz
Recruitment Co-Director Jordan is in the class of 2023 studying Psychology. She is most looking forward to spreading awareness for our wonderful organization and getting people excited about helping the community around them. Jordan is #ForTheKids because everyone deserves someone on their team, especially the amazing and strong miracle kids! |
Mary Ellen Ritter
Marketing Co-Director Mary Ellen is in the class of 2023, majoring in Journalism with a minor in Graphic Design. She is excited to create a professional cohesive brand for UMNDM that will be recognized across campus. Mary Ellen is #ForTheKids because she thinks it is amazing how such a small group of college students can have such a positive impact on so many families. |
Brinna Brakke
Marketing Co-Director Brinna is in the class of 2023, majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Family Social Science. She is most looking forward to repping UMNDM and spreading the word about this amazing club. Brinna is #ForTheKids because the kids are so strong and inspiring at such a young age. She believes they deserve all the recognition they can get. |
Nicole Dupont
Director of Family & Hospital Relations Nicole is in the class of 2021 and is majoring in Marketing and Finance with a minor in Sports Management. She is so excited to get to know the families and find ways to support them outside of just the main event. She is also looking forward to finding new ways to fundraise, since that's what this is all about! |
Aditya Pathak
Director of Finance Aditya is in the class of 2021, majoring in Economics and Finance. he is looking forward to meeting fun loving people and working for the kids. Aditya is #ForTheKids because they deserve better and create beautiful things. |
Leah Ray
Entertainment and Logistics Co-Director Leah is in the class of 2023 majoring in Genetics Cell Biology and Development & minoring in Spanish. Leah is #ForTheKids because she loves helping out and doing her best to support Gillette and all the work they do for these kids and their families. She is most looking forward to hanging out with the kiddos throughout the year and working with her other awesome team members. |
Emily Fick
Entertainment and Logistics Co-Director Emily is in the class of 2023 and is majoring in Animal Science (Pre-Vet) and minoring in Leadership and Spanish. She is most looking forward to having a platform that can create something incredible! She can't wait to meet all of the kids and their families and to hear their incredible stories of resiliency. |
