The West Broadway Business and Area Coalition (WBC) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the continued revitalization of West Broadway Avenue and surrounding commercial areas. The WBC Board of Directors has appointed Kristel Porter as the organization's new Executive Director. She will begin the role effective November 14th, 2022, with transition support from Interim Executive Director Cheryl Jensen.

 

Kristel is a native Northsider with over 20 years of community engagement and non-profit work experience and is well-equipped to tackle the business and political affairs of North Minneapolis. She is skilled in engaging with the community and stakeholders in an authentic and accessible way, efficiently producing solutions to the issues that affect Northsiders daily. Her talents successfully led several Northside programs such as the Cycle Sisters, Clean City Youth, Northside Housing Fair, and Live on the Drive.

 

Previously, Kristel served as the founder and director of a fast-growing non-profit– MN Renewable Now and is responsible for installing over 120 solar panels and counting on homes and businesses on the Northside. She has run successful fundraising initiatives, one of them producing $70 million for Minnesota's Black communities through the United Black Legislative Agenda. 

 

Kristel is an outstanding choice for WBC as she is passionate about revitalizing the Northside with community-driven development, empowered youth, and locally-targeted job creation. With the ultimate goal of transforming the Corridor into a destination for locally-owned restaurants, bars, retail, and entertainment!

 

"We are very excited to have Kristel at West Broadway Business and Area Coalition," said Dr. Tara Watson, Board Chair and West Broadway Ave Business owner. "Her strong leadership abilities and community ties will build the capacity of businesses, entrepreneurs, and the cultural assets of North Minneapolis while engaging the community in the ongoing revitalization of West Broadway."