Our Team

Michael is a seasoned operations and project management leader specializing in agile methodologies, strategic planning, and organizational development. With significant experience in nonprofit and corporate environments, he creates sustainable strategies that foster innovation and growth.

Michael holds an MA in Communications (Strategic and Crisis Communications) from North Dakota State University but will remain an eternal PhDc (ABD) in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. As a Certified Professional Project Manager (CPPM) and Certified Scrum Master (CSM) he uses evidence-based practices to enhance efficiency and team performance.

As a servant-empathetic leader practitioner, Michael drives operational strategy and processes at createMPLS, aligning teams with organization values for lasting impact.

As an undergraduate student, Sonya pursued sociology with a focus on computational research methods. With prior experience as a TA working with college students, Sonya firmly believes in making higher education accessible to all. Her enthusiasm lies in assisting students in discovering their educational paths by connecting curriculum to students interests and backgrounds and cultivating their critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for academic success.

A life-long lover of machines, Ben graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a BFA from their Fine Arts Studio program. He began his graduate work in Portland, Maine studying at the Maine College of Art. He has spent the years since earning his degrees working to explore technology’s use in art and teaching across the Twin Cities for primary, secondary, and post-secondary levels. He now lives in Minneapolis with his wife and two cats.

As a lifelong learner, Matt continues to branch out and pursue his holistic pursuits in
self-development through a variety of fields. Achieving a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science
and later a Master’s degree in International Relations and Conflict Resolutions, he has pivoted
in energies towards cybersecurity and other skills in the field of technology. As the lead
instructor for the drone apprenticeship, he has earned his certification as a certified small
unmanned aircraft systems pilot licensed under the Federal Aviation Administration.
Professionally, Matt spent several years serving in the U.S. Army and as an educator teaching
science, team building and leadership skills, and English.
His hobbies include studying and completing modules in cybersecurity, practicing Filipino martial
arts, and working on technical projects.