Shannon Seaver
As the Executive Director of createMPLS, Shannon Seaver leads with a vision to make technology and computer science education accessible and inclusive for all. With extensive experience in workforce development, curriculum innovation, and community partnerships, Shannon is dedicated to empowering students and tech professionals—especially those from underrepresented communities—to pursue impactful careers in STEM. As a member of the Hennepin Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Board, Shannon also collaborates on workforce initiatives to strengthen career pathways and address skill gaps. Her leadership drives createMPLS’s mission to inspire and equip the next generation of tech talent across Minnesota, bridging the gap between education and industry with a focus on equity and opportunity.
Kirsten Sanghera
Kirsten’s passion is mentoring and developing others to help meet their full potential. She has been in the education field as an administrator helping teachers on professional development, while also working with schools to run more efficiently. Outside of the work setting, you may find Kirsten golfing, being with friends/family on the lake, or hanging at home with her poodle Grover.
Sonya Tukhvatulina
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.
Ben Severns
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.
Matt Warner
Board of Directors
Amin Gomos – Systems Security Architect at LinkedIn
Mike Mroszak – VP of Sales at Dedicated Financial GBC
Ben Diaz – Account Executive at AIM Consulting
Patrick Hobart – Software Engineer Manager at Boston Scientific
Jon Deckenbach – Financial Advisor at RBC Wealth
Jenna Waligorski – Project Manager at Boston Scientific
Paul Hilsen- CEO and Founder of Compoze Labs