We are so excited to welcome the new members of the MRAC Board of Directors!
James Curry, Anoka County
I am a multi-disciplinary artist (producer, director, writer, editor, educator, exhibit curator and author) who has been active in film making for over 30 years. My “day job” is night shift editing for KSTP morning news shows. My short film westbound and documentary masterjam have won dozens of awards internationally in multiple categories. In 2021, I was awarded the Jerome Hill Artist Fellowship for Film and in 2022 the Arthur C McWatt Fellowship where I was able to pursue social justice through the creation of an historical exhibit on Black Pioneers and the June release of a graphic novel based on my ancestor’s narrative called “Hate Stings. I am a descendant of the Curry family of Southside Minneapolis and the Chairperson of BR4R.org. I teach film and production at Augsburg University and continue to build community through partnerships with historical societies, individuals and faith-based organizations. I am presently involved in the development of a Black Heritage Trail in Hastings, a People Power exhibit at the MN African American Heritage Museum and Gallery in September and a volume series on sung and unsung Black Minnesotan luminaries with MNHS slated for a 2026 semiquincentennial release.
Sofie Netteberg, Ramsey County
I am a consultant at McKinsey & Company in their Digital and Analytics practice, as well as a current graduate student in business and computer science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I am passionate about using innovative technology and design to solve societal issues, as well as making tech and business more inclusive to people from marginalized backgrounds.Growing up in the Twin Cities, I played in local community bands and orchestras and participated in visual arts nonprofits. I have worked for and provided pro bono support to multiple arts organizations in and outside Minnesota, and the arts continue to be my way to connect with the broader metro area community. I am excited to join MRAC’s board to serve the metro on a broader scale, learn more about the policy and procedures that support local arts, and contribute to making the metro arts community stronger and more equitable.
Allison Wagstrom, Washington County
A relationship builder, I leverage strong working relationships with leaders to help them propel overall development. I am committed to non-traditional capital markets, engaging trainings, and transformative technical assistance. Currently, I am a Senior Loan Officer and Financial Management Specialist at Propel Nonprofits. Previously, I served as Vice President of Finance for Juxtaposition Arts, MinnPost, and Faith’s Lodge. I am passionate about voting rights and led the League of Women Voters Minnesota as the Associate Director, State Director, and Voting Education Director. It is my vision to build anti-racist financial and operational systems that are scalable, measurable, and repeatable. I live in Forest Lake with my husband and daughter. I love music and will often be found at First Ave. I am trying my hand at glassblowing at Foci Center for Glass Arts.
Full list of MRAC Board of Directors and responsibilities