Who We Are
Heidi Wallace, Executive Director
She, her, hers | Heidi@empowermt.org
Heidi Wallace, Executive Director of EmpowerMT, leads efforts to correct systemic inequities and strengthen communities across Montana and beyond. Born and raised in Montana, her deep-rooted love of place and community has been the foundation for her commitment to social justice, authentic relationships, and collective action. A University of Montana alumna and recipient of the Native American Studies Distinguished Alumni Award, Heidi brings over two decades of experience as a facilitator, consultant, and educator. She has forged strategic partnerships regionally and nationally, fostering innovation and catalyzing action for belonging, equity, and inclusion. As a Professional Fellow with the U.S. Department of State, Heidi has extended her expertise internationally, collaborating with organizations in Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia. Heidi is deeply engaged in community service, serving on the Boards of the PacificSource Foundation for Health Improvement and Destination Missoula.
Rajiem Seabrook: Director of Equity & Impact
He/him/his | rajiem@empowermt.org
Rajiem Seabrook is the Director of Equity and Impact at EmpowerMT, a statewide nonprofit with a mission to create a just and inclusive society. Mr. Seabrook is an educational and institutional leader in shaping and promoting equity and diversity-based policies, partnerships, and strategic initiatives that foster inclusive businesses, schools, and communities across Montana. Rajiem is a long-standing community member and passionately engages in athletics, academics, social justice, and political reform. Rajiem is one of several co-founders of the Montana Black Collective-Missoula, serves on the Missoula City & County JEDI Advisory Board, and the Board of Trustees for American Red Cross-Montana. Mr. Seabrook’s devotion as a father, coach, mentor, community leader, connector, and organizer fuels his commitment to creating a better world for future generations.
Chloe Lyons: Grants & Communication Specialist
She, her, hers | chloe@empowermt.org
Chloe Williams, Grants & Communication Specialist, leads the development and research of grants to actively seek financial support and sponsorship for EmpowerMT. Chloe also collaborates with the whole EmpowerMT staff to further the work of making Montana a more fair and just community and participates in the facilitation of youth-led leadership programs. Chloe has been a part of the Missoula community since 2014, after getting her Master of Education from Lewis & Clark College. She taught elementary and middle school for thirteen years and is a dynamic mother and partner.
Jess Monis-Hernandez: Director of Youth Engagement
She/her/hers | jess@empowermt.org
As EmpowerMT’s Director of Youth Engagement, Jess is passionate about uplifting youth voices, as they are the closest to understanding the challenges of today's world and bringing forward the most creative solutions. A lifelong soccer player and avid learner, she brings a relationship-centered approach to her work. Jess holds an Associate's degree in Psychology, and a Bachelor's in Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Management, and is pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Montana. She acknowledges the immense privilege of accessing these forms of education. Ultimately, her diverse life experiences, multifaceted identity, and a keen interest in human connections drive her professional endeavors in creating spaces that foster a sense of belonging as a pathway toward collective liberation.
Mars Jaeger: Queer Youth Programs Specialist
They/them/ theirs
As the Queer Youth Programs Specialist at EmpowerMT Mars is focused on engaging young people in their leadership while celebrating their queer identities. They facilitate two affinity groups for LGBTQ2S+ youth called Be You Crew for ages 9-14 and Youth Forward for ages 13-19. Mars is also a member of EmpowerMT’s Youth Advisory Council, where they work alongside other leaders to brainstorm ways to make Montana a better place for young people. They’re an early high school graduate learning to navigate the world of working, personal finance, and all around adulting as a young person while doing things they love like gluten free cooking, taking long walks in the sun, and snuggling their cat.
Silver Little Eagle: Youth Engagement Specialist; BSW Practicum
She/ her / hers
Silver Little Eagle (Móxėšéhá'e - Mint Woman) is a senior social work student at the University of Montana. She is Tsé-tsėhéstaestse naa Só'taa'e, a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, and a big sister to six siblings. She grew up in Lame Deer, MT, and holds an associate of art degree from Chief Dull Knife College. Raised by her grandmother, she is thankful to have been engrained with the value of service: with gratitude, caring for the Earth and one another. It is an honor to care and advocate for each other. The value of service has led her down multiple career paths: a wildland firefighter, an activities coordinator at the Northern Cheyenne Elderly Program, an elected tribal council representative for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, and, in her present practicum role at EmpowerMT.
Emma Piskolich: Youth Engagement Specialist; BSW Practicum
She/ her / hers
Emma Piskolich is working towards a Bachelors in Social Works and a Bachelors of Arts: Pre-Dance Therapy Concentration at the University of Montana. She has always been drawn towards the well-being of people, whether it be individuals, families, or larger communities. Emma has danced her whole life and looks forward to combining her interests in the future. Emma is ecstatic to be working with EmpowerMT for her practicum this year, as the nonprofit’s mission and work aligns with her professional goals and values. Amongst other projects with EmpowerMT, Emma plans to incorporate some movement into the curriculum and agenda for Empowering People and Inspiring Change (EPIC) middle school youth group. She looks forward to meeting more youth and incredible community members that help make change possible.
Cailey DenBoer: Youth Engagement Specialist; MSW Practicum
She/ her / hers
Cailey DenBoer is a graduate student at the University of Montana pursuing a master's degree in social work. Here at EmpowerMT, she is a youth engagement specialist. As a co-facilitator of our youth program, Be You Crew, and Montana's GSA network, Cailey supports youth in finding belonging, meaning-making, wellbeing, and purpose. Her passions include dismantling adultism, advocating for youth's rights, and encouraging young people to find their autonomy and voice. In her free time, Cailey enjoys riding her dirt bike, walking my dog, and reading a good book.
Samantha Veneski: Social Media Manager
She/her/hers samantha@empowermt.org
My name’s Samantha Veneski, and I received my Bachelor’s Degree in International Political Science and Sociology, as well as a minor in American Sign Language and French at Flagler College in Saint Augustine, FL. Born in the Bronx and raised in the Hudson Valley of NY, I’ve experienced an array of different cultures. What feels special and familiar to me about Missoula is just how community-oriented it is. Growing up as a first-generation college student, college and the world of academia was not an easy transition. Throughout high school and college, I’ve devoted myself to the practice of connecting with people in an honest and meaningful way despite differences in language, culture, and experience. After serving as EmpowerMT’s AmeriCorps VISTA, I was accepted by the University of Montana’s law school. My goal as a first-generation law student is to continue to connect in meaningful ways, but also, to help elevate the voices and give a fighting chance for those who historically have been silenced and made to start farther back from the starting line. While I attend law school, I’m honored to get to continue working at EmpowerMT as their Social Media Manager, using my creative talents and my previous VISTA work to keep EmpowerMT’s social media collaborative, warm, and accessible for our community.
Brennan Buhl: Finance Manager/ Bookkeeper
He/ him/ his | brennan@empowermt.org
Brennan grew up in the ELECTRIC CITY—meaning Great Falls, MT, obviously--and then moved away for some schooling. Two distinguished degrees later, one in Theatre (Greensboro College in Greensboro, NC) and one in Accounting (under the M in Missoula), he identifies mostly as a bald Dad. As such, he didn’t ask ChatGPT or Gemini or WhoeverAIelse for input on this bio…he asked his children: “What should people know about your Dad?”
Joe, age 5: You’re incredibly good at setting up stuff.
Jeannette, age 8: You love to play video games. And Dad, will you please watch this Magic Mixie? If she wakes up, all you have to do is scratch her behind the ears a little bit.”
Youth Advisory Council
EmpowerMT is committed to developing youth leaders & values and creating an authentic representation of our constituencies at all levels of the organization. To achieve these objectives, EmpowerMT established its Youth Advisory Council. EmpowerMT youth program participants, volunteers, and staff select outstanding youth from all of EmpowerMT’s programs with diverse backgrounds and experiences to create the perfect team each year. Each YAC member is paid for their time and service. The Youth Advisory Council comprises students ages 10-21 to ensure a diverse range of expertise. If you are interested in serving on this council, email our youth program staff at youth@empowermt.org.
Our Board of Directors
Leanne Beers, PhD: Board President
Dr. Leanne Beers holds a Ph.D. in Social and Behavioral Sciences/Human Services, specializing in disability and human sexuality. She has also earned her Master's Degree in Public Relations and Health Communications. Leanne was born with a neuromuscular condition and relies on a power wheelchair for mobility. As a mother of two children, one of whom also has a neuromuscular disorder, Leanne is dedicated to advocating for equality and human rights. With over two decades of experience, Leanne has been actively supporting individuals with disabilities, using her strong leadership skills to educate others about the importance of recognition and acceptance. Currently residing in Missoula, MT, she has contributed her expertise to various nonprofit Boards of Trustees and Community Advisory Boards (CAB) focused on disability research.
Leanne prides herself on being a consummate professional, an unwavering advocate, and a skilled group facilitator. She leads programs addressing topics such as self-esteem, safety awareness for women, barriers and disparities for women with disabilities to access health services, sex education, prevention of violence against people with disabilities, non-violent communication, disability awareness, sexuality, and fostering healthy relationships. Beyond her professional commitments, Leanne finds joy in spending quality time with her family, exploring the great outdoors of Montana, and savoring all the natural beauty the region offers.
Robert Farmer, MBA, SPHER, SHRM-SCP: Vice President & Treasurer
Robert is a University of Montana graduate and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. Mr. Farmer also holds an MBA with a Human Resource Management emphasis and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources. He is a nationally recognized trainer and has developed award-winning programs. He has worked for Clearwater Credit Union for 25 years and has many years of leadership and supervision experience. Mr. Farmer is currently the Senior Vice President of People Solutions and oversees the Credit Union’s human capital and organizational culture.
Mona Charles: Secretary
Mona Charles, a life-long activist, is thrilled to be a part of the power and passion of EmpowerMT.
She has a wide-ranging background in film and television, as an actor, director, producer, and studio executive. Mona's mission in life is to help every person she meets know they are unique and the most powerful thing they can do is to be and share who they are. She hopes she brings joy and a bit of quirkiness to the world, too!
Twila Old Coyote
As a 100th generation Montanan, Twila is an enrolled member of the Crow Tribe and is also a part of the FT. Belknap Indian Community. She has worked in higher education for over 20 years and has extensive experience working with high school and university students promoting access to higher education, specifically working with students who come from historically underrepresented populations. Twila earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Native American Studies as well as a MA in Intercultural Youth and Family Development, both from the University of Montana. She is currently the director of the S.E.A. Change Initiative at UM, where she promotes women empowerment and gender equity. Twila is deeply committed to racial justice and promoting equity for all, and has been involved, in some capacity, with EmpowerMT since its inception. She continues to be inspired by the work of EmpowerMT and is devoted to the mission of creating a just and inclusive society for all.
Kate Kahan
Kate Kahan is a longtime social justice advocate with over three decades of experience working on a range of issues, including advancing LGBTQI, racial and gender justice, immigrant justice, democracy reform, and economic justice.
Kate got involved in activism on welfare as a young mom and led welfare rights and feminist organizing groups before moving to Washington, DC, to work for the US Senate Finance Committee on low-income policy and tribal affairs.
Kate has also worked for several national advocacy organizations, including the National Partnership for Women & Families, Community Change, the Vera Institute of Justice, and People’s Action, on a range of social justice issues and campaigns, bringing a deep commitment to strengthening the field of community organizing and building power to advance justice and systemic change to build a
Rika Wishcamper
Eli Boylan