Meet our Team

Heidi Wallace, Executive Director

Heidi’s life experiences as a sixth-generation, non-Indigenous Montanan led her to pursue a life of creating positive change in individuals and institutions. As executive director of EmpowerMT since 2013, Heidi has made a profound impact by creating safe, inclusive spaces not only for Montanans but for individuals and organizations across the nation.

Heidi is a highly skilled facilitator, trainer, and educator with a 20-year history of building strategic partnerships regionally and nationally to foster innovation, elevate leadership, and inspire action in the areas of racial equity, diversity, access, inclusion, and coalition-building.

She is a respected community leader and serves on the Board of Trustees for the PacificSource Foundation for Health Improvement and other social justice-focused coalitions, advisory boards, and committees.

Heidi is a graduate of the University of Montana, where she was honored in 2010 with the Native American Studies Distinguished Alumni Award.

Brooke Corr, CM/F, SHRM SCP: Director of Synergistic Operations

She, her, hers, They, them, theirs | Brooke@empowermt.org

Brooke has over 40 years of business leadership, skill-building, facilitation, and team-building experience. They earned their BSW, with honors, from the University of Montana, with an emphasis on communication, multicultural counseling, neuropsychology, and forgiveness and reconciliation. They are a Certified Mediator, Family Law Mediator, and Conflict Coach. They are also a SHRM Senior Certified Professional.

Brooke has served as a one-on-one coach, facilitator, and educator and is a proud past Board Member of The Montana Mediation Association. Embedded within their role at EmpowerMT, Brooke also provides consultation, facilitation, skill-building, mediation, conflict interaction, and coaching services to people and entities across the state of Montana.

Brooke finds great joy in meeting people where they are and finding ways to empower them to move themselves where they want to go. Brooke loves to hike, snowshoe, rockhound, play music, and watch people and plants grow.

Rajiem Seabrook: Director of Equity & Impact

He/him/his rajiem@empowermt.org

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 member of the community and is passionately engaged in athletics, academics, social justice, and political reform. Rajiem is one of several co-founders of the Montana Black Collective-Missoula and serves on the MCPS IVALUE Leadership Team and the MLK Jr. Community Celebration Committee. 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.

Mike Matz: Director of Transformational Growth

He/him/his mike@empowermt.org

It's the daily inspiration and opportunity for impact that fuels Mike Matz’ work. Having a role in making lasting change is a pretty special thing, he says. Mike’s passion for serving and strengthening the Missoula community, developing youth leadership, and advocating for those who are underrepresented inspired his decision to work with EmpowerMT.

For over ten years, Mike has dedicated his career to strengthening the Missoula community through his youth development work and focus on adolescent mental health. He has served as a program director for at-risk youth, a counselor, and an educator. He has worked for several local non-profit organizations, the Department of Health and Human Services, and Missoula County Public Schools.

Mike graduated from the University of Montana, where he studied technical writing, social work, counseling, youth development, and education.

Mike lives by the motto, “It’s hard to hate someone once you understand them.” In addition to his role at EmpowerMT, Mike continues to mentor and develop youth in Missoula by serving as an assistant high school football and track and field coach. He also enjoys live music, recreating in the beautiful Montana wilderness, and traveling with his wife, Britney.

Jessica Monis-Hernadez: Youth Engagement Specialist

She/her/hers jess@empowermt.org

Jess joined the EmpowerMT team in April 2023. Prior to EmpowerMT, she served as the GUTS! Program Coordinator at YWCA Missoula, and has an extensive background working with youth in various settings such as the soccer field and classroom. She is continually inspired by young people, as they are the closest to understanding the challenges of today's world and bringing forward the most creative solutions. She feels privileged to be in spaces learning from them and supporting them to create positive change. Jess holds an associate’s degree in Psychology, a bachelor’s in Parks, Tourism, and Recreation Management, and is currently pursuing a master’s in Social Work at the University of Montana. She is also a certified yoga instructor and loves sharing the historical and philosophical roots of the practice with others as a healing modality. Jess acknowledges the immense privilege it is to access these forms of education. Ultimately, it is the intersections of her lived experiences, identities, and curiosity of the world that fuels her passion for cultivating connection and community.

Mars Jaeger: Youth Specialist

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.

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.

Hailey Michelson: MSW Practicum Student for Youth Programs

Hailey (she/her) is seeking her masters in social work through the University of Montana and is serving as a practicum student at EmpowerMT. Hailey loves getting to work with the wonderful youth who participate in EmpowerMT's programs. Hailey is grateful to be part of an organization that helps all people realize their potential and creates a sense of belonging. When Hailey isn't studying or hanging out at the EmpowerMT office, she can be found snuggling with her dog, Nora.

Courtney Aadland-Lewis: MSW Practicum Student for Youth Programs

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