Who We Are

Heidi Wallace, Executive Director

Born and raised in Montana, Heidi is a passionate and results-driven nonprofit leader advancing equity and systemic change through inclusive strategic vision and community-centered impact. Guided by a deep love of place and people, she brings a fierce urgency and sense of responsibility to her work—grounded in justice, connection, and belonging. Since joining EmpowerMT in 2007 and serving as Executive Director since 2013, Heidi has led transformative initiatives to correct systemic inequities, strengthen communities, and build organizational cultures of belonging. She has a proven track record of empowering youth leaders, elevating voices with lived experience, and creating sustainable partnerships across diverse communities. A skilled strategist, facilitator, and educator, Heidi fosters collaborative initiatives that address complex challenges through grassroots action and equity-centered leadership. She is a University of Montana alumna, recipient of the Native American Studies Distinguished Alumni Award, and a Professional Fellow with the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Rajiem Seabrook: Director of Strategy and Social Impact

He/him/his | rajiem@empowermt.org

Rajiem is the Director of Strategy and Social Impact at EmpowerMT, where he leads long-term strategic planning and equity-driven initiatives that foster belonging and drive measurable change across Montana’s schools, businesses, and communities. A systems thinker and community connector, Rajiem advances partnerships and policies that center on belonging, justice, and fairness. With over 20 years of experience engaging communities through platforms that bridge sports, culture, and society, Rajiem has cultivated meaningful spaces for dialogue and connection. Projects like The Handoff: Bridging the Gap Podcast exemplify his commitment to amplifying intergenerational voices and building understanding across differences. Rajiem co-founded the Montana Black Collective–Missoula and serves on the Missoula City & County JEDI Advisory Board and the American Red Cross–Montana Board of Trustees. As a father, coach, mentor, and organizer, he brings heart, vision, and action to every space he enters.

Chloe Lyons: Grants & Communication Specialist

She/her/hers | chloe@empowermt.org

Chloe is EmpowerMT’s Grants & Communications Specialist, leading collaborative resource development to support long-term program sustainability. Chloe crafts compelling narratives that communicate the impact of our work to stakeholders and amplify the voices of our youth leaders. She works closely with the EmpowerMT team to secure funding, build partnerships, and facilitate youth-led leadership programs. Since moving to Missoula in 2014 after earning her M.Ed. from Lewis & Clark College, Chloe has brought over a decade of experience as an educator into her community work. She is a passionate mother, wife, and active member of the Missoula community.

Jess Monis-Hernandez: Director of Youth Engagement, MSW

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 keen interest in human connections drive her professional endeavors in creating spaces that foster a sense of belonging as a pathway toward collective liberation.

Silver Little Eagle: Youth Engagement Specialist, MSW Practicum

She/her/ hers | silver@empowermt.org

Silver Little Eagle (Móxėšéhá'e - Mint Woman) is a 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, a BSW from University of Montana and is a MSW candidate at University of Montana. Raised by her grandmother, she is thankful to have been engrained with the value of service: gratitude and caring for the Earth and one another. It is an honor to care for 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.

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 want to serve 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 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He 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 everyone she meets know they are unique and the most powerful thing they can do is 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. She has extensive experience working with high school and university students to promote 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 and an MA in Intercultural Youth and Family Development from the University of Montana. She is currently the director of the S.E.A. Change Initiative at UM, promoting women's 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 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 various issues, including advancing LGBTQI, racial and gender justice, immigrant justice, democracy reform, and economic justice.

Kate got involved in welfare activism as a young mom. She led welfare rights and feminist organizing groups before moving to Washington, D.C., 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