Marnita's Table Leads Community Conversations on Public School Safety

Written By shari zimmermann

Our grantee-partner Marnita's Table recently led a community dinner and conversation on safety for the Saint Paul Public Schools, which is Minnesota's second largest school district.

The event was the latest in a series of conversations school board members and district officials have embarked on in the weeks since students, parents, and community members raised alarms over concerning behavior and incidents in the district's middle and high schools.

Throughout the evening, Marnita Schroedl, the CEO and Founder of Marnita's Table, directed attendees to forge bonds with as many people as possible.

Her nonprofit commissioned a survey of about 2,000 people after George Floyd's murder to ask what would make them feel safer. The resounding theme of the responses, Schroedl said, was a desire to know neighbors better.

"We are here as members of one community," Schroedl said.

shari zimmermann

Shari Zimmermann is an artist and designer living in Delano, Minnesota. A graduate of Minneapolis College of Art and Design, Shari's design experience encompasses print and digital projects for her own clients and as an independent contractor for other design firms. In addition to marketing communications, annual reports, and brand creation, Shari has worked on many local and national publications — acting as lead designer on start-up magazines and redesigns, as well as art director and contributing designer on existing titles. Shari helps small business clients gain a web presence by creating and launching their sites through Squarespace.com. 

Shari is a founding member of the Delano Artist Guild, and pursues her passion for creating acrylic and mixed media art from her home studio. Shari has displayed her work in businesses around the Twin Cities area, and has participated in shows at Your Arts Desire, Studio 144, and Flow Art Space.

http://www.smartthinkingdesign.com
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