VP: Michelle Nelson
Michelle Nelson has served in several volunteer leadership roles: Treasurer - Junior League of Cedar Rapids, Vice President of Membership - AAUW, Chair of New Member Recruitment - Junior League of Cedar Rapids, Member of Diversity & Inclusion Steering Committee - Junior League of Cedar Rapids, and Project Manager for Diversity & Inclusion - Junior League of Omaha. As a leader, Michelle manages strategic thinking, process improvements, and growth. She possesses strong leadership and operations experience, the ability to grow and adapt to inevitable change, and thrives on creating simplifications and solving the root of the problem. Michelle's undergraduate degree is in Psychology with concentrations in Communication, Pre-Law and Pre-Med from Augustana College and her Graduate degree is in Organizational Leadership & Development from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota.
Board of Directors:
Treasurer: Joni Noggle
(Seasonal)
Joni Noggle has a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and a minor in Criminal Justice, received in 1983 from Mt. Mercy University. Following college, Joni returned to her hometown of Springville to work as a paraeducator in its elementary school for 5 years. Since 2000, she has been working as a special education paraeducator in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, the last 17 years at Washington High School. Joni specializes in supporting students who have reading disabilities and challenges with math. In her spare time, Joni loves to read, craft, and play cards with family and friends. She also loves listening to live country music and hanging out with friends. The activity for which Joni is most proud is volunteering at Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids the past 20 years.
Secretary: Susan Hester
Susan Hester holds her Master's Degree in Strategic Leadership from Mount Mercy University here in Cedar Rapids, IA. Her Bachelor's Degree is in Behavioral Science from Mid-America Christian University in Oklahoma City, OK. Susan is currently a paraprofessional at Coolidge Elementary where she enjoys working with younger students, helping them in their educational career. Previously, she demonstrated ability to work with older students when working as a paraprofessional at Washington High School.
Higher Education Consultant: Dr. Joseph Nguyen
Dr. Joseph Nguyen is an assistant professor of chemistry at Mount Mercy University. Prior to Mount Mercy, Nguyen held various teaching positions, including teaching at the high school level. He holds a Bachelor's degree in chemistry, Master's degree in education, and Doctorate in chemistry.
Dr. Nguyen is a distinguished researcher, participating in research projects at University of California, Irvine, University of California, San Diego, University of Kansas, and Creighton University. His research has been widely published, and he has presented his findings at symposiums nationwide. Nguyen has received the Distinguished Iowa Science Teacher Award from the Iowa Academy of Science in 2014 and the Faculty Award from the Mount Mercy University Student Government Association in 2013. He was awarded grants for his educational outreach efforts hosting Science Fun Nights at elementary schools and running the CheMMUsical Show, a fusion of story and song that brings science to life. Nguyen was also awarded the Engaged Scholar Faculty Fellowship through the Iowa Campus Compact and the endowed Feld Chair for Mission through Mount Mercy University.
In his free time, Dr Nguyen enjoys singing, running, cooking, and spending time with his family.