Aim Higher Featured in Star Tribune Article
February 4, 2026Welcoming Our 2026 New Board & Committee Members
The Aim Higher Foundation is pleased to announce the election of three new Directors and three Non-Director Committee Members to the foundation’s Board: Emily Cendejas-Garcia, Nestor Jaramillo, Jerry Morris, Elizabeth Slama, Sue Schwalbach and Dan Weiler. The new Directors began their three-year term on January 1, 2026.
President Ricky Austin shares, “This exceptional group of individuals brings valuable expertise and perspective that will continue to drive meaningful impact and growth for the Aim Higher Foundation.”
Emily Cendejas-Garcia is a Project Engineer at Ryan Companies, supporting complex construction projects. In the past, she has served as the President of the University of Minnesota's DEI committee and as a bilingual assistant at Neighborhood House.
Nestor Jaramillo is a retired global healthcare executive, having served as President and CEO of Nuwellis Inc. and Innerspace Neuro Solutions, following a 23-year career at Medtronic. He currently serves as Chairman of the Children’s Minnesota Health Care Foundation and has held board roles with Children’s Minnesota and the Basilica of Saint Mary Landmark Foundation.
Jerry Morris is a retired legal and tax executive, most recently serving as Vice President, Chief Tax Officer, and Principal Tax Counsel at General Mills. He has held leadership roles in Catholic and faith-based education, including Board Chair at Nativity of Mary School and Academy of Holy Angels, parish finance councils, and membership on the Leadership Advisory Council at St. John’s University.
Elizabeth Slama is an associate attorney at Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath. Before becoming an attorney, Elizabeth had a professional marketing career in which she focused on branding and business-to-business communications.
Sue Schwalbach is a Minnesota-based philanthropist and longtime advocate for children and education, bringing experience as a former teacher and school board member. She has supported a wide range of local, national, and international organizations—including Catholic Charities, Breck School, United Way, and orphan-focused initiatives—and has been an Aim Higher Foundation supporter for over seven years.
Dan Weiler is a retired banking executive who served as Executive Vice President for Wells Fargo’s Financial Institutions Group. He is also a committed community leader, having chaired the YMCA Minneapolis Board, served as a trustee for St. Charles Borromeo Church, and supported organizations including Catholic Charities and YMCA Camp Icaghowan.
