Cynthia believes that the loving and generous among us are heroes to be recognized.

She is a writer, artists, and Web marketer and designer. She started her own Web design and consulting business in 2000, helping high-value organizations and nonprofits to better communicate their value propositions, until joining the Heartland team in 2007 as Web chief.

Cynthia raised her two daughters as a single parent, working as a bartender, restaurant manager, and teaching/research assistant while earning her B.A. in psychology, cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, at the University of Minnesota.

She continues to serve in an advisory capacity for several nonprofit organizations, including Minnesota Alliance of Peacemakers.

Cynthia lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Tom, her two step-sons, her cat, and Polo the wonder dog.