Board Chair

My name is Ken Strobel. I've lived in the Stevens Square-Loring Heights Neighborhood for 29 years, and have been a volunteer with the SSCO most of that time. I am member of the neighborhood Safety Team (formerly Block Patrol).

Treasurer
Karen is a long-time resident and active volunteer in the Stevens-Square Loring Heights neighborhood. She has acted as Treasurer of the neighborhood organization on and off the Board for many years, and is familiar with its various funding sources, expenses and reporting requirements. Karen is an attorney in her working life, and enjoys helping people. She has seen the neighborhood go through many changes, and loves the dynamic nature of Stevens Square.

My name is Jody Podulke. I’ve lived in Stevens Square since February of 2020 and having grown up in rural North Dakota I really love how warm, welcoming and close knit this neighborhood is. I’m active with the SSCO Safety team and enjoy helping with the many events the SSCO puts on like Cinema and Civics and the Festivals. It’s been a great way to get out and meet my neighbors.

“As a 50 year resident of Stevens Square, I have been both a renter and a condo owner. I love our neighborhood. My career is in social work and I have worked in HIV since the 1980s. Currently I am semi-retired and work 2 days a week as the social worker for 4 AIDS adult foster care homes.”

I have been a resident of the Stevens Square community for the past two years. I am a proud dog dad of a 10-year-old pitbull named Serenity. I am passionate about building a stronger sense of community and enhancing our local park for everyone in the area!

Scott has in Stevens Square since Feb. 2017, and before that, lived at 215 Oak Grove St for 33 years, so has been in the neighborhood a long time. Scott has had a lifetime of experience in government and is now retired.

CHAIR of the EVENTS AND ENGAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Molly's background is in architecture and she works as a project manager. She has lived in Stevens Square since 2016 and is involved in a community garden and a variety of SSCO activities. She enjoys being co-chair of the Events & Engagement Committee because it is a great way to meet new people in the neighborhood.

Executive Director

Director@stevenssquare.org

Lydia Millard is a Sr. Business Partner at Target with additional experience in retail, healthcare, transportation, and hospitality. She is skilled in training, project management, developing leaders, conflict resolution, active listening skills, analytical abilities, and communication. She has volunteered for programs such as Youth Career Workshop, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Refugee Meal Baskets. 

Greening Coordinator

greening@stevenssquare.org

"I am passionate about public service and environmental justice, and I moved to Minneapolis in 2021 to work on a climate resiliency project with the Little Earth community. In 2023, I joined now-City Council Member Katie Cashman’s campaign as her volunteer coordinator, and earlier this year, I worked with gardeners to preserve the Soo Line Community Garden in the Whittier Neighborhood. In my free time, I enjoy walking around South Minneapolis, reading, and drinking more coffee than I should."

Communications and Outreach Manager

khrys.wetzel@stevenssquare.org

A Stevens Square resident of 6+ years, Khrys has a background in event planning and social media management and more from a variety of positions, mostly recently in their previous role at the University of Minnesota.

He is excited to bring his expertise to SSCO to help connect and update our community on local events and initiatives for fellow residents.