Written by Naomi Schliesman, West Central Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator

Rooted in a legacy of stewardship, I come from a family deeply connected to land, community, and care. My grandfather was a farmer, hunter, and self-taught woodworker who honored the land and respected all life. My grandmother, a seamstress and nurse, along with my mother, carried forward traditions of gardening, canning, and caring for others. Together, my grandparents were community leaders who supported those around them with resources, time, and compassion.

From an early age, I learned the importance of listening, gathering people, and leading with generosity. Witnessing the power of food, storytelling, and mutual aid shaped my lifelong commitment to building resilient, connected communities.

For more than 25 years, my work has centered on community engagement, partnership-building, and creating inclusive spaces. My professional background spans nonprofit leadership, arts administration, grassroots organizing, and public facilitation all rooted in trust-building and collaboration across diverse groups.

I bring a relationship-centered and creative approach to my work, often using storytelling and art to bring people together. Whether through public programming or facilitated conversations, I strive to amplify community voices and create welcoming environments. I am comfortable serving as a connector, facilitator, and spokesperson, and I value working alongside local leaders and partners to uplift meaningful community narratives.

Upstream’s focus on stewardship resonates deeply with me. I believe that caring for our natural spaces is inseparable from caring for one another, and that lasting stewardship is rooted in trust, belonging, and shared responsibility. I am honored to bring my experience, relationships, and commitment to community care to this work, supporting the communities of Fergus Falls, Pelican Rapids, and beyond.

I am truly looking forward to stepping into my new role with Upstream as the West Central Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator. I am excited to support the communities and stewards who help our region thrive, sustain, and celebrate the importance of our shared outdoor environments.

In this role, I will focus on developing and managing relationships with community leaders, amplifying Upstream’s presence through media and public engagement, and creating welcoming spaces for all community members to connect around a shared commitment to Minnesota’s natural places. My approach is relationship-centered and creative; I prioritize building trust, listening deeply to community needs, and using art as a tool for storytelling and connection.

I believe that strong communities grow from deep relationships with each other and the land. My mission is to use community organizing and art to nurture these connections, helping to create more resilient and life-giving futures.

“I use community organizing and art to nurture relationships between people, place, and culture. My work is about community stewardship, caring for land, stories, and collective well-being.”