Deb Foster has been hired as Ain Dah Yung’s new Executive Director starting August 24. Foster comes to Ain Dah Yung from the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women in St. Paul, MN, where she is the Director of Development and Communications. Foster has provided leadership on the agency’s initiatives in resource development and public relations as well as their teen and women of color and Native women’s leadership projects.

Foster was also the Executive Director of the Lyndale Neighborhood Association and prior to that, she was the Facility Manager and Marketing Director at the YMCA of Metropolitan Minneapolis, Blaisdell/Hiawatha Branches. Foster is a member of the St. Croix tribe in Wisconsin. She received her Masters of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Stout and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Special Education and Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

“We are very excited that Deb will be joining Ain Dah Yung. Her vision and creative approach to working with American Indian youth and families will build upon the foundational leadership that has made Ain Dah Yung a vital part of the community for over 25 years.” said Cecilia Martinez, chair of Ain Dah Yung’s Board of Directors. “Deb is joining ADY at a time of transition and growth. With her leadership, and with the support of the Native community and our allies, we are poised to build upon our distinguished role in the nonprofit sector and the homeless youth arena.”

Ain Dah Yung was one of the first culturally specific programs to focus on American Indian youth and families in the Twin Cities and continues to operate as a culturally- and community-based organization.