Generation Next Staff

Joe came on board as the Managing Director of Generation Next in April 2018. Joe’s previous role was as the assistant director of research, evaluation, and assessment for Saint Paul Public Schools, and he brings a wealth of experience in the public education and nonprofit sectors. Joe has been familiar with the work of Generation Next over the past few years, serving as an active member of the Social-Emotional Learning Committee, the Data Committee, and has participated in several provider networks.

As the Director of Partnerships, Jeremiah Ellis leverages community assets to improve education alignment and outcomes including recent work with local education philanthropy data to enhance the collective impact potential of Minneapolis and Saint Paul area foundations. Jeremiah has worked across the local public and non-profit sectors for the last decade. He studied Strategic Management at Saint Catherine University School of Business and Professional Studies and Theology at Saint Mary’s University in Texas. Ellis is also a Roy Wilkins Community Fellow, promoting solutions to racial and ethnic inequality with the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

Molly has worked in marketing and communications for most of her career, beginning her career at IntrinXec Management Inc., where she served as the editor and publications manager for two monthly trade magazines. Molly then moved on to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities, where she has worked as the communications and marketing coordinator for the past two and a half years. While working for the Boys & Girls Clubs, Molly was involved in many aspects of the Clubs, including program planning and implementation, and website and social media development. Molly also served as a literacy teacher for K-3 youth as part of the Boys & Girls Clubs Literacy Program. Molly enjoys reading, writing, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Isabella Xiong joined Generation Next in March 2022 as the Project Manager. Isabella’s work will focus on managing our Priority Area Project Teams, which work in the three priority areas of Early Childhood Quality & Access, Teacher Diversity & Teaching Diverse Learners, and Postsecondary Preparation & Persistence.

Isabella’s previous role was the Community Engagement Specialist at Greater Twin Cities United Way, where she brings experience in coordinating and project managing meetings and events, including the annual Early Childhood Legislative Briefing and Advocacy for Children Day Rally.

Isabella studied Family Social Science at the University of Minnesota and has a strong commitment to equity and centering the voices of BIPOC youth and families.