About Us

Melissa Dellwo is a founding member of the Merjent Foundation. Her passion for charity is focused on hunger and homelessness.  As President of the Merjent Foundation, Melissa is excited to help our community on a larger scale. She graduated from the University of Minnesota, Morris with a degree in Communication. 

Kari Krause is a founding member of the Merjent Foundation. She appreciates the opportunity to identify and support charities focused on community outreach and animal welfare as well as organizations promoting education and life skills.  She has a M.S. in Cultural Resource Management.

Jessica Caruso is a member of the Board of Directors and has passion for supporting charities that address hunger, homelessness, and grief support.  She is also excited to be able to support the Foundations Scholarship program.

  Christina Preszler brings with her a passion for helping others in times of need and supporting the community. As a mother of 3, she is especially interested in helping children and supporting the Foundations Scholarship program. Christina is a registered Professional Engineer and holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Iowa. 

William Harding is a member of the Board of Directors and has an abiding concern for disadvantaged and disenfranchised populations.  He earned an M.A. in Anthropology with a focus on archaeology at Idaho State University.

  Scott Beard is passionate about service and helping people find fulfillment.  As an optimist and problem solver, he believes there is no challenge too great to overcome.