YCC Staff

Laura LaCroix-Dalluhn, Executive Director
laura@youthcommunityconnections.org
612.627.0161

My background: I came to Youth Community Connections after working with various non-profit and local government agencies focusing on public policy and systems development.  I had great fun working counties association and all the local public health agency directors - there are so many dedicated public servants across the State of Minnesota.  Prior to working with the counties association I earned a master degree in public health and worked as a youth advocate for a non-profit organization.  I started my career working with runaway, homeless and parenting or pregnant youth.  

What I enjoy when I'm not working: I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends.  I have two school age children who keep me active.  We like to spend time together outside in the summer riding bikes and exploring the city park systems.  I'm trying to get them interested in winter activities such as cross county skiing. The verdict is still out on that one.

Most people dont' know that: I won a car in a raffle while attending college.  It was a beautiful red convertible!  Unfortunately, I had to sell it to pay my tuition.  After paying tuition, I bought a "not so new", "not so shiny" car. 

My background: I came to Youth Community Connections after graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Political Science and History and completing one year of AmeriCorps where I volunteered as a service-learning/after-school activity facilitator in the Minneapolis Public Schools. In college, I was an active member in campus Christian ministries, youth development organizations, and a variety of student groups ranging from politics to leadership.  During my tenure as a student, I also interned with a state representative, governor, and federal senator.  I was born and raised in Eagan, MN and currently serve as an AmeriCorps Promise Fellow.   

What I enjoy doing when I’m not working: Away from work, I thoroughly enjoy spending time with my roommates/family, reading texts about philosophy/religion, volunteering with at-risk youth, applying to graduate school, going to lakes in northern Minnesota, and being overly competitive at basketball/euchre.   

Most people don’t know that: I enjoy musical theatre and was regularly involved in productions until my sophomore year of college. 

My background: I joined the YCC staff in September, 2005.  I am the office coordinator and provide administrative support for the executive director and AmeriCorps Promise Fellow.  Before coming to YCC, I spent 16 years providing administrative support to nonprofit management consultants in Amherst H. Wilder Foundation's Management Support Services, Community Services Group and Wilder Center for Communities. 

What I like to do in my down time:  I enjoy hanging out with family and friends and spending as much time as I can with my 7 year old grandson. I also enjoy reading, sewing, quilting, playing tennis, and riding bike on the Gateway Trail.

Most people don't know that: I coordinated an American Red Cross Blood Drive for 6 years.  I was dubbed the "The Blood Lady," or "Vampira," until a fellow-donor came up with a more kinder, gentler name ~ "Patty Platelet."