Meet Our Team
Allison Hohn
The Executive Director of Naturally MN, formerly known as Grow North, leading strategy and growth for the organization. Prior to joining Naturally MN in 2020, Allison spent 10+ years building a holistic understanding of the food product development cycle as a food scientist at Land O’Lakes and Target Corporation, where she mentored corporate accelerator companies on product development, go to market strategies, and scaled production. She also previously served as the Director of R&D for the 15/16 Group, an NYC-based consulting firm advising startups in various capacities. Allison has been a part of the Twin Cities community her whole life; a native of Saint Paul, Minnesota, where she now resides, she holds a BS in Chemistry from Butler University, a Master’s in Food Science from CFANS, and a Master’s in Supply Chain Management from the Carlson School of Management. She is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs across MN from ag tech companies to CPG brands and welcomes introductions to all those in the industry.
John Stavig
The Director of The Holmes Center. The mission of the Holmes Center is to inspire, educate and connect the next generation of entrepreneurs. John Stavig leads the fundraising, development of outreach programs and implementation of new curriculum for undergraduate and MBA courses. He teaches experiential courses in entrepreneurship and advise students and alumni on new ventures. He was also part of the founding team for MN Cup, MIN-Corps and Grow North outreach programs.
Prior to returning to the University of Minnesota to teach and lead the development of the entrepreneurship center, John's professional background was in management consulting and private equity in the communications industry. As founding principal in $100 million equity fund, sourced investments and took leadership positions in startups that became industry leaders in online advertising and bundled communications services, while leading a roll-up of engineering services providers.
Ally McDonald
The Senior Marketing, Programs, and Events Manager at the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship which works directly with Naturally Minnesota, passionately supports the growth of Minnesota's natural and organic businesses. With expertise in marketing, event planning, and relationship-building, she drives community engagement and fosters creativity. She spearheads strategic planning and execution of marketing initiatives, crafting compelling communication materials, and manages the incredibly talented Holmes Center Interns. Ally actively seeks professional growth opportunities and welcomes collaborations to drive sustainable and equitable prosperity in Minnesota.
Emily Hua
A marketing intern at the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship and is excited to bring her passion to the Naturally Minnesota team. Growing up in rural South Dakota inspired her deep appreciation for sustainability and natural innovation that resonate strongly with Naturally Minnesota’s mission. As a first-year student at the Carlson School of Management, she is eager to contribute to the organization’s marketing and outreach efforts.
Maya Evans-Riera
A second-year student studying Marketing and Business Analytics at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management, where she channels her passion for brand voice and creative strategy into her academic and professional work. Originally from Seattle, Washington, Maya is excited to apply her analytical mindset and creative energy to make a meaningful impact.
Sabrena Thao
A Marketing and Events Intern at the Holmes Center for Entrepreneurship and is excited to bring her creativity and enthusiasm to Naturally Minnesota. As a student at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, she is passionate about marketing, collaboration, and supporting mission-driven organizations. Her dedication to community, sustainability, and innovative local businesses fuels her commitment to the organization’s goals. She is eager to contribute to its mission and support its growing community.
Kaily Klein
A second-year student studying Marketing and International Business at the Carlson School of Management. She’s looking forward to bringing her strong energy and desire for the entrepreneurial community to the Naturally Minnesota team. Her passion for marketing stems from creativity and collaboration, which she takes pride in. As a member of the Naturally Minnesota team, Kaily is eager to support emerging entrepreneurs while focusing on sustainable growth and community impact.
Kat Nikkel
Currently a Product Design student at the University of Minnesota, Kat has a passion for creative problem-solving, community engagement, and sustainable innovation. Through her work in marketing, events, and small business ownership, she enjoys connecting people with meaningful experiences and supporting organizations that create a positive impact. She is excited to contribute her design perspective and creative energy to the Naturally Minnesota team.