Joel McReynolds
(he/him)
Executive Director
612-722-4529
Joel joined LCC after a decade of experience in nonprofit programming, including youth mentoring, community gardens, refugee outreach, fundraising, and neighborhood development. Through all these programs, he’s witnessed firsthand how neighbors can come together to create positive, sustainable social change.
Before coming to LCC, Joel worked at Banyan Community, a community development nonprofit based in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis. While at Banyan, Joel supervised the family and community programs, including a block club program, a monthly community breakfast, and violence prevention initiatives.
Joel studied Public Administration and Ethnic & Racial Studies at the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse and received his Master’s in Applied Community & Economic Development from Illinois State University. He enjoys being involved in the Greater Longfellow community and fills his free time playing ukulele, riding the bike paths, exploring the outdoors, and following British soccer.
Andrea Tritschler
(she/her)
Communications Manager
612-722-4529
Andrea joined LCC in 2022 after working as an events and marketing manager for an independent bookstore in Greater Longfellow. Originally from Milwaukee, she’s been a reporter and editor for several newspapers and magazines in Milwaukee, Denver and beyond. Andrea graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Journalism and has a graduate certificate in Publishing from the University of Denver.
Ben Howery
(he/him)
Community Organizer
612-722-4529
Ben joins the LCC after recently completing his undergraduate in Urban Studies with a concentration in community engagement and placemaking. He joins the team from the Southeast Como Improvement Association where he gained experience in community development, event coordination, and equitable engagement.
Ben has a developed passion for understanding the complexities of urban space and the individual histories that make up the communities that surround him. He believes that the collaboration between residents and their community organizations is imperative in creating a long-lasting and successful impact.
As a community organizer, Ben hopes to assist in furthering the Longfellow Community Council’s mission and contribute to the Greater Longfellow community.
Elise Berry
Graphic Design Intern
612-722-4529
Hi, my name is Elise and I am a recent graduate from
Bethel University with a degree in Graphic Design!
Eleanor Wirtz
(she/her)
Racial Justice Intern
612-722-4529
Eleanor started with the LLC in December of 2023 as a racial justice intern and is currently working on propelling the council’s involvement with the “Free the Deeds” campaign. She’s currently a student at the University of Minnesota pursuing a dual major in Non-Profit Management and Entrepreneurship, with a minor in Spanish.
Although she values the community she’s found on the U of M campus, Eleanor has already become deeply invested in the Longfellow area, and the people that live there.
Her dedication to fostering positive change in the greater Minneapolis area has led her to take on a challenging role in a rapidly changing landscape. This internship marks the initial stride in her journey toward building a more equitable and sustainable society. With an unwavering dedication to defining social responsibility and a keen eye for entrepreneurial endeavors, she’s committed to making a meaningful difference in Longfellow, and in the greater world of non-profit and community-driven initiatives.
Emma Henry
Tenant Organizer Intern
612-722-4529
Emma started with the LCC in June of 2024 as a Tenant Organizer intern working toward engaging renters in the Longfellow area and developing a sense of community. She is currently studying at Macalester College pursuing three majors in Political Science, Environmental Studies, and History.
Community has always been important to Emma and after moving to Minnesota in 2022, she hasn’t wanted to leave sense. The Minnesota atmosphere has always been accepting of her and now she wants to engage more with people around the Twin Cities.
Her past organizing work has been focused on environmentalism and reproductive health. Now, she is looking to engage more with her fellow peers of renters to advocate and support building wealth and community.
Ramier Sean Villarama
(he/him)
Branding & Marketing Intern
612-722-4529
Ramier is joining LCC this summer as the Branding and Marketing Intern working on the branding for the River Gorge Festival. He is originally from Bayonne, New Jersey but is completing his undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies & Studio Art at Macalester College. Upon graduation in 2025, Ramier plans to obtain his master’s in Product or Industrial Design.
His passions lie at the intersection of sustainability and design, where he focuses more on 3D sculptural work and human-centered design. He aspires to become a product designer, using design thinking to create innovative, eco-friendly solutions that meet daily needs and challenges. As a student athlete on the Macalester Swimming and Diving Team, Ramier has developed strong discipline, time management, and teamwork skills, which enhance his approach to design projects. Currently he is also honing his skills as a product design intern at Camperoni (a Minneapolis start-up) working with the team on email and social media marketing, along with crafting wireframes for new website features.