Minnestar’s first-ever executive director, Maria Ploessl, will soon step down from her role, creating space for a new leader of the technology-focused nonprofit.
Ploessl announced earlier this month her intent to leave the role this June. Since 2017, she has served as executive director for Minnestar, which aims to connect the technology and startup community. The nonprofit had previously been volunteer-run for more than a decade.
Ploessl has served in several roles in the technology and entrepreneurial spaces, including with Forge North and TechnovationMN. She was also an honoree of the Business Journal’s 2020 Women in Business Awards.
The nonprofit, which hosts two cornerstone events each year called Minnebar and Minnedemo, will work with Ploessl as it searches for a new executive director.
Ploessl chatted with Minne Inno to discuss her vision for the future of the local ecosystem and Minnestar. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.
How has the Minnesota tech and startup community evolved since you first started?
We've seen a lot of change in the ecosystem; a lot of growth. We have a lot more organizations in town. We have stronger efforts at collaboration and coalition-building than I would say when I started. That is not by chance; that is the collective work of so many people in the ecosystem saying that we don't want to be completely siloed from one another.
What work still needs to be done to improve the ecosystem?
In the tech community, what I would love to see continued is a doubling down on issues like computer science educational access in K-12, racial equity and inclusion, hiring junior talent. That's something that's really a struggle. But we also have incredible, incredible people who are working together across organizations on this, and I'm so excited to see that.
What about your vision for the future of Minnestar?
My hope for Minnestar is that we can continue to grow this community and continue to double down on how to build a welcoming and inclusive community for all.
What will Minnestar be looking for in a new executive director?
We're looking for someone who is a strong leader, who can take those skills around nonprofit management, resource development, building inclusive communities, and really take the organization and community to the next level. It's the most fun job. It's also super unique; you wear a lot of hats. We're also looking for that person who really has a lens for the future of this organization and is willing to roll-your-sleeves-up and help build it in collaboration with the board and incredible volunteer community.
