ST. PAUL, MN (February 21, 2024): The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) is pleased to announce two new members have been appointed to its Board of Directors. They will join current board members, providing strategic guidance, valued perspective, and expertise in oversight of the non-profit organization. Guided by its mission: “To Advance the Independent Living of People with Disabilities by Removing Barriers and Promoting Choices,” MCIL assists people with disabilities in living their most independent lives for more than 40 years. Serving the seven-county metro area through a wide range of services, programs, resources, partnerships, and advocacy, MCIL is among the largest Centers for Independent Living in Minnesota.
New board members:
Mai Thor: Having advocated for disability rights for more than 20 years, Mai brings a deep-seated commitment to justice, equity, and inclusion. As a person living with a disability and a leader who has helped design more accessible and inclusive systems for people with disabilities, she has brought meaningful change to the community. A 2021 recipient of a Bush Fellowship and awarded a residency with the College of Liberal Arts Engagement Hub at the University of Minnesota, Mai is working to develop a community-informed disability justice framework to incorporate into social justice systems throughout Minnesota. Mai received her Bachelor of Arts from Augsburg University and a Master’s in Nonprofit and Public Administration from Metropolitan State University. She has worked with the Minnesota Department of Health, the Minnesota Department of Human Rights, and non-profit agencies to advocate and advance disability community concerns and engagement.
Joan Willshire: With a passion and mission to advance disability inclusion and equity, Joan brings a depth of personal and professional experiences to her work. From disability rights, autonomous vehicles, transportation, healthcare, and emergency preparedness, she has deep knowledge of the issues impacting the disability community. Joan served as Executive Director of the Minnesota Council on Disability (MCD) for 15 years and has an acute understanding of navigating complex public policies across multiple state agencies, legislators, committees, and Governors’ administrations. She has championed disability rights and worked to transform policies and practices across Minnesota. Author, Speaker, Change Agent for Disability Inclusion, and President of Willshire Consulting, Joan currently works with businesses and organizations to embrace an intersectional, equity-driven approach to disability inclusion, citing how diversity and inclusion drive innovation, collaboration, and success.
“We welcome this ‘dynamic duo’ to the MCIL Board of Directors,” said MCIL Board Chair Beth Fondell. “Mai Thor and Joan Willshire bring impressive backgrounds, proven leadership, and deep commitments to the causes and concerns of the disability community. We are so pleased to have them join us in our continued work. I look forward to their contributions in advancing MCIL’s mission of Removing Barriers, Promoting Choices, in assisting individuals with disabilities to live their most independent lives.”
MCIL Executive Director Jesse Bethke Gomez, MMA, shared, “MCIL is honored that Mai Thor and Joan Willshire have joined our distinguished Board of Directors. The MCIL board is deeply dedicated, and I welcome the addition of these two extraordinary individuals and all they bring to complement our current board. Their combined experiences and advocacy are inspiring, and their input will be pivotal in supporting the board’s work and our mission. We are profoundly grateful for such a wealth of expertise and guidance to help position MCIL for a promising and productive future.”
About MCIL: The Metropolitan Center for Independent Living (MCIL) is a Twin Cities-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) person-centered organization founded in 1981. The mission of MCIL is " To Advance the Independent Living of People with Disabilities by Removing Barriers and Promoting Choices." The agency is dedicated to the full realization of the Independent Living (IL) philosophy in society by assisting individuals with disabilities in their pursuit of independent living. MCIL is one of eight Centers for Independent Living in Minnesota and is a member agency of the Minnesota Association of Centers for Independent Living. Visit MCIL-MN.org
