Alex Merritt has led Twin Cities R!SE to new heights in its mission of workforce development, particularly for individuals facing employment barriers. Merritt joined the Minneapolis-based nonprofit five years ago, leading teams overseeing outreach, education, career coaching, and employer services. The organization has since achieved the strongest employment outcomes in its history. Last year, Merritt’s teams served more than 650 Minnesotans while increasing long-term employment success for its clients. “What distinguishes Alex most is not simply the positions she holds or the initiatives she leads; it is the consistency with which she transforms systems to help people flourish,” R!SE president and CEO Emma Corrie says.