Kathleen Brenk leads several teams at Sunrise Banks: human resources, marketing and communications, DEI, learning, and administration. Since joining the St. Paul-based bank two years ago, Brenk has prioritized transparency, inclusivity, and learning; she views the teams she oversees as vital links between employee and customer service. She co-leads the justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) committee; launched the company’s first employee resource groups; and created the Open Circle Conversation series, which amplifies diverse voices in the communities the bank serves. Brenk has also spearheaded key changes, including revising Sunrise’s core company values through an inclusive process, implementing salary transparency in recruitment, enhancing the promotion announcement process, and introducing benefits like paid parental leave. Brenk’s community service work extends to numerous organizations including Rainbow Health and WorkLife Partnership.