06/09/2026
Last week was a wonderful reminder that creating meaningful experiences can change lives.
We were honored to hear from Mark Ostrom of Joy Collaborative, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit dedicated to designing and building joyful, therapeutic spaces for people with life-limiting and complex medical conditions.
Through initiatives like Joy Rooms, Joy Mobile, and Joy Zone, the organization is creating environments that bring comfort, hope, and moments of joy to individuals and families when they need it most.
We also had the pleasure of hearing from our exchange student, Riko, who shared her experiences and reflections from her time here. Her heartfelt presentation demonstrated the lasting impact that cultural exchange, new friendships, and shared experiences can have on a person's life. It was clear to everyone in the room how much this journey has meant to her.
Although their stories were different, they shared a common message: whether it's transforming a physical space or opening the door to new experiences, investing in people has the power to create a lasting impact.
