Getting a seat at a big table

The Minnesota Historical Society (MNHS) has a lofty mission: to serve all people of Minnesota by creating powerful engagement with history to cultivate curiosity and foster a more inclusive, empathetic and informed society. The organization shares and preserves our state’s history through a network of historical sites, museums, exhibitions, collections, research and education programming.

So, when MNHS first asked Jenn Murray, manager, solutions marketing, to join its board of directors, she was hesitant. While Jenn has a long history of volunteering in the community and experience leading a nonprofit organization, she had never served on a nonprofit board. And this is a big one.

“It was a big deal and a big commitment,” Jenn explained. She would be replacing Warren Zaccaro, Securian’s executive vice president and CFO, who had served on MNHS’s board for nine years. He recruited Jenn for election after reaching his term limit knowing she could offer a unique perspective as a businessperson, a female and a person of Native American heritage.

Bringing a Native voice and perspective

Jenn was born and raised in rural North Dakota and is Arikara from the MHA Nation. Her grandparents lived on the Fort Berthold Reservation, and Jenn and her family grew up nearby in the small town of Douglas, which then had a population of approximately 75.

“When I was wrestling with this decision, I called my best friend, and she encouraged me to take this step,” Jenn explained. “She reminded me that anytime there can be Native voice at the table, we need to be there with our presence and our perspective.’”

Jenn said ‘yes’ and joined the board in January 2024. She’s glad she did. The board has done a terrific job of making new members feel welcome and included, and she is encouraged to share her viewpoint.

Telling Minnesota's history

Jenn serves on the Development Committee and the Collections and Digital Preservation Committee. She loves the experience. “When you think about history, you think it may be mundane, but this is anything but. There are many challenging conversations and decisions to be made, and they are not taken lightly.”

In order to ensure the full history of Minnesota is told, MNHS works in collaboration with all 11 sovereign Tribal nations in Minnesota, as well as Native communities throughout North America with ties to the region. Its Native American Initiatives Department is responsible for coordinating this consultation, and for developing the vision and strategy of incorporating Native content throughout its programs and services.

“Sometimes, it takes new board members a couple years to get acclimated to MNHS, but Jennifer has been a great board member from the get-go. She asks insightful questions and it’s evident that she cares about not just the work that we’re doing, but the people doing the work.” said Kent Whitworth, MNHS’s director and CEO, “I am so grateful to have Jennifer on the MNHS board!”                    

Securian has strong connection to MNHS

Securian has had a strong relationship with MNHS for many years through board participation and financial support and is currently a presenting sponsor of MNHS’s new exhibit “Girlhood (It’s complicated).”

The exhibit explores how girls and young women have influenced politics, education, work, health and fashion and features artifacts from the Smithsonian Institution. MNHS added to the exhibit, telling the history of women’s basketball. Girls played Minnesota’s first recorded basketball game in 1893 and have continually shaped – and been shaped by – the game.

Jenn took part in the opening celebration for the event by cutting the ribbon and was proud to represent Securian. “This exhibit will spark thoughtful and important conversations,” Jenn said, adding that she looks forward to taking her daughters, Olivia, age 6, and Josephine, age 8, to the exhibit. Jenn and her husband Nick are also parents to Kolden, age 4.

Jenn’s long history of volunteering

While serving on the MNHS board is her first board position, Jenn has been volunteering and giving to her community for decades.

“Throughout my career at Securian, I’ve taken advantage of many volunteer opportunities. The company really makes it easy, often bringing the opportunities right to our campus. In my personal life, I’ve always been drawn to working within the Native American community.”

That commitment to community began when Jenn attended Moorhead State University. While pursuing a degree in business administration, she tutored high school students as part of her capstone project and was the president of the Native American student association.

She continued volunteering when she moved to St. Paul to obtain her MBA at Augsburg College, working with Native American families in the Early Childhood Family Education program.

Jenn is now the chair of the Mahtomedi Native American Parent Advisory committee and is working with the state’s Department of Education and Curriculum to better support Native students in the district.

Advice for others

For others looking to get involved in volunteering, Jenn said we all have something to offer. “Know that you have unique lived experiences that are meaningful and should be shared.”

In turn, you can learn and grow from your experiences and maybe even get a seat at the table.