ABOUT US | Change Drivers

Our Inspiration

Driven by our experiences and passions, we founded Change Drivers to help others achieve self-sufficiency and unlock their potential.

Change Drivers started with this idea: combining backgrounds in business and personal journeys of self-sufficiency, we support New Americans in gaining independence, stabilizing their families, and fostering economic stability.

KENYA - ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA

Kenya's story is a testament to the immediate impact of gaining a driver’s license. The day after receiving her license, Kenya secured a $1 raise at work—a direct result of her newfound ability to commute independently. With enhanced mobility, Kenya can now support her family more effectively while becoming more financially stable. This includes being able to take her daughter to daycare without relying on others or incurring the costs of Uber.

Many of our participants experience similar career advancements, increased earning potential, and the ability to better support their families shortly after completing our program.

Our Team

Founder & Board President

Executive Director

Eric Mayne

Eric Mayne is a creative entrepreneur & problem solver who has founded numerous small businesses. After 30 years working in the trades, he directly experienced the shortages of dedicated workers and how lack of a driver's license affects both a person's and hiring companies’ ability to flourish and grow.

Founder

Business Strategy

Dena Mayne

Dena has broad experience in global organizations, developing and executing strategies to lead businesses through various stages of growth. Dena’s strength is helping individuals and teams do things they never thought possible, creating confidence and empowerment.

Founder & Board Vice-President

Cultural Advisor

Bruno Niyo

Bruno is an asylum seeking immigrant who is currently going through the process of re-establishing his life here in Minnesota. Bruno holds a master's degree in mechanical and electronics engineering. With Bruno living the immigration process currently himself, his unique experiences and insights help guide and shape our organization's direction.

Board Secretary

Driving Program Coordinator

Dr. Beth Borgen- Lindberg

Dr. Borgen-Lindberg is a passionate educator dedicated to lifelong learning. As a former high school principal, district office leader, and experienced driving educator, she brings solutions to complex problems. Beth provides extensive behind the wheel training for new instructors and drivers education and training to students.

Board Treasurer

Career Consultant

Noopur Curtis

Noopur is a skilled business leader adept in team development, strategic planning, and program management. With a background in corporate and agency recruiting, she focuses on bridging gaps to address human capital and social challenges. As an immigrant herself, Noopur is passionate about harnessing immigrant talent to fill workforce gaps and promote community diversity.

Board Member

Strategy & Administrative Advisor

Angela Swenson

Angela Swenson is a marketing and strategy executive. She is a passionate educator & dedicated to lifelong learning. At the core of Angela’s expertise is building tools and systems into a company's process - to help them imagine and create paths to drive significant change.

Rooted in fostering confidence for economic stability and mobility, we create a community anchored in compassion and empowerment. We recognize the complexity of the journey toward self-sufficiency and actively promote belonging, patience, and compassion.

Our Mission

Our mission is to advocate for, celebrate, and empower New Americans by promoting stability, safety, and economic mobility. We achieve this through skill-building driver training, personalized coaching, workplace integration, and community-building initiatives.

Our Values

COMPASSION

Approach each student with a heart-first mindset.
Seek to understand their background and aspirations.
Offer tailored support.
Address trust barriers by acknowledging emotional needs.

BELONGING

Cultivate cultural sensitivity.
Humanize their individual situations.
Connect meaningfully in ways that matter to each student.
Relate program benefits to their unique hurdles.

EMPOWERMENT

Build confidence through coaching.
Break actions into manageable steps.
Give control to participants.
Foster trust and confidence in the program.

PATIENCE

Support their pace.
Go above and beyond.
Encourage and walk alongside.
Empower them to lead their own journey.

Are you ready to start driving towards a new future?

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Are you ready to make a difference in a New Americans life?

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