Candidates
Hayley Balzano
The DMS is important for our community and members because of the resources, classes and knowledge of the members. I moved to Duluth in 2025 and quickly came to appreciate all that the DMS has become, especially the other members. Being a volunteer run organization, the DMS relies on an atmosphere of camaraderie and a willingness to show up and do work. I believe the role of the board is to be good stewards of the assets we have as we move forward. The nature of a creative cooperative means that most of us are involved in multiple responsibilities and we might struggle with organization or prioritization, so I think having grace, kindness, and understanding within our community is important. My philosophy within groups is to lead by the example; behaving how I believe is most beneficial to the whole.
I am a person who is willing to show up, get my hands dirty and do the work to make our spaces and resources better. I believe in fostering member engagement with social gatherings that are fun and interesting. My experience as a secretary for two different rock and mineral clubs will benefit the DMS. I look forward to the opportunity to serve the members of the DMS if I am elected to a position on the board and I am excited for the future of the DMS.
Hannah Bourgault
I have been a member of the makerspace for 5? Years now. I started as a member looking to join the pottery studio, then a pottery studio manager, a social media manager and now I am also on the board! I’ve been on the board for the last two years and would love to hold my space to further some projects that were just getting started on. I’m excited to continue growing the Makerspace, and spreading the word about what a great place it is. My goal for the board in these upcoming years is to increase membership, increase awareness, and to get some great building projects finished!
Jesse Ferguson
I have been a member of Duluth MakerSpace since 2017 and have spent seven of those years serving on the Board as Secretary.
During that time, I have taken on many different roles at the space. I’ve been a Tech Shop Manager, helping purchase and maintain both our current and previous generations of 3D printers. I helped create our orientation when there was no formal process for new members to join, helped run our social media accounts, and more recently led the update of our bylaws. My role has become more administrative, so you may not see me around the space as often, but my work supporting DMS continues behind the scenes.
One of my goals going forward is to make it easier for members to find meaningful ways to participate in DMS. Being a volunteer, Shop Manager, or Board member should come with a clearer sense of purpose, responsibility, and opportunity to contribute.
Being a member of DMS has helped me grow my own skills and feel more connected to our community, while also leading to opportunities and unexpected experiences along the way (like crawling through the attic of a Pizza Hut). I would like to continue helping create a welcoming environment where our members have those same opportunities to learn and grow.
Jami Rosenthal
I was part owner/bookkeeper/served as president for two years at Pineapple Arts Center and Supply. I’ve done comedy for, like, 4 years approximately and helped Twin Ports Comedy become a nonprofit with Cam’s help. I now serve on their board. I helped write the Art Project ARAC grant that TPC was recently awarded. I also work full time as a Montessori preschool guide and volunteer at Ecumen hospice once a week