Our Team.
STAFF
Kalista Mangahas | She/Her
Associate Executive Director
Kalista Mangahas is a graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead where she received her degree in Communications.
She started working at Students United in June 2016 as the Office Manager and in June 2018 became the Director of Operations. Kalista is excited to be given the opportunity to work with passionate, student leaders and will continue to advocate on their behalf.
Prior to working for Students United, Kalista worked at a local news station in Fargo, ND.
When she is not out planning Students United events, advocating for students, or doing operational tasks, you can find Kalista hidden away in a blanket fort watching an uncomfortable amount of HGTV or strolling the streets of St. Paul.
Patrick Duffy | He/Him
Executive Director
Patrick brings more than 25 years of experience as an educator, social studies teacher, principal, district leader, university instructor, and leadership coach to his role as Executive Director of Students United. Throughout his career, he has focused on developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and creating learning communities where every student has the opportunity to lead, belong, and thrive.
Dr. Duffy served in leadership roles across Minnesota, leading work in teaching and learning, leadership development, curriculum and instruction, equity, and organizational development. He also serves as an adjunct professor of educational leadership at the University of Minnesota and is the founder of Becoming Leadership Group, where he partners with schools and organizations to strengthen leadership identity and support strategic planning. Patrick is the author of Becoming an Antiracist School Leader: Dare to Be Real (Teachers College Press) and is currently writing his second book, exploring how schools can energize the spirit of their communities.
Outside of work, he enjoys running and biking around the Twin Cities, attending sporting events and the theater, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends.
Dr. Meg Bartlett-Chase | She/Her
Director of Programs
Meg earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities in Psychology.
She then worked as a sex educator and crisis counselor for several years before deciding to continue her education at the University of Iowa in Education Policy & Leadership Studies. She completed her M.A. in 2020 and completed her Ph.D. in November of 2022.
Meg is passionate about finding new ways to empower students to use their voices for social change and self-advocacy. Outside of Students United, Meg loves to spoil her dog Archie, keep a respectful distance from her cat Barney, and visit local bookstores!
Grant Berg | He/Him
Communications Director
Grant graduated from Augsburg University with a degree in history in 2020. Grant got his start in advocacy as a student organizer, and quickly found his niche in communications.
In his free time, you can find him bird watching, reading a John Steinbeck novel, or walking around Minneapolis.
Adam Thompson | He/Him
Campus Relations Manager
Adam Thompson serves as the Advocacy Coordinator for Students United, working directly with students, campuses, and the Minn State Systems Office to ensure our campuses are meeting student needs.
Adam, a Winona State Alum, has always held a deep passion for students, community organizing, and politics. Adam's previous experience includes numerous political campaigns, and, of course, student government.
Jess Khan | She/Her
Development Director
Jess Khan is a passionate nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience in development, communications, and program management. She has a strong track record of building relationships, crafting compelling narratives, and driving strategies that fuel growth and impact. A lifelong champion for equity and inclusion, Jess is committed to supporting marginalized communities and expanding opportunities for students.
An adventurer at heart, Jess has backpacked through Southeast Asia, Europe, Morocco, and Mexico, and lived in Hawaii, England, and Colorado. Though she loves warm beaches, she now calls Minnesota home—where she shares life with her two energetic kids, two mischievous cats, a snuggly pitbull, and a very sweet fish.
Molly Dubois | She/Her
Student Leadership & Engagement Manager
Molly graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities with an interdisciplinary degree in Youth Studies, Political Science, and Democracy and Social Change. In her work, Molly prioritizes transitioning power within organizations and systems to equitably center young people through youth lead problem solving, design thinking, and intergenerational relationship building and partnerships.
Molly is excited to be celebrating and fighting alongside Minnesota State students for their voices to shape their experiences. When she is not connecting with students and staff, she enjoys cooking, crafting, being outside with her friends and dog, Franklin, and roller skating.
Ellie Benson | She/They
Office Manager
Ellie Benson joined the Students United team in 2026. Ellie is a nonprofit operations professional with deep roots in community organizing and movement building across Minnesota. With a decade of experience ranging from finance and fundraising to communications and HR, Ellie’s vital infrastructure work keeps nonprofits running smoothly. She cares deeply about creating inclusive institutions that are safe for people to show up authentically and wholly.
Ellie graduated with a BA from Macalester College and a Masters in Advocacy and Political Leadership (MAPL) from Metropolitan State University. You can find her somewhere on the chain of lakes or tending to her ever-expanding plant collection. She is a doting aunt to two very spoiled cats.
