Staci Horwitz joined the CLCLT in March of 2006 and serves currently as the Operations Director overseeing homeownership programming as well as the organization's property development projects.

Prior to her work with the CLCLT, Staci served as president of a small software technology firm, grant writing consultant, youth specialist, and medical sales consultant.

Staci also has experience in nonprofit administration; program development, implementation and evaluation; small business financial management; contract management; computer network design and support; and facilitating workshops on financing, community land trust stewardship, and homeowner engagement.

Outside of her work with the CLCLT, Staci has facilitated various workshops for NeighborWorks® America and Grounded Solutions Network.

Staci received her Bachelor of Arts in Dietetics from the College of St. Scholastica and lives in North Minneapolis.

Sheng Vang joined CLCLT as the Program Associate in August 2016. Following her Program Associate role, she became a CLCLT homeowner in 2018. Sheng grew professionally alongside the organization for 10 years.

She shares unique homeowner perspectives in her current role as the Social Impact Manager, blending post-purchase stewardship and support to empower homeowners towards sustainable futures.

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Sheng’s parents and her three cats live with her in her CLCLT home. When not cuddling her cats and binging shows, she enjoys traveling and catching up on her hobbies.

Julie joined CLCLT as Education Manager in May 2022.

In this role, Julie manages the homebuying process by working closely with buyers, lenders, realtors, and partners from the receipt of completed application throughout the pre-closing steps to the closing table. She leads both the CLCLT orientations and supports partnership in community organizations by facilitating educational sessions.

Prior to joining the CLCLT, Julie was an elementary special education teacher in a behavioral setting, youth programs site leader, and curriculum specialist.

Outside of her work with CLCLT, Julie enjoys riding her motorcycle, snowboarding, and rock climbing. Julie has a dog named Charlie, who frequently comes to the CLCLT office, and a hairless cat named Cardi Bean.

Aayah joined CLCLT as Media Associate in September 2026. In this role, Aayah manages the CLCLT’s media presence through marketing design, social media, and website management. As a multi-discipline artist, Aayah’s passion for advocacy and accessibility guides her creative problem-solving. She aims to enhance usability, remove barriers, and create inclusive, intuitive communication systems that engage diverse communities.

Prior to joining the CLCLT, Aayah received her BS in Interdisciplinary Studies of Diverse Advocacy Communications and UX/UI Skills with a Graphic Design Certification from Minnesota State University, Mankato. Since 2020, Aayah continues her ongoing work with SPRAYFiNGER®, the Minneapolis Graffiti Arts & Education Program, as an arts program assistant, student teacher, graphic designer, creative project developer, and advanced artist team member. 

Outside of her work with CLCLT, Aayah enjoys video gaming, crocheting/crafting, and spending time with her lovable pitbull, Moo. In-between gallery showcases, community events, and mural creations, Aayah spends time creating mixed-media graffiti art and learning new creative outlets.

Jake joined the CLCLT as Property Development Manager in February 2021. In his role, Jake manages development and rehab of CLCLT-owned properties and acts as a resource for existing CLCLT homeowners regarding home maintenance.

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Prior to the CLCLT, Jake served as President of a real estate consulting firm specializing in telecom infrastructure development. He has 20 years of experience in multi-site development including property due diligence, contract negotiation, entitlements (zoning, permitting, and other approvals), and management of architectural, engineering, and environmental services.

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Outside the CLCLT, Jake enjoys music and travel. He is an active supporter of a Northern Thailand non-profit serving Hilltribe children, following a four-month volunteer residency there in 2020.

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Jake grew up in western Wisconsin and has called Minneapolis home for 20+ years. He received his Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison while also playing ice hockey for the Badgers and obtained his MBA from the Carlson School of Management, University of Minnesota.

Joined As of 2020 and oversees office administration including Application intake, Financial Calculations Financial Bookkeeping, Resales, Capital Improvements, Facilitates Homeowner workshops for resales and Capital Improvements and supports other CLCLT staff.

Prior to coming to the CLCLT, Char worked for a nonprofit and has a strong business administration background in the surgical medical field. Char also values leading with a positive professional attitude, humility, teamwork, and continuous learning.

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Char received her BA in Business Administration from Metropolitan State University – St. Paul, and Minors in Entrepreneurship and Organizational Communications.

Char was born and raised in the Minneapolis area and enjoys singing and traveling in her spare time.

Katie Topitzhofer joined CLCLT as Program Coordinator in March 2025. In this role, she oversees the initial intake of applications. Katie works with the team to determine income eligibility of applicants as well as property eligibility for homes coming into the CLT. 

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Katie is passionate about helping others and believes everyone deserves the chance to reach their full potential. Prior to joining the CLCLT, she served in the Minnesota National Guard which helped shape her commitment to public service, teamwork, and supporting communities in meaningful ways. She also was a Phlebotomist at BioLife; supporting donors though a safe and meaningful donation experience which contributed to life-saving therapies given to patients all around the globe. 

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Outside of her work with CLCLT, Katie enjoys snowboarding, riding motorcycles, spending time with family, and hanging out with her cat named "2005 Porsche Carrera GT".