Welcome from the Board of Directors

Michelle Winn is co-founder and CEO of Blink23. Michelle’s expertise in retail, merchandising,
supply chain management and her genuine desire to help businesses in developing countries
guide vision and strategies for Blink23. Prior to founding Blink23, Michelle was VP of
International Business Development and VP of Marketing at Frontiir, leading internet service
provider in Myanmar. Previously, Michelle managed merchandise planning at Coach
International, partnering with distributors in Australia, Latin America, Middle East and Southeast
Asia. Michelle’s experiences in fashion and luxury retail also include heading Strategic Planning
at MaxMara for North America Retail, maximizing sales and growth via inventory management,
brand matrix optimization and increasing the profit margins. At Christian Dior Couture, Michelle
led retail planning. She began her luxury retail career in the highly selective retail management
program at Louis Vuitton. Before her career in luxury retail industry, Michelle led a successful
career in civil and structural engineering. Michelle holds a B.S.C.E. from Utah State University
and an M.B.A. from MIT Sloan School of Management with focus in Strategic Management. She
grew up in Myanmar and is passionate about philanthropy and giving back to local communities.

Thet Mon Aye holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from University College London and a Master of Finance from Tulane University as a Fulbright Scholar. She is the recipient of the Forbes 30 Under 30 award in 2016 for her own startup in Ticketing.

 

Mr. Kyi Min has over 20 years of experience in the education sector, being a school
principal at an international school in Yangon Myanmar for ten years and another
ten years working in America. He worked as an educator in middle school, high
school and also at a Community College System in Houston, Texas. While working at
an international school in Yangon as the school principal, he turned the school
around to become a registered Cambridge International school. He established
another K-12 school in Yangon as the Principal of the school in 2023.
Mr. Min is constantly involved with facilitating teachers in creating a positive and
nurturing environment, managing discipline issues, promoting a conducive learning
environment and implementing research-based instructional programs focused on
student academic growth as the school leader. He inspired students to become
responsible and confident individuals as they become leaders of the next generation.
Throughout his educational career, he has built strong relationships by
communicating and collaborating with parents/guardians, peers and school
administrators. He believes in achieving success as a team.
Mr. Kyi Min earned his bachelor’s degree in Computer Information System from the
University of Houston – Downtown and Associates in Applied Science degree from
Houston Community College System.

Zin Htay has an associate degree in Nursing and 5 years experience as a clinical assistant. She also has 12 years of experience in Medical Interpreter and Facilitating cross-cultural communication by serving as a cultural liaison, providing proficient interpreting services to bridge language barriers between clients from diverse industries and individuals with limited English proficiency. Now, she is working with MDH as a public hotline agent and am currently pursuing positions that will help a company/organization reach its goals for sustainable health. Providing guidance, information, and scheduling for community vaccination and testing sites with expert knowledge of Public Health policy and roles to provide current resources as an MDH Covid-19 Public Inquiry Liaison.

Additionally, she dedicates her time to community service, assisting with various needs and supporting parents of special needs children in locating resources to ensure inclusion and adequate support for these deserving individuals.

Dr. Renee Corneille was born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in Rochester, Minnesota. She considers herself a true Clevelander, and is extremely proud of her 100% Italian roots. Corneille currently resides in St. Anthony with her husband Mike, daughter Gianna, and son Luca. She is an avid runner, with a goal of running in all 50 states. She enjoys spending time with her family, and rooting on the St. Anthony Huskies. As a former varsity softball player for the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, she credits much of her leadership skills, grit, and determination to athletics, activities and team sports (and of course, her 100% Italian roots).

Education background

Corneille graduated from Mayo High School in Rochester, Minnesota, and continued her educational career at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UofM). She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, with a minor in history, from the UofM. She then went on to earn her Masters in Education, and Doctorate in Education, at the UofM. She also obtained both her Principal License and Superintendent License from the UofM. Corneille is currently the Superintendent of St. Anthony-New Brighton School District (ISD282), in St. Anthony, Minnesota. This is a role she has held since 2018. Learn more about ISD282 at isd282.org/AboutUs

Career in K-12 education

Corneille’s career in education began in 1998 at Bloomington Public Schools (BPS) in Minnesota. For seven years she was their varsity softball coach. During this time, she was also a teacher at their middle and high schools for a total of five years. Then in 2006, she moved into an administrative role at BPS and was named the Middle School Dean of Students. She held this position for a total of two years, before becoming the Middle School Assistant Principal at BPS. In 2010, Corneille left BPS for a position as Principal of St. Anthony Middle School, at the St. Anthony-New Brighton School District (ISD282). Shortly after, she was named the Interim-Principal at St. Anthony Village High School. In 2012, Corneille took on additional roles as the Director of Technology, and the Director of Teaching and Learning at ISD282. She held this dual-role for a total of six years. Cornielle is incredibly passionate about ensuring children are seen, heard and cared for while they are at school. She’s dedicated her life’s work toward kids receiving high-quality education, high support, and equitable access to education and resources.

Career in higher education

In addition to her K-12 educational work, Corneille also holds positions as a facilitator for the Minnesota Principals' Academy, and as an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota’s Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development program.

Honors, awards

Corneille is not one to boast about her own accomplishments; she is really in it for the kids and their life-long success. Yet, she understands the importance of demonstrating achievement (again, this was difficult for her to do; she’d much rather brag about the accomplishments of others—especially kids). Below is a list of awards and honors that she has received over the years:

Winner of the 2021 Richard Green Scholar Award from Minnesota Association of School Administrators for a White Paper: Schooling and Education in The St. Anthony-New Brighton Using Context to Help Understand This Moment and Provide a Path for the Future.

Received University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) Excellence in Education Leadership Award 2017: (http://www.ucea.org/2017/10/05/recognizing-strong-school-leadership-national-p rincipals-month/)

Selected as Minnesota’s 1999 Sallie Mae First Class Teacher Award:

(https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/1999/10/06/06honors.h19.html)

Honored as University of Minnesota Women’s Athletics 1999 Alum of the Year.

University of Minnesota Varsity Softball, Four-year Letter winner 1993-1997.

Academic All-Big Ten, 1996 and 1997.