Q&A with Caitlin Vander Wal

As Northspan’s operations specialist, Caitlin Vander Wal provides administrative support for day-to-day operations, including maintenance for the Northland Connection, NORTHFORCE, and Welcoming Community programs.

Prior to joining Northspan, Caitlin was a communications and data specialist with Community Action Duluth. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she majored in anthropology, linguistics, and German studies.

Q: How did you join the team?

I joined Northspan in February of 2023 after hearing about the opportunity from community members.

Q: What drew you to your current role?

I was drawn to my role by the diversity of work Northspan does and by the amount of change they are creating in the Northland. Additionally, I enjoy being in supportive roles that help enable my teammates to succeed.

Q: What’s your favorite aspect about your work so far? 

I have enjoyed listening to focus groups for strategic planning and seeing the different viewpoints that make an organization succeed. The community has such knowledgeable people and it is fun to see them come together for discussion.

Connect with Caitlin by phone at (218) 481-7737 or by email at cvanderwal@northspan.org