Maria’s Voice
Board of Directors
Bill Pew - Board Member
Bill comes to the Board with the best qualification. Dad to Maria Pew. Best job, most fun, most amazing daughter ever. Bill guides Maria’s Voice from Maria’s and her family’s experience to educate communities about the common signs of domestic violence. His presence at conventions, community events and presentations highlight the importance of men’s voices to prevent a problem that negatively impacts all areas of society. Maria’s fur baby Rocky is Bill’s baby too, long walks and naps included.
Bill’s professional life included leadership in commercial construction and real estate development, leading and developing teams throughout the US. He, Maria and wife Lissa especially enjoyed jobs in warm climates. Bill is a lifelong community volunteer and networker, loves to cook, hunt, boat and fish. He is a Chaska Lion, a retriever club officer, and a good neighbor.
Allison Miller - Board Member
Allison Miller is a mental health professional with a passion for learning and development. Her experience working in corrections, schools, social services, private practice, and healthcare has given her insight and understanding of the complexities of relationships. Allison knows that safety in relationships and environments is paramount for individuals to grow into their highest potential and to live out the truth of who they are. As a therapist, Allison collaborates with individuals, couples, and families to create safety, trust, accountability, and positive change. She is keenly aware of the devastating impact of unsafe and unhealthy relationships on individuals and their families.
Allison stands beside Maria’s Voice to inspire communities by providing awareness, education, and safe action. She is pleased to make domestic abuse prevention her business and to encourage others to make it their business too.
Allison enjoys being in nature--watching the sunrise, hiking, birdwatching, and spending time with her dog.
Diane Fischer - Board Treasurer
Diane spent her career in the financial services industry focusing on the business side of banking. She worked for several large and community banks within the Twin Cities market and recently retired from Northeast Bank. Diane is also a small business owner providing logo items to companies for employee and customer retention and new client growth.
For many years, Diane served on several non-profit boards. Her active participation for eight years with the Alexandra House Board provides the background she brings to Maria’s Voice. Her goal is to provide education to recognize domestic violence signs, thus minimizing or eliminating the need for shelters. Diane had the opportunity to know Maria through her close friendship with Lissa and Bill and is proud to support their vision to end domestic violence.
Bianca Monique Dawkins - Board Member
Bianca Dawkins is the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Senior Coordinator for the MN Timberwolves & Lynx and the Co-Chair for the Black Elevation Alliance with over 12 years of experience in philanthropy and working alongside game changing leaders who challenge the status quo. Bianca holds many roles in her community as a board member, facilitator of racial equity conversations and an advocate for youth empowerment. She is a powerful force in her community encouraging others to work hard and succeed. Bianca also enjoys spending time with her children, being outside and learning new ways to be a better servant leader for all!
Bianca believes, wholeheartedly, that the Mission of Maria's Voice to end domestic violence is game changing. She believes everyone should be able to experience healthy love and know that any form of violence isn't love. Bianca also wants young girls to know they deserve love and to experience love that is safe and warm. She also thinks that the way Maria's family turned their pain into advocacy is true love for Maria, and admires them for supporting other women.
Lyn Stepaniak - Board Chair
Lyn is a Public Health professional. With a BA in nursing, Lyn’s career includes tenure at Medtronic in product education and patient services. Lyn has served on multiple boards, including the Anoka County Public Health Advisory Board and Clearway MN, addressing community health concerns and strategizing plans to address those needs. As a community volunteer, Lyn has been integral in helping others, including domestic violence shelters and emergency housing.
Lyn feels honored to bring her public health background, marketing skills and personal dedication to help Maria’s Voice prevent domestic abuse to create safe homes and healthy communities.
Katie Zerull - Board Member
Katie has been working with the Bloomington Police Department as a Crime Prevention Specialist for 7 years. Her role includes running a highly successful Neighborhood Watch program, planning small and large events, and educating the community on how to protect themselves, decreasing their chances of being a victim of a crime. Her work allows her to partner with law enforcement and citizens on proactive policing with the goal of creating a safer community.
When she’s not working or running 3 kids to activities, you’ll find her diving into creative projects, camping with her family, hiking, kayaking, or traveling. Her travels have brought her backpacking through Europe, to Hong Kong, the summit of Kilimanjaro, and volcanoes of Iceland and many places in-between.
Marquelle Theis - Board Member
Marquelle is the Assistant City Prosecutor for the City of Maple Grove. She graduated from the University of St. Thomas School of Law, and has since spent the entirety of her legal career focusing on criminal prosecution and victim advocacy.
Marquelle has a passion for helping victims of violent crime. She provides insight to Maria’s Voice from a prosecution background and approaches her work and volunteerism with great passion and determination. Markie educates people in the community on how prevalent domestic violence is, and desires to break the stigma associated with victimization. In her free time, you can find her on walks or playing at the dog park with her dalmatian Ox.