Staff and Leadership | dragonfly-project

EMMA DEBRUIN ~ Chair

I became involved with TDP at a young age and was immediately drawn to its mission. This passion led me to begin organizing packet events with middle school students. Eager to contribute further, I joined the Board in 2022 and recently stepped into the role of Chair.

I’m a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where I organized several card packet events alongside fellow business students. During my time on campus, I also served as President of the co-ed business fraternity Delta Sigma Psi. This leadership role allowed me to build strong connections, foster collaboration, and engage deeply with the business community.

I recently began my professional career as an Associate Customer Manager at Plexus, supporting clients in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, attending concerts, painting, and traveling internationally to explore new cultures, art, and architecture.

KAREN BONDE ~ Vice Chair

Hello, my name is Karen Bonde and I joined The Dragonfly Project Board in March 2018. I’m currently holding the position of Vice Chair on the Board.

As many of you know, this organization started when Anne Brooker and her mother sent the Dragonfly story to the family of Hans Bonde months after he passed away from a brain tumor. Hans was my nephew, who was years beyond his age in relating to people. At only ten years young, he could easily make conversations with grandma and grandpa, his parents, family, friends and girls! Something about his character made people comfortable around him. I was with him when he peacefully passed away at age 11. Seeing the strength of my brother Pete and his wife Julie was beyond comprehension. They spent a little over a year making life as normal as possible for their three other boys while Hans was sick. Even though family and friends were there to offer help and support it wasn’t enough to fill the loss of their son. When Anne sent the Dragonfly story months later, it was a perfect gift of hope and the sense of Hans’ presence.

I’ve been involved in The Dragonfly Project since the beginning, not in an active way, but more of a supportive matter. When I was asked to be on the board, that was a step up to being involved in the mission. It has been an honor to be on the board, reading so many stories of heartbreak that have been comforted in receiving the Dragonfly story.

Currently, I’m involved in organizing the Annual Celebration, the bi-annual Newsletter, writing the Annual Report and overseeing the “GiveMN” fundraising event in November.

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JENNIFER DEBRUIN ~ Secretary

I have been involved with The Dragonfly Project (TDP) for nearly 15 years, first introduced to the organization through my employer – and I was instantly drawn to its mission. What began with leading packet events alongside co-workers quickly grew into a deeper commitment as an Adopt-a-State volunteer. In 2020, I was honored to expand my involvement by joining TDP Board of Directors.

Volunteering has always been a passion of mine. In addition to my work with TDP, I’ve served as a Wish Granter with Make-a-Wish, helping bring joy to over 40 children and families. I’m also actively involved with Feeding America, where I regularly assist with food sorting, packaging, and assembly to help fight hunger in our communities. Outside of work, I cherish time with my family – my husband John, and our adult children Emma and Cole. We love to travel and enjoy the outdoors (as long as it’s not winter!) I also enjoy hiking, playing cards and board games, and talking walks with our dog, Bella. Whether through TDP or other causes close to my heart, I’m committed to making a difference, one small act of kindness at a time.

WINDA ROETS ~ Treasurer

Joy is an attorney and a data risk and privacy business advisor. She helps her clients manage risks while implementing sustainable data protection strategies. She is the oldest of six and a mother of a budding teenage son. She enjoys traveling and trying out new cuisine and experiences with friends and family.

PETE BONDE ~ Member at Large

Pete grew up on a farm in southern Minnesota. He went to Dana College where he met his wife Julie. Together they raised four sons in the Twin Cities. He retired from 37 years at Thrivent in 2019. In 2000, their third son died from brain cancer at the age of 11. The card they received with The Dragonfly Story changed their grief journey and their response was the catalyst for The Dragonfly Project origins.

Pete was on the original board of directors that started in 2005. In 2016 he became the Executive Director. In 2024 he resigned from that position and became a board member again. His main focus at The Dragonfly Project is managing the computers and the software which includes volunteer support. He also manages the inventory and does some financial management.

Pete remarked, “I enjoy spreading a message of hope to those who are grieving and seeing how our mission impacts people’s lives. I want to see the organization stay around for many more years. I would also like to see The Dragonfly Project help our culture to understand that grieving is not a class or process that you work to completion. It is not something that you get over, but it is a lifelong journey. And it is encouraging to see how the simple act of giving someone a card with The Dragonfly Story and a keychain helps them in their journey of grief.”

JORGEN LERVICK ~ Member at Large

I became involved with TDP at a young age and was immediately drawn to its mission. This passion led me to begin organizing packet events with middle school students. Eager to contribute further, I joined the Board in 2022 and recently stepped into the role of Chair.

I’m a recent graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where I organized several card packet events alongside fellow business students. During my time on campus, I also served as President of the co-ed business fraternity Delta Sigma Psi. This leadership role allowed me to build strong connections, foster collaboration, and engage deeply with the business community.

I recently began my professional career as an Associate Customer Manager at Plexus, supporting clients in the Aerospace and Defense sector. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, attending concerts, painting, and traveling internationally to explore new cultures, art, and architecture.

SHERRIE WAGNER ~ Member at Large

I have been involved with The Dragonfly Project (TDP) for nearly 15 years, first introduced to the organization through my employer – and I was instantly drawn to its mission. What began with leading packet events alongside co-workers quickly grew into a deeper commitment as an Adopt-a-State volunteer. In 2020, I was honored to expand my involvement by joining TDP Board of Directors.

Volunteering has always been a passion of mine. In addition to my work with TDP, I’ve served as a Wish Granter with Make-a-Wish, helping bring joy to over 40 children and families. I’m also actively involved with Feeding America, where I regularly assist with food sorting, packaging, and assembly to help fight hunger in our communities. Outside of work, I cherish time with my family – my husband John, and our adult children Emma and Cole. We love to travel and enjoy the outdoors (as long as it’s not winter!) I also enjoy hiking, playing cards and board games, and talking walks with our dog, Bella. Whether through TDP or other causes close to my heart, I’m committed to making a difference, one small act of kindness at a time.

Staff & Leadership