Literacy Minnesota Announces Transitional Leadership

Anton Jones, who has served as President since December 2022, announced his decision to step down effective September 1, 2025. During his time at Literacy Minnesota, Anton established a new adult learning center in North Minneapolis, expanded pre-GED® programming and reshaped Literacy Minnesota’s current mission and vision. We are grateful for his dedication and passion as an advocate of adult education and lifelong learning.

The Board of Directors has begun the process of managing a smooth transition. In the short term, Literacy Minnesota’s Director of Human Resources Wendy Berry and Director of Operations António Raquel will co-lead the day-to-day work.

Wendy Berry, Interim Co-President and Human Resources Director (she/they)

Wendy Berry is the Director of Human Resources at Literacy Minnesota. With over 15 years of HR experience, Wendy most recently led all people-related functions as a solo HR department for a nonprofit dedicated to ending HIV, combating health disparities and breaking down barriers for marginalized and historically underserved communities across Minnesota.

Wendy holds a BA in Industrial & Organizational Psychology from Metro State University. They are deeply committed to ongoing formal and informal learning and collaboration, with a focus on removing barriers and fostering inclusion within and beyond the workplace. She also holds a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) Certification.

Outside of work, Wendy was elected to the West St. Paul City Council in 2019 as the city’s first openly queer councilperson, where they work diligently to engage residents and build a strong sense of belonging and pride in the community. They also serve on the Boards of the South Metro Fire Department and the League of Minnesota Cities. Wendy and her wife founded West St. Paul Pride in 2019 to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community in and around West St. Paul. To contact Wendy, please email her at [email protected].

António Raquel, Interim Co-President and Operations Director (he/him)

As Literacy Minnesota’s Director of Operations, António works to streamline systems and promote efficiency across programs. António has built his career at the intersection of community service, operations and technology, with over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector. He began as a volunteer with Rainbow Health, where his dedication to equity and compassion quickly grew into professional roles supporting individuals and families in need.

António’s experience includes managing facility build-outs and relocations, guiding large-scale technology implementations and negotiating vendor partnerships that save costs while improving efficiency. Through this work, António has consistently focused on aligning systems and strategies with mission-driven goals, ensuring that organizations remain responsive and resilient in serving their communities.

As an immigrant and naturalized citizen, António knows firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate systems and opportunities in a new culture. This perspective deepens his connection to the mission of Literacy Minnesota, as he sees literacy as a cornerstone of equity and empowerment—opening doors to education, employment and civic participation. To contact António, please email him at [email protected].

Later this fiscal year we will launch a search for the next President to guide Literacy Minnesota into its next chapter. We are confident that with the strength of our staff, volunteers, AmeriCorps members and supporters, Literacy Minnesota will continue its legacy of connecting people to transformative learning, sparking innovation in literacy and mobilizing change in this currently evolving education climate.

Please join us in thanking Anton for his service, and to Wendy and Antonio as they work collaboratively with the board, staff and others to ensure the success of the organization. We look forward to keeping you updated as we move through this transition.