Executive Director & Founder
Nicki Hangsleben
Nicki (they/she) is the Executive Director and Founder of QUEERSPACE collective, an organization that creates space for LGBTQ+ youth to feel safe and empowered to be their true selves.
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Nicki is a seasoned leader with more than 2 decades of experience in mission-driven organizations. Before taking the leap to create QUEERSPACE IN 2021, they held a range of roles in special education, public radio, and international development.
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With a unique skillset that combines innovation and vision with analytical ingenuity and financial acumen, Nicki is just as excited to build an organizational budget as they are to strategize about the next big partnership. In a span of 3 years, they have aptly guided QUEERSPACE from a “paper napkin” concept to a thriving, award-winning organization.
The work of QUEERSPACE, and Nicki’s transformational leadership and vision, has been recognized by the AFP-MN National Philanthropy Award (2023), the Fowler Business Innovation Award (2020), Quorum's Nonprofit of the Year Award (2021), a Lavender Magazine Community Leadership Award (2024). Nicki was also named a Minnesota Vikings Hometown Hero in 2021 and they received a community award in 2022 from the Minnesota Lynx.
Nicki is frequently called on by community organizations and advocacy groups to offer their perspective and counsel on issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community, especially young people. Currently, they serve as a community advisor to Children's Minnesota and also Habitat for Humanity Twin Cities.
Nicki has a BS from University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and an MBA from the University of Saint Thomas – Opus College of Business. They grew up in South Minneapolis surrounded by a vibrant LGBTQ+ community. Nicki currently lives in Minneapolis with their wife and two amazing kids. When they're not advocating for a more just and equitable world, they are likely deep into a home renovation project, enjoying live music, or rejuvenating at their beloved tiny house nestled on a beautiful bluff in southwestern Wisconsin.
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