WHO IS ASANDC?
Three neighborhoods. One commitment. ASANDC has served Rondo, Frogtown, and Summit-University since 1980 — and we're writing our next chapter.
Born from the block, built by the community
Aurora St. Anthony Neighborhood Development Corporation (ASANDC), founded in 1980 by Ronald (Ron) Pauline and Rondo's neighborhood block clubs, is one of Saint Paul's oldest Black-led community development organizations. For more than four decades, ASANDC has served the historic Rondo, Frogtown, and Summit-University neighborhoods as a trusted anchor institution.
Rondo is a community shaped by both extraordinary cultural legacy and deliberate harm. In the 1960s, the construction of Interstate 94 destroyed more than 600 homes and 300 Black-owned businesses, erasing roughly $90 million in generational wealth. That loss was not incidental — it was the result of policy choices that systematically dismantled one of Saint Paul's most vibrant Black communities.
ASANDC's work has always been grounded in the conviction that Black families and communities deserve stable housing, economic opportunity, and the ability to build and pass on wealth.
remember rondo
Rondo was a thriving African American community in St. Paul. In the 1960s, the construction of Interstate 94 destroyed much of what had been built. This is what was lost — and what endures.
Forty-six years of impact
— and counting.
Over four decades, the organization has built more than 300 affordable homes, developed 18,000 square feet of commercial space, and walked alongside more than 680 entrepreneurs
— each one a step toward the generational prosperity Rondo has always deserved.
Prosper St.Paul-Renter leadership council, 2026
Legacy Stabilization Collaborative, 2026
Affordable Homes
Commercial Space
From that legacy, asandc works on two fronts-building from the inside out.
programs built around people
ASANDC's programs are designed around the real needs of families in Rondo, Frogtown, and Summit-University — and open to all who call these rich, diverse neighborhoods home.
infrastructure built to last
The Legacy Stabilization Collaborative brings together anchor institutions across Saint Paul and Minneapolis — building the shared infrastructure and staying power that keeps these organizations rooted and effective for generations to come. ASANDC serves as convener, holding the space for peer-led learning, shared strategy, and collective sustainability.
Our foundation
Vision
A thriving, connected community where cultural legacy, civic power, and shared prosperity shape equitable systems and uplift families across generations.
mission
Rooted in the resilient legacy of historic Rondo, we advance cultural and economic opportunity-nurturing community wealth, empowering families, and cultivating generational prosperity.
Guiding Pillars
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We honor our responsibility to the community by showing up as trusted conveners, careful stewards, and catalysts for collective progress.
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We invest in strategies that build shared prosperity, ownership, and long-term economic power rooted in the people and neighborhoods we serve. Long-term economic power rooted in the people and neighborhoods we serve.
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We support families in healing from systemic harm, reclaiming agency, and building the power to thrive across generations.
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We build programs and pipelines that expand opportunity—not just for today, but for the futures our children and grandchildren deserve.
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We stand boldly for justice while working alongside partners and residents to co-create solutions that reflect community wisdom.
Our lEADERSHIP
ASANDC is guided by our President and a Board of Directors whose perspectives span community engagement, social services, and equity — all in service of family empowerment and community wealth building in Rondo and across the Twin Cities.
TATIANA FREEMAN
PRESIDENT
Tatiana is deeply committed to strengthening communities and creating a more equitable Minnesota for all its residents. With a robust background in banking and financial literacy, youth development, and entrepreneurship, she is dedicated to spurring economic vitality, fostering collaboration, and uplifting dynamic leaders across the state.
Tatiana's journey in community empowerment began with her expertise in banking and financial literacy, where she focused on equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to achieve financial stability. Her passion for youth development and entrepreneurship has driven her to mentor young leaders and support emerging businesses, always with an eye toward fostering sustainable growth and opportunity.
In March 2021, Tatiana launched Nosh Posh during the global pandemic. She envisioned a world where communities lacking access to healthy snacks and meals could rely on Nosh Posh to bridge the gap, providing nutritious, convenient, and high-quality food options regardless of zip code. As the CEO & Founder, she positioned Nosh Posh as a health-conscious snack food curator, sourcing exclusively from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and women-owned businesses.
Tatiana's role as a founder has fueled her passion for connecting with fellow entrepreneurs and supporting them in accessing the resources needed for growth. She is committed to creating generational wealth and helping founders of color scale their businesses, ensuring that economic opportunity is accessible to all.
In her current capacity as the President of Aurora St. Anthony Neighborhood Development Corporation (ASANDC), Tatiana continues to drive her vision of equitable economic development. She looks forward to collaborating with like-minded individuals and organizations to uplift communities and create a thriving Minnesota for everyone.
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Mer’Ce Tyler
BOARD CHAIR
Mer’Ce’s vision is a future where marginalized communities are equipped with the economic, political, and social tools they need to thrive. She is the founder of MerceGrace Consulting, offering strategic coaching, advocacy, and leadership development to small small businesses.
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Felicia-Marie Wilson
BOARD SECRETARY
Felicia-Marie Wilson is an experienced social services and behavioral health practitioner with more than 20 years of clinical and direct service experience. She brings extensive expertise in team leadership, social work, targeted case management, and mental health services. -
Clara Lewis
BOARD MEMBER
Clara is a native Minnesotan, born and raised in North Minneapolis. She currently is the Director of Community Engagement at Northside Economic Opportunity Network (NEON) in North Minneapolis. -
Marissa J. Sanders
BOARD MEMBER
Marissa is a community engagement leader and advocate with nearly two decades of experience advancing equity for families, children, and people with disabilities. She currently serves as a Community Engagement Consultant with the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families. -
Ashley (Storm) Oolman
BOARD MEMBER
Ashley leans into a multidisciplinary innovative approach to remove barriers and solve challenges at the institution and systems level. With more than twenty years leadership experience in advocacy, business innovation, and culture transformation, she understands how to navigate complex environments and provide actionable insights for reconciliation and visible forward motion.
We are seeking thoughtful, community-minded leaders who are passionate about strengthening neighborhoods, advancing economic opportunity, and supporting Black-led institutions in the twin-cities.
We are actively seeking individuals who have expertise in finance or accounting. Other helpful skillsets include community development, legal, governance, and fundraising / philanthropy.
Serve on the Board of Directors
