Tommiepreneurs For Social Change

In a society that often struggles to embrace diversity and provide inclusive spaces, Nicki Hangsleben ’21 MBA (she/they) has taken it upon herself to make a difference. As the executive director and founder of QUEERSPACE collective – a social venture that is transforming the lives of LGBTQ+ youth through mentorship and community – Hangsleben is not only addressing a significant gap in the Twin Cities but also making an impact nationally.

The first mentorship program for LGBTQ+ youth in Minnesota

They embarked on their entrepreneurial journey while pursuing an MBA and a Graduate Certificate in Global Business at the Opus College of Business. In a Social Entrepreneurship course in the Part-time Flex MBA program, students were encouraged to think critically about how they would approach a challenge. Hangsleben began researching the statistics facing LGBTQ+ youth in their community and was troubled by what they learned, fueling their determination and drive to effect change.

The numbers she discovered were staggering. Eighty-five percent of LGBTQ+ youth faced discrimination in school, while 40% were part of the homeless population. They were also five times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. As Hangsleben dug deeper, she was struck by the lack of dedicated mentorship services for queer youth in the Twin Cities and nationally. Of the 5,000 youth mentorship programs nationwide, only a handful specifically supported LGBTQ+ youth.

"I started meeting with folks and kept hearing that a [mentorship] program would be an amazing resource for our community and our kids," Hangsleben said about what inspired them to take action.

Entrepreneurship competition inspires fast-track business launch

She entered the Fowler Business Concept Challenge at the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship with her concept: SparkConnect, a mentorship program for at-risk LGBTQ+ youth (now known as QUEERSPACE collective). The judges' feedback during her pitch gave her valuable insights and connections in the Twin Cities community. Encouraged by their response, she accelerated her idea. Hangsleben leaned on her MBA knowledge in organizational leadership and corporate work experience to ensure a strong start for her mission-driven venture.

My big vision is for all LGBTQ+ youth across this country to have at least one person who has their back, who is there to support them.”

QUEERSPACE collective is about empowering LGBTQ+ youth with a wide range of support services. It all started with a focus on mentorship, but Hangsleben, the driving force behind the vision, has bigger plans. They want to team up with local partners to expand their efforts and tackle more barriers that hold back the well-being and development of queer youth. The goal? To create a nurturing environment where kids can truly thrive as their authentic selves and, most importantly, to reduce rates of suicide, isolation, and homelessness.

Filling the mentorship gap for LGBTQ+ youth in the Twin Cities and beyond

Since 2021, the organization has served nearly 70 LGBTQ+ youth and their families in the Twin Cities, provided over 40 community hangout events, and trained more than 1,500 persons through their LGBTQ+ inclusivity training for over 25 organizations and corporations. Most recently, they've expanded their mentorship program to St. Cloud, Minnesota.

Local and national publications, public speaking events, a memorable U.S. Bank Hometown Hero experience at a Minnesota Vikings game, and strong community support have heightened awareness of the crucial need for mentorship for queer youth.

"Creating these support networks reduces anxiety and depression and helps the young person feel like they have an outlet and a place to show up where they can be their authentic self," said Hanglesben about helping kids feel seen and heard. "Anytime we can show up to be ourselves and our whole selves, it feels good."