Board Member Spotlight: Erica Johnsrud

We’re celebrating Erica Johnsrud for her FIVE years of board service to Hope Blooms! Erica has joyfully served alongside our team through some of our more transformative years as a budding nonprofit organization. Thank you for sharing your heart, your positivity and your leadership in countless ways that have left an indelible mark in the hearts of those we serve. You’re one of a kind — and the most joyful kind at that! 

As the director of alumni and family engagement at Concordia College, Erica leads efforts to deepen connections among alumni, families, and the college by designing signature programs, cultivating volunteer engagement, strengthening regional and affinity networks, and fostering lifelong Cobber pride. 

“To know Erica is to love her. She’s a human exclamation point, overflowing with positivity and joy! Throughout the past five years, she has brought incredible passion, heart and leadership to our mission, and we’re so grateful for the gifts she’s shared that have helped Hope Blooms grow and flourish. Through every season, her care, guidance and unwavering belief in our work have left a lasting imprint on both our organization and the people we serve,” said Kelly Krenzel, Hope Blooms executive director. 

What’s your favorite Hope Blooms memory?

I had the opportunity to go on a Petal It Forward delivery where we met a woman in a common area who invited me back to her room. Once we got there, she showed me all of the items she had from Norway. Her family was Norwegian, and her décor reminded me so much of my grandparents’ home because they were Norwegian, as well. We ended up talking for a long time, and it was clear that she was craving a genuine conversation and connection with someone.

What inspired you to join the Hope Blooms board?

I joined the Hope Blooms Board after leaving the Ronald McDonald Foundation. I knew I wanted to stay involved in the nonprofit world, and I had seen the Hope Blooms mission in action at the Ronald McDonald House. Joining Hope Blooms was at the top of my list when I left, so I was thrilled when I was invited to serve on the board.

I love the small moments of joy that Hope Blooms creates. People often think they need to make grand gestures to make a difference, but most of the time, people simply want to feel seen. A bouquet of flowers is a beautiful way to show someone that they matter, and that simple act can bring so much joy.

What have you learned from the Hope Blooms community?

I’ve learned to keep looking for opportunities to connect with people. At Hope Blooms, it’s about so much more than flowers. The flowers may spark the interaction, but they’re really just a joyful way to create meaningful connections.

What accomplishment are you most proud of within your time on the Board of Directors?

I’m most proud of the growth the organization has experienced. Watching Kelly transition into a full-time role and seeing the organization grow to include three full-time employees has been incredibly rewarding. I was excited when I first joined the board, and I’m just as excited today to see Hope Blooms continue to expand its impact.

What excites you most about the future at Hope Blooms?

Hope Blooms is at an exciting point in its journey. The organization is transitioning from being a small nonprofit to recognizing that it’s grown into something much larger. That’s an incredible opportunity. Watching the organization navigate that growth while continuing to receive such strong community support has been inspiring. It’s been amazing to see so many people continue to uplift and champion Hope Blooms.

How has serving on the Hope Blooms board impacted your life, personally or professionally?

Serving on the board has given me a new perspective. Before joining, I had always experienced nonprofits from the employee side. Being a board member has taught me how important it is for community members to support nonprofits and how essential it is for organizations to make that involvement accessible.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that when you’re not involved in the day-to-day operations, it can be difficult to know where to start. Many people want to give back — they just need an invitation and guidance. As board members and volunteers, it’s our responsibility to make people feel welcome, help them understand how they can contribute and create easy pathways for them to get involved.