Ms. Dawson is a fourth-generation farmer from the Upper Midwest and a first generation college graduate earning several degrees in business and legal education. Dawson’s business expertise has primarily focused on cooperative business development, food systems security, and public health. Over her twenty eight year career Dawson has served on several boards and committees advocating for equity, inclusion and environmental sustainability. Dawson recently co-founded The Great Rise to scale her advocacy positions and create lasting policy changes in Minnesota and beyond.