Our Team

Freya Bradford

Director of Systems Change & Learning

Freya Bradford is the Systems Change and Learning Manager at Rotary Charities of Traverse City, where she supports changemakers working to address the root causes of complex community challenges. She facilitates the Systems Change Accelerator grant category, a peer learning Community of Practice, and a pool of experienced systems change coaches who provide strategic guidance to regional initiatives.

Freya’s career has been dedicated to advancing social change through learning and collaboration, with experience spanning philanthropy, Native American tribal governments and justice systems, and public health. She frames her approach through a systems lens—one that elevates curiosity, connection, and collective responsibility as essential elements for meaningful, lasting transformation.

She holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work from Michigan State University, with a concentration in Administration, Social Policy, and Evaluation. Freya has deepened her practice through the 8-month Investors in Change program with the UK-based School of Systems Change and holds a certificate in Systems Practice from the Acumen Academy.

Freya lives in Traverse City with her husband, their two children, and two yellow dogs, where she continues to explore how systems thinking can help communities thrive.

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Stacey Foster

Office Manager

Stacey Foster is the Operations Manager at Rotary Charities of Traverse City, where she has been a vital part of the organization since 1990.

She manages accounting functions, supports board and committee operations, and handles the essential day-to-day tasks that keep the organization running smoothly.

With unmatched institutional knowledge of the Rotary family of organizations in Traverse City, Stacey provides continuity and support across decades of service.

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Kendra Luta

Grants and Learning Manager

Kendra Luta is the Grants and Learning Manager at Rotary Charities of Traverse City, where she manages internal grantmaking processes and systems, coordinates learning opportunities, and supports the organization’s three core strategies: Funding, Learning & Coaching, and Connecting.

Originally from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Kendra witnessed significant regional growth and transformation in her formative years, sparking an early curiosity about the drivers of change and their impact on communities. With a background in Environmental Biology, she began her career stewarding land and water resources through roles at mission-driven nonprofits, including the Grass River Natural Area and the Leelanau Conservancy.

Kendra’s love for the outdoors brought her and her husband to Traverse City in 2010, where they’ve since rooted their family and embraced the vibrant culture and natural beauty of Northern Michigan. Her work is grounded in a deep respect for place and a belief in the power of community involvement. She currently serves as a Planning Commissioner in her township, bringing her passion for thoughtful civic engagement to her local context.

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Miriam Owsley

Strategic Communications Manager

Miriam Owsley is the Strategic Communications Manager at Rotary Charities of Traverse City, where she leads communications strategies that amplify the voices of changemakers and increase awareness of the organization’s resources, learning opportunities, and impact across the five-county region of Northwest Lower Michigan.

At Rotary Charities, Miriam partners closely with staff, grantees, and community collaborators to elevate stories that reflect the values of equity, adaptability, and shared leadership. She manages external communications, event management, and media engagement, working to ensure that Rotary Charities remains a trusted and visible resource for the region’s changemakers.

With a background in community outreach, marketing, and event planning, Miriam brings over a decade of experience translating complex ideas into clear, compelling messages that resonate with diverse audiences. Her previous roles at the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities, the Northwest Michigan Invasive Species Network at the Grand Traverse Conservation District, and Metro Health Hospital have equipped her with a deep appreciation for the essential role nonprofits play in building stronger, more resilient communities.

A fourth-generation Rotarian, Miriam also serves on the board of the Rotary Club of Traverse City, where she contributes her expertise to strengthen member engagement and promote the club’s community impact. Her multigenerational connection to Rotary fuels a deep sense of commitment to service and leadership in Northern Michigan.

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Mi Stanley

Director of Community Development

Mi Stanley is the Director of Community Development at Rotary Charities of Traverse City, where she leads the Assets for Thriving Communities grant program, integrates equity and inclusion throughout the organization’s work, and connects changemakers with resources that support lasting impact across the region.

Born in Traverse City and raised in Leelanau County, Mi’s deep roots in Northern Michigan shape her thoughtful, place-based approach to community development. Her work is grounded in a commitment to equity, shared leadership, and the belief that thriving communities are built through collaboration and care.

Mi previously served as the Corporate Director of Special Projects and Communications at Traverse Health Clinic, where she helped shape strategic initiatives to improve access to care. She is also an active public servant, serving as a Traverse City City Commissioner through October 2025 and holding board positions with Traverse City Light and Power and the Grand Traverse County Economic Development Corporation.

She holds an associate degree from Northwestern Michigan College, a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Syracuse University.

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Sakura Takano

Chief Executive Officer

Sakura Takano is the Chief Executive Officer of Rotary Charities of Traverse City. Under her leadership, the organization has deepened its commitment to equity, investing in learning and adapting its strategies to better meet the needs of under-represented and under-resourced groups across the region. 

Sakura’s leadership blends financial acumen with a deep belief in collaboration and community wisdom. She brings experience from both the private and nonprofit sectors: previously serving as Rotary Charities’ Director of Community Assets & Impact Investing, leading housing and workforce development at Goodwill Northern Michigan, and beginning her career in investment banking at JPMorgan. 

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics from Boston College and an MBA in Social Enterprise from Columbia Business School. Sakura serves on the boards of IFF, a regional CDFI; Venture North, a local small business lender; and Munson Healthcare, northern Michigan’s healthcare system. 

Sakura believes in a holistic, open-listening approach to creating positive community change and brings non-conventional minds together to implement data-driven solutions. 

Contact Sakura