Jessica Mathias

Executive Director

Jessica (Jesse) Mathias has nearly two decades of diverse experience in the non-profit sector. Jesse values the special attention Open Your Heart provides to front line agencies and the emphasis placed on supporting their work in the community. She is dedicated to ensuring that Open Your Heart remains progressive and prepared in response to the needs/challenges facing those experiencing food and housing insecurity in Minnesota.

As the executive director of Open Your Heart, Jesse’s goals include building and strengthening relationships, developing positive rapport and having constant knowledge of what needs are to be met in order to continue to uphold Open Your Heart’s important mission.

Jesse has her M.A. in Organizational Leadership from St. Catherine’s University and her B.A. in International Relations from St. Cloud State. 

Alicia Gatto Petersen

PROGRAM AND DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Alicia Gatto Petersen has worked in the non-profit sector for over ten years. The majority of that time has been spent working for and with hunger relief organizations. She knows that the questions, Where is my next meal coming from? and Do I have a place to sleep?, often intersect. She excels at creating connections with clients and donors, strengthening basic need networks for providers, and sharing stories of impact. She is committed to OYH’s mission and is excited to be part of an organization that works as diligently as OYH to ensure that every Minnesotan is free from hunger and homelessness.

Amanda De Lima Smerillo

Communications and marketing volunteer

Amanda is originally from Brazil and has lived in Minnesota for eight years. She is currently studying Strategic Advertising & Public Relations at the University of Minnesota, where she is developing her passion for meaningful and community-focused communication. Fluent in Portuguese, Amanda brings a multicultural perspective and a strong desire to make a positive impact. This is her first experience working with a nonprofit organization, and she is truly excited to be part of this amazing team whose mission and goals inspire her. Amanda is eager to learn, grow, and contribute to projects that promote inclusion, community engagement, and social impact.