Co-Founder Jackie Mosio: Jackie Mosio moved to Highland at age 5. After travels, work and study in California, Mexico and New York City, she moved back to Highland and now lives in the house her parents built. She is a writer and editor, bilingual Spanish speaker, and, as a member of the Social Justice committee of Lumen Christi Catholic Community, worked with others to found Highland Community Initiative and its current MNHS grant-funded historical research effort, the Highland Heritage Project. She is also a board member of Friends of Highland Arts, HHP’s partner.
Researcher/Interviewer Annice Gregerson: Annice Gregerson, a Texas native, studied in Illinois and Missouri colleges before finishing her social work degree in Minnesota. She decided to work in Minnesota due to the influence of Steve Gregerson. After the two married they purchased their home on Bohland Avenue in 1973. They are parents to two sons. Annice helped write the first 40 years of history for St. Gregory the Great Church on Montreal near Snelling Avenue.
She worked with Jackie Mosio in the formative stage of the Highland Community Initiative which focuses on the development of the Ford Site and was an outgrowth of a Social Justice group at Lumen Christi Catholic Community. Annice relished the opportunity to do public engagement at 5 consecutive Highland Fests, felt motivated to preserve the history of Highland Park as she saw the community was on the verge of significant expansion. She is gratified to be a part of the adventure HHP provides, learning about the history and people of the area when it was known as part of the Reserve and how this area of beauty has been shaped over time. She does research and interviews for HHP.
Colleen Zuro-White: believes access to culture and creativity is essential to a thriving, vibrant, and inclusive community. As an arts enthusiast with experience in project management, community organizing, and civic leadership, she founded Friends of Highland Arts (FoHA) in 2014 to bring like-minded people together to advocate for and support the enrichment of Highland Park with arts and culture. Colleen initially lived in Highland in the 1980’s while employed with 3M Company as a chemical engineer. After several relocations with her husband and growing family, living in five states and eight cities, they returned to Highland in 2013 to live in their “forever home” on Pinehurst Avenue.
Colleen is currently a member of the Highland District Council (HDC) Community Development Committee, the Highland Business Association (HBA) Board, and the Parks Advisory Committee (PAC) for the Highland Bridge development.
Researcher Judy Hildman: Judy grew up in Highland Park in the 1950s and 1960s and returned with her husband to raise their family in H.P. She graduated from Derham Hall H.S. and St. Catherine’s College and is very excited to be part of this effort to preserve the history of Highland Park for its next generations.
Researcher Frank Jossi: Highland Park resident Frank Jossi has been heavily involved in his community for two decades, serving in several leadership roles as a member of the Highland District Council. He helped create the annual summer Jazzed In Highland event and developed an annual musical series in Highland Park. The independent journalist, editor, consultant and educator is the Minnesota correspondent for Midwest Energy News and a frequent contributor to Finance & Commerce, where his monthly award-winning “Sustainable” column appears. He has been the recipient of two Fulbright scholarships and a Humphrey Fellowship at the University of Minnesota. He lives in a Tudor home with his wife, Judy, daughter Katherine, son Ben and sometimes friendly cat, Leo. His website is jossi.biz.
Media and Research Assistant Katherine Jossi: Katherine is recent graduate of Beloit College with majors in history and political science. She grew up in Highland Park with her family and attended both Highland Park Elementary and Highland High School. She has spent her past summers in Saint Paul interning for a consulting company and Rewire at Twin Cities Public Television. Her other interests include public transit, photography, documentaries, and mastering vegan cooking.