CLT Member Spotlight: Sierra Napoli-Thein

No matter where and who she is working with, Sierra Napoli-Thein(she/her) is a fierce advocate for fairness and equitable empowerment. She has a unique ability to see the issues of the world while simultaneously seeing a better way forward. After coming up in Proctor, Sierra headed to St. Olaf College in Northfield.

After graduation, she moved to Saint Paul to serve as an AmeriCorps member with College Possible. While living in Minnesota’s capital city, Sierra personally and professionally organized opportunities for individuals to thrive. Since moving to Hibbing in 2021, Sierra has brought her passion as an active community member to the Iron Range. As a Community Health Specialist with Essentia Health, Sierra works alongside individuals, organizations, and communities toward a healthier future. Additionally, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Iron Range Partnership for the Sustainability and as the President for the Friends of the Hibbing Public Library.

The St. Louis County Board recently recognized Sierra and the Youth Mental Health Day Committee as recipients of a 2024 Public Health Achievement Award. Last September, the committee brought ~600 ninth graders together to increase student knowledge of mental wellbeing tactics and resources. Sierra also received the Values Award in Justice, one of Essentia Health’s core values and the organization’s 2023 Value of the Year. She frequently engages with Healthy Northland through serving on the Community Leadership Team and promoting Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) programs.

Last year, Sierra assisted with the implementation of the Good Food Guidelines program at the Minnesota Discovery Center (MDC) in Chisholm. MDC received funding for a commercial cooler to ensure healthy snack and beverage options were available for visitors to the large museum complex and outdoor trailhead.

Sierra is dedicated to improving the quality of life and health of all Northeastern Minnesotans.