Steffany Fleming with Inspire & Flourish

I was originally born in Boston but have lived in Minnesota for most of my life, residing in Maple Grove for over twenty-four years now.

I have always been in community service in some way or another.  My early years were in Girl Scouts and working in our church.  About thirty years ago I became a Junior League volunteer and have continued working in nonprofit developing projects and fundraisers ever since.

I am most passionate about the nonprofit called "Inspire and Flourish".  I founded the nonprofit and still run it today as the Executive Director.  We support the animal rescue community in a variety of ways.  We help by transporting animals all over the country to different rescues.  Donating and delivering dog/cat food and much needed supplies.  We sponsor spay and neuter clinics and volunteer at them. Sponsor and donate funds to individual animals needing vetting, surgeries, travelling, etc.  We go where we are needed and adapt to the needs within the animal rescue groups themselves.  At times, we will help them put on their own events so that it makes fundraising easier for them.

I absolutely love animals.  I love that I can be a small part of their journey to a better life.  I am privileged to meet them, see the hope in their eyes and many times get some awesome kisses and snuggles from them.

LOVE and COMPASSION.  We really try to fill a need and be an organization of volunteers that can be counted on.  We want to support the rescues in any way we can.  We love what we do.

I have been able to use the funds we bring in from my main business to financially support the work we do.  It is nice to have permanent funds coming in every month to support what we do.

Going to the cabin with family or traveling with friends.  I also love photography so all my interests just kind of gel together.

I am inspired by the men and women who run these rescues day in and day out.  So many of them are volunteers themselves and do not pull a salary.  They do what they do because they want to help these animals.  They try every day to make a difference out there.  I so appreciate the commitment they give to these animals and how much of their own life takes a back seat.  I love to help these people out whenever I can just so things are just a little easier for them.  They are the real hero's out there, and they inspire me every day!

A good taco made with just cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion.

Sitting in my hammock with a dog on my lap and a glass of water.  If the skies are blue, then it feels like a perfect day to me.  Of course, my kids are out on the boat so that I can hear them laughing in the distance. 

Crazy dog lady!  They are amazed every day at the things I will do for dogs and cats to help save them.

Park Falls, Wisconsin

August, 2017

I’m chair elect for the Board, preparing to become the Alumni Board Chair in April, 2022.  

Helping people find their passion and watching them take action to achieve it.  

Dedication.  Because everyone I’ve met through the UMAA (employees and volunteers) are dedicated to their work and the U.  

Yes, in both places, I am serving people. At the U, it’s students and alumni.  At Medtronic, it’s patients and employees. 

Cooking and baking

Brené Brown.  She’s not afraid to talk about any topic, ask hard questions and become a better person.  I love her quote “I’m not here to be right, I’m here to get it right.”  

Pizza with fresh toppings - a spinach side salad.  :-)

Being outside, active and in nature - in any season. 

I see the good in the world, I want to make a difference and I like to celebrate the simple things in life with others.