On October 5, the JDRF Minnesota Chapter will host its 21st Annual JDRF Hope Gala at The Depot in downtown Minneapolis and is honored to have James and Stephanie Pierce as this year’s Chairs.

James and Stephanie are committed to helping JDRF improve the lives of those living with T1D because, for them, it’s personal. In 2018 their daughter, Jamie, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of thirteen. With no other known family connection, that diagnosis changed Jamie’s life and it is because of her that the Pierce’s have decided to take up this fight. Stephanie and James live by the Greek proverb, “The true meaning of life is to plant trees without expecting to sit under their shade.” They believe that their efforts, alongside our entire community, will make a lasting impact on driving research advancements forward to help bring us closer to a world without T1D.

James is a Business Development Executive at Cargill, a Cargill Foundation Board Member and also a professional voiceover actor. Cargill is supporting the Pierce family’s leadership of the Gala this year though a Truvia sponsorship.

Stephanie is the Founder and President of KJP Consulting and sits on the board of Edina Give and Go.