Cassie Meza has been with Community Action Center for five and a half years in a variety of roles and now serves as the Food Access Manager of Faribault. Cassie has been part of the Runway Revival committee for four years and this is her third year as an artist, making wearable art out of unexpected materials such as used coffee filters — painted with coffee — and used dryer sheets. She believes creativity brings people together, tells meaningful stories, and reminds us that beauty can be found in unexpected places. Cassie is excited to emcee an event that is so near and dear to her heart — one that welcomes and celebrates everyone in our community — and hopes people will be inspired by the incredible talent, creativity, and heart that make Runway Revival so special.

Anika Rychner is a founding member of Runway Revival and has created pieces for the runway for the past two years, transforming reclaimed and recycled materials — including a pool liner and used records and CDs — into wearable art. She brings 25 years of experience in basic needs and human services work, including more than 8 years as Senior Director at Community Action Center, where she has helped build programs in food access, housing stability, and community services across Rice County. She loves this event for the way it weaves together creativity, sustainability, and community — proof that when people come together with imagination and heart, they can build something joyful and meaningful. Anika is thrilled to take the mic as emcee this year and welcomes everyone into an evening of art, connection, and belonging.