Erik Halaas

Erik is the Innovation Outreach and Program Specialist for the Toaster Innovation Hub - a 6,500 square foot space in the lower level of Walter library promoting student-centered, multi-disciplinary collaboration in service to innovation and entrepreneurship. Erik works to build awareness of and promote active engagement in the Toaster. He is an avid connector of people, programs, resources, and ideas and has a passion for supporitng folks in bringing abstract ideas and concepts to life.

Erik has over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector in the areas of public health, youth development, program development and evaluation, and finacial development. Prior to coming to the University of Minnesota, Erik spent the last 6 years with the YMCA of San Francisco where he most recently served as a Program Developent and Evaluation Executive.