A recently retired adult educator, Heidi Haugen has called the Brainerd area home since 2011. With a background spanning multiple states and countries—including six years in South Korea—her academic journey includes degrees in anthropology/sociology and French, a master's in communication with an intercultural focus, and a Ph.D. in adult education specializing in program evaluation and international development.

Her career highlights include working with University Extension programs, particularly in youth development like 4-H, and state roles focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. With over 30 years of experience training organizational staff in the U.S. and abroad, she also taught certification courses for volunteer program development through the Minnesota Alliance for Volunteer Advancement.

An avid supporter of the arts, she enjoys local performances at Central Lakes College and Lakes Area Music Festival, singing with friends and family, attending art openings, and more. She actively engages in lifelong learning through Community Education classes and works to stay civically informed. Additionally, she co-leads two community groups: the Great Decisions foreign policy discussion group and Lakes Area Atheists and Freethinkers (LAAF). A dedicated volunteer, she serves as a Red Cross blood donor ambassador. In her downtime, she enjoys puzzles, New York Times word games, and a good TV binge.​