Meet Staci Gilpin
Charity and Staci at Rural Pathways’ ribbon cutting hosted by the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce. Duluth’s historic aerial lift bridge is in the background (November 2024).
Founded in Duluth, Minnesota, in 2024 by Staci Gilpin and Charity Anderson, Rural Pathways is dedicated to uplifting rural communities through sustainable development and strategic support. In upcoming posts, we'll introduce Staci and Charity, whose rural roots and professional expertise in education, grant writing, and community leadership shape their mission. Through Rural Pathways, they provide tailored services to build resilience, foster growth, and position rural organizations for a thriving future.
We’ll begin with Staci.
Staci bundled up and helping out on her family’s farm (1977).
Staci’s dedication to rural advocacy runs deep. Raised on a small grain and livestock farm in rural Northwest Iowa, she learned the value of hard work early on, helping with daily farm tasks that shaped her strong work ethic and appreciation for community. With only 29 students in her high school graduating class, Staci experienced firsthand the unique strengths and resource gaps that often characterize rural education and services. These early experiences continue to fuel her commitment to building resilience and opportunity in rural communities.
Staci’s dad, Jay Sparks, feeding cattle (1976). “Sparks Family Farms” also raised feeder pigs and corn.
Later, as Director of Special Education for six rural districts in Northeastern Minnesota, Staci supported over 1,000 students with disabilities, leading initiatives that brought essential resources into students’ local schools. Recognizing the disconnect between metro-based providers and rural needs, she was inspired to help bridge that gap.
A social scientist and seasoned leader, Staci has excelled in roles spanning K-12 and higher education, specializing in program evaluation, applied research, and data visualization. Her accomplishments include leading a multi-million dollar initiative to fund essential services, securing grants from renowned foundations, and preparing future nonprofit leaders through her teaching. With Rural Pathways, Staci now channels her extensive experience into helping rural organizations build capacity and create sustainable impact, embodying a commitment to equity and the long-term success of rural communities.
Learn more about Staci here.
Staci, taking a break a top a stack of hay bales on her family’s farm southeast of Moville, Iowa (1978).
Ready to strengthen your rural organization with dedicated expertise? Contact Rural Pathways today to explore how we can support your mission.
Citation: Anderson, Charity & Gilpin, Staci. (2025). Meet Staci Gilpin. Rural Pathways News.