Kade Lenz (he/him)
40 Under 40 Class of 2025
Minneapolis, MinnesotaProgram Director
Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council
I want to help build systems that last for generations. The legacy I want to leave behind is one where the next generation has everything they need to thrive and lead.
Three words to describe me:
Resilient, Visionary, Courageous
The best part of my job:
The best part of my job is working directly with Tribal Nations and organizations to build solutions that reflect their strengths, priorities, and traditions. Every project is an opportunity to honor sovereignty while creating systems that improve health for future generations. What makes this work meaningful is knowing that it’s driven by relationships and grounded in culture.
Something that would surprise others about me:
Something that might surprise others is that I’m a first-generation college graduate who went on to earn both a PhD and MPH. My path into public health was shaped not only by academic training but also by lived experience, navigating the intersections of identity, health, and resilience. That journey continues to ground the way I lead and connect with communities today.