Keith Hardy's Story

I grew up in upstate New York in Buffalo, the home of chicken wing. I began my strong love of education in Buffalo Public School No. 8. I remember my caring teachers and school staff who devoted time to each s student and who fostered learning within each of us. My parents, Will and Barbara Hardy, who did not have a chance to graduate from high school themselves, worked with my teachers and strongly encouraged my sister Vanessa and me to read, learn, and graduate high school.

Along with my parents and teachers, one of my heroes is Martin Luther King, Jr. because of how much he valued education. He earned his undergraduate degree at age 15 and his doctorate by age 25. I found another hero in Seneca, SC public schools, Dr. Carol Cunningham, my guidance counselor. Dr. Cunningham, or Mrs. C as we called her, encouraged all students—but especially students of color like me—to excel in whatever we class we chose, to choose challenging classes, and ultimately to succeed in life. This was a very valuable lesson to me.

After fulfilling my childhood dream of attending college in Texas (University of Texas-Arlington), I moved to St. Paul in August 1988 to work for Burlington Northern Railroad. Seven months later I joined Toastmasters International., an organization to develop public speaking skills. My education through Toastmasters along with my work life brings me myriad opportunities to teach, train, learn from and mentor adults and youth. Along the way I pursued a master’s degree in technical communication at the University of Minnesota-St. Paul campus. The people connections I have made help me reach out in my company and my community.

I carry this principle with me always—reaching out to others to help, to encourage and to improve their lives. Keeping in mind my heroes such as Dr. King and Dr. Cunningham, I continually look for ways to be helpful, to be a strong role model, and to encourage others to stretch beyond their limitations.

That’s my story with public education. I seek your vote to help make your children’s stories even more successful.

Keith Hardy | Recognized Leader

As a community leader, Keith believes firmly in leading by example and serving his community with the gifts he has gained through education and experience. As such he is...

Experienced in Education

• Served on Citizens Budget and Finance Advisory Committee (CBFAC) of the St. Paul Board of Education for five years. Serves as chair since 2006.
• Adjunct teacher, speech communication, Twin Cities RISE! since 1999.
• Corporate trainer, Information Technology and interpersonal skills.
  - Masters degree, technical communication, University of Minnesota
  - Bachelors degree, journalism, University of Texas at Arlington

Team Focused

• Served on board of directors for:
  - American Diabetes Association.
  - Twin Cities Tall Club.
  - American Cancer Society
  - Education and Housing Equity Project
  - Council on Black Aging
  - American Cancer Society
  - Resources for Child Caring

Youth Focused

• Taught youth speech and leadership classes for:
  - Bais Yaakov High School
  - Girl Scouts
  - Benjamin E. Mays school
  - Brian Coyle Community Center
• Served as mentor for:
  - Minority Encouragement Program
  - Microsoft Youth Information Technology Curriculum
  - Family Advocate Network Systems

Award Recipient

• American Cancer Society
• Eleven Who Care award
• WCCO Good Neighbor Award
• Pillsbury Neighborhood Services Volunteer of the Year
• Who’s Who Among Young Professionals