WIL AI-Driven Engagement Advisory Member

Elaina Hane

Active Term: 02/2026 - 02/2027

Areas of Expertise

• Contract & Negotiation Skills
  
• Transformational Vs. Transactional Leadership
  
• Organizational Leadership & Cultural Diversity

Executive Director

Minnesota Nurses Association

I received my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the College of St. Catherine and started my career as a bedside registered nurse at Children's Hospital in St. Paul. I began my nursing career working with children who had cancer and blood disorders, and after a couple of years, I transferred to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. During my time at Children's, I became deeply involved with the Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) as an elected leader representing nurses at my hospital. I also became active on the organization level on the Board of Directors, where I served as Treasurer. At that time, I became aware of my passion for social justice. That is when I made the leap to work in Labor Relations at MNA, where I can advocate for nurses and patients while fighting against corporate healthcare. 

As I explored this new career, I was drawn to leadership and wanted to learn more. While working full-time at MNA and raising my two children with my husband, I completed a Master's in Organizational Leadership from the College of St. Catherine. As a part of that program, I also received a certificate in Dispute Resolution from Mitchell-Hamline University. I firmly believe that being a leader isn't about being the best, knowing the most, or having all eyes on you. True leadership is knowing your values and leading with integrity, while listening to and learning about others' needs and wants so you can influence, guide, and direct them to be the best version of themselves.

I am very proud to be the Executive Director at MNA, a role I have held for the last two years. Unions allow workers to fight and make positive change as a united force in ways they couldn't achieve as individuals. One of my favorite quotes is from the late Senator Paul Wellstone: "We all do better when we all do better." I believe those words best reflect the role of leadership. True leaders develop new leaders.

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