Nikki Auna has been a proud resident of Fridley since 2014, where she lives with her husband Riley and their three children—Brynn, Grant, and Josie. Deeply committed to education and youth development, Nikki was elected to the Fridley Public School Board in November 2021. She also works as a paraeducator at Stevenson Elementary School and is a proud SEIU member.

In addition to her work in the classroom and on the school board, Nikki is actively involved in several statewide education advocacy organizations. She is a member of Schools for Fair Funding (SAFF), the Association of Metropolitan School Districts (AMSD), Northwest Suburban Integration School District (NWSISD), and the Minnesota School Boards Association (MSBA), where she works to advance equitable funding and strong public education policy across the state. 

Nikki also plays an active role in youth athletics in Fridley. She is the President of the Fridley Heights Soccer Club and serves on the FYSA Basketball Board, creating inclusive, community-focused spaces for local youth to learn, grow, and lead. Her passion for education, equity, and community engagement is at the heart of everything she does.

Avonna Starck is finishing her second term on the Fridley School Board. She initially ran because she felt the school board should be more responsible to families and more visible in the community. As the current state director of Clean Water Action Minnesota, she works closely with the legislative process and offers the board unique relationships with lawmakers. 

Avonna founded Fridley TRIP, which was formed to raise money for the Fridley East Coast Trip. She also led the effort to fundraise for state championship rings for the 2020 football team when they won the State Championship! She is also a former high school cheerleading coach and mentor. 

She has served on the Fridley Charter Commission, the Fridley Environmental Quality and Energy Commission, and is a part of the Fridley Police Advisory Group. She is a former board member for the Alexandra House and is a current Board member for the Minnesota Environmental Partnership and the Alliance for Sustainability. 

Avonna has served as the director, vice chair, clerk, and secretary for the Fridley School Board. Avonna and her husband Mike have two sons, Dylan (21 years) and Huntley (3 years). She earned her bachelor’s degree in political science and history from The University of Minnesota Twin Cities and her master’s degree in political management and advocacy from The George Washington University.

Sara Schreiner is a lifelong Fridley resident, a proud parent of Fridley Public Schools graduates, and an educator with more than 25 years of experience in public education. For nearly two decades, she taught high school Spanish before transitioning into her current role as the College and Career Specialist at Park Center IB World School. A National Board Certified Teacher and active member of the NEA and Education Minnesota, Sara is passionate about helping all students reach their full potential.

Sara has served on AVID, BARR, and Equity teams, where she has worked to close opportunity gaps and build inclusive, student-centered learning environments. At Park Center, where 85% of students are students of color, she supports postsecondary planning and is a tireless advocate for equity and achievement. Outside of school, she volunteers at a local boxing gym, helping youth and their families with college and career guidance.

Sara is running for the Fridley School Board to give back to the community that raised her, support strong public schools, and ensure that every student, regardless of background, has the tools and encouragement they need to thrive.

Pajjar Yang is is deeply invested in the success and well-being of our students and community as she and her family have resided in Fridley since 2014. She is an active member of her local church, serving in Hospitality, Events, and Youth ministries, reflecting her commitment to service and connection.

Married to Johan and mother to two children, Gwyneth and Harlow, Pajjar brings both a parent’s perspective and personal advocacy to her role—especially as the parent of a Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) child. She understands firsthand the importance of inclusive and equitable education for all learners.

Pajjar holds a bachelor’s degree from Bethel University and a Juris Doctor from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. With over 17 years of professional experience in financial services, risk, and compliance, she offers a thoughtful, strategic, and solutions-oriented approach to governance and policy.

She is running for school board to ensure every student—regardless of background or ability—has access to high-quality education, strong support systems, and opportunities to thrive.