About Auntie Bec’s Boutique
Up until 2021, Threads for Teens-MN provided a wonderful resource in the Twin Cities south metro. Inspired by the idea and saddened by the loss of Threads for Teens-MN, I decided to create something similar on my own.
I love being an aunt. It is one of my greatest joys. Auntie Bec’s is named for the love I have for my nephews and nieces. I wanted to include this in not only the shop name, but the feel of the boutique itself. It is my belief that all youth need “an auntie” that is there for them.
I wanted to create a unique space for teens to come and shop for clothes that they could feel good in and are proud to wear. My hope is that every youth that shops at the boutique feels welcome, seen, and supported.
Auntie Bec’s Boutique is a registered 501 ©(3) nonprofit organization that partners with communities to provide new and gently used, on trend clothing for youth with need. The boutique opened its doors in 2022.
Meet Auntie Bec
Becca Schroeder
Executive Director
She/Her
I am the Founder/Executive Director of Auntie Bec’s Boutique.
I grew up in Staples, MN, a small rural town in Central Minnesota. I moved to St. Paul in 1994 to attend college at Hamline University. I have lived in St. Paul since this time, and it has truly become my home.
After graduating from Hamline in 1998, I started my first job at the Wilder Foundation. I worked at Juvenile Horizons, which was a residential and day treatment program for teenage mothers. I had never worked with teenagers and admittedly I was a little (ok, a lot) nervous about how I would be able to connect with this population….Turns out I love them and they are some of my favorite people!
Fast forward 25 years and a few jobs later and here I am, still working with teenagers and trying to support them in any way I can.
I envision Auntie Bec’s Boutique as a place that could fulfill a basic need in a fun and supportive environment.
Meet the Board of Directors
Nicole Paradise
Interim Board Chair
I am a Social Worker with over 25 years’ experience in mental health, social services, and public health. Over the years I worked closely
with Auntie Bec serving youth and their families in the community. I have a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Non-Profit Management from Metropolitan State University and a passion for supporting teenagers and
young adults to succeed, regardless of circumstances.
I believe strongly in Paul Wellstone’s mantra; “We all do better, when we all do better.” Being on the board of Auntie Bec’s Boutique gives me the opportunity to put this vision to action.
Ben Cooper
Treasurer
I grew up in the UK and moved to the USA for the second time with my wife Karen and children, Max and Imogen. The move to the Twin Cities 15 years ago
has proved to be right one. How did an insurance agent by day become involved in Auntie Bec’s Boutique?
I was introduced to ABB as a mentor for the Dough Program. ABB was a recipient of a Dough grant. After 3-4 months of getting to know Becca and her passionate friends and board members, and hearing the stories of how ABB positively
impacts the lives of those it touches (me included), I wasn’t ready to cut ties. So here I am acting as Treasurer, but really just another advocate and cheerleader looking forward to the journey.
Porscha Hartway
Secretary
Advocate, Mentor, and Community Voice
Porscha Hartway is a passionate advocate for youth empowerment and foster care awareness. Featured by the Minnesota Children’s Law Center in their annual spotlight series, she has shared her personal journey through foster care to inspire hope and resilience in others navigating similar paths.
Porscha first met Becca Schroeder, founder of Auntie Bec’s Boutique, when she was a youth in 2003. Over the years, their bond grew, and they stayed in contact. Porscha was ready to support Becca’s mission in any way she could. She believes deeply in the cause, inspired by both its impact and by Becca’s heart for helping others.
In addition to her work with ABB, Porscha has previously attended meetings with the NAACP and served on the Youth Advisory Group (YAG), where she helped elevate youth voices and promote positive change.
At her core, Porscha strives to uplift others through empathy, encouragement, and example. She’s committed to helping young people see their own worth, embrace their individuality, and believe in their ability to shape a brighter future.
Her journey fuels her purpose — to turn adversity into advocacy and hope into action.
Laurel Palmer
Board Member
I am a Web Content Developer and Project Manager who has been doing this whole working on web sites thing since it was a Brand New Thing.
After a 20-ish year stint as an Iowan, I returned to my hometown of Saint Paul. Working to better the world in whatever little ways I can has always been important to me; being involved in something that moves things forwards, helps
people in the community, or builds community is how we all start making the world better.
I am honored to be on the board of Auntie Bec’s Boutique.