ABOUT US
Our mission is to create compelling experiences that open hearts, shift perspectives and inspire compassionate actions.
Our Goals & Impact
“I’d love to see these kinds of unexpected encounters all over the community. We need more kindness and compassion. I want my son to grow up in a world where he is accepted and doesn’t have to be afraid.”
- Minneapolis community member
The Compassion Museum delivers community-based programs that seek to:
Inspire curiosity, possibility, and change,
Strengthen skills of empathy, love & compassion
Foster connection & healing divides
In just the two years since we launched, The Compassion Museum has sponsored dozens of activations and experiences across the Twin Cities.
1,244
Visitors
the number of people of all ages
who have participated in our programs
79%
Compassion for Others
the percentage of pop-up visitors who said it helped them learn how to have more compassion with others
81%
Self-Compassion
the percentage of pop-up visitors who said it helped them learn how to be more compassionate with themselves
Our Aspiration
In different ways, we dream of a kinder, more loving, humane and just world for all.
Each one of us has the power to influence and affect the people around us in positive and not-so-positive (sometimes horrific) ways. Our actions ripple outward.
We’re all builders, creators, fellow compassionares.
Fortunately, we have within us the ability to love and understand. With these two super powers we can learn to relate to ourselves, others and the situations we face with greater kindness, curiosity, and compassion. We can create the world we long for, moment by moment.
Our Commitment
At The Compassion Museum, our goal is to create engaging educational experiences that can inspire and empower us with the insights, tools and perspectives we need to put compassion into action - for ourselves, our families, communities and the world.
We believe in facilitating experiences where visitors create with us and community shares their wisdom. We know that when we have the chance to reflect deeply and listen and share from the heart, good things happen.
Our Start
After taking several years to try out ideas, dialogue with community members, and learn with content experts, we officially launched The Compassion Museum at a small backyard fundraiser with family, friends and colleagues October 8, 2021.
Our Vision
We envision a future in which people see and connect with the extraordinary wisdom, strength, and courage found in the human heart to work for a more compassionate world.
Our core values: Seeing ourselves and others with kindness and compassion, acknowledging our humanity – our vulnerability and courage, inspiring curiosity, possibility, and change, encouraging pause and reflection, igniting hope and healing.
Our Trustees
Crystal Cullerton-Sen
Ph.D., Founder & Director
Crystal’s background is in school psychology, children’s mental health and end-of-life care. She spent the first part of her career working with children and families who experienced disruption, trauma and violence. She then joined Authentic Presence, an international contemplative-based, compassion training program for healthcare professionals working in palliative and end-of-life care. She served as a facilitator and the US program director for five years. Prior to this, she was an Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and the Clinical Program Manager at Ambit Network, a community-university partnership. Crystal loves being in nature and gathering with friends and family.
Abir Sen
MBA, Trustee
Abir is Co-founder and Executive Chairman at Gravie, a healthcare services company based in Minneapolis. Prior to Gravie, Abir founded and led several successful companies, including Bloom Health, RedBrick Health and Definity Health. Abir began his career at Deloitte Consulting. Abir earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Lawrence University and his MBA from Harvard Business School. He is a member of the board of directors of Allina Health as well as the Animal Humane Society, and is a Trustee at Lawrence University.
Benjamin Simmons
Trustee
Ben is General Manager of Risk Solutions Insurance Company at Gravie. Prior to Gravie, he worked for an energy consulting firm. Ben enjoys singing and composing music, traveling (often to places where he can hike), and consuming good food, wine, and books. He also serves on the Board of Visitors for Worcester Academy, the high school he attended in Massachusetts, where he was born and raised. After a brief sojourn in Wisconsin, he came to Minnesota to attend St. Olaf College and since graduation has lived in Minneapolis..
Pat Sukhum
Pat Sukhum is the CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Minnesota. He volunteered with The Compassion Museum before joining the board. He has helped start several healthcare companies in the Twin Cities and serves on the boards of UpTurnships and the Beautiful Project. He loves all things sporty and bringing people together.
Michelle Wirtz
Michelle is a financial professional with over 15 years of experience in public accounting and as a controller in the health care industry. As a resident of Minneapolis, she has served on several boards and as a financial advisor to other non-profits, including The Cowles Center. Michelle enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and wheaten terrier.
THE BRAINTRUST
The Compassion Museum was started by a group of curious and generous-hearted people who developed the museum's core values and vision for exhibits and programs. They gathered with members of the community during the early stages of discovery. We thank braintrust members, Lisa Lorenz, Abir Sen, Benjamin Simmons, Dr. Theresa Glaser, and Jennifer Cooper for their enormous contributions to TCM. Theresa Glaser and Jenifer Cooper were TCM’s first (volunteer!) staff members, filling many different roles and always rolled up their sleeves, bringing their creativity, critical perspectives and laughter to the work.
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