Founder & Leadership
Dr. Cecelia Viel is the Founder and Executive Director of StartAnew, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit dedicated to supporting Black and Brown women and girls through healing-centered programs, essential resources, life skills, leadership development, and community care.
Cecelia brings lived experience, education, advocacy, faith, and more than 15 years of community-centered service to her work. In July 2026, she received an Honorary Doctorate in Christian Leadership and Business in recognition of her leadership, service, and long-standing commitment to empowering women, girls, families, and communities.
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Dr. Cecelia Viel
Founder and Director
Rooted in Community. Driven by Purpose.
I believe that with the right resources and a supportive community, anyone can start anew. As the Founder and Director of StartAnew, my mission is to help create spaces where Black and Brown women, girls, families, and community members can access support, advocacy, resources, and encouragement as they move toward healing, stability, and self-defined success.
“I believe stigma should never define a person. It is never too late to follow your dreams, reclaim your voice, and keep moving forward.”
— Cecelia Viel
