Meet Cheryl

For Cheryl Buck, advocacy isn’t something she discovered later in  it’s something she grew up with. A Northfield local, Cheryl’s connection to Laura Baker Services Association stretches back to her childhood, when she rode her bike past the original campus on her way to dance lessons. It left a lasting impression, but her deeper understanding of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) began with family.

“I had an aunt with Down syndrome,” Cheryl shares. “She was bubbly, cheerful and loved all things pink and sparkly. Spending time with her taught me that people with developmental disabilities have the same range of emotions, hopes and dreams as anyone else.”

After returning to Northfield as an adult, Cheryl got involved with Laura Baker through the annual Gala. As a longtime Gala committee member and event supporter, she helped grow it into one of Northfield’s most beloved and successful fundraising events. “It’s become the envy of the community,” she says. “Year after year, it brings people together to raise critical support.”

Cheryl later joined the Board of Trustees, initially stepping in to fill her brother’s seat. What started as a two-year term became a 20-year journey, including four years as board chair. She’s served on multiple committees, including Development, Strategic Planning, Trusteeship and Advocacy.

One of her most meaningful contributions came through her leadership of Laura Baker’s Advocacy Task Force, which worked with Minnesota legislators to improve funding for direct care professionals. A pivotal meeting with a state senator – initially opposed to the bill – resulted in a powerful moment of understanding. “We showed how paying a living wage could actually reduce reliance on government programs. He listened, and he changed his mind. That kind of advocacy matters.”

Beyond Laura Baker, Cheryl’s commitment to service runs deep. She’s volunteered for Special Olympics, served on the board of the Northfield YMCA, led her church council and currently sits on the St. John’s Foundation and Merchants Bank Advisory Board. She also volunteers with Believe It, an organization that trains service dogs for veterans.

At her core, Cheryl believes in modeling community involvement, not just for her peers, but for the next generation. “I’ve been lucky. I’ve had support along the way, and now it’s my turn to give back. I want my kids to see that in action.”

When she’s not volunteering, Cheryl loves spending time at her family’s cabin in Northern Minnesota with loved ones. She’s also taking a pottery class, even if (she admits with a smile) it’s not quite going as planned.

Above all, Cheryl champions connection. “People with developmental disabilities are people – funny, thoughtful, emotional and full of dreams. Laura Baker helps us see that clearly, and I’m honored to be a part of that mission.”