Aaron Gutzke

Aaron Gutzke is an experienced nonprofit leader with a Master’s of Public Affairs and Disability Policy from the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities' Humphrey School of Public Affairs. As the Executive Director and founder of ThinkSelf, Inc., he leverages innovative technology to address language deprivation and dismantle barriers for the Deaf community. His work focuses on empowering language-deprived adults, particularly in the realms of adult education, domestic violence, and sexual assault advocacy. Aaron’s impactful contributions have been recognized with the Polaris Award (2018) from the University of Minnesota’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion division, the Spotlight Award (2021) from the Minnesota Alliance on Crime, and the Rise Organization of the Year Award (2024). Under his leadership, ThinkSelf provides vital resources, education, and support to Minnesota’s Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing adults, ensuring full access to learning, safety, justice, employment, and community opportunities.