Finding grace, justice and purpose in the midst of tragedy

After losing her 20-year-old son to an overdose, Colleen’s world collapsed. Since that fateful day in 2016, Colleen has devoted her life to turning her personal tragedy into a commitment to ‘change the outcome’ for others. These efforts led to the creation of Change the Outcome, a non-profit organization that has met with more than 40,000 educators, young adults and parents throughout Minnesota. Colleen Ronnei is an advocate for critical change in the ways organizations address the opioid epidemic.

Impassioned by the loss of her son, Colleen established Change the Outcome in 2017. As Executive Director, Colleen works with the FBI, DEA, County Attorney’s Offices, Steve Rummler Hope Network, Hennepin County No Overdose Campaign, County Sheriff and Police Departments statewide, Community Coalitions, school districts and others to positively impact those effected by the opioid crisis. Colleen’s first-hand experience as a parent navigating law enforcement, the court system, hospitals, mental health providers, treatments and insurance aspects related to substance use disorder (SUD) provides her with a broad understanding of the interplay and influences of these diverse organizations and places her in a unique position to support and seek justice for families fighting to change the outcome for their loved ones. Through Change the Outcome, Colleen strives to create understanding and awareness of the impact opioids and other substances (even legitimately prescribed medications) are having on the lives of young adults.