Steve Pederson is the owner of a grain & livestock operation near the tiny prairie town of Farwell (pop. 51) in Pope County. He is also the 2012 Facing Race Ambassador for Greater Minnesota as named by The Saint Paul Foundation's Facing Race initiative. The award recognizes people in the region who are committed to building a community in which everyone feels safe, valued and respected.

As an adoptive parent of African-American children living in rural Minnesota, Steve wants to help increase awareness about acceptance and tolerance of diversity.

He serves on the executive administration team of Diversity Resource Action Alliance (DRAA) and is a member of the City of Alexandria's Cultural Inclusiveness Committee. He is also a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Community Action Diversity Council.

In addition to the award, a donation of $10,000 will be made to DRAA in Steve's honor. The donation will be used to support programs that help create a more equitable community.

The Ambassador Awards will be conferred on April 23, 2012 during a ceremony at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Saint Paul. More than 500 community members from across the state are expected to attend.