Alumni

2021-2022 BCLI Alumni

Amy Vue

Aimee Vue is unabashedly from Minnesota. She has a deep passion for all things dairy, a strong aversion for unnecessary niceties, and believes that we do better when we all do better. Aimee is the Youth Philanthropy Manager at Youthprise and is the go-to person for all things YouthBank, a youth-led, youth-driven grantmaking initiative. She wants to channel her passion for getting young people into positions of power through YouthBank by making it a nationwide program. Her background includes a BA from Brown University, working on designing kombucha popsicles, and navigating the commerce committee at the Minnesota State Legislature. Aimee is also the co-president of the Brown Club of Minnesota, serves as a board member for the Southeast Community Organization, and was part of the 7th Cohort of the Headwaters Foundation’s Giving Project. She is an aspiring French chef, weekend kayaker, and the most New England-ish Minnesotan you’ll meet.

Akia Vang

Akia Vang is a student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities studying environmental science, policy, and management. He is interested in protecting the environment as that itself is intrinsically valuable along with the fact that the natural world is directly linked with the health of people. Akia currently serves on a few local advisory bodies that he hopes will continue to include youth voices and integrate sustainability into planning for environmental and public health. In his free time, Akia enjoys going on walks and exploring the various parks, rivers and trails around the Twin Cities.

Chonburi Lee

Chonburi Lee has a dual Master’s degree in Management Information Systems and Business Administration with graduate certifications in data analytics and project management from Metropolitan State University. He earned his undergraduate degree in Communications from Hamline University. Academically disciplined by the University of Minnesota and certified by the SCRUM Alliance as a SCRUM Master. He has great professional experience in project management, business management, mass communication, and consumer engagement. His extracurricular engagements include serving as a Board Member for the Midway Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors/Treasurer for New Millennium Academy. His favorite hobbies include fishing, pigeon racing, mowing the lawn, and podcasting. He is a devout fan of LOTR, Game of Thrones, and most orc, ogre, and wizard films.

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.” –Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Chrissie Carver

Chrissie Carver is a senior in the CAPS program at Bethel University pursuing a B.A. in organizational leadership. She serves as an associate pastor at The Potter’s House Apostolic Ministry in Burnsville, where she has the privilege to walk alongside people in their faith journey. She also has more than 15 years of experience providing high-level administrative support to teams and executives in the K-12 education, philanthropic, and non-profit sectors. In her current role at the Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC), she has the opportunity to contribute to work that connects her faith and passion for racial and social justice. Chrissie cares deeply about communities of color having equitable access to resources and opportunities. Her mission is to eliminate barriers that keep people from reaching their full potential. In 2019, she launched The Lighthouse Community, a non-profit organization seeking to close the racial opportunity gap with a focus on education and wealth for youth and families.

Danielle Swift

Danielle Swift is a community organizer with a specific lens in real estate, land use and non-profit community development. She began her career working at Hiway Federal Credit Union. After eight years, she moved on to working in real estate sales with a primary focus on Saint Paul. Danielle is currently working as an Anti-displacement Organizer at the Frogtown Neighborhood Association, as a realtor with ABC Realty and serves on the Board of Zoning Appeals in the City of Saint Paul. In her personal life she is a social and racial justice activist and most importantly a mother to Elijah, Londyn and Soleil.

Kabao Xiong

Kabao Xiong is a Hmong woman with a love for mountains, short hikes and cycling adventures. She finds immense joy from nature, authentic friendships, the arts, and Southeast Asian foods. Kabao’s professional experiences include nonprofit work in social services, education access, and college and career exploration for low-income communities. Today, she works in philanthropy to support grantmaking in the areas of basic needs, economic development and health & wellness. As a Hmong refugee, Kabao is committed to social and transformative justice, which has been strengthened by tediously navigating through multiple cultural, educational and professional barriers over the years. Kabao spends her free time learning about personal finance, listening to socio-political podcasts and discovering her next DIY project on social media.

Mai Tong Yang

Mai Tong Yang was born in a refugee camp in Thailand and moved to Minnesota at a young age. She graduated from the College of Saint Benedict with a bachelor’s degree in political science. She was named one of five national finalists for the Boys & Girls Club of America Annual Youth of the Year award and was invited to the White House to speak with President Barack Obama on education and youth policy. She is passionate about amplifying youth voices, immigration reform, and family reunification. For three years, she served as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in South Korea. Outside the classroom she ran a regional debate conference, cooking club, and coordinated a language mentorship program for North Korean defectors. Previously, she worked for the United States Congress and Minnesota State Legislature. Currently, she is a first-year law student at the University of Saint Thomas School of Law. During her pockets of free time, she enjoys listening to podcasts, watercolor painting, and going for nature walks with family.

Ricky Williams

Ricky Williams is a longtime community activist of two decades. He has been a Peer Support Specialist, supporting those with chemical and mental health issues in our communities. He has been an ordained pastor since 2018, serving at ICCM Life Center and Above Every Name Ministry in Saint Paul.

Robert Boos

Robert Boos is a communications strategist, a creative technologist, and a former journalist. He consults on, manages and produces communications projects. He writes news and social media. He bridges communication, research, and data visualization. He visualizes and explains social demography using map-based data analysis methods. He can tell you a story and draw you a map. He is a 1.5-generation biracial immigrant from Thailand who grew up in the American southwest before relocating to the Midwest. He is a husband and father to two kids adopted from Thailand.

Saundra Massey

Saundra Massey is an American Descendant of Slaves (ADOS) who works to see the eradication of White Supremacy and that America “writes the check” due to all ADOS. Born in Selma, Alabama, Saundra witnessed friends and family returning from the Selma, Montgomery March, held on March 7, 1965. Many were bloodied and battered, some arrested, in what would become known as BLOODY SUNDAY. Two things occurred that day. First, White America witnessed the brutality captured on television by Alabama state troopers wielding whips, nightsticks, and tear gas on American Black citizens. The second was the death of childhood innocence with the understanding of the hatred of Black people demonstrated on the Edmond Pettus Bridge and the birth of a warrior against White Supremacy. Saundra is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker who earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree focusing on Social Work from the University of St. Catherine and a Master of Social Work Degree focusing on Program Development, Policy, and Administration from Augsburg College. Saundra has held multiple social work positions in the areas of education and health care.

Stephanie Jones

Stephanie Jones is a community member and mother who is passionate about education, economic development, and justice for families affected by gun violence. She is a certified Doula and Birthing Educator focused on reducing maternal health disparities. She currently sits as Vice Chair of the planning commission for the City of Brooklyn Center. Stephanie has over 11 years of professional experience working in the field of marketing and communications. For the past six years, she has worked with Twin Cities R!SE, a local non-profit organization in North Minneapolis, whose mission is to transform lives through Personal Empowerment, career training, and meaningful employment.

Stephanie Shider

Stephanie Shider is the CEO of Lady on a Mission LLC., and Founder of Girls on a Mission Inc. As an educator, mother, mentor and author, her mission is to dismantle the miseducation of what black and brown children are being told about their identity through the negative images that constantly bombard them in order to begin to love themselves just the way God made them, unapologetically. She shares her testimony of understanding her identity in Christ through her book I think I Like My Natural Hair. She has been an educator of 13 years, graduating from Rutgers University with a BA in dance and sociology and MS from Long Island University in Education. She has also received a Certificate in General Family Therapy. A founding member of DEW Ministries before relocating to Minnesota, Stephanie loves to share her gift of dance with the youth she works with as a bridge to help them unveil their own.

Temmy Olasimbo

Temitayo (Temmy) Olasimbo is a first generation American, born to Nigerian parents. Temmy is a fierce equity fighter and a devout equitable solution explorer. She lived in Nigeria till the age of 10 and relocated to Cottage Grove, Minnesota to attend Park Senior High School. She graduated at 16 and enrolled at Augsburg College where she was the Co-Chair of the Pan African Student Union. She graduated with a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and a minor in Political Science. She truly believes that equity work is “heart work” and has used her time to advance the cause. She served on the Washington County Equity and Integration Advisory Committee for 6 years pursuing solutions to racial and economic integration, increase student achievement, create equitable educational opportunities, and reduce academic disparities based on students ‘diverse racial, ethnic, and economic backgrounds. She is currently the Commissioner representing Woodbury on the Community Development Agency (CDA) board of Commissioners responsible for economic development and housing affordability. She is a Sr. Researcher at Best Buy, where she is responsible for defining industry leading initiatives to further research growth and day-day operations, continuous evaluation, and improvement of research processes to ensure efficiency and scalable solutions. She is the ideator/Creator of Onefest!, a two-day celebration focused on intentionally cultivating an organic inclusive environment celebrating the unique and diverse culture of the black community.

Veronica Rotich

Veronica Rotich was born and raised in Kenya, came to the United States as an F1 student. She is a first-generation immigrant and understands the struggles women and youth from Africa go through. She is a cofounder of African Women and Youth Resource Center (AWYRC). They tackle any social issues going on with women from health care to housing. The organization is currently working on getting a shelter that’s culturally appropriate for women going through gender-based violence. Her passion is to bring resources to this underserved community.

Yariet Huerta

Yariet Montes Huerta is a mother of four children and works part-time for the City of St. Louis Park and is a full-time college student. Her mother inspires her to take on different challenges in life and her children teach her to be patient, be kind, and to listen before speaking. She is excited to be here and be part of the BCLI program because this is one step forward to making a difference out in her community and uplift the voices that haven’t been heard in community for a very long time.

Yasmin Muridi

Yasmin Muridi is the director of non-licensed personnel at The Saint Paul Federation of Educators. She is currently working at Saint Paul Public Schools. She is a community organizer and is a passionate educator who supports our parents in their navigation of the school system. She is a leader for non-English speaking parents and helps them advocate to bring justice and fairness to them and their children.

2020-2021 BCLI Alumni

Tsua Xiong

Tsua Xiong completed his graduate program studies in Social Work from Augsburg University. He obtained a Master’s in Social Work degree and is currently working towards licensure as a LGSW (Licensed Graduate Social Worker). Tsua is in the role as a certified peer support specialist at Amherst H. Wilder Foundation in the SEA (Southeast Asian) Assertive Community Treatment model in adult mental health. Tsua strives to continue his peer work in becoming a national certified peer support specialist. He is deeply passionate in the field of mental health and is a person living with a mental illness. As a person with a lived experience, Tsua participates in advocacy and outreach in the community to raise awareness and address concerns in mental health. In his spare time, Tsua likes to hike outdoors in the wilderness and read different genres of books.

Steven Nelson

Steven Nelson raised his son with severe mental health disorder while going to college for Addiction Counseling. Steven has worked with so many organizations such as RCMHC and Mofas, trainings conference role in movies. DHS family service, want to make a difference on a higher level.

Stephannie L. Lewis

Stephannie L. Lewis is the Associate Vice President of Community Impact for the Greater Twin Cities United Way (GTCUW). At GTCUW, she drives the development and effective implementation of operations strategy, team performance and project management initiatives for the community impact team. Prior to joining the team at United Way, Stephannie as the Director of Strategic Partnerships for Social Impact Strategies Group (SISG). During her tenure at SISG, she also served as a visiting assistant professor at Macalester College teaching Black entrepreneurship. She holds a bachelor of science degree in sociology from Hamline University and a master’s degree in public policy the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

As a member of the Forge North Collective, Inclusive Capital Collective, and a former member of the City of Lakes Commercial Land Trust Exploratory Advisory Committee, Stephannie works to advance equity and inclusion in the Twin Cities entrepreneur ecosystem.

Shawn Sorrell

Shawn Sorrell is an experienced consultant with public and private entities in design and implementation of organizational change strategies and leadership development, dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion. Currently serving as the Diversity and Equal Justice Manager for Hennepin County Minnesota Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation, as well as Disparities Reduction Justice Domain Lead. Formally studied chemical engineering at Drexel University, sociology and psychology at the University of Delaware and is a native of Baltimore, MD. Spent several years working with community groups and religious organizations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Wilmington, Delaware cultivating violence prevention programs and mentoring youth from diverse religious and ethnic backgrounds. Community board participation with Avenues for Youth, Volunteer Lawyers Network, Woodbury YMCA and Woodbury Public Safety Multicultural Advisory Committee.

Samantha Sencer-Mura

Samantha Sencer-Mura grew up in Minneapolis and became passionate about closing the educational opportunity gap after her time as a student in the Minneapolis Public Schools, where she witnessed deep inequities within the system. She earned her B.A. in Critical Theory and Social Justice from Occidental College, and her Master’s in School Leadership at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Since 2017, she has been the Executive Director at 826 MSP, a youth writing, tutoring, and publishing center with a mission to empower the next generation of Twin Cities authors. During her tenure as Executive Director, Samantha has led the organization to build a satellite location at her alma mater, South High School in Minneapolis, and to join the 826 national network of youth writing centers. Samantha lives in the Corcoran neighborhood of South Minneapolis and enjoys cooking, reading and karaoke.

Octavia Smith

Octavia (she/they) envisions a world where communities, especially those Black, under resourced, marginalized and historically oppressed, are autonomous in shaping their lives and delivering equitable policies for all. They believe deeply that in order to make space for such a world, old systems rooted in capitalism, white supremacy, anti-blackness and cultural genocide need to be abolished. Octavia is happiest when she is surround by community and her loved ones. She’s a foodie, bad dancer and while born and raised in the Bronx has come to call Minnesota home.

Nonkululeko (Nkuli) Shongwe

Nonkululeko Shongwe (Nkuli) was born and raised in South Africa and immigrated to the U.S. in High School. She is an organizer, facilitator, and cooperative enthusiast. For the past three years, she has had the privilege of working at Nexus Community Partners. Nkuli is the Community Wealth Building Program Manager. Her work focuses on elevating the organization’s community wealth building strategies and supporting Nexus’ cooperative fellowship programs. Nkuli is also is a second-year Master of Human Rights candidate at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota. Her concentration focuses on economic, cultural, and social justice for historically marginalized communities. Nkuli graduated from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio with a Bachelor of Arts in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies in 2017.

Mala Thao

Mala was born in Vientiane, Laos to a Hmong father and Thai mother. She grew up in St. Paul’s East Side and currently lives in Frogtown. Mala has been in the philanthropic sector for 20 years working as a fundraiser for 10 years before being a philanthropic advisor to many families for the last 10 years. One of her passions is at the intersection of philanthropy and social justice. There she is working to help philanthropy move from a deficit-based funding to a more asset-based approach: seeing communities as experts to their issues and resolutions. Mala has a long history of serving on many boards and committees.

Jose Huape

Jose, a native of Los Angeles, has been a youth advocate, educator and mentor. He lived for the past six years in Portland, working as an educator who strengthened academic and career pathways for students of color in the STEM field and as a College Possible coach and now a Youth Specialist for Pillsbury United Communities. He graduated from Lewis & Clark college in Portland, and recently relocated to Minneapolis to pursue his Master in Public Health at the U of M-Twin Cities.

Ms. Jewelean Jackson

Jewelean Jackson is an Elder Community Servant, working toward the betterment of the universe beginning with her core family. Jackson is also a proponent of life-long learning, from cradle to grave, continues as a Very Involved Parent (VIP) to daughter, Thandisizwe and many other children of society. She is currently the Vegan Byy Nature Founding Project Director working to initiate the Inaugural Vegan Minnesota Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School. Twin Cities Non Violence is an anti-violence endeavor that she embraces. Jackson recently had the honor of attending the 57^th Anniversary March On Washington, as a member of the Josie R. Johnson Leadership Academy. She says, “I am the first Community University Health Care Center Black Chair, as I’ve chosen to put the bulk of my time and energy into changing health disparities toward BIPOC. My legacy lies in creating positive societal transformations”.

D’Andre Gordon

D’Andre Gordon is a rising senior at Metropolitan State University, where he double majors in Criminal Justice and Psychology. In addition to attending university full-time, he also works full-time at Catholic Charities as the Public Policy Advocate. He is originally from Jamaica and is passionate about increasing diverse representation at all decision making tables and access. D’Andre is committed to developing a career in public policy and law. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, concerts, taking care of pets, reading, cooking, outdoor activities, and trying new restaurants.

Clara Jung

Clara Jung is a Korean immigrant who calls Minneapolis home. She was fortunate enough to return to Seoul as an adult, where she volunteered with organizations like People for Successful Corean Reunification, Korean Unwed Mothers Families’ Association, and spent time with her long separated family. This experience reactivated her connection to her Korean identity and her desire to continue cultivating belonging and justice in her home community in Minneapolis. Clara is currently a fundraiser at the University of Minnesota Law School, where she works with major donors to match their passions with the financial needs of the school. She interrogates traditions that have upheld white supremacy while excluding others, and works to implement practices within the field of philanthropy that include BIPOC donors and help advance the BIPOC priorities. Clara earned her B.A. in Religion, Sociology and Anthropology from St. Olaf College as the first person in her family to attend university. In her school’s tradition, she is an experienced musician and you can find her playing clarinet or dancing to jazz in her free time. She also enjoys volunteering with local nonprofits in homelessness prevention and community health, helping folks get out the vote, and baking cupcakes for her friends.

Carl Johnson

Rev. Carl Johnson moved to the Twin Cities in fall of 2016. He made connections in the neighborhood by volunteering in Dayton’s Bluff Elementary school and recruiting volunteers to serve Dayton’s Bluff Elementary and Recreation Center in various capacities such as organizing classrooms for teachers, Deep cleaning recreation center before school year cleaning and maintaining a peace garden. He also started a community garden at no cost to the rec center for teaching neighborhood kids how to grow vegetables. Reverend Johnson primary motivation was to end everyday hunger. Rev Johnson has held neighborhood specific block parties and seasonal events to uplift the neighborhood.

Carl has a mission to abolish food insecurity in major cities starting with St.paul believing that race and economic justice are tied to food. He is a pastor in the twin cities and formally appointed committee member in the City of St.Paul of Food and Nutrition. He is on the leadership team of Mission St.Paul a gathering of St.Paul pastors that promote unity in the city of St.Paul.

Carl’s extensive knowledge of black culture and structures of identities in the black community has propelled his work with racial injustice. Carl often engages in circles and individuals cross-culturally to see communities work in unity.

He built partnerships with the school and eventually Indigenous Roots Cultural Art Center. They began to partner when Rev. Johnson organization started their social good enterprise Storehouse Grocers. Storehouse Grocers is specific to Dayton’s Bluff and is placed on 7th Street East. If it is an affordable and accessible grocery store that has fair bargain prices under $5.00. The grocery store has become a neighborhood hub to feed and help families that are entrenched in food insecurity. They give out 1600 meals a month during covid.

Angela Cuellar

I’m 44-year-old Native American women. I have been through so much in life with racism, prejudice and forgot about that today It has made me the strong women I am, that I am able to stand on the front lines and advocate for others who are experiencing the same or similar issues and feel like they have no voice. Well I do and I am going to used it. With guidance and willingness, I am well on my way. I have worked in the homeless field for at 10 years, I do volunteer work on my own time. I am also available to help when needed. I just want to give back.

Angela Williams

Angela G. Williams is a former graduate of Roosevelt University in Chicago where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Master’s degree in Training and Development. She also holds a Paralegal Certificate from Harry S. Truman College. She is a small business owner of Housing Resource Network, Inc., an agency that serves the community through Landlord/Tenant relations and also YNIIGI, LLC – You Need It, I Got It, an event planning/support organization. She currently serves on the Board for Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County.

Alexandra Sicilait

With over a decade of experience, Alexandra has worked in the arts, corporate, non-profit and public sectors, and has found her true passion in arts philanthropy, leadership, and social justice. A cultural diplomacy enthusiast from Haiti, she has worked at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, South Arts, the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs and Creative Capital.

She has master’s degrees in Public Relations and International Relations from Syracuse University, and a bachelor’s degree in Political Communication from George Washington University. She has served on the Board of BURNAWAY, an Atlanta-based digital magazine of contemporary art and criticism from the American South.

When she is not working, Alex enjoys photography, graphic design, traveling, and drooling over her favorite magazine, the Monocle. Alexandra is a 2017 Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) Leadership Fellow.

2019-2020 BCLI Alumni

Tim Brewington

Tara Roberts

Said Ahmed

Ricardo Perez

Que Vang

Magdalena O’Connor

Linda Garret Johnson

Jae Hyun

Fatu Magassouba

Erica Valliant

Diego Guaman

Cherita Tenhoff

Ben Yawakie

Ana Vergara

Abdulrahman Wako

2018-2019 BCLI Alumni

Clara Ugarte-Perrin

Ying Lee

Ying Lee is a Hmong American, mother, wife, daughter and community builder. Ying holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services Administration. Ying has over 10 years of experience in various roles focusing on advancing equity and empowering communities. Before finding her current home with Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, she worked for Anoka County on health equity. Prior to that, she was a Community Programs Director with the YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities. There, she led youth programs to address the achievement and opportunity gaps. Ying has served on a few boards and initiatives, including Hnub Tshiab: Hmong Women Achieving Together, and First Lady Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative. When she’s not in the community, she enjoys family time, movies, camping, writing, and cooking.

Vincent Henry

Vincent Henry studied at Augsburg University before serving through AmeriCorps at College Possible, where he helped low-income high school students get into college. Vincent then went ont o work at Simpson Housing Services as a Family Advocate in the Transitional Housing Program, where he currently works. This fall, Vincent is going back to school at Augsburg’s MBA program.

Tenaya Crenshaw

My name is Tenaya Crenshaw-Porter. I am recently married, my husband and I reside in St. Paul. I was born and raised in Minnesota. I have 4 adult sons and 3 granddaughters. I work in the public sector for the State of Minnesota. I am excited to be a part of the BCLI program. I have always been active in my community, and I look forward to becoming active on a different level by hopefully taking a seat on a board or commission in the near future. I have volunteered in my community for varies organizations. I recently joined the Village PTSA in hopes of helping the parents of minority children become more vocal/involved in their children’s education by providing them with the learning tools and support that they need to help their children be successful within the education system and community.

Sara Thomas

Sara was raised in Saint Paul. After graduating from Central High School, Sara went on to receive a B.A, then a Master’s, and eventually she obtained a J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law. As a result of her own educational triumphs and struggles, Sara has become an advocate for the education of young people and their families throughout the State of Minnesota. She currently works at the Ramsey County Juvenile Detention Center and she enjoys being able to make an impact in the lives of the young people she encounters. She has a long history of volunteering and working with various organizations throughout the Twin Cities, including the Ramsey County Public Defender’s Office, St. Paul Public Schools, and the Minnesota Justice Foundation. Sara hopes to use a combination of her education and experience to speak-up for the individuals who are often overlooked in the communities she has served throughout the State.

Roshawn Renfroe

Roshawn Renfroe holds a seat as Executive Board member and Secretary for Ramsey County Children’s Mental Health Collaborative. Roshawn is very passionate about the growth of her community. She participates with many community organizations. Roshawn is looking forward to serving her community in a role that makes change possible.

Oluwatobi “Tobi” Oluwagbemi

Oluwatobi Oluwagbemi is a political thinker and creative idea generator. She is passionate about writing, reading and teaching. She also want to gain leadership skills so that she can encourage more people to take on leadership roles in their communities. She is Interested in advocating for women, being an author and being a public speaker. She also wants to be a diplomat and professor in the future. Ultimately she want to make a difference in the world in education, women’s empowerment and global development just like Michelle Obama. She loves to meet good people and hopes to be part of a board or commission that will help people of color, marginalized communities and under represented communities. She is passionate about black people seeing their worth and shinning irrespective of what people say or don’t say about them. “Don’t let anyone dim your light simply because its shining in their eyes”

Kameron Lindsey

Kameron is a lifelong resident of Minneapolis. He grew up with a single mother and was the first in his family to go to college. He studied and tutored chemistry with an emphasis on green and sustainable methods. He has long been passionate about the environment, public health, and racial justice. He is currently serving as Co-Chair on the Minneapolis Racial Equity Community Advisory Committee.

Jamaica DelMar

Jamaica DelMar is a mother, wife, and South Minneapolis resident who has worked in higher education for over 10 years. Passionate about education and its role in a just society, she has witnessed and experienced firsthand the positive impact education and skills training has on families and communities. In her current position as an academic advisor at Metro State University, she enjoys helping students navigate the higher education system, particularly underrepresented students that formal education tends to leave behind. Jamaica volunteers as an Empowerment Facilitator at Jeremiah Program, a local non-profit organization that helps mothers and their children move from poverty to prosperity two generations at a time. She holds a BA with a focus in Urban Social Services, a MA in Educational Leadership, and is currently working on an EdD in Educational Leadership. Interests include education and housing equity, economic development, and criminal justice reform.

Courtney Schroeder

Clara Ugarte Perrin is originally from Peru, she came to Minnesota in 2000 to pursue a Master Degree at Saint Mary´s University in Winona, MN. Clara has more than 20 years of professional experience working in public affairs and strategic communications with private, public, nonprofit, and international organizations, most of which has been in Latin America and the Caribbean region. She is passionate about creating positive change for low-income and disadvantage communities and working on empowering and advancing equity for new leaders of color and other underrepresented groups, as well as breaking down cultural barriers. She enjoys slow-food cooking, the outdoors, and spending time with her husband and two children in Minneapolis, while traveling and working remotely as an international consultant.

Christine McCleave

Christine Diindiisi McCleave, M.A., enrolled Turtle Mountain Ojibwe, is Executive Officer for the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. McCleave is a generational boarding school survivor. Her grandfather attended Marty Catholic Indian Boarding School and Haskell Indian Boarding School. Her great grandfather attended Carlisle Industrial Indian School. Boarding school’s inter-generational impacts on her personal life and children’s lives led McCleave to complete her Master of Arts research on the spectrum of spiritual practices between traditional Native American spirituality and Christianity and the legacy of the boarding schools on spiritual activities today. McCleave also has a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies from Northwestern College and previously worked in Human Resources management at an HR Consulting Firm and in Communications and Marketing at Indian Land Tenure Foundation. She lives in Minneapolis, MN with her husband, two children, and Siamese cat.

Carmeann Foster

Carmeann Foster is a lawyer, licensed graduate social worker, and 2016 Bush Leadership Fellow with a commitment to juvenile justice system reform. After serving as the Juvenile Detention Alternative Initiative (JDAI) Coordinator in Dakota County, MN for several years, Carmeann branched out and founded Rebound, Inc. as a vehicle to create the solutions needed to combat the overrepresentation of Black youth in the juvenile justice system. Through this organization, Carmeann has established two group residential facilities in the underserved community of North Minneapolis, MN. Her programs specialize in serving youth who are transitioning out of the juvenile justice system, or who are at risk for juvenile justice system involvement due to mental & behavioral health concerns, or child protective services involvement. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Public Administration with an research focused in system reform and racial equity.

Bao Lee

Bao Lee is a community organizer and advocate who focuses on creating community-centered solutions that uplifts the voices of marginalized communities. Born in a refugee camp and being the first of 14 children to attend college, she understands the importance of having access to opportunities and has dedicated herself to creating pathways for others to access opportunities. She is also passionate about creating gender equity in the Hmong community, values bringing the voices of the community to the table, and loves listening to Hmong music and Snapchatting with her baby Ruby.

Annie Chen

Annie Chen is a queer second generation Chinese-American in Minneapolis. She is a youth worker focused on disparities in race, gender and education. As a college student, she served on the boards of MPIRG (Minnesota Public Interest Research Group), The Queer Student Cultural Center, and was the chair of the Student Services Fees Appeals Committee. She looks forward to continuing to build community and serving on more boards in the future. Now she is a member of The Yarn Mission, a pro-Black pro-Community pro-Rebellion organization that knits for racial equity and other forms of social change. In her spare time she enjoys taking her dog, Ziggy Stardust, to the dog park; various fiber arts, including quilting and knitting; and trying as many new food experiences in the Twin Cities as possible. If she were a vending machine, she would vend fancy ramen where you could pick your own toppings.

Abdi Ali

Abdi Ali is the Founder and Executive Director of the Center for Multicultural Mediation. The Center provides conflict and dispute resolution services to youth and families with cultural roots in East Africa, as well as those who work with them as employers, teachers, neighbors and service providers. Abdi has 18 years of experience with social service organizations in Minnesota in the areas of employment and training, welfare-to-work, housing, youth homelessness, youth development, social justice and human rights, refugee resettlement, mediation, and other forms of alternative dispute resolution. He has been mediating conflicts in Minnesota for the last 10 years and is a qualified mediator under Minnesota Rule 114. Abdi is also Licensed Graduate Social Worker and a mental health practitioner. He conducts diversity and cultural trainings statewide to service providers on working with African youth and families.

Aarica Coleman

Aarica Coleman, born in St. Paul, MN, is a Senior Project Coordinator at City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) in housing policy and development and is a licensed real estate broker. She has over 17 years public and private real estate industry experience including private and corporate representation, public administration, affordable housing, multi-family and single family housing development and mortgage financing. Aarica currently volunteers as Board Chair of NAREB Twin Cities, the Black Real Estate Association. Aarica has a passion and strong commitment to help those who are marginalized and structurally disenfranchised improve the trajectory of their lives and their communities through ownership, economic and political education.

2017-2018 BCLI Alumni

Yodit Tesfaye

Yodit is a 1.5 generation Ethiopian-American immigrant who moved to Minnesota at a young age. She holds a Masters in International Development Practice—an interdisciplinary degree that draws from major disciplines such as education, public policy, public health, economic development and sociology from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota. Yodit brings over 5+ years of experience addressing the opportunity gap in education. In her current role, Yodit provides technical assistance and support for the Achievement and Integration (A&I) program at the Minnesota Department of Education assisting participating school districts to increase racial and economic integration and reduce academic disparities based on students’ racial, ethnic and economic backgrounds. In her previous role, Yodit coordinated Collaborative Urban Educator’s East African Student to Teacher (EAST) program – a state-funded teacher pipeline program at Augsburg College that aims to diversify the K-12 teaching workforce.

Yingya Vang

Yingya is a young Hmong woman who is passionate about community organizing. Yingya is currently an elected board member of the Dayton’s Bluff Community Council. Yingya has also volunteered on three election cycles to encourage civic egagement and elect progressive minority community leaders. Currently, Yingya is working on Councilmember Dai Thao’s mayoral campaign, in hopes of connecting communities in Saint Paul and co-governing in City Hall. Yingya is also co-chair of Racial Equity on Johnson Parkway and Ames Avenue, which is an issue campaign that is fighting for racial equity and fair investment on the East Side of Saint Paul.

As a daughter of Hmong refugees, Yingya cares a lot about immigration reform, racial justice and taking down corporate greed. In Yingya’s free time, they like to hike, bike, swim, and watch political dramas/movies.

Wayne Doe

Wayne Doe is an experienced leader, business coach, and organization strategist. He currently works at the Minnesota Department of Human Services, serves as Chief Editor at Voices Magazine, and runs DLinked Associates, a consultancy business he founded.

Wayne has served as a Wells Fargo Branch Manager, a Market Intelligence Representative, Executive Director of the Organization of Liberians in Minnesota, Chair of Wells Fargo Minnesota Diversity Council, Co-founded the Pan African Resource group and a member of the Contract Compliance Committee of the City of Brooklyn Park.

Wayne has received several commendations and awards, including Top Performing Branch Sales Recognition, Service Excellence Recognition, Volunteer Service Award, and Diversity Champion Award.

Wayne started his undergraduate studies at the University of Liberia and completed his Baccalaureate degree and a Master of Science degree from St. Petersburg Mining University. Wayne enjoys choral music, and helping individuals and organization succeed.

Say Yang

Say Yang (Ntxhais Yaj) has a background in community outreach and administrative coordination related to community and economic development that contributes to her role as the Program Coordinator at Center for Earth, Energy and Democracy. She has worked with residents, neighborhood organizations and government agencies supporting community development and civic participation in the Twin Cities. Her professional experiences include serving the Hennepin County Community Works programs and she was a past community advisory board member of KFAI, an independent radio station in Minneapolis. Say studied Community Development at Minneapolis Community & Technical College and a current student at Metropolitan State University in the Individualized Degree Program. She is devoted to addressing barriers, making connection and inspiring change.

Sandra Stearn

Sandra is a dedicated resident of Brooklyn Park. She is passionate about community, children and equality. She has worked at Metro Transit in finance for over 20 years.

Sandra is very active in her community. Her volunteerism includes: Teach yearly for Red Cross Prepare for Disaster Program and Organize yearly with Motorcycle Associates: Back to School / Toys for Tots & Turkey Drive in Northern Minnesota.

In addition, she may fill in as a Shuttle Bus Driver for Saint Paul Homeless Shelters

Sandra has two adult children, one granddaughter, and a yellow lab.

Motorcyclist / Ride a Three Wheel Trike / Rode Motorcycle 9,000 miles this summer

Pa Kong Lee

Pa Kong Lee was born in Ban Vinai Refugee Camp. Her family moved to the US in the early 90’s. As a volunteer, educator, and advocate, she spends over 10 years working on poverty alleviations for underrepresented communities.

Lee has experiences in youth development, gender mainstreaming, HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention, community organizing, and volunteers recruitment and management.

Lee was a participant of the 2017 Minneapolis Leaders Making Our Voices Effective for Equity Leadership Program lead by the Coalition of Asian American Leaders. She is alumnus of the U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer ’12 and AmeriCorps VISTA ‘09. She received the Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship in 2013 to further her studies in community and program development.

Pa Kong Lee holds a MA in Sustainable International Development from The Heller School of Social Policy and Management from Brandeis University, with a BA in Women’s Studies focuses on Gender and Education from Hamline University. Currently, Lee is a board member for the Southeast Asian Diaspora (SEAD) Project.

Lavasha Smith

I am a 26 year old graduate from Augsburg college with a (BA) degree in Psychology and youth and family ministry. I have a six-year-old son and we are currently living in South Minneapolis. I am currently working in St. Paul as a case manager specifically in housing. I have an interest in working with under-served and under-represented populations. Identify with the community of African America Women and founded a women’s group in 2015.

Kye Allums

Kye Allums is a St. Paul-raised, graduate of George Washington University. He is a Black Queer Fluid Transgender person of color, who’s life has been primarily focused on LGBTQ activism through public speaking on gender inclusion in sports. Currently, Kye works as an Education Coordinator for Fred Wells Tennis & Education Center, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition. His specific interests include gender justice, and health care access.

Katrina Mendoza

I am Katrina Mendoza. Pronouns: She, Her. I consider myself to be an enthusiastic and multifaceted reproductive justice advocate with over ten years of experience in the sexual health field. Currently I’m blessed to be working with the Latinx community in Richfield and with youth in middle and high schools in the metro area. I also present to treatment centers, Girl Scouts, prisons and community programs as an Education and Outreach Specialist for Planned Parenthood and through my work with Family Tree Clinic as a Clinic Assistant and Hotline Specialist I serve the LGBTQI community. I have experience working for the Homeless community through Catholic Charities, Emma Norton Services and The YWCA of St. Paul. I love presenting, supporting and learning from people. I am passionate about empowering young people and folks in marginalized communities by encouraging, supporting and helping people identify their own strengths within self and within community.

Jay Rathell

My name is Jay short for “Jasmond”. I changed my name back in college when I grew tired of people butchering it. I am ecstatic to be part of the BCLI program for many reasons and opportunities. I am a husband and a father of two girls, residing in Robbinsdale. I moved around quite a bit when I was younger and it s hard for to me to consider one place home. That being said, Minnesota is home for now and this is where I want to impact my community. My previous community work include AmeriCorps, MN Aids project and a few others, but I’m most excited about getting an opportunity to sit on a city or government board to try and affect change.

Esther Muturi

Esther Muturi is a dedicated member of the community who have worked tirelessly to supporting positive changes among individual and communities she serves for the last 9 yrs. Esther graduated with Masters in Social Work at the University of Wyoming, and currently works as mental health worker/ psychotherapist at Nystrom & Associates/ Family support Services Incorporated Inc in the twin cities. She was one of the leading organizer for a faith based African empowerment conference living in Minnesota. While in Wyoming she engaged in various community and advocacy program like Wyoming Geriatric Education Center. She is currently a member of MEGA Minnesota, Kenya Women living in Minnesota ( KWIM), and also volunteers at African Career & Education Resource, Inc ( ACER).

Danisa Farley

Overcoming her own personal and familial challenges, Danisa began working to recover her life of various aspects. She is a graduate of Metropolitan State University’s First College Program. Danisa has a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a focus in Communications and Community Service. She has worked in the Non-Profit sector serving a diverse range of populations. Danisa participated in groundbreaking work with the Department of Human Services and Minnesota State Supreme Court as a Parent Consultant with their Alcohol and Other Drug Project. Danisa works in the Basic Needs Departments helping to connect individuals and families to food resources and other essential supports to assist them. She founded a faith-based organization whose goal is to address recovery from drug, domestic violence and other social factors that affect families. She is dedicated to the process of Life-long Learning and believes that as she grows and shares what she has, it is an example and gives others inspiration to see and strive to reach their potential.

Baraka Tura

Baraka is a native of Oromia, a land of Oromo people. Oromos have historically been subjected to political, social, and cultural injustice in Ethiopia. He currently lives in St. Paul with his wife and three children. Being a member of oppressed people, Baraka has always been interested in working with people who have been marginalized and disenfranchised. He has a B.A degree in Organizational Leadership from Bethel University and currently works with Hennepin County as a human service representative.He is passionate about poverty alleviation, specifically social business, entrepreneurship and educational disparities.

Azeta Garthune

Azeta is a lifelong resident of South Minneapolis and has several years of experience in community-based work in the Twin Cities at various organizations including Hope Community, Minneapolis Public Schools, and Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota at the Eastside Financial Center. Azeta completed the Community Organizing training SPEAC at Hope Community and now serves as an advisor to the Equity & Outreach Committee for the Kingfield Neighborhood Association. Azeta earned her BA in Sociology & Comparative U.S. Race & Ethnicity at the University of Minnesota and recently earned her MBA at the University of St. Thomas – Opus College of Business. She currently works as a marketing and business development strategist at 3M.

2016-2017 BCLI Alumni

Minneapolis

Thamyr Goalafaie

Nominated by: Department of Labor & Industry – State of Minnesota
Target Commission: Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council and Citizen’s Environmental Advisory Committee

Born and raised in Boston, Thamyr Golafaie is the third oldest of seven children and the oldest of three girls. Thamyr attended Cornell University and spent a semester at The University of Massachusetts-Amherst. Having graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in both sociology and government, she subsequently became interested in both environmental protection and issues concerning equity. A recent transplant to Minneapolis, she has a strong interest in working at any level of government in either of these areas. She hopes to attend graduate school in the near future and is yet to decide on which area to study.

Duluth

Susie Green

Nominated by: Community Action Partnership – Duluth
Target Commission: local commissions dealing with planning and human rights

Susie has worked extensively with people from many cultures and races to do community engagement as a way to get involved and gain the tools necessary to get out of poverty. In essence, she encourages participants to find their voice in the systemic issues of race and poverty in order to beat the poverty trap and make change for the people. Through her work in nonprofits, she has gained foundational experience in community organizing, policy work and social asset building. Joining the Twin Cities BCLI is another step in her amazing journey to empower the people.

In her off time, she and her three wonderful children like to take road trips. She also enjoys walking swimming a good book or watching adventure movies.

Coon Rapids

Sindy Morales Garcia

Nominated by: The Wilder Foundation
Target Commission: Met Council’s Equity Advisory Committee and MN Council on Latino Affairs

Originally from Quetzaltenango Guatemala, Sindy comes from a family of community organizers. Her family’s narrative of struggle, resilience, and disruption led her on a personal and educational journey to deepening her understanding of liberation, healing, and social justice.

Driven by a commitmnt to equity and wholeness, Sindy works with the Wilder Foundation’s Community Initiatives team to catalyze the cultural shifts needed to co-create sustainable and transformational change towards racial equity. Her work is informed by a rich tapestry of experiences in higher-education advocacy, community collaborations, and faith-based activism in the Twin Cities and New York City. As a facilitator, Sindy enjoys cultivating spaces of meaningful reflection and dialogue that enable participants to strategically advance new thinking and action in their lives and work.

During her free time, Sindy loves to dwell in the life-giving energy of nature, laugh, eat delicious food, and work up a good sweat in kickboxing and karate.

St. Paul

Sheronda Orridge

Nominated by: BCLI Alumni
Target Commission: Governor’s Workforce Development Council, St. Paul Human Rights Commission, and The Council on Minnesotans of African Heritage

Dr. Sheronda Orridge is Owner / Operator of Loving Spirit Life Coach Academy LLC. She is also a Holistic Life Coach, Holistic Life Coach Trainer, Community Organizer, Spoken Rap Artist, Writer, Motivational Speaker, Community Consultant, Certified Doula, Certified TOP Facilitator, Event Planner, Curriculum Developer, Cater, and Spiritual Ordain Minster.

Dr. Sheronda holds 2 Bachelor’s Degrees one in Metaphysical Theology and the other in Metaphysical Science, a Master’s Degree in Metaphysical Science and a PhD in Holistic Life Coaching from the University of Sedona and is currently working on her second Ph.D. in Relationship Dynamics. Dr. Sheronda was awarded the 2015 Community Educator Unsung Hero Award from Minnesota (Community Caring for children (MCCC), 2014 Honoring Sisters Award (Spokesman Recorder Newspaper), 2012 Adult Leadership Award (Leap Forward Collaborative), 2012 Parent Leadership Award (Prevent Child Abuse Minnesota), and the 2011Community Honor Roll Award (Frogtown Neighborhood Association).

St. Paul

Shaun Williams-Wyche

Nominated by: Wilder Neighborhood Leadership Program
Target Commission: State Advisory Council on Mental Health, St. Paul Police Civilian Review Commission

Shaun Williams-Wyche is a research analyst at the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and a professor of Political Science at Metropolitan State University. A Texas native, He received his A.S in liberal sciences from El Centro College in Dallas Texas, his B.A in political science and anthropology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and his M.A. and Ph.D. in political science from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Williams-Wyche is the project lead on Minnesota’s legislatively-mandated goal to increase the state’s college education attainment rate to 70% by 2025, while simultaneously reducing attainment disparities by race. Recently, the Office of Higher Education and the Minnesota State Demographer’s Office co-authored “Educating for the Future: Baseline Estimates of Minnesota’s Educational Attainment,” giving the clearest snapshot ever of educational attainment in Minnesota. Dr. Williams-Wyche also works closely on financial aid and student loan debt in Minnesota.

Saint Paul

Shannon Eckman

Nominated by: Minnesota Homeownership Center
Target Commission: St. Paul Cultural STAR Board, St. Paul Human Rights Commission

Shannon Eckman lives in St. Paul with her husband and pets. Her social justice passion led her to affordable housing and works at the Minnesota Homeownership Center as a Program Manager. She currently sits on the Minnesota Association for Colored Counselors’ Advisory Committee. Shannon and her husband have started a small garden on a vacant lot in their neighborhood and relish in feeling connected to their neighbors. They enjoy traveling, trying new foods, playing board games, and spending time with family.

Duluth

Hodan has a Master’s degree from Augsburg College of Minneapolis majoring social work with emphasis on policy development and policy advocacy and minor in psychology. She also has BS from Metropolitan State University and a minor in public health. Hodan is licensed in the state of MN as a social worker and is trained as Dialectal Behavior Therapy trainer.

Burnsville

Hieu Nguyen

Nominated by: BCLI Alumnus
Target Commission: American Indian Advisory Council, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans

Hieu Nguyen is Hunkpapa Lakota, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. Born and raised in Minneapolis, he is engaged in the Twin Cities Native community. He is eager to learn new skills and techniques to effectively help Native communities in the cities and on the reservations. He enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Minneapolis

Chakita Lewis

Nominated by: Resources Health Center
Target Commission: Hennepin County Adult Mental Health Advocacy Board

Chakita Lewis is a Case Manager for Resource, Inc, the largest non profit in Minnesota. As a case manager, Chakita advocates on the behalf of all her participants to ensure they all have access to mental health services, chemical health, medical, social, financial, legal and housing services. Chakita currently sets on the Hennepin County Adult Mental Health Advocacy Board where she hopes to make a positive impact on mental health services and support on a macro level. Chakita holds a Bachelors of Science from in Public Health from St. Catherine University. She soon hopes to be working towards her master’s in Maternal and Infant Child Health.

Minneapolis

Ayan Hassan

Nominated by: The Wesley Center for Spirituality, Service and Social Justice at Hamline University
Target Commission: Minneapolis Public Health Advisory and State Advisory Council on Mental Health

Ayan Hassan has a postgraduate degree of Family Nurse Practitioner and Masters degree in nursing. Her role is to provide family-centered healthcare to patients of all ages. Her scope of practice encompasses health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis and management of common and complex health care problems. She has led many health and wellness programs for underserved communities and teaches weekly Yoga and nutrition classes for women and young girls to encourage healthier lifestyle.

Brooklyn Park

Allysia Jenkins

Nominated by: University of Minnesota Nursing School
Target Commission: Brooklyn Park Human Rights Commission and Citizen Long-Range Improvement Budget

Allysia Jenkins, MA, RN is the Clinical Nursing Director of the Family Birth Center at Park Nicollet, Methodist Hospital. In this role Mrs. Jenkins supports large labor and delivery, postpartum and special care nursery team. Mrs. Jenkins is also an active member of the Health Partners Diversity and Inclusion Network and serves as an Equitable Care Champion.

In addition to her professional responsibilities Mrs. Jenkins is currently a doctoral candidate at the University of Minnesota, where she is pursuing a Doctorate of Nursing Practice degree in Health Innovation and Leadership. The focus of her scholarship is equitable care and health care disparities for minority populations.

2015-2016 BCLI Alumni

Woodbury

Hanna Getachew-Kreusser

Nominated by: Deb Loon, Avenues for Homeless Youth
Target Commission: Ramsey County Continuum of Care Governing Board

Hanna has been working with programs working with youth to overcome homelessness. Currently she works at Face to Face Health and Counseling in St Paul, as a Director of Programs overseeing the operations of a medical clinic, mental health clinic, Health Education and a Drop In Center for Homeless Youth. Hanna has many years of experience in Non-Profit Management serving various populations. She has also co-founded Resources for Enriching African Lives (REAL Inc.) a non-profit established to empower and support Africans.

Minneapolis

Deqa Sayid

Nominated by: Lynnea Atlas-Ingebretson, Student, Family & Community Engagement Department,
Minneapolis Public Schools
Target Commission: Minneapolis Public Health Advisory Committee

Deqa works for Minneapolis Public Schools in the office of Student, Family and Community Engagement as the Family and School Advocate. Previously she worked for the University of Minnesota Community-University Health Care Center as a Behavioral Health Case Manager working with individuals diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illnesses. Deqa was born in Somalia but later relocated to Southern California with her family. She earned her BA in Psychology with a minor in Criminology; then completed an MA in Education with a concentration on Multi-cultural Counseling. Deqa is passionate about social justice, which she believes impacts every aspect of one’s life. She would like to expand her knowledge and gain tools to continue to actively work on decreasing disparities for disadvantaged communities. She enjoys reading and traveling.

Minneapolis

Cacje Henderson

Nominated by: Clara Haycraft, Office of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN)
Target Commission: Minneapolis Housing Board of Appeals

Cacje is a University of Minnesota graduate and 1st generation organizer. She was born and raised in South Minneapolis and is the oldest of seven children. She currently serves on the board for Neighborhoods Organizing for Change and has a strong commitment to building power in low income communities of color. Her specific interests include housing equity and education. She currently works for the United States Senate as a Constituent Advocate.

2014-2015 BCLI Alumni

Read more about the 2014-15 BCLI Graduation here, and 2014-15 slideshow year in review here.

Antrinita Wright has worked in her community on various projects and boards. Her aim is to empower, improve and enlighten the underrepresented and disenfranchised. She has worked with organizations such as Allina, PHA, Emma Norton, SHIP, You Be the Change, Neighborhood Leadership Program, and others to fight for the rights of others. For her, this is just the start of the journey. She has plans to continue to fight the good fight for others.

2013-2014 BCLI Alumni

Check out the 2013-14 BCLI Graduation video here, and 2013-14 slideshow year in review here.

Abdirahman Muse lives in Minneapolis and works in the office of Mayor Betsy Hodges as a Senior Policy Aide. Abdi previously worked for SEIU HCMN, where he was part of an organizing team working to accomplish the single largest unionization drive in Minnesota history by unionizing more than 18,000 home care workers. Abdirahman is also an East African community activist in Minnesota. He is passionate about worker’s rights, social and economic justice issues. He previously served on the Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission.

For more information, contact Mr. Chai Lee at clee@nexuscp.org.

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