Alumni

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Minnetonka

Hodan Hassan

Nominated by: Project for Pride in Living
Target Commission: State Advisory Council on Mental Health, Housing Finance Agency, St. Paul Public Housing Agency

Hodan Hassan is a black/Muslim/immigrant/woman who is dedicated and passionate about community organizing and has spent the last 10+ years advocating for social and economic justice as well as human rights. Currently, Hodan serves as a chairwoman for Somali American Taskforce and works and works for Project Pride for Living as a social worker, prior to joining PPL, Hodan has worked at Hennepin County for many years.  In this role, Hodan provided leadership as client advocate, public health educator, service planner, State contracted liaison, and mental health practitioner. Prior to joining Hennepin County, Hodan spent many years at serving marginalized communities of Minnesota providing advocacy and training especially trainings related to gender based-violence and cultural competence.

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.

Saint Paul

Jacquelyn Thomas

Nominated by: Village PTSA
Target Commission: St. Paul Cultural STAR Board, State Workforce Development Council and Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage

Jacquelyn (Jacquie) Thomas is a native resident of St. Paul, where she also raised her daughter who is currently in high school. Jacquie learned early on that being black was not going to make it easy for being heard and/or being a part of decisions and policies that are made to govern the people, schools and communities in St. Paul. Jacquie grew up in a home with seven other siblings and sometimes other relatives; this taught her that family is key to your strength.  While growing up she learned that she had rights not just as a black person, but universal Human Rights in a broader context. At the young age of 13, she took part in a protest in her junior high school that was not recognizing, valuing or celebrating black people during Black History month. She participated in planning in the protest, where students of all cultures and ethnicity took part. The protest was successful. Today Jacquie is known as a champion for children and families; advocating, volunteering and serving on committees, boards, work groups and panels to make sure that the parent voice is heard, and the voice of black people as a whole is not left out of the process.

Minneapolis

Jocelyn Beard

Nominated by: BCLI Alumnus
Target Commission: Minneapolis Arts Commission and Neighborhood & Community Engagement Commission

Jocelyn Beard is a native of Saint Louis, MO. She currently lives in North Minneapolis with her husband. Jocelyn is a nonprofit professional who has worked in the field of adolescent sexual health and recently worked on behalf of building and growing relationships that support young families’ future success. Currently, her role as a Community Relations Manger focuses on supporting domestic violence work. She is an enthusiastic facilitator and trainer and truly enjoys helping people experience “Ah Ha Moments”. Jocelyn sees herself as a bridge for others. She is passionate about helping people move towards better future for themselves and their communities.

Minneapolis

Jonathan Harris

Nominated by: L.I.F.T to End Poverty
Target Commission: Minnesota Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage and Neighborhood & Community Engagement Commission

Jonathan Harris is a banker at Wells Fargo and an activist who is committed to providing real change to the people of his community. He has experience in rallying people together from all racial backgrounds to stand up and fight for equity.

Minneapolis

Manu Lewis

Nominated by: BCLI Alumnus
Target Commission: Neighborhood & Community Engagement Commission (NCEC), Minneapolis Civil Rights Commission

Manu Lewis was born in Minneapolis and raised in Atlanta, GA. He believes that organizing is the best tool available to bring people and cultures together. His firsthand experience of the criminal justice system makes him a powerful advocate in our police accountability, voting rights and corporate accountability campaigns. He volunteers for Restorative Justice and often goes back into Minnesota prisons and jails to provide resource and inspiration for those most in need. He’s a longtime community leader, organizer and staff person at the Neighborhood HUB and believes in organizing his community to be part of the solution.

Duluth

Salaam Witherspoon

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

Salaam Witherspoon’s main focus and goal is to help people understand things at a level to impact change. She has a deep passion for community and equity. She currently serves as the chair of the youth chapter in the NAACP, Duluth Branch, and would like to see this branch develop more and flourish.  She is on the steering committee of the Health in All Policies, which is a three year campaign that will directly impact policies for equity, for all races.

Her goal is to ensure that a future is paved out for her children, and ensure she leaves a road map for success for them to not to have to struggle the way she does now. She hopes that  one day in some way be at the table with policy makers as well as making them.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Harrison Bullard

Nominated by: Cathy Jones, BCLI Alum
Target Commission: Minneapolis Civil Rights Commission

I am a 3rd generation, grandson of an Alabama sharecropper and former slave, Friday Gibson. I was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1963, 5 years later my family moved to Gary, Indiana. I spent the most of my life in school or working in the trades. It wasn’t until 2004, when I moved to Minneapolis, MN and became a member of Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 26, that I found my passion for labor and its fight for justice. I’ve held positions in Local 26 for 11 years as steward, 3 terms as an Executive Board member, Security delegate and Vice President. I am currently on SEIU National Executive Board of its African American Caucus (AFRAM) and president emeritus AFRAM Minnesota chapter. I am a strong believer that all labor has dignity and worth, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or skin color.

St. Paul

Jeanette Jones

Nominated by: Kerry Antrim, District 6 Community Council & Heidi Heinzel, Ramsey County Community Human Services Citizen’s Advisory Council (Seated)
Target Commission: Ramsey County Community Human Services Citizen’s Advisory Council

Jeanette has been involved with community engagement of some sort for the past ten years. This involves  working with Second Chance, Unlawful Detainer, Community Action Council, Survey for MNSTEP dealing with Ramsey County and Save the Rec at McDonough Townhomes and a host of other issues.

Minneapolis

Joane’ McAfee

Nominated by: Jamez Staples, BCLI Alum
Target Commission: Minneapolis Planning Commission

Joane’ currently works with the Minnesota Senate as the legislative assistant to Senator Bobby Joe Champion where she assists with communicating with a diverse district, tracking bills through the legislative process, understanding a wide variety of policies and routinely managing office tasks. Joane’ graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in public relations. She is also a Global Shaper, which is a group for young professionals interested in changing the world around them through community based initiatives. Joane’ is passionate about communities of color and is committed to bridge building between different communities and sectors. When she isn’t busy during the legislative session, she enjoys traveling, dancing, biking, community engagement, and meeting new people.

Minneapolis

LaCora Bradford Kesti

Nominated by: Betsy Sohn, Hope Community
Target Commission: Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council

Representing the South Side of Minneapolis, LaCora has over 18 years of experience living and working in the Twin Cities metro area. She is a Food Justice Leader and community member in the Phillips and Elliot Park neighborhoods. LaCora graduated from the College of St. Scholastica and completed two year of AmeriCorps completing over 3,400 service hours for her community. Currently she works for Public Allies, a program affiliated with Pillsbury United Communities. As the Program Manager she designs, facilitates and evaluates a leadership based curriculum for young adults. She personally mentors the participants in the program, research and collaborates with community experts on culturally specific and relevant topics. Beyond her education and personal experience, LaCora has a passion for serving all people and helping them discover their endless possibilities, as well as a belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed and share their talents. This passion has been the driving factor behind her education and community organizing. LaCora intends for her life’s work to focus on community empowerment, community change and finding and promoting holistic social justice solutions to the inequities that exist today.

St. Paul

Luis Rangel

Nominated by: Cullen Smith, Neighborhood Justice Center
Target Commission: St Paul Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) Commission

Luis is an attorney for the Neighborhood Service Center (NJC). NJC is a non-profit criminal defense organization that helps low income community members receive criminal defense services. Luis graduated from the University of St. Thomas with a degree in criminal justice and from the University of Minnesota law school.

Minneapolis

Mustafa Jumale

Nominated by: Nasser Mussa, BCLI Alum
Target Commission: Minneapolis Neighborhood Community Engagement Commission (NCEC)

Mustafa serves as Congressman Keith Ellison’s lead aide on foreign affairs, civil rights and liberties, public safety, and African issues in his district office. Previously, Mustafa worked for the Minnesota House of Representatives, Wilder Foundation, and the Immigration History Research Center. Mustafa advocates for progressive policy initiatives that address pressing human rights issues as well as other issues facing refugees. He’s a recipient of the 2011 Josie Johnson Human Rights and Social Justice Award at the University of Minnesota. Mustafa graduated from the University of Minnesota with bachelor degrees in African American and African studies and Sociology.

Minneapolis

Nichol Ellis-McGregor

Nominated by: Paul Williams, Project for Pride in Living
Target Commission: Minneapolis Civil Rights Commission

Nichol was born in Saint Paul Minnesota and spent her very early years in the Rondo Neighborhood and then as a teen and early adulthood in North Minneapolis. Growing up in these communities impacted Nichol to the beauty, issue and barrier facing these communities. It sparked a desire in her to advocate and empower others, but first she had to do it for herself as a single homeless teen parent, a client of welfare services and victim of discrimination. Nichol is employed as an MFP Family Stabilization Services Manager at Project for Pride in Living where she serves on the Diversity Committee. Her goal and focus is to empower families to overcome their barriers by access to financial literacy, stable housing, education, employment and competent health providers. Nichol earned her Associates Degree in Human Services from MCTC and is currently a senior at Metropolitan State University pursing her Bachelors in Human Services. Nichol enjoys spending time with her family, working out and traveling. Nichol’s vision and hope for communities is to see and live to their greater potential and realize their human equity and gifts so that the can leave a legacy and inheritance to future generations.

Minneapolis

Tiphanie “PH” Copeland

Nominated by: Anita Patel, Bush Foundation
Target Commission:  Minneapolis Neighborhood Community Engagement Commission (NCEC)

PH was born and raised in her beloved community of North Minneapolis. Her professional background involves in youth and community organizing surrounding racial equity and other social justice issues. Currently working at the YWCA of Minneapolis’ Racial Justice and Public Policy Department, she focuses on increasing the access of high-quality, affordable early childhood, afterschool and summertime care for Minnesota children and youth ages 0-18. She believes organizing, advocacy and storytelling are tools for developing a sustainable life, ending cycles of poverty and forms of oppression, creating healing spaces for growth. PH holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs from Wells College in Aurora, NY. Here, she began to connect her understanding of institutionalized oppression and racism to a deeper understanding of how government and politics function, impacting communities. PH has been trained by Toastmaster International—Roller Toaster Club 4216, Wilder Foundation—Community Equity Pipeline (C.E.P.), Tri-College NEW Leadership, Vote Run Lead, Wellstone Action, People’s Institute North For Survival and Beyond—Freedom School. PH is a Board Member of Minnesota Voice.

Minneapolis

Ron Harris, Jr.

Nominated by: Paul Robinson, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
Target Commission: Minneapolis Capital Long-Range Improvement Commission

Ron is a graduate of the University of Minnesota Duluth with degrees in Political Science and Economics. He is currently employed at Neighborhoods Organizing for Change leading their policy and coalition work. He is extremely passionate about electoral politics, community building, leadership development, and social responsible business. He also enjoys public speaking and has delivered numerous keynote speeches for multiple events. Ron also serves as the Treasurer for the Minnesota Democratic party where he works hard to advance Minnesota as a progressive state.

St. Paul

Tonya Draughn

Nominated by: Andy Barnett, Frogtown Rondo Home Fund
Target Commission: Ramsey County Workforce Investment Board

Tonya grew up and currently lives in St Paul MN with her husband and 6 children. She is a project coordinator for Goodwill Easter Seals and also the current chair and executive director of L.I.F.T. to End Poverty (Leading Individuals and Families Together to End Poverty). Tonya is a fellow of the Aurora St Anthony Development Center- Power of One Plus One Resident Leader Training and Community Action of Ramsey and Washington Counties-Public Policy Class. During these training she found a passion in working to educate her community on policies that impact their lives and how to work together on changing some of these policies that often times don’t reflect her community or its values. She is a current board member for High School for Recording Arts and just joined their initiative, Home for HSRA, to find housing solutions for their students that are considered highly mobile or homeless.

Eagan

Thorne Bordeaux-LaPointe

Nominated by: Joe Hobot, American Indian OIC
Target Commission: Minneapolis Neighborhood Community Engagement Commission (NCEC)

Thorne is Sicangu Lakota and comes from Little Crow’s camp on the Rosebud Reservation located in South Dakota. He is an experienced youth worker in the Minneapolis Native American community, and is known for his human rights advocacy in the United Nations as a delegate of AIM-West. Thorne has a deep relationship with both communities on Rosebud Reservation and in Minneapolis and is committed to youth development. Through the advancement initiatives for the future protection and recognition of Indigenous people’s rights, he is dedicated to succeeding generations of empowered future thought leaders. Thorne believes in an Indigenized community building process that is designed by, for, and with the community. By engaging in community-centered approaches, he hopes to develop a more just and equitable society so that the effects of colonization can be overturned by an informed Indigenous worldview. Thorne carries within him a great responsibility – a vision, where through community building and self-determination, a collective activation of traditional knowledge will be translated to many forms of prosperity: socioeconomic, communal, and cultural.

Eagan

Wakinyan LaPointe

Nominated by: Lannesse Baker, Native Youth Alliance of Minnesota
Target Commission: Minneapolis Neighborhood Community Engagement Commission (NCEC)

Wakinyan is Sicangu (Burnt Thigh) from the Lakota Oyate (Lakota Nation), and is an enrolled member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota. Throughout his life, Wakinyan has continuously worked as a community youth worker in indigenized experiential learning and education, advocate of indigenous peoples human rights, and as an Indigenous delegate of the American Indian Movement West to United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. As a student of Political Science at the University of Minnesota, Wakinyan strives to expand his skills for community building, and to one day step into positions of Indigenous Nation Building by advancing in academia, specifically, within Indigenous International law, and Federal Indian Law. Wakinyan’s vision in life is to help nourish the gifts, culture, language, traditional government, sustainability and worldviews of Indigenous peoples, in particular, that of the Sicangu Lakota Oyate of which he is a descendant. He notes, that in today’s times, the Indigenous world presents a powerful alternative for a more sustainable future.

In Wakinyan LaPointe’s words: the Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute presents an extraordinary opportunity with which to achieve the capacities, skills, and know-how in working together with community in sectors of politics, economic development, and health for a better, more prosperous future.

Saint Paul

Antrinita Wright

Nominated by: Damon Shoholm, Neighborhood Leadership Program, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation
Target Commission: Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) Commission

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.

Saint Paul

Carla Kohler

Nominated by: Karla Bachmann, Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES)
Target Commission: Community Health Services Advisory Committee

Carla Kohler, BA., is the manager of Community Health Worker Services (CHWS) at CLUES. Ms. Kohler directs all program activities scheduled and organized by the Urban and Rural Supervisors, and oversees all health promotion and prevention activities of community health workers. She also coordinates data entry, analysis, and reports, collaborates with external evaluators, contributes to fundraising opportunities including grant writing, and foster new partnerships to advance health equity for the Latino community in Minnesota. She graduated from Hamline University in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies and Political Science. Currently, Mrs. Kohler participates in the MDH’s OMMH Advisory Committee as well as the Minnesota Community Health Workers Alliance and is part of the University of Minnesota’s CTSI Community Health Advisory Council. Ms. Kohler is a Leadership in Advocacy to Advance Minnesota’s Parity for Priority Populations (LAAMPP) Fellow, a Roy Wilkins Public Policy Fellow, and was recently awarded the 2014 Visionary Leader Award by the Minnesota Community Health Worker Alliance.

Saint Paul

Chamath Perera

Nominated by: Joo Hee Pomplun, Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA)
Target Commission: Planning Commission

Chamath Perera lives in the Lowertown arts district, advocates for arts and community, counsels nonprofits and coaches leaders, changemakers and philanthropists. His films have been broadcast on SPNN and on the web. Currently he is at work on a series of films on the creative process of several Minnesota artists. Chamath’s art, work and life is informed by Buddhist practice which he also teaches.

Saint Paul

David Martinez

Nominated by: David Wiese, Wells Fargo Community Development Department
Target Commission: Ramsey County Workforce Investment Board (currently seated)

David Martinez is a community-focused leader whose objective is to build community power and hope. Leveraging his background as a financial services professional, David coaches and mentors youth and adults to help them achieve their life goals. Since the late 1990’s, David has served as a leader within the Latino community and has championed initiatives that positively impact Latinos living in the Twin Cities. Advancing a regional equity agenda in education, financial services and workforce development are David’s primary focus areas.

Maple Grove

David Milton

Nominated by: Dr. Sylvia Bartley, Mastery Charter Schools / Harvest Education Network
Target Commission: Planning Commission

David O. Milton, CPA, CM&AA is Vice President of Financial Services for MACC CommonWealth, a MN nonprofit, serving other nonprofits.  Previously, he has served as interim-Chief Financial Officer for a number of established and startup companies in the green energy, environmental, manufacturing and service industries.  He specializes in mergers and acquisitions, valuation, strategy, financial modeling, raising capital and corporate governance.  He has more than 25 years of financial leadership experience with blue-chip companies such as Cargill, Johnson Controls and Amoco Corporation (now BP).  He has established and negotiated all forms of startups, joint ventures, acquisitions, divestitures and strategic alliances across the Americas, Europe and Asia. He is an Associate Professor of Accounting, Finance and Economics in the University of Phoenix’s MBA program.  David also serves as Board Treasurer for Mastery Charter Schools.  Originally from Chicago, he holds a CPA certification from the State of Illinois, is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt and Lean Executive (Johnson Controls and Villanova University), and is a Certified Mergers and Acquisition Advisor.

Saint Paul

Donna Evans

Nominated by: Marsha Cressy, BCLI Alum
Target Commission: Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) Commission

Donna M. Evans lives in Saint Paul and works for MNSTEP through Experience Works, a training program for older adults where she is a Program Director assisting MNSTEP’s members in its mission to end poverty and homelessness. Membership is organized by and for Low-Wealth Minnesotans to be both engaged and at the table in determining how those policies are implemented. Donna M. Evans is a community activist and former lobbyist in Minnesota. Donna is passionately committed to eliminating barriers and creating balance and equity in all communities in which social and economic injustice issues prevail. Donna currently serves on the Ramsey County Low Wealth Committee (CAC), Frogtown Rondo Action Network (FRAN), Dispute Resolution Center (DRC) Member of the US Human Rights Network Task Force on the International Convention for the Elimination of all forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), The Poor Peoples Campaign and Saint Paul Equity In Place.

Richfield

Emilia Gonzalez Avalos

Nominated by: Annie Levenson-Falk, Navigate MN
Target Commission: Human Rights Commission (currently seated)

Emilia Gonzalez Avalos is the Executive Director of Navigate MN, a nonprofit organization that serves young students in Minnesota facing financial, social and legal barriers to achieve their dreams of higher education.  Emilia was born in Mexico City, and joined her father in Minnesota years after he left their home town looking for better job opportunities and a better future for his family. Family separation, border consciousness and transnational economy shaped Emilia’s life to become an immigration activist, feminist, and advocate for human rights. She is a Human Rights Commissioner for the City of Richfield, and Board member of Joyce Preschool, a non-profit award winner dual immersion preschool in Minneapolis. Emilia has been trained by SEIU, Wellstone Action, OAP, TC Media Alliance, Women Winning, Emily’s List and Center for Community Change. Emilia lives in Richfield with her life partner Daniel, her 5 year old Miranda, and 16 year old Daniel Jr.

Minneapolis

Falmata Bedasso

Nominated by: Hassen Hussein, Oromo Community of MN
Target Commission: Public Housing Authority Board

Falmata Bedasso lives in Minneapolis and works for Commonbond Communities, a nonprofit organization. Falmata serves on the board of the Oromo Community of MN, which serves over 40,000 Oromos that reside in Twin Cities. Falmata previously served as the Vice President of the International Oromo Youth Group.

Minneapolis

Jamez Staples

Nominated by: Barbara Lightsy, Community Elder
Target Commission: Energy Vision Advisory Committee (currently seated)

Jamez Staples is a Minneapolis, Minnesota native. He is President and CEO of Renewable NRG Partners, a company with a mission of developing the green infrastructure and renewable energy market through the use of people that come from marginalized communities. Mr. Staples holds an Associate of Arts degree in Business from Normandale Community College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing Management and Innovation from Concordia College. He is passionate about community economic development, work force enhancements, and environmental sustainability through various means. His hobbies include international travel, skiing, fishing, reading, and participating in community issues directly related to the metropolitan area of North Minneapolis.

Saint Paul

Leila Paye-Baker

Nominated by: Readus Fletcher, Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity Department, City of Saint Paul
Target Commission: Human Rights & Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) Commission (currently seated)

Leila Paye-Baker is a first generation American.  She was born and raised in Minnesota and grew up in a home with her parents and three siblings, all of whom are Liberian immigrants.  She works as Community Connections Manager at St. Paul Youth Services where she advocates on behalf of juvenile justice and youth issues.  She has done trainings with immigrant parents on cross-cultural parenting and the challenges of raising their children in the United States. Leila currently serves on the City of Saint Paul’s Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity Commission.  She is passionate about immigration, racial justice, and educational disparity issues. She regularly conducts donation drives for people in Liberia.  Leila loves to travel, read and spend time with family. She resides in Shoreview with her husband and three children.   Leila holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Policy and Administration from the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Hamline University.

Minneapolis

Nasser Mussa

Nominated by: Hassen Hussein, Oromo Community of MN
Target Commission: Neighborhood & Community Engagement Commission (NCEC) (currently seated)

Nasser Mussa is the volunteer service director and program assistant at the Cedar Riverside Adult Education School, which serves large number of East African immigrants in Minneapolis and works with various local agencies to address community issues. As the volunteer service director, Nasser works with several local organizations, universities, and colleges. He previously worked at the Minnesota House of Representatives and Minneapolis Public Schools. Nasser graduated from the University of Minnesota with B.A in Sociology of Law, B.A in Political Science and B.A in African American and African Studies. Currently he is a Policy Fellow at Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Nasser is fluent in Oromo, Somali and English and is very active in political campaign at local, state and federal level. He is an active member of Democratic Farm Labor (DFL) and currently nominated to the DFL Central Committee at-large and State Delegate. He is the board member of Oromo American Citizen Council (OACC), Cedar Riverside Neighborhood Revitalization Program (CRNRP), and Health Action Committee at the Brian Coyle Community Center.

Minneapolis

Sonya Lewis

Nominated by: Cherrenne Horazuk, AFSCME 3800
Target Commission: Workforce Council

Sonya Lewis currently works for the Minneapolis Public Schools in the Office of Equity and Diversity where she supports diversity partnerships, equity training efforts, funding oversight, and compliance across the district.  Previously she was an active union member, working as a steward in order to empower others by helping them become aware of their voice. Being a mother to her three sons has defined and grounded her, and has challenged her to seek solutions that will not only benefit her children, but children and young people of color in the region. Sonya enjoys writing, reading, anything that has to do with aerobic activity, and spending time with her family.

Saint Paul

Suyapa Miranda

Nominated by: Cynthia Campos, BCLI Alum
Target Commission: Chicano Latino Affairs Council (currently seated); Transportation Advisory Board (currently seated)

Suyapa Miranda serves as Executive Director for the Saint Anthony Park Community Council where she works collaboratively with neighborhood residents, the board of directors, staff, business owners and local nonprofits to build a more visible, influential, and resilient community. Suyapa supports organizational success by providing ethical, operational and strategic guidance and governance that is consistent with the mission, values, and policies of SAPCC. Suyapa also serves on the board of directors for several other Minnesota non-profits and organizations. She is the vice chair for the Minnesota Women’s Consortium (MWC), and was appointed by Governor Mark Dayton to be the Congressional District 4 Representative for the Chicano Latino Affairs Council (CLAC), which she also vice chairs. In addition, she sits on the board for Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, and chairs Partners for Women’s Equality. Prior to joining SAPCC, Suyapa worked in the nonprofit sector for more than 10 years. Most recently, she served as a development coordinator for the Women’s Environmental Institute (WEI). In this role, she served as a connector between policy makers and the community, and worked to provide education to the community on environmental justice concerns that affect their lives. She is deeply committed to social justice and has a passion for affecting systemic change in the way public, private, and nonprofit sectors work together to support it. She is specifically skilled at working to build a more diverse community through alliances and partnerships so that communities and organizations have a voice in the issues that are most important to them. She has also worked for Merrick Community Services (MCS) and for the YWCA. Suyapa earned a BA in Modern and Classical Languages from University of St. Thomas.

Minneapolis

Tescil Mason-Kimmons

Nominated by: Maleta (Queen) Kimmons, BCLI Alum
Target Commission: Civil Rights Commission

Tescil Mason-Kimmons is currently a part time student at Minneapolis Technical Community College studying liberal arts with an emphasis in political science. His long-term goal is to become a criminal defense attorney and eventually open up his own firm. Tescil has worked in various roles of diverse and multicultural staff, including the Law Offices of Larry E. Reed where he worked alongside now Representative Keith Ellison. Tescil has experience canvassing for Brett Buckner’s campaign for City Council, and is now vice executive director of an organization called The Urban Youth Conservation, an organization that provides resources for gang members who are looking to turn a new leaf in their lives. Additionally, Tescil has volunteered with organizations such as Neighborhoods Organizing for Change (NOC), Justice for All, One Family One Community and Second Chance, and was part of the Ban the Box movement. Tescil’s community-based experiences have impacted his work ethic, passion and enthusiasm in every aspect of his life and career path.

Minneapolis

Yolonde Adams-Lee

Nominated by: Antonia Wilcoxon, MN Department of Human Services
Target Commission: Public Housing Authority Board

Yolonde Adams-Lee is a native of Compton, California.  She grew up between California and Logansport, LA.  Yolonde grew up at the feet of grass roots and community justice family.  Her grandmother was one of the original trustees of the Los Angeles, California NAACP and National Negro of Women organization.  She was also exposed very early to marches and rallies that included labor and civil rights greats such as Caesar Chavez, Stokely Carmichael, Huey Newton, Eldridge Cleaver and sat at the feet of her grandparents who hosted get out the vote for African Americans.  She currently works very diligently to supporting mental health services forensically to civilly committed and criminal offenders.  She works and volunteers in various capacities to continue to eradicate racial injustices in macro systems, housing and health systems.  She is the mother of four daughters and a member of numerous organizations such as Black Social Workers, Black Psychologist, African American Aids Project and serves on the board of AIC advisory board.

Minneapolis

Abdirahman Muse

Nominated by: Jamie Gulley, SEIU Minnesota
Target Commission: Public Housing Authority

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.

Minneapolis

Cathy Jones

Nominated by: Michael T. Zagaros, Branch 9 NALC
Target Commission: Civil Rights Commission

Cathy Jones has been working for the United States Postal Service since 2006. She immediately joined the NALC and now serves as an elected officer on Branch 9’s Executive Board (Trustee). Cathy is known as a champion for dignity and respect in the workplace. She currently facilitates a committee with local high ranking union/management counterparts within the USPS called the PEER process. This committee works to ensure a workplace free of bullying, harassment and other related workplace issues. Cathy has attended and graduated from the Midwest Women’s Labor School and continues to take courses through the University of Minnesota Labor Education Service program.  She is a political activist, NAACP and National Action Network member. Cathy looks forward to doing her part to move the Equity Agenda forward. A native of the Twin Cities area, Cathy currently resides in south Minneapolis.

Minneapolis

Cynthia Campos

Nominated by: Mario Hernandez, Latino Economic Development Center
Target Commission: Chicano Latino Affairs Council (currently seated)

Cynthia Campos grew up in a bi-lingual/bi-cultural community on the west side of San Antonio, Texas.  Prior to relocating to Minnesota, Cynthia worked in New York City for the Professional Staff Congress of the City University of New York, a public university staff union of 19,000 members.  As the Coordinator of Contract Administration, Cynthia represented university professors and staff in disciplinary proceedings, including sexual harassment and workplace violence investigations. Cynthia has spent the past eight years working on behalf of labor unions such as the Service Employees International Union and the American Federation of Teachers as an organizer, union representative and labor educator. A graduate of Carleton College and the Law School at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Cynthia’s legal training is in immigration, labor and public benefits law.  Cynthia is an attorney in Minneapolis, a small business owner-member of the Latino Economic Development Center and was recently appointed by the Governor’s office to the Chicano Latino Affairs Council.

Minneapolis

Ilhan Omar

Nominated by: Habon Abdulle, Advancing Women’s Voices
Target Commission: Civil Rights Commission

Ilhan Omar sees political and social activism as driving forces in her life; in 2012 she helped establish a New Americans PAC, which has been instrumental in convening constituents with their representatives and in successfully organizing against the photo ID amendment. Since arriving from Somalia as a child, Ilhan has been a bridge-builder across communities. She hopes to be a strong civil servant for the most vulnerable around the world, influencing her work on educational policy, restorative justice, food access, youth homelessness, and equity. Inspired by civil rights advocates, she has been an advocate for political access and equality in the new American communities, and is a catalyst for advancing women’s voices. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband and three children. Ilhan has a B.S. in Political Science and International Studies from North Dakota State University. “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” Rev. MLK

Minneapolis

Kandace Montgomery

Nominated by: Pamela Twiss, TakeAction Minnesota
Target Commission: Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission

Kandace Montgomery is a community organizer with the Justice 4 All program at TakeAction Minnesota and works to run campaigns to close Minnesota’s racial jobs gap. Currently, she is on a campaign to remove the barriers people with criminal backgrounds face when seeking employment. Kandace was introduced to organizing and community building through a course during college at the University of Massachusetts—Amherst where she studied public health and grassroots community organizing. Growing up with multiple marginalized identities, Kandace is dedicated to breaking down the systems which keep people down and from living full and healthy lives. She is committed to building power within communities of color and believes the most essential piece of that is developing individuals to be leaders in their community. Kandace is passionate about racial, class, and LGBTQA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, ally) justice issues. She lives in South Minneapolis.

St. Paul

Maggie Lorenz

Nominated by: Jodi Bantley, MSU
Target Commission: Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity (HREEO) Commission (previously seated)

Maggie Lorenz is an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, with familial and cultural roots from Spirit Lake Nation. Currently, Maggie serves as the American Indian Student Services Specialist at Metropolitan State University. A resident of Saint Paul’s East Side, Maggie serves on the Saint Paul Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunities Commission. Additionally, she sits on the boards for the American Indian OIC and Bii Gii Wiin Community Development Loan Fund, both organizations based in Minneapolis. Maggie holds a BA in Psychology from Metropolitan State University and is working towards her Masters in Organizational Leadership at Winona State University. She has three children and enjoys being a dance mom/soccer mom/Girl Scout cookie mom.

Minneapolis

Maleta (Queen) Kimmons

Nominated by: Anthony Newby, Neighborhoods Organizing for Change
Target Commission: Neighborhood and Community Engagement Commission (currently seated)

Maleta Kimmons, known as Queen, is a Minneapolis community leader and organizer who has been involved in the work of justice and housing for over two decades. She has Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Metropolitan State University in Saint Paul and a Masters’ Certification in Nonprofit Organizations from St. Thomas University. Queen has convened covenant tables for gang truce, partnered with the Occupy Homes Minnesota movement, and worked with at-risk youth to get them writing and talking about their life experiences through the Urban Civic Engagement Project. She has created supportive housing for ex-offenders in Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Currently, Queen leads the non-partisan voter engagement work at Neighborhoods Organizing for Change. Queen proudly calls North Minneapolis her home, where she lives with her daughter.

St. Paul

Marsha Cressy

Nominated by: Rachel Orville, Minnesotans Standing Together to End Poverty (MNSTEP)
Target Commission: Continuum of Care Governing Board (currently seated)

Marsha Cressy is director and co-founder of MNSTEP, a grassroots organization of low-wealth Minnesotans working create change through public policy. She grew up in California, the youngest child of single mom. She lived in California when Reagan was test driving “Cadillac mama” image.  Where seeds were planted to turn selfishness into a virtue; and fear and suspicion of your neighbor replaced neighbors watching out for each other. From a young age, Marsha has tirelessly advocated for economic, racial and social justice. Her proudest moments are her grandchildren’s accomplishments and watching her son graduate from the U of M. Marsha carries on her Jewish, Yurok traditions and as a spirit guide. Marsha holds post on Alliance Membership Board as SPACH representative, Chair of Ramsey County Low-Income CAC, on AMWOP State-Wide Organizing Committee, and is on the Board of Westside Clinic. She currently lives on the East Side of Saint Paul.

St. Paul

Mee Cheng

Nominated by: Pakou Hang, Hmong American Farmers Association (HAFA)
Target Commission: Community Health Services Committee (currently seated)

Mee Cheng is a graduate research assistant at HAFA, where she is working on establishing alternative markets for immigrant farmers.  She is currently a second-year graduate student at the University of Minnesota–School of Public Health, and her focus is on public health administration and policy. As a Kruse Scholar, she is working on an integrative cross-sector model to bring community leaders in various sectors to build healthy communities.  She hopes to utilize her training to reduce health disparities and improve the health of underserved communities, especially elderly and immigrant groups.  Prior to graduate school, she worked on various issues regarding education, energy conservation, and public transit/bicycling/pedestrian advocacy with various community-based nonprofits. Mee lives in the Hamline Midway neighborhood and is passionate about gardening, bicycling and traveling.

Minneapolis

Naida Medicine Crow

Nominated by: Kelly Drummer, Tiwahe Foundation
Target Commission: Police Conduct Oversight Commission (previously seated)

Naida Medicine Crow/Takuye Ode Win lives and works in South Minneapolis at the American Indian OIC. Naida serves on the Native American Community Clinic Board of Directors (NACC), active with MN DHS with an Employment Services American Indian Advisory Group. She was nominated and selected to the Native American Community and Development Institute (NACDI’s) Inaugural Community Organizing Institute Fellowship 2010. Naida attended Minnesota State University-Mankato, Fond Du Lac Tribal/Community College, and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Campus. Naida is an enrolled member of the Crow Creek Hunkpati Dakota Nation. “WoopeOyate, Whatever you do in life do the very best you can with both your heart and mind. The power of the Universe will come to you, if your heart and mind are in unity. One must be responsible, because all of Creation is related. The hurt of one is the hurt of all -and the honor of one is the honor of all. Whatever we do affects everything in the Universe and our children.” Pte San Win~ White Buffalo Calf Women

Minneapolis

Roxxanne O’Brien

Nominated by: DeAnna Cummings, Juxtaposition Arts
Target Commission: Public Health Advisory Committee; Citizens Environmental Advisory Commission (currently seated)

Roxxanne O’Brien is a mother of three amazing children.  As a resident of North Minneapolis she is passionate about creating solutions to end disparities in under-resourced communities.  Having experienced living in these communities she advocates and inspires as an organizer and activist.  She is a 2013 Bush Fellow, a graduate of SPEAC with Hope Community and has partnered with several different organizations on housing, economic, environment and racial justice issues.  She loves music, documentaries, books and spontaneous adventures.

Minneapolis

Sammie Ardito Rivera

Nominated by: Diane Wilson, Dream of Wild Health
Target Commission: Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council (currently seated)

Sammie Ardito Rivera is a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe with paternal ties to White Earth. She is the Climate Justice Organizer at the Center for Earth, Energy and Democracy, co-founder of Sin Fronteras Farm and Food and a newly trained birth worker with the Doula Access Project at Everyday Miracles. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Sammie spent most of her young adult life learning from diverse communities across the United States working on issues of economic justice, indigenous rights, environmental justice, education, and climate. She received her movement education in the San Francisco Bay Area and earned a Bachelor of Science in Applied Indigenous Studies with an emphasis in Traditional Knowledge at Northern Arizona University. She is passionate about creating resilient, sustainable, healthy,  and just communities for her daughter and for all our future generations.