|
Adrianne Gould
Adrianne Gould is a natural born leader who is currently on a path of self-discovery. She was raised in Brooklyn Center, MN where she has resided for the past 20 years. Adrianne is a first generation American with both of her parents hailing from the west African country of Liberia. Currently working as a Family Support Specialist as Northside Achievement Zone, she has a deep rooted passion for advocacy and policy change that can be the catalysts to ending many of the disparities that many families face in the African-American Community. She is a self-proclaimed “student of life” who takes each and every encounter and experience as a chance to learn. Education has always been of importance to Adrianne which parallels in the work that that she does with her organization. She hopes, she can one day bring policy change to communities so that barriers to an adequate, successful education for all students, are removed. |
|
Andrew Wallmeyer
Andy is the publisher and CEO of MinnPost, a founding member of INN best known for its coverage of Minnesota politics and policy. Launched in 2007, MinnPost has grown to become one of Minnesota’s most respected news outlets, and a national leader in the nonprofit news industry. Andy joined MinnPost as publisher in 2014, adding the CEO title in 2016, upon the retirement of MinnPost co-founders Joel & Laurie Kramer. As publisher and CEO, Wallmeyer leads a staff of 22, spending most of his time on business development, audience growth, and strategic partnerships. Prior to joining MinnPost, Andy spent three years as a strategic management consultant at McKinsey & Company, where he served clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to regional civic groups Before McKinsey, Andy reported for a number of news organizations in the U.S. and Germany, including The Wall Street Journal, the Financial Times, the Associated Press, Dow Jones Newswires, the Wisconsin State Journal, and the Stillwater (Minn.) Gazette. Andy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and an MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management. |
|
Bill Vang
Bill currently serves as a Bilingual Hmong interpreter for North Memorial Medical Centers and Clinics and also as a Bilingual Assistant in the Osseo Area Schools District. His main focus has been bridging linguistic and cultural gaps between non-Hmong and Hmong communities. Bill is also the Language Justice Organizer for Asian American Organizing Project (AAOP), an organization that works to engage Asian youths, ages 18 to 35, to create a more socially just society. In this position, he has created a program to educate Hmong youths on honing their linguistic skills to better communicate with monolingual individuals. Bill graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Languages and Literature from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. While there, he has honed his linguistic skills in not only the Hmong language but also in the Mandarin Chinese, Japanese and Korean languages. He is currently studying the Thai and Lao languages. Born and raised in a Hmong refugee family, he understands the importance of language, culture and home. He loves to spend time with his family, especially his nieces and nephews. |
|
Celina Martina
Celina Martina is a proud immigrant who has been working in community engagement for more than a decade. She is the Executive Director of Engagement and External Relations of Minneapolis Public Schools. As a mom of a son and daughter attending public school, she understands common needs of families navigating complex systems. Celina is a founding member of the organizing committee of Latina Women EXPO collaborative. The work of the committee focus on empowering Latina women and building stronger relationships among them. Prior to her role with Minneapolis Public Schools, Celina worked a Sr. Community Outreach Coordinator for the Metropolitan Council where she led the Parks Ambassador program that aimed to increase awareness and use of the Regional Parks. She is passionate about developing equity driven initiatives. She spent over 10 years working for the local Girl Scouts council. As their Director of Community Partnerships, she developed and directed an innovative program reaching under-represented girls grades 5th through 12th. Celina was recognized as one of The 25 on the Rise Award recipient in 2007 for her work in the Latino Community. Celina strives to build relationships, engage communities, and raise awareness for deeper involvement. |
|
Christie Owens
Christie is a Dance Scholar, Yoga Instructor, and Performing Arts Specialist for Minneapolis Public Schools. As a graduate of Luther College in Dance and Music with extensive practices and studies around race, sexual liberation, and (dis)ability, Christie's work around combating generational trauma from a somatic lens continues to guide her process as an artist, creator, leader, and facilitator. |
|
Der Yang Der Yang is a long time equity-centered advocate and leader who has dedicated her life to improving the lives of others. Through her significant work with is advantaged communities, she recognizes the importance of addressing the intersectionality of gender inequality and racial discrimination. Her strengths and passion lie in piloting, developing and managing equity centered programs. Currently, Der works at the State of Minnesota to recruit diverse candidates for senior leadership roles and develops programming to improve retention of state employees from diverse backgrounds. Prior to this role, Der has worked at Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) as an Education Advisor for first generation students. She has also served in a leadership capacity at Hmong American Partnership where she oversaw the health and wellness department. Their objectives were to provide culturally appropriate services to address health disparities within the Southeast Asian community. Der is the founder of Jubilee Women. A space centered around uniting and empowering women, closing gender disparities, and unleashing the collective economic power of women towards the common good. In her free time, Der surrounds herself with the people that matter; the ones that she loves and those who love her. |
|
Devon Gilchrist
Devon Gilchrist is a Minneapolis native and life-long resident. He earned undergraduate degrees in communication and sociology from University of Colorado and a Master’s Degree in social work from the University of Minnesota. He has a multitude of experience working at a variety of nonprofit and public agencies and organizations such as The Minneapolis Foundation, St. Paul Public Schools, The Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Hennepin County Human Services and the Minnesota Department of Human Services. He has received a number of awards including a Hennepin County Outstanding Service to Youth in Foster Care Award, IV-E Child Welfare Fellowship, several Bush Foundation scholarships, selection for both the African American Leadership Forum’s Leadership Academy and the Roy Wilkins Community Fellows Program and several awards from the MN Department of Human Services. He currently sits on both the Minnesota State Psychology Board and the Minnesota Guardian ad Litem Board and is a Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity Commissioner for the city of St. Paul. Devon is passionate about issues related to community and civic engagement, education, child welfare, and racial and socioeconomic equality and equity and throughout his career, he has been a strong advocate and voice for individuals, youth and families. |
|
Eunice Adjei
Eunice is the President of Adom Consulting LLC. At Adom LLC she provides Cultural Competency training to non-profit boards and their staff. Eunice serves on a number of boards including St. Cloud State University’s Alumni Association, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and chairs the following two boards St. Cloud Regional Human Rights Commission and The Tri-County Action Program Inc. (TRICAP). Eunice Adjei is also the Administrator for Create CommUNITY, an initiative with a mission to dismantle racism through systemic change and make St. Cloud a welcoming place for all. Eunice holds a BA in psychology and an M.S in Social Responsibility. In 2012 Eunice was honored as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans (TYOM) and in (2013) she received a Rock-on Award for Civic Engagement and Leadership from the Mayor of St. Cloud. In 2015 Eunice was the first African to receive an Alumni Service Award from St. Cloud State University and the first African to be selected and recognized as St. Cloud’s Top 5 under 40. I am known as both a leader and active participant in several community leadership initiatives. I work in the areas of promoting and providing anti-racism education, addressing the needs of newly arrived immigrants and refugees by welcoming them into the community. This allows me to utilize my education, talents and creativity to move important community initiatives forward. |
|
Fun Fun Cheng
Fun Fun received a B.A. in English Literature from Carleton College and a M.A. in Library & Information Science from the University of Iowa. Her passion for doing work for the common good is the thread that runs through her life. Having grown up witnessing and experiencing poverty and racism, Fun Fun has a strong belief that everyone should have access to those things that allow for a better life. She has been a lifelong volunteer involved in a wide range of activities, from teaching literacy and ESL to serving on the board of a local food co-op. Her work for the common good motivated her to pursue a Master of Public Affairs at the Humphrey School when she realized that the problems she had been working on had not changed over time, but, in fact, had grown worse. Fun Fun continues to learn, to dream, and to do. |
|
Ivette Izea-Martinez
Ivette Izea-Martinez is a mother, advocate and a proud Latina from Caracas, Venezuela. She moved to Minnesota in 1996 where she has lived since. Currently Ivette is the C0-Director of Family Advocacy and Community Engagement at Casa de Esperanza, where she is responsible for developing, implementing and enhancing the community-based initiatives that meet the needs of Latin@s and Latin@ communities. A children’s and youth advocate at heart, Ivette has worked on a variety of causes including immigrant rights, youth leadership, suicide prevention, mental health awareness, sexual violence prevention, school parent engagement and effective educational programs for children with disabilities. Ivette is determined to continue building collaborations and opportunities for community to learn about the prevention of gender based violence and continue raise Mental Health awareness within the Latin@ community. She sees involving the whole family and men that are positive role models as a key toward preventing violence. Her passions include photography, traveling, nature and outdoors activities and spending time with family and friends. |
|
Jessalyn Akerman Frank
Jessalyn Akerman Frank is the Director of Community and Civic Engagement with the Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing. Her primary role is to work within her community to develop and encourage leadership and participation in civic life. Ms. Akerman-Frank has a long history in leadership with Deaf specific Non-profit organizations. She oversaw the Deaf Domestic Violence- Sexual Assault program for ten years. She is the co-founder of the Annual Deaf LGBTQ+ Awards program supporting LGBTQ+ community members. She served as the past President of the Minnesota Association of Deaf Citizens. Jessalyn recently co-founded Deaf Equity; a new emerging local non-profit organization addressing the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing community service gaps through Education, Community Engagement, Empowerment, and Advocacy. She is a qualified Deaf Life Coach, trained advocate, and Self-Care Educator. She is a trained Trauma-Informed Deaf Yoga teacher - the only one in Minnesota and one out of 20 in the U.S.A Jessalyn’s passion lies within her community, it is her identity, and her life work. She believes that everyone should have enhanced quality of life, celebrated cultural Identity, with equal and accessible services and opportunities. |
|
Keeya Allen
Keeya, born and raised in North Minneapolis is a proud graduate of Patrick Henry High School. She attended Minneapolis Community and Technical College focusing on Communications. Keeya is a Speaker, Creator, Educator, Branding and Leadership Coach. As a Social Entrepreneur, she has created The LOVE Initiative, programming designed to assist people (especially youth) with life changing opportunities focusing on areas of exposure, love and leadership. She has impacted thousands of children through her work. She works for Saint Louis Park Schools as a Grade Level Coordinator. In the district, she has created Girls Empowerment Group for grades 5-8, and spearheads (alongside a colleague) the Courageous Student Initiative, a summer outreach program. She has worked with Project DIVA for 8 years as their Image & Leadership Director. Her current role is Event Curator, with a focus on Fund Development and Marketing. She is a co-founder of the Magically YOU! Girls Summit. She currently resides in Minneapolis with her spouse and her dog. She is family oriented with a love for travel. In addition to everything above, she is a part of the Core Leadership Team of The Movement Church focusing on Pastoral Care, Marketing, Communications, and Development. |
|
Kevin Williams
Currently working at Ramsey County as a Planning Analyst, Kevin is interested in social justice, particularly as it relates to systems change and representation. His educational background in is social psychology and business administration, and he has worked in planning, mental health and nonprofit management at the Boys and Girls Club, Pillsbury United Communities an Coming from a diverse background with Panamanian and Jamaican influence, he is interested in how identity is shaped through familial history and experience. In terms of his work in the community, Kevin was one of the co-leaders of the Take A Knee Nation Conference in February of 2018, which brought awareness to the persistent issue of police brutality in American society. This conference brought together mothers of black men who were victims of police brutality and facilitated a community conversation about the history of police, the impact on the communities, and how to move forward towards seeking justice. Kevin has also combined his love of history and sci-fi to investigate superhero stories through a social and historical lens. He has presented at a variety of local events on the representation of blackness in superhero literature and is also working on a book on this topic. |
|
Moira Villiard
Moira Villiard is an independent traditional artist, community organizer, muralist, writer, and filmmaker who, by some feat of pluralism, hopes better our community through these niches - a major part of her philosophy is making art accessible and interactive. Stylistically, her artwork ebbs and pulls between the realms of portraiture, illustration and surrealism. She currently works as the Cultural Program Coordinator for the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) in Duluth, MN. An established visual artist herself, Villiard's career as a professional painter began with the help that AICHO provided at her first art exhibition in 2013. Since then, she has been featured in over 100 gallery exhibitions, art workshops and demonstrations, and has worked as an event coordinator for a variety of different community institutions. Moira Villiard grew up on the Fond du Lac reservation and is an Ojibwe and Delware Lenape descendant. She currently serves as a freelance writer, creative/community consultant, editor and graphic designer, as well as a member of the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council. She received her Bachelors of Science in Communicating Arts with a minor in Global Studies from the UW - Superior in 2016 after graduating from Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College. |
|
Na'im Madyun
Na'im Madyun received his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College before earning his masters and doctorate from the University of Minnesota. He is currently the associate dean for undergraduate and diversity programs in the College of Education and Human Development. He is also a tenured professor in the department of Organizational Leadership and Policy Development. He has taught at the University of Minnesota since 2001 and has been an administrator since 2013. His research focuses on educational gaps and Black identity development. As an administrator he is responsible for the quality and accessibility of the undergraduate majors and minors in the College of Education and Human Development as well as the college-wide diversity work. |
|
Rose Teng
Rose Teng is the Public Policy Director for the Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD), the association of non-profit community development organizations in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Rose helps to develop the organization’s legislative agenda and works with state and local policymakers on behalf of MCCD member organizations to implement affordable housing and community development policies. In this role, Rose has been dedicated to working in coalition with other housing advocates, non-profit developers, faith groups, and social service providers to advance policy initiatives that will ultimately lead to housing stability for all Minnesotans. Rose also serves as a board member for the Minnesota Homeownership Center and the National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations. Rose is originally from Massachusetts and has a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the Humphrey School at the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree from Bowdoin College in Maine. |
|
Simone Gbolo
Simone Gbolo is the executive director of the Public Policy and International Affairs (PPIA) Program, a national nonprofit organization that promotes the inclusion and full participation of underrepresented groups in public service. The organization selected the Humphrey School of Public Affairs as host of its national headquarters in 2015. Gbolo comes to PPIA from the University of Minnesota Medical School’s Office of Admissions, where she served as director of its Pipeline Programs since 2013. In this role, she led the initiatives that assist students from broadly diverse backgrounds to successfully matriculate to medical school. Prior to this, she served as associate program director of the North Star STEM Alliance at the University of Minnesota, where she helped socialize students to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields and STEM careers. Gbolo's professional background includes varied experiences in higher education and nonprofit organizations including Century College, St. Catherine University, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities, the Science Museum of Minnesota, and the American Lung Association. She has a BS, a MEd (youth development leadership), and an MA (multicultural college teaching and learning) from the University of Minnesota, and is currently enrolled as a doctoral student studying Higher Education in the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. |
|
Terrence Brown
Terrence Brown is a collaborative leader who is often described as a “quiet force for change”. His vision for change is one that places “people-power” at its center. It is a vision that acknowledges that too many voices are left out of critical policy conversations and draws on his deep experience in project management and process improvement in the corporate and non-profit arenas. This Fall Terrence will attend the 5th World Conference on Racial Inequality in Brazil as a delegate representing the Roy Wilkins Institute (Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota). He is a 2017 Roy Wilkins Institute Community Fellow and a 2016 African American Leadership Forum JRLJ Fellow. He has worked professionally in the health care, manufacturing, non-profit, small business development, technology and journalism fields. Terrence believes our future is will be decide by the actions taken by those committed to equitable engagement and power-sharing. Getting to Know Terrence Terrence Brown consults regularly within the community and currently works as a project manager in UnitedHealth Group’s Legal Department. He serves on the Board of Boys2Men and in the past served on the boards of two emerging non-profits (WeImpact and RYFC). He brings a high-level of engagement to his work and has a passion for team-building. Terrence and his wife Maya are the proud parents of three boys (Jordan-13, David-7 and Isaiah-6). Leadership Style
|
|
Therese Genis
Therese is a public health professional with expertise in cultural wellness, community health, and health program management. Her experience includes youth and family health program coordination, culturally specific health promotion, public health research, direct patient care, and project management. She also has experience in supervising a variety of staff in different roles, teaching and leading groups in nutrition, physical fitness, and yoga. Her professional objective is to promote wellness and holistic health through a cultural lens. Therese Genis received her Masters in Environmental Public Health and a graduate certificate in Complementary and Alternative Healing Practices from the University of Minnesota. She is a certified yoga instructor. Therese has a passion for tackling health disparities, traveling, and being out in nature. |
|
Tolulope Ola
Dr. Tolulope Ola is a volunteer Program Director at the Progressive Individual Resources Inc. She has a PhD in Population Studies and a Master's in Public Health. She is a dedicated public health advocate with research, community and teaching experience. She is a recipient of the American Association of University Women International Fellowship and was hosted at the Minnesota Population Center, University of Minnesota. Dr. Ola is the author of more than 50 professional articles and books on health-related issues, including mental health and chronic diseases in the African immigrant/refugee populations. She also has personal experience with cancer and dementia care. Dr. Ola is of Nigerian descent. An expert in public health rights-based responses to chronic diseases and its psycho social impacts, Dr. Ola’s research and policy interests include issues of mental health, health disparities and Global Health Security. The emphasis of Dr. Ola’s work is on the interface of health and human rights, drawing on the disciplines of Public Health and Population Studies while her recent research has focused on integrating psycho social issues, cultural values and rights into sustainable management of chronic diseases. |
|
Toya Stewart Downey
Toya Stewart Downey has been telling stories since third grade. She brought a blend of pragmatism, insight and cultural awareness to her work in print journalism, to communications leadership in Saint Paul Public Schools, and beginning this fall will bring those same things to her role as the Director of Communications and Inclusion at the Ordway Center for Performing Arts. At Toya’s core remains the drive to tell stories that lift up the voices and viewpoints of people from every culture and walk of life. Toya served for seven years with Saint Paul Public Schools as media director, assistant director and interim director for the Office of Communications, Marketing and Development. While there, she spearheaded efforts to implement plain language in all communication with district families, who speak more than 100 languages and dialects. She has also served as an editor and writer for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's newspaper, the Inaajimowin, and as a reporter for newspapers including The Dallas Morning News, Fort Worth Star Telegram, The Kansas City Star and Minneapolis Star Tribune. Toya earned a Master of Arts Degree in Health Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English, Rhetoric and African American Studies, both from the University of Minnesota. She is an enrolled member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, a member of the National Association of Black Journalists, Twin Cities Black Journalists, and American Indian Parent Advisory Committee for Hopkins Public Schools. |
|
|
Change Network | Minnesota is a leadership program brought to you by:
|
