Meet the Changemakers of Community Equity Program
Learn about CEP alumni leading public policy from community to capitol
It is with great pleasure that we introduce you to our Black, Indigenous and Leaders of Color who have embarked on their 9-month political leadership journey through Wilder's Community Equity Program. Since 2015, 100+ BIPOC community leaders and change makers have participated in Community Equity Program.
Amy Mexquititla Perez (she/her they/them) is currently a community engagement coordinator at Girl Scouts River Valley with a passion for supporting youth and their communities by creating and sharing resources that can provide new experiences, leadership opportunities, and safe spaces for growth and exploration. She is excited to be part of CEP and engage in spaces that will allow her to learn, be creative, and connect with other folks to further embark on my political leadership journey.
Andy Vue (he/him) is authentically Hmong American with refugee parents and a love for white rice. Although born and raised in Minnesota, he considers himself a child of the world working and learning alongside different communities. With these perspectives, he strives every day to build community and advocate for others. He currently works at Community Action, centering community voices. In his free time, you can find him in the outdoors, either enjoying it or creating more access to it. You can also find him generating space for Hmong men and boys to be their authentic selves through grassroots organizing and retreats.
Andy joined the CEP program to further his toolkit to empower more community members in BIPOC spaces to take on leadership roles that will lead to systems change. He also joined to challenge his equity journey and deepen his understanding of systems.
Angel Margaret Daniels (she/her) is a Liberian-American from Minneapolis, MN, and a passionate advocate for human rights with a deep commitment to justice and dignity. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in sociology of law, criminology, and justice, with concentrations in political science and Spanish studies from the University of Minnesota. Her professional journey includes working as an immigration paralegal at Kim Hunter Law, P.L.L.C., where she prioritizes client empathy and compassion. Angel's advocacy extends beyond her professional role; she has volunteered with Misión Scalabriniana in Ecuador and supported local grassroots efforts, including the successful Drivers License For All initiative in Minnesota. As a Harvard Future Leader in Law Fellow, she plans to pursue a Juris Doctorate and a master’s in Public Policy to become an international human rights attorney, with aspirations to collaborate with the United Nations and International Criminal Court. Angel applied for the CEP program to enhance her expertise and connect with like-minded professionals committed to national and global impact for their communities. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her dog, Dallas.
Anushka Lall (she/her) identifies as Indo-Guyanese/Indo-Carribbean American and calls Minnesota her home, specifically the Eastside of St. Paul. What drives Anushka every day is the ability to continue to learn and to: advocate in the communities that she lives in by listening to the voices of the community, volunteering in political campaigns, participating in youth engagement/development, addressing the racial/accessibility inequities in the school and social justice system, engaging with our unhoused folks, and organizing and leading community events.
Anushka is currently working on expanding her knowledge and network in navigating our judicial system. Applying to CEP was a no-brainer since the program aligns with her career goals and aspirations to further her education and be a community organizer and advocate.
In her free time, Anushka enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading historical fiction and biographies (Black Cake), walking her dog, attending community events, traditional/contemporary dancing, singing at karaoke, and watching foodie TV and rom-coms.
Armon Turpin (he/him) works for the state as a permit engineer with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. When not working, he tends to his garden, volunteers for a political campaign, learns a new skill or hobby, plays Stardew Valley, or snuggles with his cats.
Armon is of African American descent and is an almost lifelong Twin Cities resident. Having experienced life from a low- and high-income household perspective, Armon has first-hand experience with the inequities surrounding wealth/poverty. Seeing the profound impact these can have on one's quality of life and upward mobility caused Armon to question American society's approach to wealth.
Having seen the role that certain legislation, like the American Rescue Plan, the Inflation Reduction Act, or legislation from the 2023 Minnesota Legislative Session, could play in combating poverty and the role that advocacy groups played in the passage of that legislation, Armon decided that he wanted to take a more active role on the policy side of things. That is what drove him to apply to the CEP program.
Ayomide Adesanya (she/her) is a recent graduate of Bethel University. Presently a licensed social worker, Ayomide is using her gap year to work at Breaking Free as a Safe Harbor Advocate. Passionate about systemic change, Ayomide desires to get her master's in policy and advocacy, hoping to use the degree to do evaluation work that brings about new direction for the community and the world.
Growing up in a minority-populated environment, Ayomide recognized that as much as direct practice work is essential, a systemic push for change is also needed. If the system isn't being addressed, all work being done at the micro level is only being held up with a loose pin. For Ayomide, being in the same room at the same table as those who make laws is an important goal she has to accomplish. She hopes that her participation in CEP will shape some of the skills and education needed to thrive in such an environment.
Becky Valencia (she/her/ella) the daughter of immigrants from Tamaulipas, Mexico, and a sibling to a DACA recipient, is a dedicated advocate for her family and those affected by systemic injustice. Her personal experiences with the immigration system highlighted a critical gap in financial education for immigrant communities, inspiring her to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Finance.
Becky is honored to join CEP's 10th cohort, where she aims to gain the experience and tools to drive systemic change and engage the Latino community on a legislative level. Her commitment is rooted in a deep desire to empower and uplift underrepresented voices, continuing her mission to create lasting, positive change for all.
Darcey McCampbell (she/her, they/them) resides in South Minneapolis and has lived most of their life in the Twin Cities. With over a decade of experience working in health care, Darcey currently has the privilege of serving as both a community health nurse, focused on creating healthier and more equitable communities, and a forensic nurse navigating the intersections between health care and the criminal legal system to interrupt cycles of violence and injustice. Darcey’s nursing practice is grounded in trust-building, human dignity, and empowerment in both capacities. Darcey is also deeply passionate about increasing equity in health care, especially through promoting increased diversity within the nursing profession. This passion is rooted in the belief that representation is essential for improving health outcomes for communities of color. During free time, Darcey enjoys being outdoors, particularly near bodies of water. Whether a walk along the Mississippi River, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, or watching a sunset, time spent near water is a source of great joy.
Diana Hernandez Hernandez (she/her) works as a paralegal and settlement monitor at the Department of Human Rights and is a lifelong Minnesota resident born to Mexican parents who migrated to Minneapolis in the 1990s. Diana has a Bachelor of Arts in global studies with a minor in political science. Personal experiences with the U.S. immigration system influenced her advocacy and community-building involvement. She interned with the Advocates for Human Rights, where she worked with asylum seekers and refugees to navigate a hostile immigration system. Diana then began a career in law as an immigration paralegal and continued organizing through fundraising, community outreach, and as a member of the statewide coalition for the Driver's Licenses for All bill. Her move to state service has encouraged her to consider law school and/or a min Public Policy. For Diana, the CEP program is an opportunity to learn more about making lasting intersectional change and to meet people with diverse skills and experiences. Diana likes to read, practice the acoustic guitar, and is learning how to reconnect with her Otomí heritage.
Dionne Gharamu (he/him) is the second eldest of seven siblings. He was born in Chicago, IL, and raised in Saint Paul, MN. As an independent-minded Pan-Africanist and a community development professional, Dionne is passionate about culture, economic opportunity, wisdom, and science.
Activities that give Dionne a sense of fulfillment include spending time with loved ones, playing Capoeira, reading, writing, and observing nature. Dionne applied to Wilder’s Community Equity Program to become more familiar with the state’s legislative process alongside like-minded leaders and help underprivileged communities use the legislative system strategically to solve problems.
Jaylen Lyles (he/him) is a dedicated communicator and relationship builder passionate about bridging gaps within communities and bringing residents together. He is committed to addressing education, housing, and income inequities through community development initiatives.
Originally from the Chicagoland area, Jaylen now resides in Bloomington, MN. Currently, he works with Zan Associates, a transportation planning consulting firm that provides communications and community engagement support for public agencies and builds trust and authentic relationships with the public and local organizations. Jaylen also has a strong background in education, nonprofit work, and the travel industry. He holds a bachelor's degree in professional communications from Metropolitan State University and is a member of the Minnesota Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) chapter.
Jaylen applied for the Community Equity Program to enhance his ability to lead systemic change and gain insights and strategies for creating equitable communities. He is eager to connect with like-minded individuals, develop strong relationships to ensure everyone has a seat at the table, and create actionable plans to make a lasting impact.
Outside of work, Jaylen enjoys cooking, traveling, hiking, board games, and participating in local community events.
Josefina Gerónimo (ella/she/her) is a proud 1st Generation Chicana, Latina, and Mujerista, celebrating her heritage and utilizing her academic background in popular education, critical race theory (CRT), and Latin@ critical theory (LatCrit). She began her career in education in 2008 and transitioned to higher education and social services in 2020. Working with diverse students was a career highlight. Surviving educational, environmental, and reproductive injustices and child abuse fuels her commitment to anti-racist living and abolition. Josefina prioritizes healing and joy for herself and underserved communities. Growing up in a racist, segregated town on the California-Nevada border, she faced challenges due to her brownness, and her multi-status family was impacted by California Propositions 187, 227, and 209. Acting as a cultural broker, she excelled in school, pursued higher education, and earned a master's degree. Josefina is bilingual, bicultural, bi-literate, and binational. An avid reader in both English and Spanish, she enjoys hiking, reconnecting with her indigeneity, and traveling to become a balanced global citizen. She decided to pursue CEP because she is dedicated to helping others.
Kesone Salas (she/her) is an Asian American from Minnesota, is a veteran and advocate for BIPOC rights. Her diverse experiences, from foster care to the National Guard to earning a paralegal degree, inform her passion for equity in education, health care, and justice. As a program manager, racial health equity Coach, wife and mother to biracial children, blending Lao, Black, White, and Latino heritage, Kesone's life reflects her commitment to inclusivity. Applying to the CEP program, she aims to use her knowledge and role to drive change and unity in her community. She seeks to actively contribute to shaping a community that values equity and inclusivity. This program represents an opportunity to further her impact, uniting diverse voices and fostering understanding through education and collaboration. This program empowers her and the community with the knowledge necessary to raise their voices effectively.
Kevin Huynh (he/him) is a Vietnamese-American descendant of the Southeast Asian diaspora. He currently works as an organizer at MN8, an organization dedicated to keeping Southeast Asian communities together through direct support, advocacy, community organizing, and leadership development for social and systemic change
Growing up as a social butterfly wanting to connect people to resources and opportunities, he gets energy from organizing communities. He dreams of a world where each individual realizes their stake in the movement, and builds their capacity to dedicate themselves to a better world where community safety is much more than just security. Kevin continues to learn and unlearn what it means to be a (Southeast) Asian-American and how to honor the struggle of our ancestors who faced imperialism/colonialism violence. In 2020, he became further politicized as he saw how the systems of power continue to harm communities of color. He strives to be grounded in community, joy, and transformative justice when he approaches the work.
Longkee Vang (he/him) is a first-generation Hmong-American, born and raised on St. Paul's Eastside. He has worked in nonprofits and school-based youth programs for over 10 years and is a strong advocate for leadership development, youth employment, and student-centered equity. Longkee works on the Ramsey County Workforce Solutions team as a program specialist focused on supporting school district partners through career exploration and career pathway opportunities. He is also a board member of two nonprofit organizations, People for PSEO and Ignite Afterschool.
As a child of immigrants/refugees, Longkee strongly believes that EVERY young person should have equitable access to high-quality education and work experiences. If young people don't have these opportunities, it is critical to figure out why and remove those barriers.
In his free time, Longkee enjoys trying new recipes, spending time outdoors with his partner Sarah, and entertaining their cat Thor as best as he can.
Lynnaia Jacobsen (she/her) is a Frogtown St. Paul girl with a knack for community problem-solving. She began her career in public safety administration in 2006, becoming a public safety dispatcher for Washington and Dakota counties. In 2009, Lynnaia joined the Metro Transit Police Department, and in 2019 she joined the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. In both departments, she worked as the executive aide orchestrating the labor-management committee, organizational alignment, strategic planning, policy implementation, promoting inclusiveness, and community outreach.
Lynnaia has a degree in ethics and equal opportunity in politics and criminal justice. Her passion remains in public safety as she continues pursuing opportunities to create healthy and safe environments in her work for the City of St. Paul. CEP will allow Lynnaia to learn more about how changes in policy and budget can have a greater impact on all aspects of community health. Lynnaia aspires to ensure policies and budgets are determined by community and ethics.
Mariafe Brenner Martinez (she/her) is originally from Perú but raised in the Twin Cities. Despite living in Minnesota for 30 years, Mariafe still can’t handle the cold. Her journey was shaped by grassroots organizing and overcoming the challenges of living as an undocumented immigrant. Currently working for the state, she is refocusing her path toward creating positive community change. Joining CEP is crucial to her commitment to advocacy and social justice, and she has the opportunity to learn from community leaders and build valuable relationships. Mariafe’s deep concern regarding animal abuse reflects her broader dedication to making a difference, and her dogs inspire her continued efforts toward this goal. Mariafe finds happiness in eating international cuisine, biking, canoeing, cooking, and indulging in chocolate.
Prophese Noël (she/her), born in Miami to Haitian immigrants, moved from Florida to Minnesota in 2012, seeking to live a better life for herself and her children. With 11 years serving as a Guardian ad Litem in both states and through her own experiences, she developed her passion for advocating for single moms simply looking for a hand up in their circumstances. Prophese formed a company, Dreams of My Own, as the foundation of her long-term goal to open up unique transitional housing catered to single moms. She is a speaker and writer, and she has served as a Women's Ministry Director, planning single-parent events, community outreaches, and small groups that encourage and empower women to have faith and dream BIG. Today, she resides and works in the Twin Cities while continuing to see her dream turn into reality. Her involvement in this year's CEP program will allow her to continue her career in community service, highlighting nonprofit services, advocacy, and family strengthening.
Rashad Whitmore (he/him) was born and raised in Minneapolis, and both parents came from large families. Though surrounded by a lot of love and support, Rashad often felt isolated as one of the only black kids in all of the advanced classes. Rashad went on to complete his undergraduate degree at Ohio State University and later received an MBA from the University of St. Thomas. These educational experiences led to a 10+ year operations and supply chain management career. Rashad’s most recent position includes manager responsibility for purchasing, planning, scheduling, inventory management, shipping/receiving, and customer service.
One of Rashad’s primary passions revolves around future generations having the resources needed to live their best lives, whatever that may be. Rashad is excited about the opportunity within the Community Equity Program to learn hands on how planning decisions are made within the government. More specifically, Rashad would love to find ways to steer his education and talents toward the structure and efficiency of how resources are managed for future generations of underserved communities.
Samra Asghedom (she/her) grew up in the suburbs of Washington D.C., and has called the Twin Cities home for the past seven years. As the daughter of Eritrean immigrants, she understands the challenges of navigating life in the United States and is dedicated to ensuring that immigrant and refugee communities receive the support they need to thrive. From a young age, Samra has been passionate about education and its power to unlock opportunities. She is committed to ensuring that everyone has access to the education they need to achieve their goals.
Currently, she works for a regional higher education compact, collaborating with higher education and state legislative leaders to strengthen postsecondary education throughout the Midwest. Samra’s experience also includes working in the United States Senate and a high school through a college access and success organization. She holds a bachelor's degree in public policy from the College of William & Mary.
In her free time, Samra enjoys reading, attending concerts, doing yoga, and biking around the Twin Cities.
Shadonna Coleman-Carter (she/her) was officially called into birth work in July of 2019. As a doula, she enjoys participating in beautiful births and encouraging the birthing people and their support team. As a doula of color, she would like to see a change in the disparities in the care that women of color and minorities face.
Seeing so many differences in the way BIPOC people are treated in health care, home purchasing and education, Shadonna has been inspired to go beyond her calling and passion. Shadonna believes that she was led to be a voice for her community on sensitive topics. While learning more about policies, she knows that this program will allow her to have many different perspectives in the political world.
In her free time, Shadonna enjoys spending time with her five beautiful children, two dogs, and cat. She currently resides in Bloomington, MN.
Shameka Jaijairam (she/her) is a first-generation Indo-Guyanese American, born in the Bronx, NY. She calls Minnesota home, where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. She is a proud mother to a bright, energetic daughter and an active participant in her BIPOC-mentored Girl Scout Troop. Shameka’s professional background has consistently been in the health care and insurance sector. Throughout her career, she has gained an understanding of how benefits and health plans are administered. On the receiving end, she has experience working with BIPOC and women who feel unequivocally alienated by the entire process, which negatively affects their ability to access comprehensive care.
Shameka joins CEP because her passion also extends to how climate change affects access to care. She believes that cross-sector collaboration can result in powerful solutions to persistently intractable problems. With a deeper understanding of both coalition building and community organizing, she believes that courageous leaders are essential for finding culturally appropriate, lasting solutions for our communities. Shameka loves cooking with her daughter in her free time and propagating her many houseplants.
Shonni Krengel (she/her) currently works as the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits research manager. Shonni utilizes professional development opportunities to combine her passions for research and advocacy work. She recently graduated from the University of Minnesota, earning her master's in human rights, concentrating on the intersection of race and gender, and a minor in law. Shonni has an extensive background in participatory action research. Some of her notable research projects include bail reform in Ramsey and Hennepin County, evaluation of a program serving youth impacted by group and gun violence, and racial identity development of international adoptees raised by white parents. As Shonni steps into her new role at MCN, she will be developing and executing research for the nonprofit sector and MCN's public policy team. Shonni's goal is to ensure the research she produces includes the communities most impacted throughout the research process and to ensure actionable results.
Tiffany Grant (she/her) is a proud mom and wife, born in Santa Barbara, California, with roots in the south and Gary, Indiana. She believes that being a mother and wife is her top priority, and these roles inspire her to excel in her professional life.
For the past 15 years, Tiffany has dedicated her career to supporting children, families, and educators. She is currently a business development manager at First Children’s Finance, focusing on childcare's business side. In this role, she co-founded the Community Conversations program, which provides a platform for BIPOC early childhood entrepreneurs to engage in authentic discussions about their experiences in starting and operating childcare businesses. This program also helps them explore goals such as building wealth, forming partnerships, and accessing resources to sustain their businesses. One of the significant needs identified through these conversations was the desire of providers to have a seat at the legislative table, where decisions that impact their businesses are made. In response, Tiffany co-created a BIPOC training program that educates providers on the legislative process.
Her goal in joining the Community Equity Program is to expand this initiative, allowing providers to grow and learn. Tiffany's passion for policy stems from both her professional work and a personal experience of losing a church community. Her contributions have been recognized through her appointment by Melissa Hortman to serve on the Family Childcare Legislative Task Force. She has also received a Parent Champion Award for her leadership and represented her state in the Zero to Three Strolling Thunder advocating for policy for babies. In her personal time, Tiffany enjoys fashion, makeup, and walking in the Uptown area of Minneapolis, where she currently resides.
Victor Obisakin (he/him) is a Nigerian born in Bern, Switzerland. Due to his unique upbringing as the son of a Nigerian Diplomat, he had the opportunity to attend elementary school in Brazil, middle school in Nigeria, and high school in Israel. He lived in Northwest Minnesota for about 20 years and recently moved to St. Paul. Surrounded by other international students, Victor developed a greater sense of empathy and can see things through a cultural lens.
Victor migrated to the United States, where he graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in hotel restaurant and institutional management. Victor has a passion for mental health and believes everyone’s journey to wellness is different. He is an advocate for social justice and believes all cultures can work together to achieve the unachievable if we all respect each other’s views. He strives to create an environment where all are welcome regardless of their belief or color. He has acquired his master’s degree in public administration to help create systems that sustain well-being and safe spaces for BIPOC communities seeking mental wellness.
Victor joined CEP to learn how to become more involved in advocacy, Minnesota’s legislative policy, and fighting for change in the community. In his spare time, Victor enjoys watching football (soccer) and grilling, traveling, and spending time with his wife, two children, and his dog, Zach.
The Community Equity Program provided Keisha Mitchell with hands-on experience during a historic Legislative session
Minnesota legislators passed transformational legislation for abortion rights, paid family and medical leave, transgender rights protections, driver’s licenses for undocumented residents, restoration of voting rights for people after rel...More about this story »