Keith Allen, director of community health programs, Fairview Health Services, leads initiatives focused on people-and place-based community health, education, and outreach. His work involves creating strategies and building community partnerships aimed at addressing long-term and upstream approaches. He leads the nationally recognized community-based clinical care and outreach team, which is part of community advancement. The team co-designs and co-manages programs like Food is Medicine, Health Commons, Cultural Brokers, Health Education, and Colon Cancer Prevention. Keith is instrumental in shifting these programs to respond to community-identified needs, extending the positive impact beyond the walls of a traditional hospital setting.

Ahmed Anshur has been the executive director of Al-Ihsan Islamic Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota since 2013. He was born in Somali and immigrated to the United States in 2003. He has a bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University and a master’s in advocacy and political leadership (MAPL) from Metropolitan State University. He also has a master’s degree in Islamic finance from Malaysia. He is an accountant by profession. He is a board member of several nonprofits, including Al-Ihsan Islamic Center, New Century School in Saint Paul, and ISAIAH. He has lived in Minnesota for more than 20 years.

Nathan Bruschi serves as the chief executive officer of Anchorwork Inc, a private equity search fund that reinvests in small businesses. Nathan began his public service as an intelligence officer in the United States Navy, serving from Japan to the White House. Before moving to Minnesota, Nathan was elected to represent his hometown in the legislature of Albany County, New York, the oldest continuously chartered municipality in the United States. Nathan graduated from Dartmouth College and holds masters degrees from Harvard Kennedy School and Harvard Business School. He is a Term Member at the Council on Foreign Relations.

Shawna Curtis is a lead corporate security consultant on Target’s threat assessment team where she is committed to evaluating potential risk posed by an individual or group and identifying appropriate interventions to mitigate that risk. Prior to her current role, she served in the public sector as a law enforcement officer and leader where she served on the board of MN Sexual Assault Investigator’s Association, collaborated with and served as a keynote speaker for domestic violence advocacy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English, master’s degree in criminal justice leadership, and a certification in forensic linguistics. Outside of work, she spends time with her son and two Shiba Inus doing almost any activity outdoors.

 Dieu Do (she/her) is a community organizer, immigrant rights activist, and campaign strategist based in the Twin Cities with roots in the Iron Range. She is a proud daughter of Mexican and Vietnamese immigrants who came to the U.S. during the American War in Vietnam. Growing up, Dieu saw how the lack of fair wages and paid family and medical leave, dignified healthcare, and access to cultural foods impacted her family. These hardships inspired Dieu’s pursuit of justice. She currently serves as a policy aide for Minneapolis Council Member Jeremiah Ellison and a member of the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Committee (MIRAC).

Kenneth Eban is the principal consultant at MKE Consulting Group Inc., where he supports mission driven organizations working to advance justice in marginalized communities. A lifelong resident of the Twin Cities, Kenneth brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit management, program development, fundraising, and community organizing. He is the founder and former executive director of a Minneapolis-based advocacy nonprofit and has spearheaded several successful education advocacy campaigns across the Twin Cities, collaborating with organizers both locally and nationwide. Kenneth’s expertise includes coalition building, policy analysis, and leading initiatives that drive positive change. Outside of his professional work, Kenneth is a devoted Minnesota Timberwolves fan and is convinced the team is on the cusp of championship greatness.

Sarah Erickson is the economic development coordinator at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. In her role, she helps lead the business retention and expansion program and assists with economic research projects. Her past work focuses on workforce dynamics and economic development, including the impacts of immigration on the labor force and business expansion trends in Minnesota. Prior to the Chamber, she worked in non-profit consulting and educational communication. She holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and peace and conflict studies from Colgate University. While originally from the Chicagoland area, Sarah can be found backpacking Minnesota’s public lands, biking the trails, or at her Minneapolis community garden.

Dr. Jokho Farah is a multi-award winning physician with more than 15 years of experience in healthcare management, public health, and policy. Using data analytics and predictive modeling capabilities, she establishes integrated approaches to care management that support the alignment of services across the continuum of care for priority populations. In addition, Dr. Farah advises federal, state, and local agencies on strategies to address health equity challenges through policy, systems, and environmental change approaches. Most of all, she sees herself as an ecosystem builder and community connector. Dr. Farah's leadership has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards, including the Health & Wellbeing Award, presented by the Women’s Health Leadership TRUST; inclusion in the “40 Under 40” list by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal; the Mission Impact Award from the American Heart Association; and the Lou Fuller Award for Distinguished Service in Eliminating Health Disparities, bestowed by the Minnesota Department of Health. These represent only a portion of the many honors Dr. Farah has received in recognition of her exceptional leadership and sustained commitment to health equity.

Meghann Gordon has been a proud non-profit youth worker since her first summer as a counselor in training at 15 years old. She has worked with young people from 6 weeks to 16 years old; in childcares, schools, and summer camps; and in every corner of the U.S. She holds a BA in English language & literature and education & child study from Smith College and an MA in education leadership from Teachers College, Columbia University. In her free time, she loves playing card games with her husband and two kids; cooking while listening to audiobooks; and traveling to new and delicious places.

Shawn Herhusky is an economic development professional and nonprofit leader from Virginia, Minnesota, with experience in regional policy initiatives and partnerships across tourism, health care and community development. As a community developer with the Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation, he administers grants to cities and nonprofits in northeastern Minnesota. He holds master’s degrees in management and business administration from The College of St. Scholastica. Shawn serves as board chair of Northern Communities Credit Union, secretary of the Iron Range Tourism Bureau and president of the Arrowhead Regional Consortium for Healthcare Staffing. He is also a board member and past president of Revive Virginia.

Ben Hutterer is a lead risk consultant for Target where he focuses on international and economic issues like tariffs and sourcing. Before coming to Target, Ben worked for upper midwest members of congress on Capitol Hill for nearly a decade. He led on legislative issues like trade, transportation, and economic development, where he drafted and advanced legislation and partnered with trade associations, advocacy organizations, and other stakeholder groups to develop coalitions in support of legislative initiatives. He graduated from Saint John’s University and currently lives in St. Paul with his wife. Outside of work, Ben is training for a marathon and enjoys all things outdoors.

Maddy Kennedy is a public budgeting specialist, with more than six years of policy and budgeting experience working in Minnesota and New Zealand. She is currently an executive budget officer at Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB), the state’s central finance agency. She specializes in capital investment bills and coordinating the Governor’s capital budget recommendations. Previously, she supported MMB’s work in the health and human services budget area and gained experience in education budgeting while working for New Zealand’s Ministry of Education. Maddy has a master’s in public policy from the University of Edinburgh and a bachelor’s degree in economics and politics from the University of Aberdeen. She is passionate about public service and enjoys biking, yoga, and searching for the best oyster happy hours.

Richard Larkin McLay is the managing director at Weber Johnson Public Affairs, specializing in issue advocacy, coalition-building, and stakeholder engagement across policy and regulatory arenas. He leads major public and private sector initiatives, helping clients navigate complex policy environments while convening diverse stakeholder coalitions to connect corporations, policymakers, and communities. His work spans energy, transportation, technology, and nonprofits through strategic communications and government relations. Beyond his professional practice, Richard serves on the Public Affairs Committee of the Dakota County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Board of Directors of Expo 2031 Minnesota, USA. He is recognized for his expertise in South Pacific cultural dynamics and Oceanic art preservation as a member of the Pacific Arts Association. Richard holds a political science degree from Saint John's University and lives in Eagan, Minnesota.

Munira Maalimisaq is a family nurse practitioner and the founder and CEO of Inspire Change Clinic, where she leads efforts to expand access to equitable, culturally responsive care. At Park Nicollet and through her community work, she champions health literacy and culturally grounded communication to ensure patients can navigate their care with confidence and trust. Munira founded the Pathway to Medicine Fellowship to support underrepresented students in pursuing healthcare careers and building a more inclusive workforce. She also serves as the U.S. representative to the Office of the Special Envoy for Health and Nutrition in Somalia, advancing global health equity. Her work bridges care, community, and policy to help create systems where everyone can thrive.

Darcey McCampbell is a registered nurse and manager of community clinical nursing at Fairview Health Services, supporting a team dedicated to creating healthier and more equitable communities by providing free mobile preventative health services across the state. She is passionate about integrating nursing expertise within public policy to reduce inequities and improve healthcare for marginalized communities. Darcey also has the privilege of serving as a forensic nurse navigating the intersections between healthcare and the criminal legal system in order to interrupt cycles of violence. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of West Georgia, a masters degree in interpersonal communication from the University of Central Florida, and a masters degree in nursing from the University of Minnesota.

Brittany McClendon is a dynamic strategist and changemaker with more than a decade of experience in employee engagement, leadership development, and organizational transformation. Brittany has carved out a powerful career in state government, where her innovative thinking, deep relationship-building skills, and lived experience have positioned her as a respected leader and creative force. Her fast-moving mind fuels bold ideas, sharp analysis, and people-centered solutions. Known for navigating complex systems with integrity and intention, Brittany consistently earns a seat at tables proving that authenticity, wisdom, and impact are critical to success.

Khalid Mohamed is a policy aide in the Office of Minneapolis Councilmember Jamal Osman, where he advances legislative priorities, community engagement, and equity-focused initiatives. With more than eight years of experience in the government and nonprofit sectors, Khalid has led language access reforms in Seattle and expanded youth programs with the Urban League. He has also played key roles in political campaigns for Rep. Ilhan Omar and Port Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed, bringing a proven track record of turning policy into impact for diverse communities.

Nebiha Mohammed serves as the director of programs at HGP, where she leads initiatives in quality improvement, program development, and compliance with federal and state regulations. With more than a decade in healthcare management, she focuses on strengthening systems that improve health outcomes. She also serves on the board of WellShare International and the Small Provider Committee of Care Providers of Minnesota, supporting policies that elevate community-based care. She is a U.S. military veteran and holds a master’s degree from D’Youville College and a bachelor’s from the University at Buffalo. A first-generation American of East African descent and an East Coast transplant, she now calls Minnesota home. Her leadership is rooted in compassion, integrity, and a commitment to advancing health equity. Outside of work, she enjoys time with her twins and exploring the Midwest through her adventure bucket list.

Shelly Muñoz is an experienced STEM specialist with a deep passion for science education, innovation, and equity. She has contributed to several NASA-affiliated projects and brings real-world STEM experiences into the classroom to inspire the next generation of learners. In her district, Shelly leads initiatives that bridge STEM and Career & Technical Education (CTE), alongside efforts in computer science, MTSS math intervention, and culturally responsive practices. She also serves on multiple boards as a community leader and advocates for equity, access, and excellence in education. Shelly actively engages in policy work to inform and improve outcomes in rural mental health and STEM equity. Her leadership reflects a dedication to inclusive education, data-informed instruction, and empowering both students and educators through authentic, future-ready learning.

Kenny Niemeyer is the housing development specialist for the City of Bloomington, where he supports affordable housing production, tenant protections, and equitable planning initiatives. His commitment to public service is rooted in community involvement. Outside of work he serves on the St. Anthony Park Community Council and recently completed a term as treasurer on the One Voice Mixed Chorus board of directors. Kenny holds a bachelor’s degree in global studies and a master’s degree in urban & regional planning, both from the University of Minnesota. He hopes to grow his leadership in the public sector and contribute to policy change that creates affordable and community-driven housing systems.

Somayah Nouruzi is a project manager in Mayo Clinic’s generative AI program, where she leads efforts in ethical innovation at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and equity. She began her career in Afghanistan as a military prosecutor, educator, and journalist—advocating for legal reform, education access, and press freedom under systemic oppression. After resettling in Minnesota, she earned a master’s degree in management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and served as a Human Rights Commissioner for Olmsted County. Her work now focuses on designing technology-enabled systems that advance dignity, access, and justice for historically excluded communities.

Chuck Pults is a litigation attorney at Dorsey & Whitney LLP and a lifelong Minnesotan. Chuck's practice involves handling complex civil litigation matters for Fortune 500 companies and major public institutions throughout the country. In addition, Chuck maintains a healthy pro bono practice focused on community service, housing disputes, and veterans’ appeals. Prior to joining Dorsey, Chuck clerked for Justice Gordon L. Moore III of the Minnesota Supreme Court and worked briefly in professional politics. In his free time, Chuck enjoys spending time with his two rescue dogs, watching football, reading, and adventuring in National Parks with his husband.

Nawid Raai is the New American education program specialist at the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE), where he leads statewide initiatives to support newcomer students and families through cross-agency collaboration and culturally responsive systems. Raai brings more than 10 years of experience in international humanitarian aid, refugee resettlement, and public sector program leadership. After resettling in Minnesota as part of the 2021 Afghan evacuation, he served as the Afghan evacuee employment coordinator with the City of Minneapolis Employment and Training Division. In that role, he coordinated closely with DEED, DHS RPO, and community-based organizations to support the rapid integration and employment of Afghan arrivals across the state. Originally from Herat Afghanistan, Nawid holds a master’s degree in international cooperation and humanitarian aid. His work spans education, law enforcement, and community development, with a focus on equity, systems change, and inclusive leadership for refugee and immigrant communities.

Ana Mariella Rivera is a seasoned licensed clinical social worker, mental health strategist, and community storyteller with more than 18 years of experience serving immigrant, BIPOC, and Latine communities. She is the founder of a thriving private practice and consulting firm where she integrates mental health, leadership development, and cultural identity to support leaders navigating systemic inequalities. She partners with Telemundo Minnesota to produce short-form, bilingual mental health segments and is the creator and host of Historias y Huellas, a podcast that elevates immigrant stories and Latine leadership narratives. At St. Catherine University, Ana Mariella serves as an adjunct instructor in the social work department, and a mentor and advocate for first-generation, BIPOC students. She also serves on the board of LatinoLEADand was appointed by Governor Tim Walz to serve on the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs as a board member at-large. Born in Lima, Peru, Ana Mariella was raised between Lima and Miami. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Florida International University and later relocated to the Twin Cities to pursue her master’s in clinical social work at the University of Minnesota. Her lived experience as an immigrant and first-generation professional informs her deep commitment to reshaping narratives of resilience, healing, and leadership in our communities.

Heather Starks has dedicated her career to strengthening public education through teaching, nonprofit leadership, and school board service. She currently serves on the Bloomington Public School Board and previously led the Minnesota Parent Teacher Association as state president, as well as serving on the National PTA Family Engagement Committee. She will soon begin a new role as associate director of strategic planning with the Minnesota School Boards Association. Heather holds a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from the University of St. Thomas and lives in Bloomington with her husband and three children.

Timothy (Tim) Swanson is the business finance manager at the Initiative Foundation in Little Falls, Minn., a position he assumed in February 2024 following a successful career in commercial banking in the Brainerd and Twin Cities areas. Originally from St. Paul, Swanson holds an undergraduate degree from Gustavus Adolphus College and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota. He and his wife, Theresa, have lived in the Brainerd area since 2018. Swanson is active in community organizations, enjoys playing viola with the Heartland Symphony Orchestra, and is passionate about supporting local businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Sabrina Tapia has led cross-sector efforts to advance racial equity, multilingual education, and immigrant justice through culturally responsive policy, organizational design, and community engagement for more than a decade. She currently serves as the advocacy program manager at LatinoLEAD, where she directs statewide strategies to expand civic participation, influence education legislation, and build multilingual parent leadership. She recently completed a doctoral specialist degree in educational leadership with a focus on equitable systems and organizational design, with a dissertation centered on worker rights and retention for women of color in leadership. She brings both lived experience and strategic expertise to her work in systems change. She is descended from Kamehameha Schools, proudly rooted in a legacy tied to the Native Hawaiian royal line. This heritage grounds her policy advocacy and leadership in the values of kuleana (responsibility) and aloha ʻāina (humble service with love for the land and people).

Stephanie Tomlinson is an accomplished healthcare policy strategist with deep experience in legislative and regulatory advocacy at both the state and federal levels. For more than two decades, her work has centered on elevating the voices of rare and undiagnosed disease communities, inspired by her journey as the mother of a son with a complex mitochondrial disease. Her professional background includes patient and family support coordination and the development of a global resource to help families navigate a mitochondrial disease diagnosis. She served for four years as a member of the Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) PEER and most recently completed her term as Co-Chair of the UDN Foundation’s PEER (Participant Engagement and Empowerment Resource). Stephanie is a highly sought-after participant and speaker at national convenings of rare disease advocates, researchers, and policy leaders. She previously hosted the Energy in Action podcast for three seasons and now hosts Talking Zebras—a new podcast spotlighting conversations with “zebras” across the rare and undiagnosed world. Stephanie brings heart, grit, and strategic insight to every conversation, helping to bridge the gap between science, systems, and the patient voice.

Timothy J. Usset, PhD, is a Board Certified Chaplain, ACPE Certified Educator, and licensed marriage and family therapist/board approved supervisor in Minnesota. Throughout his career, he has focused on moral injury and spiritually-integrated care intervention development and dissemination. He currently serves as a Research Health Scientist at the VA Maine Health Care System, a Researcher in the Minnesota Evidence-based Practice Center, and the State Chaplain for the Minnesota National Guard. Tim's honors and awards include being a Transforming Chaplaincy Fellow, and a Pat Tillman Military Scholar.

Natalie Wagner is a communications lead at CHS Inc., focusing on government affairs and sustainability. She brings a decade of political campaign experience and a passion for food systems, policy, and the environment. Natalie serves on the boards of Twin Cities Food Justice and Women of Renewable Industries and Sustainable Energy (WRISE). She holds a political science degree from Augsburg University and studied sustainability at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Natalie lives in St. Louis Park with her husband and their puppy, and enjoys cooking and spending time outdoors.