2022 JOSIE R. JOHNSON LEADERSHIP ACADEMY FELLOWS

2022 JOSIE R. JOHNSON LEADERSHIP ACADEMY FELLOWS

Aihomon Ebojie

Aihomon Ebojie is a motivated first-generation college student who wears many hats in her community. Since 2017, she has worked for Minneapolis Public Schools in the Special Education Department as a special education home school teacher and a deaf/blind intervener. Aihomon Ebojie is also a mental health advocate. While completing her master’s in social work, she aspires to work downtown in the court system as a licensed social worker and a therapist working at the macro level in policy-changing to impact diverse underrepresented communities. Aihomon Ebojie is also a tenacious business owner of a start-up group home company called Flawsome Home Care (FHC). FHC’s mission is to provide affordable housing, services, confidence, and independence to individuals with mental health deficiencies that want to live independently in the metro area. FHC separates itself from other home care and group home companies because they offer alkaline and holistic therapy options. In her downtime, Aihomon Ebojie is also pursuing her real estate license to join her fiancé’s real estate team called the Gold Group in the Twin-cities.

Andria Fagge’Tt

Andria Fagge’Tt earned a BA, double majoring in Broadcast Journalism and Communications from Minot State University in North Dakota. Upon completion she moved to Minnesota to establish her career. Growing up, she always had the heart to give and help people, especially to underserved families. She has almost 25 years of experience working in nearly all capacities of customer service from retail to management, volunteering opportunities, and owning her own business. Andria is the Jump Start to the New You program co-coordinator for Family Values for Life, a faith-based nonprofit organization in St. Paul, Minnesota. Her previous endeavors prepared her for this role and align with her values of faith and family. She understands positivity is a powerful tool and there is always something good in every seemingly dismal situation. Andria focuses on empowerment and enjoys walking alongside the participants in her program giving them the tools to be self-sufficient. She also has experience in workforce readiness and truly shines in the in the Community Engagement space. Andria is fun, creative, and strives for excellence. She loves to encourage and inspire people to be better versions of themselves through their own journey of self-awareness and discovery.

Annette Bryant

Annette Bryant is the founder of Ohenewaa Healing Point LLC. She is a Sexual Healer Release Coach and Consultant. Annette has a AAS in Child Development from Saint Paul College and a BA in Individualized Studies from Metropolitan State with a focus on Psychology, Gender Studies, Human Services, Ethnic Studies, Philosophy, and some of the arts. She also, has a Travel Agent Diploma with honors, from Ashworth College. She is the author of two books, “Life of an Empty Nester” and “Loving Me Best”. Annette is a multimedia artist. She is a troupe member, performer and board member with Zamya Theater Project, whom create performances about homelessness and social injustices, with the goal of ending homelessness for all. She has performed in Second Chances, Stories from the Book of Harbor Lights, Prairie Homeless Companion, Zamya Zone, and Life Heist. Annette has recently completed the Monkeybear Puppetry Intensive. She has been a mentor of girls, with GIA and worked at Laura Jeffery Academy- an all-girl school, as a Multicultural Liaison. She is a poet, graphic designer, mother and granna, and a Travel Agent. Annette loves life and has a gift to heal and looks forward to working with the community.

Arlene Hubbard

Arlene Hubbard is a native of Chicago, Illinois where she was the first in her immediate family to graduate from college. Arlene Hubbard’s goal is to knock down walls (not repeat the cycle) and make a habit of informing others how “we can do what we want when we just do it”. Arlene Hubbard is a wife of 22 years, mother of 4 (3 girls and 1 boy), and grandmother to one grandson. Arlene Hubbard is a Social Worker and enjoys helping others. Arlene has served in the community by hosting youth parties, mentoring, coaching basketball and other sports, and walking the streets of the community as an Ambassador.

Brittany Alexander

With more than 11 years of experience in communications and case management roles, Brittany is a skilled professional with deep expertise in working with youth and families across the Minneapolis metro area. As a North Minneapolis native, Brittany is an innovative and results-driven creative with impressive abilities to learn quickly and build relationships. Since 2016, Brittany has worked closely with North Minneapolis residents, serving in her most recent role as the Director of Communications for the Black Women’s Wealth Alliance. To date, Brittany has assisted over 40 Black-owned businesses with marketing and social media support while working closely with the BWWA team to educate historically black women about wealth management and strategy.

Cameran Bailey

Cameran is a Senior Development Advisor and leads NEOO’s resilient community development strategies. He brings a diverse background in climate and natural resource planning, solar energy systems, environmental regulation, community development, and project management. Cameran has a B.S. from Rutgers University in Civil Engineering, and a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from the Humphrey School at the University of MN.

Ebony Eromobor

Ebony Eromobor is the Founder and lead Clinician of Village Support Therapy and Consulting LLC (VSTC). VSTC is a private psychotherapy practice, which was founded in 2020 with a mission of providing culturally focused mental health services. Before founding VSTC, Ebony worked in several senior-level social worker roles in government, and she has also held leadership roles in the non-profit sector. Ebony’s career trajectory has always been focused on mental health and social service, with a focus and interest in the black community. Ebony’s educational background includes a Master of Social Work degree from Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN, and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Howard University in Washington, DC. Ebony also has a certificate in social service management from Augsburg University. Ebony is a clinically licensed social worker in Minnesota and Iowa. Ebony is looking forward to expanding and strengthening her leadership skills by participating in the leadership academy.

Isiah Dennis

Pastor, Theologian, Youth Worker, Educator, and Activist, Isiah strives to help people unlock their talents to help make a difference in their community. Holding a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary and a Master of Education in Youth Development and Leadership from the University of Minnesota, He is passionate about community advocacy, leadership development, youth work, organizational structures, mentoring, theology, and more. Isiah currently serves as Associate Pastor at Prospect Park United Methodist Church and in January 2023, he will become the Senior/Lead Pastor. Isiah was born and raised in the Rondo Neighborhood of St. Paul, MN, and currently resides in Falcon Heights, MN.

Jerad Green

Jerad Green (he/him) is a practitioner who has dedicated his career to advancing equity by enhancing societal conditions with Black people. After a career in higher education, he shifted to government to have a more direct impact on communities. He currently serves as the Director of Equity and Inclusion at the Minnesota Department of Human Services where he is responsible for strengthening the internal workforce and reducing disparate impacts of inequity for Minnesotans. In May 2021, Jerad was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure and was told his survival was a 50/50 chance. From that point, Jerad has been committed to building awareness, community, and equity for individuals who are often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed for heart related illnesses, despite the prevalence within Black communities. He holds a B.S. in Social Work from Winona State University; an M.A. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Missouri – Kansas City.

Jhaelynn Elam

A scientist by day, an entrepreneur by night, curator by nature! Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Jhaelynn Elam is an innovator, maximizer, community cultivator, and a firm believer in creating extraordinary things with the resources at one’s disposal. As the Founder and owner of Sizije, a boutique travel company, Jhaelynn has used her skill set to help make travel real and attainable for historically excluded groups. As co-founder and Creative Director of In Sisterhood, We Brunch, a brunch series bringing BIPOC women together throughout the Twin Cities, Jhaelynn has leveraged her passion for innovation and community to cultivate intentional spaces for women of color. In 2021, Jhaelynn was an inaugural Forbes Next 1000 Honoree. She currently serves as a member of the Tuskegee University Food and Nutritional Sciences Advisory Board, NextUP Twin Cities, and the Homegrown Minneapolis Food Council. Jaelynn is a successful Food and Sensory Scientist currently working at General Mills as a Product Guidance Strategist. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Biology from Tuskegee University and a Master of Science in Food Science and Technology from The Ohio State University.

Jiccarra N. Hollman

Jiccarra N. Hollman is a graduate of St. Catherine University with a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Communication Studies. In December 2018, she graduated, received her degree, and was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army the next day. She is most recently known as Captain Hollman in the United States Air Force. As an entrepreneur and a philanthropist, Hollman founded Living On Purpose, a recovery accountability community and transitions home. Her home has provided residency and support to families as they get through that tough hump in life. Her motto is, “Stop Living to Exist and Start Living On Purpose.” Hollman established News On Purpose in May 2020 in Minneapolis, MN. Hollman set out to change how news is broadcast and bring forth positive stories of love, community, and support during a time of turmoil and division. Unlike mainstream media, News On Purpose is a platform for Black and Brown bodies to be the voice of Black and Brown stories. Hollman is an American actress, international model, philanthropist, and personality. Hollman serves the country as a Captain in the United States Air Force, and she serves the community as an ambassador and independent media personality.

Kevion Ellis

Kevion Ellis is a community-focused leader with years of experience in coalition building and public policy. A native of Paris, Texas, he moved to Colorado in 2015 to attain his bachelor’s in International Affairs at the University of Northern Colorado. While in Colorado, he was involved in various organizations and advocacy efforts, including serving as Student Body President, interning at the Colorado State Capitol, and championing work around the student debt crisis. After moving to Minnesota in 2018, he continued his focus in legislative affairs, where he has worked on a diverse range of issue areas including education, healthcare, and environment. Kevion is a passionate, servant leader who cares about the intersection between policy, equity, and community building.

Mario Reese

Mario Reese has spent the last decade serving in roles dedicated to youth development. He has held many roles in education across various school districts including but not limited to teaching, operating as an Educational Assistant, and Interventional Behavioral Specialist. Currently, he works as the Family Liaison at Hopkins West Junior High School. His goal in that role is to maintain building relationships with underserved families. This past summer Hopkins took on Freedom School, Mario became the first Freedom School Site Coordinator in the Hopkins school district. Too many people in the community, he is known as Coach Reese. He has an extensive coaching background in basketball that has allowed him to coach and mentor many young men from all over the Metro. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies from Augsburg University and resides in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Mychal Frelix

Mychal Frelix serves as co-founder and Chief Growth Officer at TurnSignl. Mychal is also Co-Founder and Vice President of Foreshadow, a non-profit organization that provides career exploration services to inner-city youth. Mychal also volunteers with several non-profit organizations in the Twin Cities area. Before founding TurnSignl, Mychal managed Enterprise Accounts at Sony Electronics, where he helped Fortune 500 companies adopt innovative technology solutions and guided channel partnership relationships. Mychal has eight years of technology and sales experience with extensive knowledge of cloud, hybrid IT, SaaS, ERP/MRP, hardware, and electronics. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of St. Thomas, where he majored in Marketing, and a master’s of business administration (MBA) from Augsburg University focusing on organizational leadership.

Nafeesah Muhammad

For the past eight years, Nafeesah Muhammad has served Minneapolis Public Schools and North Minneapolis as a high school English teacher and healing justice practitioner. Healing justice practitioners are aware of the ways in which stress, lack of resources, violence, and prolonged exposure to trauma, all present tremendous challenges in creating community and/or social change. While teaching at North High School (2014- 2019) and Henry High School (2019-2022) It is apparent in her curriculum that reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and collaboration skills are necessary for college and career, but also essential to navigating and dismantling institutional racism and economic oppression. Nafeesah’s pedagogical approach and healing justice practices have translated into numerous leadership positions, and school-wide and district-wide initiatives that include, creating the North High School SEL (SELF) Conference for students, teachers, families, and community members, introducing the Culturally Responsive Peer Observation protocol, leading two summer school programs that provided North Minneapolis educators the paid opportunity to create learning experiences that cultivate learners’ language and literacy development while keeping identity, culture joy, and criticality at the center. Nafeesah looks forward to expanding her work as a leader in healing justice within the education field.

Quincy Powe

Quincy Powe, is a 27-year-old college student that is studying Political Science and plans to take his degree in political science to law school, putting him on the path to becoming a judge; where he plans to continue his work in advocating for young people, partnering with young people, and empowering the youth. His experience as a young person has prepared him for his career, which has been dedicated to uplifting, empowering, and inspiring young people. Previous to his role at Youthprise, Powe began working with community youth in 2008. He volunteered and engaged in programming known as the “urban 4Hers”, a group that worked mainly on policy and community issues. In addition to volunteering with youth organizations, consulting with youth organizations, and speaking on behalf of youth groups, Quincy co-founded Youthlinks Voices of Youth Advisory Council, to inform every level of the organization on decision-making and to give recommendations to the organization. “I am proud to be able to continue to find ways to invest in our youth and partner with our youth because when we do, we will always win” shared Powe. “

Richnetta Parker

Richnetta Parker is an emerging servant leader and community advocate and organizer. She is passionate about serving Black refugee and immigrant communities and serves as the current program assistant for the International Justice and Women’s Human Rights Program at the Advocates for Human Rights. She is committed to taking a catalytic approach to leadership. Her work exists at the intersections of faith, community, policy, Black liberation and justice.

Summer Nelson

A native of Saint Paul, Summer graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2020 with a bachelor’s Degree in Applied Science and a minor in Public Health. Summer’s interest in public health grew rapidly after experiencing a personal protective equipment shortage at a Nonprofit Senior Care organization she was employed within 2020. She is conducting health initiative projects connected to an extended interest in public health globally leading her to the completion of her MPA at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in the Spring of 2022. Outside of Summer’s full-time Job at the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, Summer continues to take on more minors. Still, significant, commitments with community advocacy groups for minorities like the Black Student Union at UMN-TC, Ramsey County’s public health education initiatives, along with social advocacy organizations and programs like MN Stand-Up, American Civil Liberties Union of MN, Can’t Forget the Kids, and the Minnesota Attorney General’s Recruitment, Diversity, and Hiring committee. These experiences have helped support Summer’s mission to find her absolute calling in the community with the many skills she possesses in health administration, public policy, and innovation. In practice, Summer is consistently seeking opportunities to identify and uplift the well-being of the BIPOC community in Minnesota.

Ti-Esha Williams-Vaughn

According to Dr. George Washington Carver, “Education is the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.” These words reflect Ti-Esha Williams-Vaughn’s lifelong mission to educate young people. Ti-Esha is a 2005 graduate of the ACT Honors College at Claflin University. This two-time HBCU graduate, then went on to pursue her MAT English from SC State University and attended the Educational Leadership program at Cambridge College in Boston. Following in the footsteps of her late grandmother, she began teaching 7th-grade ELA. She then joined the Orangeburg Wilkinson High School family where she spent the next five years teaching grades 9-11. While at OW, Ti-Esha was honored with the Excellence in Teaching and Learning award. In 2017, after being introduced to Venture Academy, Ti-Esha and her sons relocated to the Twin Cities. While at Venture Academy High School, she served in the roles of English 9 teacher, first team leader, and assistant principal. She currently serves as the principal of Venture Academy Middle School.

Tiana Bellamy

Tiana is the Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism Coordinator for the Saint Paul Public Library. With over seven years of experience in Saint Paul Libraries, Tiana uses a co-creative and outcomes-driven approach to lead the design, measurement, and communication of the Library’s equity goals. Tiana is an expert facilitator, inspired by a background in youth work, bringing a reverence for the power of community knowledge to everything she does. Tiana has also had experience managing projects in neighborhood organizations, and educational non-profits. She is the first-ever Equity Coordinator for the Saint Paul Public Library and had the honor of sharing her work and insights across the country, most recently, at the 2021 Governmental Alliance on Race and Equities Annual Conference. Tiana’s long-term goal is to build capacity within the Black community to organize, advocate, and redirect resources alongside local governments (who historically and continue to reify systems of structural racism) to influence life outcomes for black residents across the city.

Vachel Hudson

Vachel is a natural leader most notably known for his contributions in his hometown, Louisville, KY, with the Vision Russell Neighborhood Development and Revitalization Project. He was a key component in the city winning a Housing and Urban Development grant worth more than $32M for his neighborhood’s economic development plan through mobilization of the community and using his position to advocate for better economic, social and community improvements for over 10,000 residents. Currently, Vachel’s work involves financial literacy, homeownership education and loan origination at the Black-owned, First Independence Bank. As the founder of Reinvesting in Communities and Housing (R.I.C.H.), he hosts and facilitates free financial and housing workshops, forums, and connects people to economic empowerment tools and resources as well as consulting for community building and engagement strategies. Previously, he worked at Urban League Twin Cities as Housing Manager. There, he facilitated first-time homebuyer workshops, connected participants to community resources such as down-payment assistance, credit repair, business development, financial literacy and investing. He currently serves as President of the award-winning volunteer auxiliary, Urban League Twin Cities Young Professionals.

Younin Greenfield

Younin Greenfield has years of engagement in the community; serving in multiple capacities, including but not limited to, providing healthcare and housing to unhoused youth and single adults with the highest barriers. Younin has simultaneously cultivated talent within her organization; providing professional support for women with a passion for developing women of color. She is committed to servant leadership, harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and person-centered service delivery. Currently, she is tasked with providing strategic and equitable programming for 100+ program participants in the Single Adults Supportive Housing program at Project for Pride in living.