2024 Annual Meeting Voter Guide
Updated Strategic Plan for 2024-2029
Motion: To approve the updated 2024-2029 Whittier Alliance Strategic Plan, as presented at the Whittier Alliance Annual Meeting, April 20, 2024.
Proposed Strategic Priorities for 2024-2029:
See the documents below for more detailed overview of the proposed Strategic Plan update, or the 2019-2024 Strategic Plan as approved by Whittier Alliance Voters in 2019.
Proposed Strategic Priorities for 2024-2029:
- Sustainable Community Development: Collaborate with residents, businesses, government entities, developers, and other stakeholders to ensure that new investments serve the existing community.
- Affordable Living & Economic Stability: Work to mitigate displacement pressures on Whittier residents, businesses, and institutions.
- Strengthening Social Fabric: Create a sustainable network of neighbors who can connect within and across our diverse and multicultural neighborhood.
- Continuing the Work: Build toward broader, long-term organizational sustainability.
See the documents below for more detailed overview of the proposed Strategic Plan update, or the 2019-2024 Strategic Plan as approved by Whittier Alliance Voters in 2019.
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City Contract Proposed 2024 Modification
Motion: To approve the Neighborhood and Community Relations (NRP) funding contract modifications as outlined in Whittier Alliance – City Contract Proposed 2024 Modification, presented at the Whittier Alliance Annual Meeting, April 20th, 2024.
What is NRP?
The Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization Program, or NRP, was an investment program founded in 1990 to support community efforts to organize neighborhood action plans until 2011. This source of funding sustains many Minneapolis neighborhood organizations today.
What are the goals of the reallocation?
This proposed reallocation gives us the opportunity to ensure our NRP funds are well-aligned with our strategic priorities, and to give our unallocated dollars a purpose. The funds that are currently unallocated, and thus not available for use, are allocated to our two largest long term spending areas. Leaving all currently available funds allocated, with a purpose, to serve the goals of the Whittier neighborhood.
To modify an existing contract by more than $25,000 neighborhoods must secure a community approval vote through a meeting with quorum (50 people).
For more details see the overview below.
| Neighborhood and Community Relations Contract Modification Overview |
CANDIDATE RESPONSES WILL BE ADDED AS THEY APPLY
Resident Seat Candidates (4 seats, 3 year terms)
Jill Hamilton
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
I am interested in continuing to serve on the WA Board of Directors. I would like to support Whittier through the work the WA Board is doing.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
My background in managing projects through collaboration and promotions would be an asset to the WA.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
WA Board, MN Literacy, Hennepin County employee
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
Help ensure the WA Board listens to the residents.
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
I am interested in continuing to serve on the WA Board of Directors. I would like to support Whittier through the work the WA Board is doing.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
My background in managing projects through collaboration and promotions would be an asset to the WA.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
WA Board, MN Literacy, Hennepin County employee
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
Help ensure the WA Board listens to the residents.
Natalie Somerson
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
I've served on the WA board of directors since October 2022, and as vice-chair since April 2023, and have loved the opportunity to get to know neighbors on a deeper level, and further investing in our neighborhood! As an organizer and non-profit professional, I bring experience in community engagement, event planning and project management that I'm always excited to lend to Whittier Alliance!
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
I am a youth worker and with that take pride in my strengths building relationships, strong communication and facilitation skills, along with both experiences and desires to build cross-cultural connections & multigenerational learning opportunities. I believe in the power of sharing a meal, and the opportunity to listen and learn from those around you. I'm excited to continue bringing these perspectives and experiences to Whittier & the Whittier Alliance.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
I've been a board member since October 2022 and have enjoyed getting to know neighbors on a deeper level. In May 2023 I was elected to the executive committee of the board.
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
I am a kinetic learner; and growth for me comes with learning from those around me & by taking action. I am committed to listening and learning to those most impacted by inequities, and leveraging my positionality, both on the board and generally to create change.
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
I've served on the WA board of directors since October 2022, and as vice-chair since April 2023, and have loved the opportunity to get to know neighbors on a deeper level, and further investing in our neighborhood! As an organizer and non-profit professional, I bring experience in community engagement, event planning and project management that I'm always excited to lend to Whittier Alliance!
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
I am a youth worker and with that take pride in my strengths building relationships, strong communication and facilitation skills, along with both experiences and desires to build cross-cultural connections & multigenerational learning opportunities. I believe in the power of sharing a meal, and the opportunity to listen and learn from those around you. I'm excited to continue bringing these perspectives and experiences to Whittier & the Whittier Alliance.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
I've been a board member since October 2022 and have enjoyed getting to know neighbors on a deeper level. In May 2023 I was elected to the executive committee of the board.
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
I am a kinetic learner; and growth for me comes with learning from those around me & by taking action. I am committed to listening and learning to those most impacted by inequities, and leveraging my positionality, both on the board and generally to create change.
Graham Faulkner
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
I am new to Whittier, and in the most broad sense I am interested in getting involved with my N'hood org. I think that this level of organizing and community building is crucially important, and working with other like minded folks in this space sounds like a gratifying endeavor. I have organized with a lot of different groups and candidates, and I worked at the City of Minneapolis where I gained a pretty good knowledge of Neighborhood Orgs and their unique role, and how the end of NRP funds has forced orgs to adjust. I am glad to see WA is doing well in comparison to others (and has remained so relevant in the community) and I want to join and offer my skills to assist in keeping WA as vibrant and community driven as it already is.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
I have worked strategically in communications, elections, and campaign management for roughly 8 years, and worked in policy creation and advisement with elected officials at both the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County for over 4 years. I am an active musician who plays locally. I can offer a strategic lens on how we interact with local gov and non-gov entities (as we fill a unique space that intersects the public/private), and help to identify opportunities that may be beneficial for WA. I have a deep understanding of MPLS politics, non-profit service providers, development/private enterprise/local businesses, and our cultural communities across South MPLS. I think this is a valuable perspective to have on the board.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
Through my work at Hennepin I sit on the Hennepin History Museum Board, which has been an interesting exercise: living so close, having buy-in and wanting to see them thrive on a personal/local level, but having a charge from my employer to support this effort as well. This experience encouraged me to join WA.
I am proud of my time as Rep. Ilhan Omar's Field Director in 2018, where we knocked 20k doors from Oct 1- Election Day, not only in support of a broad voter turnout but also important statewide races.
I have been consulting more recently in supporting emerging small biz as they navigate city zoning/licensing processes. This has been an interesting way to engage and learn more about development, opportunities and hurdles.
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
Via campaigns and DEI work I've been involved with, I have understanding of how to effectively engage and lift up communities who have been underserved and unheard. Given how long BIPOC voices have not been at the table (and the institutional barriers to equity and justice this underrepresentation over centuries has caused) we all need to participate. I will use this lens to guide my efforts, being mindful of the barriers (language, economic, social) which may limit neighbors' participation with WA. Making sure all are beneficiaries of the work WA does is important, and I will support us to work towards this goal, through policy and engagement. Also, qualified candidates of color should be considered over my application, in this ethos.
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
I am new to Whittier, and in the most broad sense I am interested in getting involved with my N'hood org. I think that this level of organizing and community building is crucially important, and working with other like minded folks in this space sounds like a gratifying endeavor. I have organized with a lot of different groups and candidates, and I worked at the City of Minneapolis where I gained a pretty good knowledge of Neighborhood Orgs and their unique role, and how the end of NRP funds has forced orgs to adjust. I am glad to see WA is doing well in comparison to others (and has remained so relevant in the community) and I want to join and offer my skills to assist in keeping WA as vibrant and community driven as it already is.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
I have worked strategically in communications, elections, and campaign management for roughly 8 years, and worked in policy creation and advisement with elected officials at both the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County for over 4 years. I am an active musician who plays locally. I can offer a strategic lens on how we interact with local gov and non-gov entities (as we fill a unique space that intersects the public/private), and help to identify opportunities that may be beneficial for WA. I have a deep understanding of MPLS politics, non-profit service providers, development/private enterprise/local businesses, and our cultural communities across South MPLS. I think this is a valuable perspective to have on the board.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
Through my work at Hennepin I sit on the Hennepin History Museum Board, which has been an interesting exercise: living so close, having buy-in and wanting to see them thrive on a personal/local level, but having a charge from my employer to support this effort as well. This experience encouraged me to join WA.
I am proud of my time as Rep. Ilhan Omar's Field Director in 2018, where we knocked 20k doors from Oct 1- Election Day, not only in support of a broad voter turnout but also important statewide races.
I have been consulting more recently in supporting emerging small biz as they navigate city zoning/licensing processes. This has been an interesting way to engage and learn more about development, opportunities and hurdles.
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
Via campaigns and DEI work I've been involved with, I have understanding of how to effectively engage and lift up communities who have been underserved and unheard. Given how long BIPOC voices have not been at the table (and the institutional barriers to equity and justice this underrepresentation over centuries has caused) we all need to participate. I will use this lens to guide my efforts, being mindful of the barriers (language, economic, social) which may limit neighbors' participation with WA. Making sure all are beneficiaries of the work WA does is important, and I will support us to work towards this goal, through policy and engagement. Also, qualified candidates of color should be considered over my application, in this ethos.
Harry Davis
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
I am a newer resident to WA and love every minute I am here. I have a life-long interest in cities and neighborhoods and supporting them to be the best they can be.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
I am a trained and educated urban planner with experience in civic engagement, land use, and government functions.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
A few board meetings and community meals, neighborhood cleanups, and general support to board and org staff.
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
Big support. Whittier is best when everyone can participate.
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
I am a newer resident to WA and love every minute I am here. I have a life-long interest in cities and neighborhoods and supporting them to be the best they can be.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
I am a trained and educated urban planner with experience in civic engagement, land use, and government functions.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
A few board meetings and community meals, neighborhood cleanups, and general support to board and org staff.
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
Big support. Whittier is best when everyone can participate.
Kameron Brodie
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
I have enjoyed serving the community in my capacity as a Board Director for the past three years, and feel like my institutional knowledge of the Board is an asset.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
I am a renter, like 86% of Whittier residents, and have lived in 3 apartments in Whittier in the 4.5 years I have been in Minneapolis. I have served on the Board for the past 3 years, and have gotten to know the neighborhood and our community really well.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
I have been on the Whittier Alliance Board for the past 3 years, and volunteered on neighborhood projects before that.
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
I am very engaged in anti-racist practices, and deeply value how each person’s lived experiences influence the ways they show up in the community.
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
I have enjoyed serving the community in my capacity as a Board Director for the past three years, and feel like my institutional knowledge of the Board is an asset.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
I am a renter, like 86% of Whittier residents, and have lived in 3 apartments in Whittier in the 4.5 years I have been in Minneapolis. I have served on the Board for the past 3 years, and have gotten to know the neighborhood and our community really well.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
I have been on the Whittier Alliance Board for the past 3 years, and volunteered on neighborhood projects before that.
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
I am very engaged in anti-racist practices, and deeply value how each person’s lived experiences influence the ways they show up in the community.
Natalie Strait
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
I have lived in the neighborhood for 8 years and love being a part of the community. I'm interested in having a larger role in contributing to what goes on in the neighborhood and a reason to be more involved in the community overall.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
I'm an urban planner by trade, I've done community engagement in that roll, I worked with the Whittier alliance as a student on a commercial anti displacement report, I managed the Whittier Farmer's market for a season and volunteered for serval other seasons, and I have lived in many areas of the neighborhood during my time living in Minneapolis.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
Whittier Farmer's Market, Earth day clean up, volunteering with youth at Calvary Church, urban plan volunteer (facilitation of youth learning about urban planning)
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
Reading books and reports that touch on relevant issues, participating in any ongoing/available anti racism training and conversation
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
I have lived in the neighborhood for 8 years and love being a part of the community. I'm interested in having a larger role in contributing to what goes on in the neighborhood and a reason to be more involved in the community overall.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
I'm an urban planner by trade, I've done community engagement in that roll, I worked with the Whittier alliance as a student on a commercial anti displacement report, I managed the Whittier Farmer's market for a season and volunteered for serval other seasons, and I have lived in many areas of the neighborhood during my time living in Minneapolis.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
Whittier Farmer's Market, Earth day clean up, volunteering with youth at Calvary Church, urban plan volunteer (facilitation of youth learning about urban planning)
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
Reading books and reports that touch on relevant issues, participating in any ongoing/available anti racism training and conversation
Jim Galvan
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
Very interested in the well being of my community and all it's members.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
I'm a small business owner with a flair for entrepreneurship and was a general manager for a Native American casino which included heavy involvement in the tribal governmental affairs. I hold vast business experience in outreach and multi-lingual digital marketing. I've overcome a lot of diversity in my life and empathetic. I enjoy engaging everyone, bringing together diverse groups and having a fun positive time. Also a former U.S. Army veteran.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
Worker with 29 palms band of mission Indians tribal government providing and implementing annual plans - EPA, entertainment, growth goals, health initiatives. Besides heavy digital outreach have worked with a number of national non-profits - asq.org, in org.
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
I come from a diverse background from a place of empathy growing up with a lot of adversity. I've lived all over the country and with my early years growing up in the Southwest. My background is Mexican on my father's side and Midwest on my mother's side. I know what it's like to feel like an outsider and different. I've always championed the inclusion of everyone and the voices not heard. I always felt we are stronger as a community when we show responsibility for one another.
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
Very interested in the well being of my community and all it's members.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
I'm a small business owner with a flair for entrepreneurship and was a general manager for a Native American casino which included heavy involvement in the tribal governmental affairs. I hold vast business experience in outreach and multi-lingual digital marketing. I've overcome a lot of diversity in my life and empathetic. I enjoy engaging everyone, bringing together diverse groups and having a fun positive time. Also a former U.S. Army veteran.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
Worker with 29 palms band of mission Indians tribal government providing and implementing annual plans - EPA, entertainment, growth goals, health initiatives. Besides heavy digital outreach have worked with a number of national non-profits - asq.org, in org.
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
I come from a diverse background from a place of empathy growing up with a lot of adversity. I've lived all over the country and with my early years growing up in the Southwest. My background is Mexican on my father's side and Midwest on my mother's side. I know what it's like to feel like an outsider and different. I've always championed the inclusion of everyone and the voices not heard. I always felt we are stronger as a community when we show responsibility for one another.
Business & Nonprofit Candidates (3 seats, 1 year terms)
Nate Broadbridge (SK Coffee)
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
I want to continue to provide service to the neighborhood and engage with a broader community!
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
I'm one of the owners of the coffee shop on 24th and Lyndale, SK Coffee, I handle all of the accounting and finance and I think I have a pretty good mind for business decisions. I think I can help the Whittier alliance board of directors and staff I think about problems that may arise and help plan events.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
I was on the board of directors after Whittier Alliance this past year!
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
I meet and serve a lot of unique folks at the coffee shop and can help promote Whittier Alliance events and programming..
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
I want to continue to provide service to the neighborhood and engage with a broader community!
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
I'm one of the owners of the coffee shop on 24th and Lyndale, SK Coffee, I handle all of the accounting and finance and I think I have a pretty good mind for business decisions. I think I can help the Whittier alliance board of directors and staff I think about problems that may arise and help plan events.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
I was on the board of directors after Whittier Alliance this past year!
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
I meet and serve a lot of unique folks at the coffee shop and can help promote Whittier Alliance events and programming..
Kedar Deshpande (Soo Line Garden)
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
Whittier is the only neighborhood I've ever lived in, in Minneapolis. I lived here for three years (2007-2010), moved out of state, and then came back in 2019. I care about the community and the work Whittier Alliance does is critical to making the neighborhood thrive. I have also been continually impressed at WA's impact, focus and durability. It represents the community and it represents the spirit of the city.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
I've worked in the private sector, mostly with a technology focus, for the last 20 years. Because of that, I know how to build products and manage projects well. I also am good at forging connections across social groups, businesses, non-profits and government. Lastly, I am fluent in Portuguese, I speak Spanish well, and my background as the child of immigrants gives me a good sense of the needs of Whittier's diverse residents.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
Aside from attending WA events and meetings, I am also a volunteer at Soo Line Community Garden. Through that role, I have gotten to know people throughout Whittier, and also created strong connections with teachers and families at Whittier Elementary School and also people in the LynLake Business Association. Many years ago, I was on the board of Compassionate Action for Animals, a 501(c)(3) based in Whittier (fun fact: I found the office they still occupy, which is on the corner of 1st Ave South and 22nd Street).
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
Getting community engagement from people whose voices are overlooked would be a key goal of mine. I speak Spanish and Portuguese and can bring immigrant voices and non-English speakers to meetings. In fact, I already did that once in January 2024 at a Whittier board meeting, bringing two Spanish-speaking neighbors who wanted their voices to be heard. It's crucial that we listen to people from different backgrounds, particularly in Whittier, which has a large immigrant population.
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
Whittier is the only neighborhood I've ever lived in, in Minneapolis. I lived here for three years (2007-2010), moved out of state, and then came back in 2019. I care about the community and the work Whittier Alliance does is critical to making the neighborhood thrive. I have also been continually impressed at WA's impact, focus and durability. It represents the community and it represents the spirit of the city.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
I've worked in the private sector, mostly with a technology focus, for the last 20 years. Because of that, I know how to build products and manage projects well. I also am good at forging connections across social groups, businesses, non-profits and government. Lastly, I am fluent in Portuguese, I speak Spanish well, and my background as the child of immigrants gives me a good sense of the needs of Whittier's diverse residents.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
Aside from attending WA events and meetings, I am also a volunteer at Soo Line Community Garden. Through that role, I have gotten to know people throughout Whittier, and also created strong connections with teachers and families at Whittier Elementary School and also people in the LynLake Business Association. Many years ago, I was on the board of Compassionate Action for Animals, a 501(c)(3) based in Whittier (fun fact: I found the office they still occupy, which is on the corner of 1st Ave South and 22nd Street).
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
Getting community engagement from people whose voices are overlooked would be a key goal of mine. I speak Spanish and Portuguese and can bring immigrant voices and non-English speakers to meetings. In fact, I already did that once in January 2024 at a Whittier board meeting, bringing two Spanish-speaking neighbors who wanted their voices to be heard. It's crucial that we listen to people from different backgrounds, particularly in Whittier, which has a large immigrant population.
Housing and Land Use Committee Chair Candidates (1 seat, 1 year term)
Election at HLU Meeting on June 18th
George Rishmawi
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
To help better our community through engagement & involvement.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
Architectural Design, Master Planning, Urban Planning experiences; Architect; various software knowledge experiences to help with community visioning & spread of information; working with stakeholders to support their community's vision.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
I have been Chair of the Housing & Land Use Committee and a Board member at WA for the past two years, and have led conversations around various projects within out community. I have also been involved with the 2116 Nicollet Ave Project with WA and serve as a member within the stakeholder group.
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
I fully support creating a diverse and inclusive environment by raising awareness of the issues at hand, and helping under-represented community members have their voices heard and supported.
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors?
To help better our community through engagement & involvement.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance?
Architectural Design, Master Planning, Urban Planning experiences; Architect; various software knowledge experiences to help with community visioning & spread of information; working with stakeholders to support their community's vision.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.)
I have been Chair of the Housing & Land Use Committee and a Board member at WA for the past two years, and have led conversations around various projects within out community. I have also been involved with the 2116 Nicollet Ave Project with WA and serve as a member within the stakeholder group.
As an organization, the Whittier Alliance has been actively learning, growing, and progressing in our pursuit of neighborhood equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a Board member?
I fully support creating a diverse and inclusive environment by raising awareness of the issues at hand, and helping under-represented community members have their voices heard and supported.
Community Engagement Committee Chair Candidates (1 seat, 1 year term)
Election at CE Dinner on May 9th
Nick Hutchinson
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors? I would like to continue the work of connecting Whittier residents with their neighbors and with opportunities to act collectively in our common interest.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance? I come from a working-class background and have spent much of my life studying principles of effective organizing. I also come from a theatrical background and have a sense of spectacle and "happening." I want everyone to succeed and live in peace. I am good at solving crossword puzzles. I'm fun.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.) Over the past two years, I have been a key organizer of both the Whittier Solidarity Network and the Whittier Really Really Free Market. Additionally, I have served a one-year term as chair of the Whittier Alliance's Community Engagement Committee. I have been passionate in my efforts to drive up civic engagement in Whittier, as with last fall's election guide, as well as our conversations with Yes 4 Minneapolis and Council Member Aisha Chughtai.
Within a world riddled with injustices and disparities, the above is a big undertaking. As an organization, the Whittier Alliance is trying, failing, progressing, learning and growing in these pursuits of equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a board member? I fully support creating a diverse and inclusive environment by raising awareness of the issues at hand, and helping under-represented community members have their voices heard and supported.
Why are you interested in serving on the WA Board of Directors? I would like to continue the work of connecting Whittier residents with their neighbors and with opportunities to act collectively in our common interest.
What experiences, talents, or perspectives do you possess that you feel would be an asset to the Whittier Alliance? I come from a working-class background and have spent much of my life studying principles of effective organizing. I also come from a theatrical background and have a sense of spectacle and "happening." I want everyone to succeed and live in peace. I am good at solving crossword puzzles. I'm fun.
Describe any experiences you’ve had in serving the neighborhood and/or larger community. (Volunteer positions, committees, organizations, businesses, etc.) Over the past two years, I have been a key organizer of both the Whittier Solidarity Network and the Whittier Really Really Free Market. Additionally, I have served a one-year term as chair of the Whittier Alliance's Community Engagement Committee. I have been passionate in my efforts to drive up civic engagement in Whittier, as with last fall's election guide, as well as our conversations with Yes 4 Minneapolis and Council Member Aisha Chughtai.
Within a world riddled with injustices and disparities, the above is a big undertaking. As an organization, the Whittier Alliance is trying, failing, progressing, learning and growing in these pursuits of equity and inclusion. However big or small, how would you support these efforts as a board member? I fully support creating a diverse and inclusive environment by raising awareness of the issues at hand, and helping under-represented community members have their voices heard and supported.