The experience Brooklyn Park deserves. The leadership it needs.
I have called Brooklyn Park home for more than twenty years. I have come to love this city and its residents, and have worked hard to contribute to its progress. I've served on Brooklyn Park's advisory commission since 2016, and currently serve as Chair. I provide financial insight to the Osseo School District as a member of its Financial Planning committee. I have been a volunteer organizer for "Safe Summer Nights" in Brooklyn Park, an event that brings retired police officers, community and current police together to build relationships and enjoy good food together in an outdoor setting.
Professionally, from 2004 – 2020 I worked with the Neighborhood Development Center, St. Paul, an organization dedicated to entrepreneurship, innovative small businesses, and strategic development. While there, I worked with the team that was the driving force behind the Midtown Global Market and Mercado Central. As CFO of this organization, I was a finalist for CFO of the year by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. I oversaw the accounting department, Information Technology and property asset management team. Our mission was to leverage an annual budget of over $30 Million into smart, strategic entrepreneurial development for the future.
Prior to my work at the NDC, I worked as an adjunct professor at Concordia University, a Finance Director at a relief agency serving West Africa, and as the Ministry of Finance in Oromo, Ethiopia. I believe my global perspective is an asset to all long-range and strategic planning.
In addition to my work in Brooklyn Park, I have been an active volunteer throughout MN. I was appointed by Melvin Carter to the "Community First" Public Safety Commission of Saint Paul, where we strategize for better community relations and increased public safety and effectiveness in policing.