Health Equity Division Staff and Contact Information
General office information
| Phone | Address | |
|---|---|---|
| 651-201-5813 | Freeman Building 625 Robert St. N P.O. Box 64975 Saint Paul, MN 55164-0975 | Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division health.equity@state.mn.us Office of Minority Multicultural Health ommh@state.mn.us |
Request forms
If you are looking for a speaker, consultation, or health equity coaching, please visit the Health Equity & Racial Justice Capacity Enrichment Program page. This program is open to both MDH staff and community partners.
If you are looking for a student internship, please visit our Internships page for more information.
Meet the staff
Directors
Administration
Budget and fiscal management
Communications
Community collaboration and capacity building
Community engagement
Health equity strategists
Policy and systems change
Fellows and interns
Directors
Odichinma (Odi) Akosionu-DeSouza, director
pronouns: she/her/hers
Odi joined MDH as the director of the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division in January 2024. Prior to joining MDH, she worked at the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity as a project manager and research scholar. She also served as the director of operations for The Research in Color Foundation and is a current Ph.D. candidate at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. Her research focuses on investigating structural factors that result in racial inequities in long-term services and supports, generating population-level research evidence, and working collaboratively toward translating research evidence into effective interventions at the policy level and in long-term care programs and services.
Odi has a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology from the University of California, San Diego, and a Master of Public Health degree from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. When she is not working or resting, she enjoys developing and testing new food and drink recipes, traveling to explore new cities and cuisines, visiting with family and friends, and relaxing at home doing her skincare routine.
odi.akosionu-desouza@state.mn.us
651-431-6352
Sara Chute, assistant director
pronouns: she/her/hers
Sara Chute has worked at MDH since 2006. In 2017, Sara became assistant director for the Center for Health Equity and the Center for Health Data. She has been a champion for communities impacted by inequities throughout her career and values the importance of building trust and developing action-oriented approaches to addressing complex public problems in partnership with community. She continues to serve as the assistant director of the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division today.
Sara holds a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School and a bachelor’s degree from Carleton College. In her free time, Sara enjoys chasing after her kids Race and Sara Evelyn with her husband Frank.
Sara.Chute@state.mn.us
651-201-5543
Administration
Christy Nguyen, administrative coordinator
pronouns: she/her/hers
Christy joined MDH in 2015 to provide administrative support for the Center for Health Equity, now the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division. She supports everything and everyone, and we could not get our work done without her. Christy is a University of St. Catherine graduate with a nursing degree. Prior to her position at MDH, Christy worked at a pediatric clinic, providing patient care for ten years. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, walking, and spending time with her husband and their five children.
Christy.Nguyen@state.mn.us
651-201-5652
Budget and fiscal management
Mohamed Hassan, budget and fiscal management supervisor
pronouns: he/him/his
Mohamed joined MDH in 2016 as a grant manager and currently holds the position of grants and budget supervisor. In this role, he establishes efficient processes for monitoring multiple funding sources, including federal and state grants. Mohamed possesses extensive knowledge and expertise in grant and contract management, budgeting, and forecasting. He provides technical assistance to internal and external partners and demonstrates a strong aptitude for collaborating with communities most impacted by inequities.
Previously, Mohamed served as the dean of students at Midway Star Academy. He worked closely with leadership to create a positive learning environment, which included management of behavior protocols and student intervention programs.
Mohamed holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota -Twin Cities and a master's degree in health and human services administration from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. In his free time, he enjoys sports, staying active, and spending time with his family.
Mohamed.Hassan@state.mn.us
651-201-4149
Anna Borgstrom, health equity fiscal analyst
pronouns: she/her/hers
Anna holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and joined MDH in 2014 as an administrative assistant in the Child and Family Health Division. She moved to the Office of Vital Records in 2017 as a help desk representative. During the height of COVID-19, Anna was deployed to work as a grant manager and team lead for diverse media and community engagement contracts. She moved back to Child and Family Health in 2021 as a grants and contracts coordinator. Before working for MDH, Anna worked at the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office and held a number of administrative positions at varied businesses. Born and raised in Minnesota, Anna has a real connection to the citizens of the state, even though she currently resides in Wisconsin.
anna.borgstrom@state.mn.us
651-201-3630
Mishiah Toe, COVID-19 grants specialist
pronouns: he/him/his
Mishiah joined the Department of Health in April 2022 to help provide financial and administrative assistance to community partners. He was born in Myanmar and identifies ethnically as Karen (Knyaw). He received a bachelor's degree in business from Bethel University in 2016, with an international emphasis. Prior to joining MDH, Mishiah worked in the mortgage servicing industry at Wells Fargo and The Servion Group.
Outside of work, he enjoys watching and playing soccer and is involved with the Karen community of Minnesota through various youth and young adult activities and community events. He is excited to be working with CHE and having an impact with underserved communities that experience disparities by advancing racial and health equity.
Mishiah.Toe@state.mn.us
651-201-4227
Communications
Bridget Pouladian, communications supervisor
pronouns: she/her/hers
Bridget joined MDH in 2013 as a health educator and then in 2016 as a grant manager for the Center for Health Equity, now the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division. During the COVID-19 response, she helped create and lead the team of staff contracting with community partners and diverse media organizations, while also serving as the co-director of the Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities Branch. Prior to joining MDH, Bridget lived for two years in Burkina Faso, West Africa, where she worked as a community health and development agent with the Peace Corps. She also worked as a program assistant for the Resilient Communities Project at the University of Minnesota and as a writer, editor, and designer at two local newspapers.
Bridget has a master's degree in public health from the University of Minnesota and bachelor's degrees in journalism and international studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Bridget brings a passion for health and racial equity and many years of experience as a communicator, organizer, and project manager. She enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, and traveling.
Bridget.Pouladian@state.mn.us
651-201-5816
Dr. Erica Alley, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter specialist/lead
pronouns: she/her/hers
As the American Sign Language (ASL) interpreting specialist/lead in the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division, Dr. Erica Alley is dedicated to driving systemic change to enhance communication access for Minnesota’s deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blindness communities. In her role, she delivers as well as coordinates ASL-English interpreting services for MDH staff, community organizations, and service providers. With a master's degree in ASL-English interpreting, a PhD in ASL-English interpreting research and pedagogy, and national certification from the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), Dr. Alley supports the CHE team’s mission of delivering accessible information.
Dr. Alley’s research and publication contributions explore systems in action. Her focal point has been an investigation into the daily challenges faced by Video Relay Service (VRS) interpreters due to the constrictions imposed by corporate policies. As a member of the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division, Dr. Alley leverages her expertise to extend information access for the deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf-blindness communities.
Erica.Alley@state.mn.us
651-539-3040
Erica Swain, strategic communications lead
pronouns: she/her/hers
Erica is a seasoned communications and equity professional with a diverse background spanning technology, digital marketing, IT communications, social services communications, and inclusion leadership. With over a decade dedicated to public service, she has contributed her expertise to agencies in both Georgia and Minnesota. Immediately prior to joining MDH, Erica collaborated with strategic teams from Minnesota Information Technology Services (MNIT) and the Department of Human Services (DHS) to integrate equity into agency initiatives, develop internal information technology communication strategies, and co-chair the DHS Black Women’s Employee Resource Group. Her passion for driving progress and fostering meaningful connections fuels her ambition to continue influencing the evolving fields of communications and health equity.
Erica earned a Bachelor of Arts in mass media arts from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, GA and a Master of Science in art technology from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois.
Erica.V.Swain@state.mn.us
651-201-5814
Community collaboration and capacity building
Saurav Dahal, community collaboration and capacity building supervisor
pronouns: he/him/his
Saurav joined MDH as a grant manager in October 2022, with more than 13 years of experience working with underserved populations as the state refugee health coordinator/office of refugee resettlement projects manager, assistant state refugee coordinator, COVID-19 regional manager, and most recently as the North Dakota tuberculosis controller. Saurav brings with him a wide range of nonprofit and government experience, from policy and grantmaking to community engagement efforts focused on empowerment, capacity building, and eliminating health disparities among people of color. Saurav holds a master’s degree in public health, with an emphasis on infectious disease management, and a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University. In his spare time, he loves traveling with his wife and daughter.
saurav.dahal@state.mn.us
651-201-4149
Mandie Aalto, grant manager
pronouns: she/her/hers
Mandie joined MDH in 2024 with eighteen years of experience in grants administration and nonprofit leadership. Mandie has provided strategic planning, community development, and capacity building for various nonprofits and communities throughout rural Minnesota. Her most recent leadership roles include serving as the executive director for Advocates for Family Peace and Development for the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Mandie has a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Bemidji State University. As an avid reader, writer, and researcher, she uses data as a tool to drive community growth and innovation. Mandie is dedicated to providing her best work and advancing the crucial health equity initiatives of her division. She also enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and four children.
mandie.aalto@state.mn.us
651-201-6736
Elizabeth Mago, grant manager
pronouns: she/her/hers
Elizabeth (Liz) is a graduate of Brandeis University Heller School for Social Policy and Management in Massachusetts. She holds a dual master’s degree in global health policy and management and conflict resolution and co-existence. Liz has 20-plus years of experience designing and managing community and health systems, strengthening programs to address health inequities among rural and hard-to-reach populations in Africa.
She has worked for the International Organization for Migration and Catholic Relief and Development Aid supporting refugee, immigrant, and internally displaced populations with emergency health and community recovery programs. Additionally, she has worked as a results-based financing consultant for the World Bank, designing and managing health care financing systems reforms to reduce financial burden of vulnerable communities in accessing maternal and child health services in Zimbabwe and Gambia. Most recently, Liz worked as an international health and refugee coordinator for MDH’s partnership project with the University of Minnesota National Resource Center on COVID-19 contact tracing, prevention, and mitigation programs for at-risk refugees, immigrants, and migrants.
Elizabeth.Mago@state.mn.us
651-201-6754
Amy Michael, grant manager
pronouns: she/her/hers
Amy is a grant manager for diverse media and community engagement grantees. Prior to joining the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division, Amy was the MDH arthritis program coordinator, where she brought the Walk with Ease Program to Minnesota. She is a master trainer for the Chronic Disease Self-Management Program, the Chronic Pain Self-Management Program, and the National Diabetes Prevention Program. She has worked at MDH since 2012, including working in the Diabetes Program and in the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) program as a health systems coordinator. Amy loves to spend her time biking, swimming, and being with her family and her dog. She has an M.S. in education and is married with three adult children.
Amy.Michael@state.mn.us
651-201-3892
E. Brooke Stelzer, grant manager
pronouns: she/her/hers
Brooke joined MDH in 2018 as the grant manager for the family planning special projects (FPSP) grant program; supported the COVID-19 response for two years in the Cultural, Faith, and Disability Communities Branch; then joined the Center for Health Equity, now the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division, in January 2023 as a grant manager with the Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative (EHDI). She has served as a subject matter expert in adolescent sexual health throughout her career, including roles as the director of sexuality education at the Annex Teen Clinic, project manager for the CDC’s Adolescent Health and Academic Equity Project at the Minnesota Department of Education, and as a national trainer for evidence-based sexual health curricula with ETR. She holds a bachelor's degree in gender and sexuality studies from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. In her free time, she enjoys painting, gardening, and loving on her pup.
Brooke.Stelzer@state.mn.us
651-201-3743
Lensa Terfa, grant manager
pronouns: she/her/hers
Lensa Terfa joined MDH as a multilingual COVID-19 case investigator in April 2020. In June 2020, Lensa became the lead case investigator and joined the African community liaison team. In January 2021, she took the African community liaison lead role and started working with different organizations that serve the African community. Prior to joining MDH, Lensa worked as lead childcare teacher at Fairview Health Care for five years. Lensa has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood studies from Metro State University and is currently working on her master’s degree in public health at Saint Mary’s University. Lensa brings a passion for racial and health equity and several years of experience as a certified medical interpreter/cultural mediator. Outside of work, she is a Sunday school teacher for preschoolers and enjoys reading time with her two children.
lensa.terfa@state.mn.us
651-201-4560
Community engagement
Dai Vu, community engagement supervisor
pronouns: she/her/hers
Dai Vu is a second generation Vietnamese-American who has lived in Minnesota for most of her life. She came with her family to Rochester, Minnesota, in 1980 as part of the boat refugees from South Vietnam. She received an undergraduate degree in biology from the College of St. Catherine and a master of public health degree from the University of Minnesota. She has more than 20 years of public health experience, including community engagement, grant and project management, and systems change coordination.
Prior to coming to MDH, Dai worked for the American Cancer Society in their community engagement and health equity program. Then for three years, she served as the community partnerships coordinator for MDH's Sage Cancer Programs. Dai is thrilled to be part of the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division and be part of efforts to serve our BIPOC, LGBTQ, and disability communities.
dai.vu@state.mn.us
651-201-5611
Amal Ali, contract coordinator
pronouns: she/her/hers
Amal started her journey with MDH at a critical moment during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic as a contracted Somali case investigator. In November 2023, she joined the Department of Health as a grant manager. Her academic foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota, which served as a springboard for her ongoing pursuit of knowledge. Amal is enthusiastic about further honing her expertise and has set her sights on pursuing a master's degree.
Amal loves to travel extensively in her personal life and is constantly looking for novel experiences. She appreciates the power of storytelling through film and finds comfort in the realm of movies. Amal also enjoys dining out at restaurants and spending time with her loved ones. In both her professional and personal endeavors, Amal demonstrates her commitment to public service and her strong sense of obligation towards the health and well-being of the Minnesota community. Her experience serves as evidence of her steadfast dedication to improving the lives of others.
Amal.Ali@state.mn.us
651-201-6738
Kathy Denman-Wilke, community engagement planner
pronouns: she/her/hers
Kathy Denman-Wilke grew up in Flint, Michigan, close to her indigenous roots with the Saginaw Chippewa Nation. She is the mother of three grown sons and has one granddaughter. Kathy’s career spans 35 years, with experiences in diverse and/or American Indian tribal and urban communities. She enjoys working in communities and with institutions that need assistance connecting with families and reducing institutional barriers.
Kathy received her bachelor’s degree in family education and consumer science from Iowa State University, with a minor in American Indian studies. She later completed her master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from the University of Minnesota. When Kathy joined the Minnesota Department of Health, she started within the Public Health Practice Section in the community engagement unit. After only a few months, she began working in the COVID-19 response on both the Tribal Health COVID-19 Response Team and Cultural, Faith and Disabilities Branch. This work led her to the American Indian COVID-19 Community Coordinator lead position. She is honored to be part of the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division and serve our communities.
kathy.denman-wilke@state.mn.us
Reneka Evans, community engagement planner
pronouns: she/her/hers
Reneka Evans is a proud member of the LGBTQAI+ community, with a focus on achieving health equity by eliminating disparities and improving the health of all communities. She comes with 23 years of experience working in community health. Prior to coming to MDH, Reneka created, developed, and implemented the first transgender award ceremony in Minnesota (Transgender Stellar Awards). She also specializes in event development and outreach programming and is in her last semester at Metro State University.
In her role with the Minnesota Department of Health, she looks forward to acting as a bridge to close the gap between community liaisons and COVID-19 response work. Her goal is to fight tirelessly against COVID-19 until we overcome this pandemic together.
Aisha Galaydh, community engagement planner
pronouns: she/her/hers
Aisha Galaydh has more than five years of experience in community engagement, child development, and psychosocial support. She has both international and domestic experience in improving health service delivery, capacity building, and the development of local nonprofits.
Prior to joining MDH, Aisha worked as a COVID-19 community coordinator for Hennepin County, where she worked alongside community organizations on health education, strategic planning, and outreach. She holds a master’s degree in public health from Columbia University, with a focus on population health and forced migration. Aisha is passionate about using research and evaluation to improve the health care system.
Okash Haybe, contract coordinator
pronouns: he/him/his
Okash joined MDH in July 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. His passion for public service, health equity, refugee health, and improving the health outcomes of Minnesotans led him to join the public health field. Okash has served in various roles throughout the COVID-19 response, including COVID-19 lead case investigator/contact tracing, African immigrant community liaison, and faith-based communities outreach. He currently works as a grant manager for the community engagement and diverse media programs and as part of the African community liaison team.
Okash is passionate about improving the health of communities and capacity building by using innovative approaches geared toward eliminating disparities, systemic barriers, and improving service delivery. He values building trust and strong relationships with communities and is experienced in project management, program planning and evaluation. Okash holds a bachelor’s degree in public health and health care and human services management. He will be pursuing his master’s degree in the spring of 2023. Okash is an ardent fan of many sports, loves watching soccer, reading books, spending time with his family, and trying new food in his free time.
okash.haybe@state.mn.us
651-201-5333
Paige Hillesheim, community engagement systems coordinator
pronouns: she/her/hers
Paige joined the Center for Health Equity, now the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division, in 2022 as a health equity fellow. She was hired in 2023 as the COVID systems coordinator for the CCC team. She is passionate about improving community and population health equity (and associated barriers), public health education, and building more equitable public health systems. Prior to joining MDH, she worked with community organizations in the Columbus area in Ohio to evaluate food insecurity and access, developing public education materials and improving access to services for older adults in assisted living facilities.
She holds a master's degree in public health from the Ohio State University, specializing in population health, and bachelor's degrees in public health and biology from Hamline University. In her free time, she enjoys creating nail art, trying new local restaurants, and spending time with her partner and pets.
Paige.Hillesheim@state.mn.us
651-539-3037
Ong Lee, contract coordinator
pronouns: she/her/hers
Prior to joining the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division, Lee worked with Infectious Disease Epidemiology Prevention and Control as an International Health Fellow, where she led the maintenance of directories of organizations serving diverse communities and supported initiative newsletters that focused on traveler’s health. She aims to champion health equity in her work and is passionate about increasing accessibility to health resources that empower community members to make the best-informed decisions about their health. She is excited to be finishing up her bachelor of science degree in health at the University of Minnesota, with an emphasis in public health. Outside of school and work, she enjoys recharging with my loved ones, thrifting unique finds, and fishing with her partner.
Ong.Lee@state.mn.us
651-201-5822
Ricky Livingston, community engagement planner
pronouns: he/him/his
Ricky Livingston grew up in a small town in rural North Carolina and is married with three young kids. He retired in 2011 after 24 years with the U. S. Navy and Marine Corps as a hospital corpsman/combat medic/medical lab technician.
Ricky received his bachelor’s degree in applied sociology, with a minor in African American studies, from North Carolina State University, and he has 12 credits left to complete a master’s degree in public health from Emory University’s School of Public Health. He has more than three decades of broad public health experience, including primary prevention of violence, health education, grant and project management, social anthropology, and group facilitation/counseling, with a passion for addressing sexual and partner violence. Ricky is honored to be part of the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division and serve our communities as the African American lead for the COVID-19 Community Coordinators initiative.
Sylvette Lopez-Ruth, community engagement planner
pronouns: she/her/hers
Sylvette Lopez-Ruth is passionate about making a difference regarding health awareness in all communities. Her previous experience includes working for the Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota as a community engagement coordinator, where she was tasked with creating cancer awareness education programs for all communities (prevention, detection, and treatment), as well as developing relationships, educating health care providers about clinical research, and increasing minority enrollment in clinical trials and research studies.
sylvette.lopez-ruth@state.mn.us
Janeveva Lugumamu, community engagement planner
pronouns: she/her/hers
Janeveva is a graduate of Brandeis University Heller School for Social Policy and Management with a master's in global health policy and management. Janeveva was born and grew up in Tanzania, where she also received a master's degree in development studies and a bachelor's degree in public administration from the University of Dar es Salaam.
Janeveva has diversified work experience, mostly based in Tanzania, where she worked with the Tanzania Commission for AIDS to strengthen HIV/AIDS multisectoral response to marginalized and vulnerable communities. Additionally, Janeveva worked under the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to ensure the provision of basic needs for refugees hosted in Tanzania refugee camps from Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In addition to serving as the CCC lead for newer refugee and immigrant communities, Janeveva works to ensure language accessibility at all COVID-19 testing and vaccination sites.
Tee Reh, contract coordinator
pronouns: he/him/his
Prior to joining the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division, Tee Reh worked as a fellow for the PHI/CDC Global Health Fellowship Program. As a fellow, he did surveillance for the Division for Parasitic and Malaria and program monitoring and evaluation for the Gender and Youth team. He generated survey questions and collected and analyzed data on knowledge and awareness of farmers about pesticide use and its contribution to mosquito resistance to pesticides. He also reviewed, corrected, and maintained HIV data, and he participated in training youth in Mozambique on how to survey and evaluate programs. Outside of his professional work, he works with his Karenni community and is involved in many community activities related to COVID-19.
He completed a master's degree in public health focused on epidemiology and biostatistics at Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. He became interested in public health because of his personal experience with health disparity while living in a refugee camp. He is excited to continue expanding and diversifying his experience and skill sets as part of the grants managers team.
tee.reh@state.mn.us
651-201-6702
Health equity strategists
Marisol Chiclana-Ayala, supervisor
pronouns: she/her/hers
Marisol Chiclana-Ayala, MPA, holds a bachelor's degree in media writing and communications from the Universidad de Sagrado Corazon (P.R.), a Mini MBA from the University of St. Thomas (Minnesota), and a master’s degree in leadership, management and global affairs from the Humphrey Institute, University of Minnesota. In addition, Marisol is a 2006 Archibald Granville Bush Leadership Fellow.
A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Marisol is a proud Afro-Boricua/Afro-Latina, honoring her culture and traditions in Minnesota through her drumming, Bomba singing, and her work as the board chair and director of the Boriken Cultural Center, Minnesota. Marisol is an energetic public speaker and facilitator, with more than 25 years of experience working as a public health leader, journalist, professor, interpreter, translator, cultural liaison, diversity specialist, and consultant.
marisol.chiclana-ayala@state.mn.us
651-468-9701
Evelyn Combs, health equity strategist
Human Resources Management Division
pronouns: she/her/hers
Evelyn Combs brings years of firsthand and professional experience working with community leaders and many organizations in our state. Evelyn has professional experience leading equity initiatives, managing programs, and most recently has been serving as the MDH metro regional public health consultant where she provided coaching and mentorship to the metro-area Minnesota Public Health Infrastructure I-Fund projects. Evelyn enjoys spending time with family, working out, traveling, and adventures to try new foods.
evelyn.combs@state.mn.us
651-201-3894
Kortni Cloud, health equity strategist
Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Division
pronouns: she/her/hers and they/them/theirs
Kortni first joined the MDH community as a CDC Public Health Associate in 2021 where she worked to build the capacity of the health equity efforts in the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Division. In August of 2023, Kortni officially joined MDH as a health equity strategist working with the Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Division. They are originally from Bemidji, MN and moved to Minneapolis to pursue their undergraduate degree in health services management and Master of Public Health in public health administration and policy at the University of Minnesota. Kortni draws from their lived experiences, the experiences of her communities, and education to identify and dismantle systematic oppression in all of its forms. Outside of work, Kortni enjoys attending local art and music events, reading, practicing Ojibwe, spending time outdoors, and pursing new artistic hobbies.
kortni.cloud@state.mn.us
651-201-3842
Rachel Garaghty, health equity strategist
Emergency Preparedness and Response Division
pronouns: she/her/hers
Rachel is the Health Equity Strategist for Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR). Rachel served as the Disability Lead for COVID-19 Community Coordinators from 2022-2023, where she worked with disability organizations across Minnesota to respond to the pandemic. Rachel’s work focused on ensuring access to vaccination, testing, and health recovery for people with disabilities. As a Health Equity Strategist, Rachel is eager to do work that will minimize harm and maximize survival in the next public health emergency. Before coming to MDH, Rachel worked in the nonprofit sector for 10 years in Minnesota, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C. Her background is in international development and human rights, with a Master of Public Policy from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Rachel has been a consultant for UNICEF, the U.S. Agency for International Development, and the Disability Rights Fund.
rachel.garaghty@state.mn.us
651-201-4153
Mattie Laidlaw, health equity strategist
Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention, and Control Division
pronouns: she/her/hers and they/them/theirs
Mattie joined MDH in 2018. Keeping her commitment to community in the forefront, Mattie is always asking how MDH’s work affects people on the ground, especially communities most impacted by inequities. They are a lifelong learner about the impact of racism, colonialism, and systemic oppression on public health. Her passions include policy and institutional change, community outreach, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and community-driven solutions. Outside of work, Mattie spends their time geeking out about their fandoms, loving on their fur babies and the coolest gender-creative kid around, and exploring the beautiful parks and trails our state has to offer.
mattie.laidlaw@state.mn.us
651-201-3648
Xp Lee, health equity strategist
Health Policy Division
pronouns: he/him/his
Xp Lee was born in a refugee camp in Thailand, grew up on family farms in Fresno, California, received his bachelor’s in the foothills of upstate South Carolina, and now calls the Twin Cities, Minnesota, home. A renaissance man of many talents, Xp also brings a breadth of work experience across multiple sectors, and a deep well of passion for our human experiences. Xp is always up for some conversation, especially about community building, civic engagement, and/or health equity. Some of his interests include playing fantasy games with friends and family like Dungeons Dragons, or Magic the Gathering, being a City of Brooklyn Park council member, and exploring country roads and small towns with his wife, See Vue Lee, in their truck.
xp.lee@state.mn.us
651-201-5367
Stephanie Rosa, health equity strategist
Public Health Laboratory Division
pronouns: she/her/hers
Stephanie Rosa joined the Department of Health in fall of 2021 as a public health associate where she supported grants such as the Eliminating Health Disparities Initiative and Community Solutions for Healthy Childhood Development. In August of 2023, Stephanie became the health equity strategist for the Public Health Laboratory. She leads with a passion for equity and aims to work alongside community to advance our health systems. Stephanie received a bachelor's degree in public health from the University of California, Berkeley. During her time at Berkeley, Stephanie led programs focused on addressing health disparities, primarily in the county of Los Angeles, California. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys going to concerts, finding new places to eat, and binge watching a good show.
Sneha Singh, health equity strategist
Health Regulation Division
pronouns: she/her/hers
Sneha Singh is an engaged community professional with many years of experience in health care, non-profit, and corporate agencies. She has a doctorate in social science and a Master of Business Administration in corporate social responsibility. She joined MDH as an employee in August 2023, but she has worked in the past as contractor and volunteer. She is passionate about making a difference in each human being’s life and tries to work with vulnerable and older adults. She is result-driven, collaborative connector, who uses public-private partnership approach to develop and deepen relationships to improve outcomes. Her experiences are in analyzing and reporting, grantmaking and evaluation, convening, presenting, training, community outreach. Sneha has worked with national and international organizations that help provide food, shelter, and health care for underserved communities. She currently volunteers with Center for Healthy Aging and Innovation and Minnesota Diverse Elder’s Coalition to co-create initiatives that can help older adults age in place.
Outside work, Sneha likes to educate and train immigrant families about rules of money and actions that can lead to financial freedom. Her hobbies include but are not limited to travelling, reading books, watching movies, and listening to classical and Bollywood songs.
sneha.singh@state.mn.us
651-201-4682
Lucas Simmons, health equity strategist
Environmental Health Division
pronouns: he/him/his
Lucas joined the team in 2023 as a health equity strategist for the Environmental Health and Health Equity Divisions of the Department of Health. Born and raised in North Minneapolis, the inequities he has witnessed and experienced first-hand prepared him to engage with his community in addressing and partnering to close disparity gaps. Lucas is a graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College, where he majored in biology, Latin American studies, and Spanish, with his lens focused on health disparities. Prior to joining MDH, he worked in clinical research at the University of Minnesota where he engaged daily with Minnesota families, adults, and pediatric populations with researched focused on cardiometabolic health and childhood obesity. When off the clock, Lucas enjoys spending time outside with friends and family camping, fishing, backpacking, and hiking.
lucas.simmons@state.mn.us
651-201-5442
Pam Willow, health equity strategist
Community Health Division
pronouns: she/her/hers
Pam has spent more than 20 years working at the local and state health department levels in California and Minnesota. Her experience and passion include addressing health inequities through policy and systems change, interagency collaborations, and community engagement. She previously worked as a legal services attorney in Wisconsin and the U.S. Virgin Islands serving low-income people in various legal issues. She holds a bachelor's degree in public policy from the University of Chicago, a J.D. from the University of Wisconsin Law School, and a master's degree in public policy from the University of California, Berkeley. In her spare time, Pam enjoys spending time with her family, gardening, and trying to tire out her very energetic husky.
Pakou Xiong, health equity strategist
Child and Family Health Division
pronouns: she/her/hers
Pakou is a dedicated advocate for health equity and joined MDH in 2022 as a grant/contract manager for COVID-19 community engagement and diverse media initiative. With over two decades of experience, she now serves as a health equity strategist at MDH, concentrating on advancing health equity within the Children and Family Health Division and MDH’s health equity strategic goals. Born in a Thai refugee camp and raised in Colorado, Pakou's journey reflects her commitment to community engagement and health equity. She holds a bachelor's degree in anthropology from the University of Colorado Boulder. Beyond work, she loves exploring cultures, history, and traveling, cherishing moments with family and friends.
pakou.xiong@state.mn.us
651-201-3840
Policy and systems change
Blaire Rodenbiker, policy and systems change supervisor
pronouns: she/her/hers
Blaire is a leader in driving initiatives for racial equity and is committed to empowering our communities through a fusion of advocacy and servant-leadership. With a decade of experience at the University of St. Thomas completing undergrad and working professionally, she has had a specific focus on access, inclusion, and equity initiatives from a higher education perspective and champions the power that education holds in elevating individuals and communities.
In her most recent position as program manager with the Racial Justice Initiative, Blaire led strategies related to building capacity for change and understanding, research focused on historical harm and inequities in Minneapolis-St. Paul policing, and used policy and the historical recovery lens to forge partnerships and help organizations across various sectors - including finance, health care, government, and education – identify gaps and barriers in their equity work.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in Biology of Global Health and a Master of Studies in Law specializing in Organizational Ethics and Compliance from St. Thomas, Blaire has a powerful foundation in understanding the social determinants of health and the historical trends of health disparities as well as methodologies for intervention and research. Her law degree has provided a framework for understanding legal and regulatory landscapes and assessing their parts for legality, ethics, and compliance.
blaire.rodenbiker@state.mn.us
651-201-4622
Ibrahim Dirie, community engagement systems planner
pronouns: he/him/his
Ibrahim has a bachelor’s degree in health care management from Franklin University. The focus of his work at MDH is to bridge African Immigrant communities and the Minnesota Department of Health to close health equity gaps.
He is passionate about community development and has helped African immigrant communities navigate the complexities of public health service provision in both Ohio and Minnesota. He has been recognized with leadership awards for his work at the state level. Prior to joining the health equity team, he worked in the Infectious Disease Equity and Engagement Unit at MDH as a contractor.
In his free time, he enjoys reading, playing various sports activities, networking, and socializing.
ibrahim.dirie@state.mn.us
651-539-3035
Jeanett Garcia, community engagement systems planner
pronouns: she/her/hers
Jeanett Garcia holds the position of community engagement systems planner at MDH. With more than 20 years of dedicated service in state government, Jeanett has established herself as a passionate advocate for Minnesota's Latino and immigrant communities, championing their rights and fostering inclusivity.
Jeanett's journey with MDH began in 2017, initially contributing her expertise to the Office of Vital Records. Her commitment to community partnerships and her unwavering passion for engagement quickly made her an invaluable asset to the team. Prior to her time at MDH, Jeanett spent a decade at the Department of Human Services, where she honed her skills and deepened her understanding of the needs and challenges faced by diverse communities.
What makes Jeanett's story even more inspiring is her own background as a proud Mexican immigrant who grew up on the vibrant West Side of St. Paul. Her personal experiences have undoubtedly shaped her perspective and drive to create a better future for her community. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jeanett finds joy in spending her spare time swimming and cherishing family moments with her four daughters and two grandchildren.
jeanett.garcia@state.mn.us
651-201-5360
Hannah Summers, Policy and Systems Change Planner
pronouns: she/her/hers
Hannah supports the ongoing disability health work led by the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division’s policy and systems change team. Her focus areas include leading disability health equity and disability justice trainings, supporting disability data equity projects, and developing resources for inclusive health care and public health practices.
Fellows and interns
Lauren Witty, health equity fellow
pronouns: she/her/hers
Lauren joined the Department of Health through the CDC’s Public Health Associate Program in the fall of 2022. Lauren earned her B.S. in public health-global health and biology-physiology, with interdisciplinary honors, at the University of Washington-Seattle. During her undergraduate experience, Lauren engaged with local community organizations during the pandemic to eliminate health disparities in underserved communities. From supporting the translation and dissemination of essential public health materials to leading stroke awareness and CPR trainings, she learned the power of working alongside communities and promoting their cultural wisdom. Lauren hopes to continue this learning in the Health Equity Strategy and Innovation Division and strives to advance health equity in all spaces. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new parks, reading a good book, or binge watching a new show while she works on her newest knitting project.