Our Story
Minneapolis Climate Action is a 501c(3) nonprofit founded in 2007 by a group of dedicated individuals committed to addressing climate change in their community. After almost 10 years of working at the neighborhood level and piloting the city curbside organics recycling program, the organization expanded to promote action on climate change in greater Minneapolis. Minneapolis Climate Action holds a unique place in our environmental landscape, focusing on action, policy and culture shift in Minneapolis, while partnering and collaborating with regional, culturally specific, and national organizations.
Left: Ukasha Dakane, FRAYEO director and MCA Board Member Right: Kyle Samejima, MCA Executive Director
Iskaashi means collaboration in Somali
Who We Are
Minneapolis citizens dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future for our communities.
We believe in the strength of our communities, but understand that many complex issues face our city, state, region, and world. We fight for a Minneapolis in which future generations will be able to be able to prosper and thrive.
Through piloting, innovating, and bringing established best-practices to our city, we ensure that Minneapolis will be at the forefront of the climate movement. Among our ranks are community leaders, engineers, lawyers, non-profit professionals, students, fathers, mothers, and many loyal citizens committed to a better future for our city.
Minneapolis citizens dedicated to ensuring a sustainable future for our communities.
We believe in the strength of our communities, but understand that many complex issues face our city, state, region, and world. We fight for a Minneapolis in which future generations will be able to be able to prosper and thrive.
Through piloting, innovating, and bringing established best-practices to our city, we ensure that Minneapolis will be at the forefront of the climate movement. Among our ranks are community leaders, engineers, lawyers, non-profit professionals, students, fathers, mothers, and many loyal citizens committed to a better future for our city.
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Why We're Here
The reasons are many. Mothers, fathers, and grandparents want to leave a legacy of hope to their children and grandchildren. Youth are standing up for their rights to a healthy future. Conservationists fight to protect our Minneapolis parks, lakes, rivers, and greater ecosystems with coming climatic changes. Activists fight for climate equity and a regenerative economy based on reciprocity. Innovators strive for renewable energy independence and to reach zero waste. We believe that empowering local action is the most effective way to drive change. At the individual, neighborhood, and city level, our actions have real impact and powerful influence. |
Our Board Members and Staff
To contact any of our board members, please email info@mplsclimate.org
Kyle Samejima
Executive Director
Kyle stepped into the role of Executive Director in July 2018. Kyle brings experience working in sustainability education, environmental advocacy, outreach, education, community organizing, equity and integration at the Institute on the Environment, Hennepin County Environment and Energy department, Governor Dayton’s office, Minneapolis Public Schools, and as an assistant instructor for Sustainability classes at the University of Minnesota. Kyle brings a wealth of experience, connections, and partnerships to the work she does with Minneapolis Climate Action.
Kyle loves kayaking, hiking, making jewelry, photography, learning about the interconnectedness of our amazing planet and watching the muskrats at dusk at Bde Maka Ska. Reach out to Kyle anytime at kyle@mplsclimate.org
Executive Director
Kyle stepped into the role of Executive Director in July 2018. Kyle brings experience working in sustainability education, environmental advocacy, outreach, education, community organizing, equity and integration at the Institute on the Environment, Hennepin County Environment and Energy department, Governor Dayton’s office, Minneapolis Public Schools, and as an assistant instructor for Sustainability classes at the University of Minnesota. Kyle brings a wealth of experience, connections, and partnerships to the work she does with Minneapolis Climate Action.
Kyle loves kayaking, hiking, making jewelry, photography, learning about the interconnectedness of our amazing planet and watching the muskrats at dusk at Bde Maka Ska. Reach out to Kyle anytime at kyle@mplsclimate.org
Shane Jung
Community Solar Specialist
Shane has been a part of Minneapolis Climate Action since January 2022, assisting in the administration of the Community Solar Program. Shane graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2022 with a degree in Computer Science and Minors in Mathematics and Sustainability.
Community Solar Specialist
Shane has been a part of Minneapolis Climate Action since January 2022, assisting in the administration of the Community Solar Program. Shane graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in 2022 with a degree in Computer Science and Minors in Mathematics and Sustainability.
Kelsey King
Board Secretary
Kelsey may be a transplant to Minneapolis, but she has dived into building relationships in the community through leadership and volunteerism within Global Shapers, Minnesota International NGO Network, Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio, and Impact Hub. She loves the outdoors, social enterprises, listening to podcasts, scuba diving, and meandering through farmers markets. Her passion for sustainable food and agricultural value chains fuels her career at Land O'Lakes in on-farm sustainability. She is also committed to bringing a justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion lens to her work and being a bold advocate for environmental justice in our community.
Jeff Stites
Board Treasurer
Jeff is an active and informed advocate for local environmental issues. Jeff is a lawyer by day and a sustainability enthusiast by night. Among Jeff's most important values are active civic participation and renewable energy. He also sits on the environment committee of his local neighborhood organization.
Ukasha Dakane
Board Member
Ukasha is the executive director of FRAYEO (Fortune Relief and Youth Empowerment Organization) FRAYEO is the leading immigrant and refugee-led organization focused on stabilizing the lives of East African families in Minnesota by providing free community service and civic philanthropy. In doing so it advocates ease of access to basic human services and community engagement, including youth and family health, parenting education, women empowerment, housing, employment services, youth socio-emotional mentor-ship and fathers support, conflict resolution, leadership, financial management, family counseling, teen-parenting education and legal support.
Board Member
Ukasha is the executive director of FRAYEO (Fortune Relief and Youth Empowerment Organization) FRAYEO is the leading immigrant and refugee-led organization focused on stabilizing the lives of East African families in Minnesota by providing free community service and civic philanthropy. In doing so it advocates ease of access to basic human services and community engagement, including youth and family health, parenting education, women empowerment, housing, employment services, youth socio-emotional mentor-ship and fathers support, conflict resolution, leadership, financial management, family counseling, teen-parenting education and legal support.
Daniela Mejia
Board Member
Daniela studied Political Science at the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University and graduated in 2018. After college, she worked for the Minnesota Attorney General. She served as a mediator for Minnesota constituents, resolving disputes regarding utilities, housing, scams, transportation and environmental issues. She moved into the financial world, working as a Financial Professional at StateFarm and Western and Southern Financial. She is currently taking a sabbatical until the end of the year and preparing for her Masters in Public Policy. She serves as a Board Member for Minneapolis Climate Action where she continues to advocate for Environmental Justice and Sustainability concerns around the Metro Area and across the Globe. She enjoys self-development books, yoga and the ocean. She is also an aspiring model and enjoys staying active.
Board Member
Daniela studied Political Science at the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University and graduated in 2018. After college, she worked for the Minnesota Attorney General. She served as a mediator for Minnesota constituents, resolving disputes regarding utilities, housing, scams, transportation and environmental issues. She moved into the financial world, working as a Financial Professional at StateFarm and Western and Southern Financial. She is currently taking a sabbatical until the end of the year and preparing for her Masters in Public Policy. She serves as a Board Member for Minneapolis Climate Action where she continues to advocate for Environmental Justice and Sustainability concerns around the Metro Area and across the Globe. She enjoys self-development books, yoga and the ocean. She is also an aspiring model and enjoys staying active.
Fred Mayer
Board Member
Fred is a 20-year resident of Minneapolis with three children in the public schools. He's also an avid cyclist and year-round bike commuter who drives an electric vehicle (when necessary). A long-time sustainability advocate, he helped launch the first organics recycling program in a Minneapolis public school. During the day Fred works as a senior writer and researcher in healthcare information technology.
Naomi Schroeder
Board Member
Naomi is from a small town in the driftless region of Wisconsin called Viroqua. With a large focus on community and organic farming, her upbringing has fostered her care for the earth and climate justice. She graduated from the Unviersity of Minnesota in the fall of 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. She has experience working at a design firm and as a graphic designer, and is working to pursue a future in architecture.
Naomi enjoys being outdoors, cooking, and reading. She has recently discovered the world of cycling and has signed up for her first 50-mile gravel race in the fall.
Board Member
Naomi is from a small town in the driftless region of Wisconsin called Viroqua. With a large focus on community and organic farming, her upbringing has fostered her care for the earth and climate justice. She graduated from the Unviersity of Minnesota in the fall of 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. She has experience working at a design firm and as a graphic designer, and is working to pursue a future in architecture.
Naomi enjoys being outdoors, cooking, and reading. She has recently discovered the world of cycling and has signed up for her first 50-mile gravel race in the fall.
Rahma Elmoge
Board Member
I am happy to become a member of your board as a committed Environmentalist. I always focus on projects that bring awareness on climate change. I am a highly motivated and a progress focused person. I worked with the Immigrant Resource Center and Awjama Cultural Center. Throughout the course of my career I have perfected my ability to provide innovative solutions and creativity as well as great communication skills. In my previous role, I contributed collaboration, critical thinking and analyzing toward team efforts and project improvements as well as proven leadership skills.
I am a progressive minded and in tune with new developments in my field. I have proven to be effective and collaborative with strong leadership talents. I enjoy collective brainstorming sessions which all allow me to coordinate activities to achieve a common goal.
I enjoy advocating sustainability and climate justice, cooking, baking, Bikram Yoga, reading, physical fitness and community events. I am a first year student at Augsburg University working to pursue an Environmental Science Degree. I am very happy to join Minneapolis Climate Action and inspire our youth to be involved in climate action issues.
Board Member
I am happy to become a member of your board as a committed Environmentalist. I always focus on projects that bring awareness on climate change. I am a highly motivated and a progress focused person. I worked with the Immigrant Resource Center and Awjama Cultural Center. Throughout the course of my career I have perfected my ability to provide innovative solutions and creativity as well as great communication skills. In my previous role, I contributed collaboration, critical thinking and analyzing toward team efforts and project improvements as well as proven leadership skills.
I am a progressive minded and in tune with new developments in my field. I have proven to be effective and collaborative with strong leadership talents. I enjoy collective brainstorming sessions which all allow me to coordinate activities to achieve a common goal.
I enjoy advocating sustainability and climate justice, cooking, baking, Bikram Yoga, reading, physical fitness and community events. I am a first year student at Augsburg University working to pursue an Environmental Science Degree. I am very happy to join Minneapolis Climate Action and inspire our youth to be involved in climate action issues.
Chris Torres
Board Member
Chris is pursuing his Masters in Advocacy and Political Leadership (MAPL) at Metro State. He is hoping to use that to build a career in climate justice, conservation, and energy policy. His bachelors is in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, where he was an active member of the University of Minnesota Solar Vehicle Project – a team that designs, builds, and races fully functioning solar-electric cars that can hold multiple passengers and travel at highway speeds. Chris is also a big advocate of bicycling as a primary form of transportation and works at Free Bikes 4 Kidz MN.
Board Member
Chris is pursuing his Masters in Advocacy and Political Leadership (MAPL) at Metro State. He is hoping to use that to build a career in climate justice, conservation, and energy policy. His bachelors is in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Minnesota, where he was an active member of the University of Minnesota Solar Vehicle Project – a team that designs, builds, and races fully functioning solar-electric cars that can hold multiple passengers and travel at highway speeds. Chris is also a big advocate of bicycling as a primary form of transportation and works at Free Bikes 4 Kidz MN.
Tallaya Byers
Board Member
Bio coming soon!
Board Member
Bio coming soon!
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Minneapolis Climate Action is actively seeking board members. For more information, please click here!
We are a member-driven organization that relies on the work of our dedicated volunteers. These are only a portion of the passionate individuals who make our work possible. If you are interested in driving climate progress in Minneapolis, please reach out and tell us how you would like to join our movement.
Minneapolis Climate Action is actively seeking board members. For more information, please click here!
We are a member-driven organization that relies on the work of our dedicated volunteers. These are only a portion of the passionate individuals who make our work possible. If you are interested in driving climate progress in Minneapolis, please reach out and tell us how you would like to join our movement.