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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.
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/6/1/11619011/editor/ukasha-kyle-lna-mural-iskaashi.jpg?1667935498)
Right: Kyle Samejima, former 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.
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 [email protected]
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/6/1/11619011/published/akisha-everett-face-shot.jpg?1717713919)
Akisha Everett
Executive Director
The amazing Minneapolis Climate Action team and Board of Directors has welcomed me, Akisha Everett, as Executive Director as of July 2023. Before joining MCA, I served as a Project Manager for an Energy Storage Pilot Project at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment and as an Independent Clean Energy Workforce Development Consultant. I bring 20+ years of executive leadership, project management and community engagement experience to MCA.
My professional experience includes launching new health, environmental & public policy initiatives, revitalizing operations, administrative leadership, fiscal management & crisis control abilities and professional development facilitation.
In my spare time, I enjoy gathering with family and friends, traveling & experiencing new cultures, gardening, cycling, swimming and attending my children’s athletic events.
I look forward to facing the challenges of addressing systemic injustices in the environmental space here at Minneapolis Climate Action and celebrating successes with the community.
"We all do better, when we all do better." -Paul Wellstone
Contact [email protected] for collaborative conversations
Executive Director
The amazing Minneapolis Climate Action team and Board of Directors has welcomed me, Akisha Everett, as Executive Director as of July 2023. Before joining MCA, I served as a Project Manager for an Energy Storage Pilot Project at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on the Environment and as an Independent Clean Energy Workforce Development Consultant. I bring 20+ years of executive leadership, project management and community engagement experience to MCA.
My professional experience includes launching new health, environmental & public policy initiatives, revitalizing operations, administrative leadership, fiscal management & crisis control abilities and professional development facilitation.
In my spare time, I enjoy gathering with family and friends, traveling & experiencing new cultures, gardening, cycling, swimming and attending my children’s athletic events.
I look forward to facing the challenges of addressing systemic injustices in the environmental space here at Minneapolis Climate Action and celebrating successes with the community.
"We all do better, when we all do better." -Paul Wellstone
Contact [email protected] for collaborative conversations
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/6/1/11619011/published/akisha-everett-face-shot_2.jpg?1717713870)
Diamond Houston
Intake Coordinator
As an intake coordinator, my role is to assist individuals seeking help by connecting them with the appropriate resources and services. I am responsible for gathering information, assessing needs, and coordinating the admission process. I work closely with clients, families, and clean energy professionals to ensure a smooth and efficient intake process. With a strong background in social services and a passion for helping others, I am dedicated to providing support and guidance to those in need. I am committed to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and ensuring they receive the care and assistance they deserve.
I am enthusiastic about contributing to a greener future and empowering communities to embrace the benefits of solar energy. Let's work together to make a positive impact on the environment! #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability
Intake Coordinator
As an intake coordinator, my role is to assist individuals seeking help by connecting them with the appropriate resources and services. I am responsible for gathering information, assessing needs, and coordinating the admission process. I work closely with clients, families, and clean energy professionals to ensure a smooth and efficient intake process. With a strong background in social services and a passion for helping others, I am dedicated to providing support and guidance to those in need. I am committed to making a positive impact in the lives of individuals and ensuring they receive the care and assistance they deserve.
I am enthusiastic about contributing to a greener future and empowering communities to embrace the benefits of solar energy. Let's work together to make a positive impact on the environment! #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/6/1/11619011/published/akisha-everett-face-shot_4.jpg)
Jerry Moore
Clean Energy Workforce Development Coordinator
Clean Energy Workforce Development Coordinator
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Elena Stites
Community Solar Garden Coordinator
Elena is a recent grad from Barnard College where she studied Environmental Science and Sustainability. Growing up in Minneapolis and spending her summers in the North woods, Elena has a deep love for the outdoors and is very passionate about environmental advocacy. During her time at Barnard, Elena found herself drawn to environmental policy and environmental justice work through experience investigating air quality impacts in the South Bronx, power outages in Environmental Justice Areas, and the impacts of NYC local laws on low-income residents.
Community Solar Garden Coordinator
Elena is a recent grad from Barnard College where she studied Environmental Science and Sustainability. Growing up in Minneapolis and spending her summers in the North woods, Elena has a deep love for the outdoors and is very passionate about environmental advocacy. During her time at Barnard, Elena found herself drawn to environmental policy and environmental justice work through experience investigating air quality impacts in the South Bronx, power outages in Environmental Justice Areas, and the impacts of NYC local laws on low-income residents.
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/6/1/11619011/published/untitled-design.png?1718911172)
J. DeVon Nolen
Community Engagement Consultant
In my role as Community Engagement Consultant, I bring 27 years of experience in effective community engagement; beyond just informing, rather building agency with those most affected by climate and economic injustice. As a member of the founding cohort for the Environmental Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC) with the Public Policy Project, I quickly learned what it truly means to live, work, play and worship in an environmentally overburdened community. My work is about closing the gap in access to information and understanding where residents can be a part of change, change for the future. We will foster community by-in and input as we work towards developing a resilience hub in North Minneapolis.
I am excited to be a bridge for transformational change that guides us to become a green, sustainable and self- reliant community.
#NORTHSIDEISGOINGGREEN
Community Engagement Consultant
In my role as Community Engagement Consultant, I bring 27 years of experience in effective community engagement; beyond just informing, rather building agency with those most affected by climate and economic injustice. As a member of the founding cohort for the Environmental Justice Coordinating Council (EJCC) with the Public Policy Project, I quickly learned what it truly means to live, work, play and worship in an environmentally overburdened community. My work is about closing the gap in access to information and understanding where residents can be a part of change, change for the future. We will foster community by-in and input as we work towards developing a resilience hub in North Minneapolis.
I am excited to be a bridge for transformational change that guides us to become a green, sustainable and self- reliant community.
#NORTHSIDEISGOINGGREEN
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/6/1/11619011/editor/kelsey-king-board-bio-pic.jpg?1616863023)
Kelsey King
Board President
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.
Board President
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.
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/6/1/11619011/editor/jeff-stites_2.jpg?1616863005)
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.
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.
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/6/1/11619011/published/kandiyo-mk-headshot.jpg?1718211500)
Michael Krause
Board Member
Michael Krause is the founder and principal of Kandiyo Consulting, a Minneapolis consulting firm, and is currently the Operations Manager for Renewable Energy Partners, a minority-owned social enterprise and renewable energy developer.
Krause currently serves on the board of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, and the Green Infrastructure Foundation which promote green infrastructure practices in North America. He also serves on the Advisory Council for WELL Building Initiative and the Brownfield New Market Advisory Committee in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was the Executive Director of the Green Institute in the Phillips neighborhood for nine years, which was internationally recognized for its work on sustainable community development. He has served in senior staff positions with the Minnesota State Senate and Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. He was also a citizen member of the Minneapolis Planning Commission and the regional Transportation Advisory Board. His other non-profit and community service has included as board chair of the Minnesota Environmental Initiative and the Twin Cities Consortium of Community Developers.
Krause holds a BA degree from Macalester College in St. Paul and a law degree from the University of Minnesota.
Board Member
Michael Krause is the founder and principal of Kandiyo Consulting, a Minneapolis consulting firm, and is currently the Operations Manager for Renewable Energy Partners, a minority-owned social enterprise and renewable energy developer.
Krause currently serves on the board of Green Roofs for Healthy Cities, and the Green Infrastructure Foundation which promote green infrastructure practices in North America. He also serves on the Advisory Council for WELL Building Initiative and the Brownfield New Market Advisory Committee in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was the Executive Director of the Green Institute in the Phillips neighborhood for nine years, which was internationally recognized for its work on sustainable community development. He has served in senior staff positions with the Minnesota State Senate and Hennepin County Board of Commissioners. He was also a citizen member of the Minneapolis Planning Commission and the regional Transportation Advisory Board. His other non-profit and community service has included as board chair of the Minnesota Environmental Initiative and the Twin Cities Consortium of Community Developers.
Krause holds a BA degree from Macalester College in St. Paul and a law degree from the University of Minnesota.
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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.
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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.
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/6/1/11619011/published/rahma-head-shot.jpg?1667927772)
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.
![Picture](/uploads/1/1/6/1/11619011/editor/img-20210715-094131-2_2.jpg?1667927841)
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.
Minneapolis Climate Action is actively seeking board members. For more information, please email [email protected] and we will send a board application!
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.