RAMSEY COUNTY:

YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL

Meet RC 2021 Youth Advisory Council

YAC Mission/Purpose

Mission: The Youth Advisory Council aims to inform and advise Ramsey County leadership on events, programs, and other initiatives that impact youth and young adults throughout Ramsey County.

Purpose: The Youth Advisory Council seeks to transform systems throughout Ramsey County to become more inclusive, responsive, and intentional in how the county delivers services and support for youth and young adults, especially youth and young adults impacted by criminal justice and the child-welfare system. Furthermore, YAC strives to foster relationships across Ramsey County service teams to inform, include, and provide opportunities for engagement for youth and young adults. Therefore, the leadership of the YAC shall initiate coordinated campaigns, develop strategic partnerships, engage in advocacy & outreach, host events, provide workshops and seminars that expand professional and personal development for the YAC, and create other tools to promote our purpose.

Vision: Build an ecosystem that invests in youth and young adults’ growth and development.

Eadgyth Kamau

Community Organiser

Born: Nairobi, KE

Raised: Saint Paul, MN Education: Graduated BA Metropolitan State University ‘20

Interests/Hobbies: Traveling, music, Herbs and plant medicine, tea blends, Birthwork (doula), nature/outdoors, reading

Elijah Norris-Holiday

TST Consultant/ Criminal Justice Reformer/Community Organizer

Born: Chicago, Illinois

Saint Paul raised

Education: Studied Public Administration at Winona State University/ Master of Public Administration-Mankato State University

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Interests: drinking coffee, reading, podcasting, watching netflix documentaries, and establishing pathways for young entrepreneurs to engage in the economy.

Jonathan McNicholes

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Jonathan received his B.A in Political Science and a B.S in Philosophy and Psychology as well as a minor in Criminal Justice, He is Currently Pursuing a Masters in Advocacy and Political leadership at Metropolitan State University.

Outside the Classroom he has over 4 years of Higher Education advocacy experience working with the Nonprofit Students United. As well as in housing and homelessness issues working with the Nonprofit the Nameless Coalition for the Homeless.

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Keneisha Gilmer

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Keneisha, is a member of Ramsey County Youth Advisory Council. She graduated from North Hennepin Community College with her Associate Degree in Human Services and Certificate in American Sign Language. Keneisha spent 5 years working at group homes with various mental and physical disabilities. Noticing her love for helping and being a service to others made her happy. Keneisha joined Ramsey- YAC to make a difference in her community for all populations of minorities.

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DeAnthony “Kojak” Acon

DeAnthoney Acon is a youth that grew up in East Saint Paul, MN that found his purpose in Media and has been using it as a powerful choice of weapons. DeAnthoney started off using his camera for different works such as social campaigns, events, community organizing, and creative projects for local artists. Wherever DeAnthoney goes he seeks to be an agent of change in his environment or workspace if needed.

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DeAnthoney started this journey when he was 18 years of age and he realized that faith without works is dead and it’s better to take a proactive approach to life than reactive decision making. DeAnthoney approaches learning through the embrace of real life experience and problem solving skills.

Maricella Xiong (She/They)

Maricella was born & raised on the Eastside of St. Paul, where she currently resides.

They are a gardener, small business owner, craft artist, and caretaker.

Maricella was among the first scholars in the ActSix Fellowship program in Minnesota.

Xiong is an alumni of Bethel University & studied Reconciliation Studies and Environmental Studies.

Olivia Hanninen

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I was born and raised with my two younger siblings in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. I graduated from high school in 2018 and always knew I wanted to attend the University of Minnesota and get out of my little town. I will be graduating from the U at the end of December with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Sociology of Law, Crime, & Justice, as well as Psychology.

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I am hoping to go to Law School in the upcoming years to pursue my passion for criminal justice reform through a legal lens. However, for now I am interested in working with state and local legislators to learn more about their processes and agenda to reform the criminal legal system to ensure justice for all is served.

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Laichia Vang (she/they)

Laichia Vang (she/they) is a member of the Ramsey County Youth Advisory Council. They currently attend the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and study Political Science, Sociology, and Racial Justice in Urban Schooling. Their notable work includes presenting at Achieve Twin Cities’ 10th season of EdTalks, a 2022 Finalist for the MN Author Project: Communities Create and editor of Exploring Language & Identity: The Experiences of ELL/ESL Students, seen on Sahan Journal, and the Program Director of Youth Empowerment at StoryArk. She is passionate about youth empowerment, education equity, and strategic storytelling.

Marcel Thompson

East St. Paul born and raised, my family moved here from Chicago 40 years ago. I was raised watching principles of community care intertwined in my family members' everyday life. Finding mentors in Assata Shakur and Malcolm X. The "education" and "justice" system caused me a lot of misdirection and pain, I want to empower people who are going through similar harm through the lessons I've learned. Sharing of basic emergency medical response to community members, Youth Advocacy, Conflict Resolution, Cultural Anthologizing and Anti-Capitalist ideologies and action are the guiding themes in my life.

Asha Bellamy

Asha Bellamy is a 24 year old visual artist with little to no entrepreneurial interest. They were born and raised in Saint Paul Midway and now work at the Rondo branch of the Saint Paul Public Library and as a Youth Consultant in YAC. They have a personal and professional interest in amplifying avenues for youth self advocacy, reducing harm within the child welfare system, and in efforts to end youth incarceration.

Diana Nguyen

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Diana Nguyen is a first generation queer Vietnamese American artist. She believes in community centered practices to decolonize the spirit, mind, and body. One tool she uses to do this, is through poetry, which she uses to discuss issues hailing the AAPI community, mental health, and more. She’s been published at several Universities & currently works on her first poetry project, My Ancestors Rise Through Me. �

Nguyen also uses the tool of clothing to center community through her clothing & community brand, KarmaKlub. Through this, she advocates for sustainable fashion, shares healing resources for BIPOC, and shares & facilitates local mutual aid fundraisers.

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Brandon Cabrera

Work: Currently a Manager, and Youth Advisory Council Member

Born: St.Paul,Minnesota

Raised: East St.Paul

Education: Graduated from City Academy

Attending: Century College (Business Associate's Degree)

Origins: Latino/Chicano Decent

Pronouns: He/His

Favorite Travel Destination: Miami,FL

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Interests: Cars, working on Cars, Development, watching educational Videos, and always finding a way to expand my knowledge to become a stronger leader.

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YAC ALUMNI

Tytiana Reid

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From: New Hope MN

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Education: Masters of Public Administration at Metropolitan State University and received a Bachelors in Public Administration and Political Science at Winona State University

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Background: Tytiana is currently is a Legislative aide at the state senate, passionate about social Justice, research background in prison reform. Super excited to be serving on YAC.

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Enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and reading.

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Chavah Gabrielle

Chavah Gabrielle is a poet & fundraiser. They are passionate about getting folks basic needs met while undermining capitalistic ideals.

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They like warm beverages & long conversations with loved ones. Constantly in motion but not for a lack of rest.

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Jai Stephenson

I have over seven years experience working with children and youth. I was working in special education support classrooms across Hennepin county, and am now working full time on my art.

Outside of education, social justice and activism in regards to police accountability and reform is at the forefront of my work as well as the decriminalization of psychedelic medicines through partnering with Big Psych.�