
About Rena - Honors and Awards

Experience - Policy Expert
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Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University
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Bush Foundation Fellowship
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Humphrey Fellow, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota
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University of Virginia, Emerging Legislator Leaders Program, Darden School of Business
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Council of State Governments’(CSG) Henry Toll Fellow
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CSG Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development( BILLD) Fellowship
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Minnesota Task Force on Prematurity
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Council of Minnesotans of African Heritage
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Visible Child Work Group
Community Leader
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Graduate of the public policy program with Community Action Partnership of Ramsey and Washington Counties
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Wellstone Organizing Fellow
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LISC housing policy graduate
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Public Policy Project graduate
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Organizing Apprentice Project Fellow
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Neighborhood Leadership Program participant with the Wilder Foundation
Awards and Recognition
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2018 HOMECO -The Collective Impact Award
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2018 Spark Award from National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women
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2017 Twincities Rise workforce development and leadership
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2017 Community Health Centers -State Legislator of the Year
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2016 Sons of Bransford Leadership Award
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2016 St. Paul YWCA Award
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2015 Recognition for building equity for families experiencing Dementia
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2014 Commissioner Award for outstanding leadership and service to the prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect
Rena's Vision
Learn more about Rena's vision for Saint Paul and for Minnesota. She's a champion for our priorities, including a quality education for all, paid family leave, raising the minimum wage, ending racial disparities, ensuring there's affordable housing, and that our criminal justice system is reformed to serve us.