The GREATER MSP Partnership welcomed its first cohort of ConnextMSP “Future of Work” Fellows this month. This talented group of young professionals of color will work with organizational leaders across the region to build and launch ConnextMSP, a new initiative of the GREATER MSP Partnership focused on transforming the early career system in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul (MSP) region. 

The ConnextMSP Future of Work Fellowship is a leadership opportunity for young professionals launching their careers in MSP. During this 6-month paid professional experience, Fellows will help re-design early career recruiting, hiring, and onboarding practices in MSP, expand their professional networks by building relationships with top MSP employers, and pursue tailored career development and mentorship opportunities.

Members of the ConnextMSP coalition, including top MSP employers, colleges & universities, and career pathway programs, are working to address systemic barriers that young people of color face when launching their careers. Fellows will work alongside these organizations to place the voices and perspectives of people of color at the center of regional solutions to better recruit, hire and support thousands of their peers.

Fellows were recruited from a larger network of thousands of young people of color who have completed one or more of the region’s leading career pathway programs, which prepare students for college and careers through skills building and work experiences with MSP employers. 

Please Help Us Welcome Our Fellows & Click Here to Learn More about ConnextMSP

Abdifatah Abdi

Macalester College, B.A Political Science, Legal Studies Concentration, 2022

Macalester College Bonner Scholar, Civic Engagement

"The opportunity to work with and grow alongside like-minded individuals with the support and guidance of ConnextMSP compelled me to want to join the ConnextMSP Future of Work Fellowship. The fellowship offers opportunities that will allow me to grow personally and professionally. I am interested in gaining skills and knowledge to thrive in the workforce. I am also interested in building deeper connections with ConnextMSP members and partners and expanding my professional network." 

Armarie Williams

St. Catherine University, B.S Public Health – Public Policy, Minor in Women Studies 2018

Environmental Health Specialist, City of Bloomington

"I applied for the ConnextMSP Future of Work Fellowship because I think it is important for me to contribute to the work being done to dismantle systematic barriers for people of color in the Minnesota workforce. As a person of color, I have benefited from the many programs in this great state that contribute to this cause, and I think it is important to give back. Furthermore, I see the importance and benefits of being a lifelong learner and it is crucial to take on new challenges when they present themselves." 

Gabriel Ijjo

Augsburg University, B.A Political Science, Minor International Business & International Relations 2021

Ciresi Walburn Scholarship Cohort 2019

"I wanted to join the ConnextMSP Future of Work Fellowship for several reasons. One notable reason is the support and potential to develop great relationships with employers and leaders throughout Minnesota. The second reason is due to the opportunity for career building and being able to learn from others above me. Lastly, I wanted to join the fellowship because I know that this work will help to tear down the many barriers that impede BIPOC individuals today." 

Husna Ibrahim

St. Catherine University, B.S Public Health – Public Policy, Minor in Women Studies 2018

Environmental Health Specialist, City of Bloomington

"I applied for the ConnextMSP Future of Work Fellowship because I think it is important for me to contribute to the work being done to dismantle systematic barriers for people of color in the Minnesota workforce. As a person of color, I have benefited from the many programs in this great state that contribute to this cause, and I think it is important to give back. Furthermore, I see the importance and benefits of being a lifelong learner and it is crucial to take on new challenges when they present themselves."

Isa Kibira

Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA, B.A Politics Minor Education 2018

Office of Black Student Achievement (MPS), School Success Programming Assistant

"I have seen the profound change leadership and professional development programs can have on both institutional culture and on a young person’s career trajectory. With this insight, I am excited to be part of any effort to reshape the professional landscape for a diverse group of people early in their careers. I am particularly excited to be part of GREATER MSP’s ConnextMSP cohort because all inaugural cohorts have the opportunity to greatly influence the program and its future." 

John Zheng

Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, Master’s (ALM) Extension Studies, Real Estate Investment, and Strategic Management 2022

University of Minnesota Duluth,BBA Management (HR/Organizational) 2020

"The fellowship looked like an amazing program to help students like me transition into the professional world. Being a first-generation student, I don’t have the connections who can help guide me in this next stage of my life. I applied to the fellowship in hopes of expanding my professional network and taking advantage of the mentorship program, along with career coaching offered by ConnextMSP. I believe that this fellowship will provide me with the resources to grow and gain that experience to avoid any potential pitfalls going into the workforce."

Jolene Rotich

Metro State University, Masters Certificate: Project Management 2019

Bethel University, B.A International Relations 2016, B.A Business and Political Science 2016

Outreach Coordinator, Tree Trust

"I was compelled to join this Fellowship because of the opportunity to give back to the community that I was raised in. I desire a future for my community where barriers are removed, and people can thrive. One way is by contributing to systemic change that will have a positive impact on the future workforce. Another aspect is the personal growth that I hope to gain. This will be through learning from my peers, gaining insights from the coalition team that I will be a part of, and being intentional about carrying out my professional development goals."

Maria Godinez

University of Minnesota Twin Cities, B.S Neuroscience 2019

Data Solutions Analyst, Masonic Cancer Center

"I grew up in Minneapolis and as I finished my undergraduate studies, I began to notice a lack of diversity and retention in industries operating out of the Twin Cities. When I learned about the ConnextMSP Future of Work Fellowship, it truly encompassed my core values and mission to create a strong and inclusive community for BIPOC who grew up or come to the Twin Cities to start their careers. I’m thrilled to contribute alongside ConnextMSP to this mission dedicated to identify and brainstorm solutions to incorporating BIPOC talent into Twin Cities based companies."

Nickolas Cody

Saint Mary’s University, B.S Healthcare and Human Services Administration 2020

Sr. Specialist, Gift Card Operations, Target Corporation

"We need to make connections, drive changes and support new processes throughout the State of Minnesota to anticipate an aging population, grow inclusion in hiring practices and build talent for the future. Trades, technology, and social services - mainly empathy, understanding, IT and connection skills are what we need to build and help others build. How do we do this in the Twin Cities, rural Minnesota, reservations and growing suburbs and exurbs? Career & economic development, equity and networking have always interested me. I hope to grow my leadership and strategy skills during our coalition meetings while representing an underrepresented community." 

Sia Xiong

Saint Catherine, MPH Public Health 2021

Saint Catherine University, B.S Public Health 2018

Policy Analyst, Ramsey County

"I grew up in a family of refugees; my grandparents and parents had to jump through various barriers to find a job to support the family. The ConnextMSP Future of Work Fellowship has goals focusing on hiring, supporting, and improving career systems for young BIPOC adults, which align with my work as a Public Health student and public servant. I want to support the movement to create more opportunities and equitable ways our employers  can better support and leverage the talent of BIPOC youth and young adults."

Sumaiya Azeez

Augsburg University, B.A Communications Studies, Minor Marketing 2022

Certified Direct Support Professional, Genesis Group Homes

"I wanted to gain a mentorship experience while connecting and networking with the BIPOC community who is very underrepresented in the workforce and professional field. I would like to gain insight on ways I can contribute to helping overcome these barriers and give BIPOC an equal opportunity as well as a stepping stone into the professional world."

Zoe Bourgerie

University of Minnesota Twin Cities, B.S Geography Minor Public Health and Interdisciplinary Design 2018

Policy Associate to Council Vice President Andrea Jenkins, City of Minneapolis

"I was motivated to apply for the ConnextMSP Fellowship because I felt my experiences participating in local career pathway programs and navigating my first professional role in City Government could help the ConnextMSP coalition foster a more equitable and inclusive strategic workforce initiative that addresses the unique challenges facing young professionals early in their career, especially young women of color. I believe, thoughtful engagement and committed leadership by this coalition on impactful strategies can support emerging professionals and leaders from the Greater MSP region. I look forward to collaborating alongside the ConnextMSP coalition members on this initiative and building lasting relationships to support this work in the years to come."