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ChangeMakers

A logo that reads changemakers

ChangeMakers is a series from MPR News showcasing Minnesotans from diverse, often underrepresented backgrounds who are making an impact. Whether they’re making history or making a difference for just one person, these individuals are leaders building new futures for their communities. Scroll down to meet our ChangeMakers.

‘America is not somebody else; America is us’: Civil rights organizer Bo Thao-Urabe wants Minnesota to measure success differently

‘America is not somebody else; America is us’: Civil rights organizer Bo Thao-Urabe wants Minnesota to measure success differently

In celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, MPR News and Sahan Journal are featuring Asian Minnesotans making history. Bo Thao-Urabe, executive director of the Coalition of Asian American Leaders, talks about what she learned from Martin Luther King Jr. — and from her mother.

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ChangeMakers: Mysti Babineau, protecting land and people

ChangeMakers: Mysti Babineau, protecting land and people

Mysti Babineau, 34, is an organizer with climate change organization MN350 and an advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous people. Her work focuses on the intersectionality of climate and social justice issues.
by Christine T. Nguyen

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ChangeMakers: Terri Yellowhammer, bringing representation to the bench

ChangeMakers: Terri Yellowhammer, bringing representation to the bench

Fourth District Court Judge Terri Yellowhammer, 57, wants increased visibility for Native Americans. Her vision for the future is to see more Native Americans positions of leadership so her community can have the services they need. 
by Evan Frost

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ChangeMakers: Sarah Agaton Howes, preserving culture through craft

ChangeMakers: Sarah Agaton Howes, preserving culture through craft

Sarah Agaton Howes, 44, is an artist whose designs are rooted in traditional Ojibwe floral beadwork designs. She is the founder of Heart Berry, an online store featuring her original artwork. Agaton Howes says she’s inspired to make art because she views cultural art as a gift.
by Jaida Grey Eagle

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ChangeMakers: Leya Hale, self-discovery and reclaiming the Native narrative

ChangeMakers: Leya Hale, self-discovery and reclaiming the Native narrative

Leya Hale learned how to be a storyteller by watching her dad share stories about their Native communities at cultural events back home. She grew up in the Los Angeles area and moved to St. Paul by way of South Dakota. Her journey has been one of self-discovery and reclaiming her narrative, something she says is necessary in order to elevate Indigenous stories.
by Kathryn Styer Martinez

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ChangeMakers: Autumn Dillie, combating homelessness with culture and care

ChangeMakers: Autumn Dillie, combating homelessness with culture and care

Autumn Dillie, 31, is a street outreach worker for the American Indian Community Development Corporation. She provides Native Americans experiencing homelessness with culturally specific services, which Dillie says is key to long-term stability.
by Christine T. Nguyen

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ChangeMakers: Adrienne Benjamin, a master jingle dress maker, artist and activist

ChangeMakers: Adrienne Benjamin, a master jingle dress maker, artist and activist

Adrienne Benjamin is a master jingle dress maker living on the Mille Lacs Reservation. She is also a jingle dress dancer, inspired by her great-grandmother Hannah. Guided by her mentors, teachers, counselors and grandad, Benjamin is working to help transform the lives of the next generation of Minnesotans.
by Kathryn Styer Martinez

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ChangeMakers: Tufawon, music as an art of resistance

ChangeMakers: Tufawon, music as an art of resistance

Dakota and Boricua hip-hop artist Rafael Gonzalez, known as Tufawon, wants to hear Indigenous music on heavy rotation on every station. His music blends his experiences growing up and his visions for the future of Indigenous people.
by Evan Frost

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