Staff

Prior to joining MIGIZI, Kelly served as founding President and CEO of the Tiwahe Foundation for seven years, Tiwahe is an American Indian community foundation which focuses on providing micro grants to American Indian communities, strengthening leadership initiatives and network building. During her 20 years of philanthropy and non-profit work, Kelly has worked with the Jewish Community Foundation, The Family Partnership, Headwaters Foundation for Justice, and New Foundations – a Project for Pride in Living program. Kelly currently serves on the Saint Paul Foundation Community Impact Grants Committee, The Family Partnership Board of Directors and other projects that benefit American Indian Woman and youth. She holds a M.A. degree in Philanthropy and Development from St. Mary’s University and a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Minnesota. Kelly currently lives in NE Minneapolis with her husband and two children.

Lisa, Red Lake Nation Anishinaabe, joined MIGIZI in April of 2023 as our new Deputy Director. She was formerly the Vice President of Community Engagement and Impact at the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center (MIWRC). Prior to her work at MIWRC, Lisa worked at Children’s Minnesota where she specialized in systems change by partnering with and leading efforts to institutionalize health equity. While at Children's Minnesota she co-created with the community two separate community and patient experience initiatives, The First Gift and the American Indian Volunteer Cohort. Lisa is also the co-founder of KWESTRONG, a grassroots movement centered around an annual Native Women’s Triathlon (RUN BIKE CANOE) at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. Lisa holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Minnesota, and is currently finishing up her Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of Minnesota.

Ryan is an enrolled member of the White Earth Nation. Ryan is deeply committed to enhancing community well-being and plays a pivotal role in driving initiatives that support Indigenous communities in Minneapolis. He has also contributed significantly to the development of youth sports through his involvement with the Minnesota Juniors Volleyball Club. His leadership and dedication to preserving cultural heritage and fostering economic development have earned him recognition beyond his professional endeavors. Notably, Ryan was inducted into the North American Indigenous Athletic Hall of Fame - Class of 2024, a testament to his excellence and impact in athletics and community leadership.

Jenelle is originally from Colorado, and part of a large family. She is the second youngest of five kids and is a triplet! She came to the midwest to attend the University of Minnesota, where she graduated in 2021 with her bachelor's in Business Marketing and Education. While at the U of M, Jenelle competed as a collegiate diver on the University’s swimming and diving team! Jenelle has always been deeply passionate about environmental endeavors and climate justice. In particular, she strives to honor the planet by improving her understanding of environmental inequality, biodiversity and climate issues, social justice, and the ecological impacts humans have on the Earth. If you join our MIGIZI circle, you can expect a lot of emails from Jenelle!

Mishaila Bowman (Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota) is a passionate advocate for Indigenous youth, culture, and community empowerment. Born and raised in South Minneapolis, Mishaila holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Minnesota and is an active Dakota language learner, artist, and advocate for environmental justice. With over six years of experience in nonprofit communications and program development, Mishaila is deeply committed to advancing the educational, cultural, economic, and social growth of Native communities. As the newly appointed CLAW Program Director at MIGIZI, Mishaila oversees the organization’s efforts across partner schools, as well as the CLAW After-School Program and Summer Water Sovereignty Program. She is dedicated to supporting youth in their academic and cultural journeys.

Antavia descends from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and grew up in South Minneapolis. She attended South High School and earned her associates degree at Minneapolis College as a Power of You scholar. She continued her studies in chemistry at Metro State University as an Increasing Diversity in Environmental Careers Fellow, as well as abroad in Cuernavaca, Mexico as a Gilman International Scholar. Antavia has been a PhD student of chemistry at the University of Minnesota where she helped teach undergraduate analytical chemistry labs and spent time researching and synthesizing porous nanoparticles for PFAS phytoremediation as a 3M Science and Technology Fellow. ​ “Growing up I rarely, if ever, saw myself represented in STEM as a low-income Indigenous girl. Being raised by a single parent on welfare, and then being a single mother myself while studying chemistry, I have spent my life navigating barriers on behalf of myself and others in the pursuit of knowledge and stability. While the barriers we all face as individuals do not have to define us, they alter how our goals and needs can be met. As an Indigenous woman and scientist, I look forward to the opportunity to join the circle of support MIGIZI offers youth to help them navigate their goals and dreams according to their specific needs.”