Join the Boards & Commissions Leadership Institute (BCLI) on Thursday, Aug. 6 at 6 pm CT to learn how Twin Cities leaders of color are building power, agency, and change in governance and policy by serving on public boards.
As our country and the world continue through uncertain political times, economic instability, and racial reckoning, Black, Indigenous, and people of color need to work even harder to carve out a presence at governing institutions and ensure communities of color are not left behind. Decision-makers of publicly appointed boards, committees, and commissions hold immense power often overlooked. From public transit to affordable housing, public health to education, there is a board influencing the issues you care about deeply. We must fight for a seat at the table, because the stakes are too high.
Hear from local leaders of color as they share stories and wisdom from their service on boards, committees, and commissions. Together, we’ll build community and learn about strategies that can uplift all our voices, create better representation, and make impactful service on a public body.
Register here
Panel Speakers
Elvis Rivera
Elvis is a first-generation immigrant, finance services professional, and community advocate with governance experience spanning the private, public, and nonprofit sectors.
Elvis currently serves as a member of the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs, a gubernatorial-appointed state advisory council that advises the governor and legislature on issues affecting Minnesota’s Latino community. He also serves on the board of directors for Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS), where he supports governance, strategic planning, and financial oversight for one of Minnesota’s largest providers of civil legal aid. He is a BCLI alumnus.
His nonprofit governance experience includes serving as treasurer and finance committee chair for LatinoLEAD, helping guide the organization’s financial strategy during a period of significant growth. He has also served on the boards of Green Card Voices and the Prospanica Twin Cities Chapter.
Lue Vang
Lue is an experienced nonprofit professional with over 15 years of service. He has worked for many local Twin Cities nonprofits across various issues and causes. His wide range of nonprofit and public boards service is impressive and diverse. Lue’s service on boards has included, but is not limited to: board audit chair of the Southeast Asia Resource Action (SEARAC), board treasurer of Friends of St. Paul College, board treasurer of the Me Center (SEARAC), and board treasurer of the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council (MRAC).
Victor Obisakin
Victor is a Nigerian born in Bern, Switzerland. As the son of a Nigerian diplomat, he had a unique upbringing that allowed him to attend elementary school in Brazil, middle school in Nigeria, and high school in Israel. Surrounded by international students, Victor developed a strong sense of empathy and gained the ability to view things through a cultural lens.
He went through the Community Equity Program (CEP) at the Amherst Wilder Foundation and the Nexus BCLI with the goal of becoming more involved in advocacy, state legislative policy, and community change. He has joined the New American Leaders Program and is also a member of the Council for Minnesotans of African Heritage and the Governor’s Community Council on Inclusion and Equity. Victory proudly serves on the Metropolitan Council.
This virtual event is free and open to the public. You do not need to be in our BCLI cohort to attend. As part of the Boards & Commissions Leadership Institute, Nexus hosts two Thursday Night Issue Series sessions that include local speakers and facilitated discussions that are important and related to service on public boards and our issue areas: economic development, health, housing, transit, and workforce development.