Why I’m Running
Iam running for Hennepin County Commissioner to reduce disparities, increase opportunities, and to make sure everyone in our community has a chance to thrive.
Growing up in the poorest suburb in America, I never imagined myself as someone who could achieve much of anything. The extreme poverty I faced everyday blinded my ability to dream and to imagine what life could be like if greater was possible.
I now know that with supportive systems in place people can move from poverty to stability because I did it. I believe people can transition from renter to homeowner because I did it. I know people can transition from being unemployed and unskilled to becoming employed and having a career that supports and uplifts their families because I did it.
When I began my career at Hennepin County as the committee clerk for the Board, I learned how decisions were made and how dollars were spent. Seven voices, seven votes, seven human beings making decisions for people who weren’t in the room.
In my role as project coordinator for the Minnesota Ballpark Authority I coordinated community engagement sessions where I learned how important it was to bring community members into everything we do, to listen authentically and to understand the voices of the people affected by the county’s decisions and the opportunities their voices provided to improve the County’s work.
As the Disparity Reduction Coordinator, I’m responsible for taking a critical look at the County’s lines of business and the work happening in areas of education, employment, income, health, housing, justice, and transportation.
I’m responsible for finding opportunities to fix problems that affect people’s everyday lives by working with staff to develop meaningful work plans built on actionable outcomes.
As an advocate for disenfranchised communities, I have committed the last twenty years of my life in the trenches working to change narratives.
My extensive knowledge of Hennepin County and its complex systems has prepared me to serve as a county commissioner who knows how to get things done.
I am running to continue doing what I’ve always done, to be a strong voice and advocate for the people who live and work in Hennepin County. Whether it be affordable housing, property taxes, workforce development, transportation and accessibility or immigration I am prepared and qualified to be your voice and advocate on day one.
Get to Know De’Vonna
De’Vonna is a skilled bridge builder, communicator, activator, and strategist, who specializes in creating collaborations between communities and government, as well as curating spaces and programs that allow individuals, families, and communities to thrive.
De’Vonna has worked at Hennepin County for over 17 years. Her expansive career includes working as the Committee Clerk to the Board of Commissioners, helping re-envision training programs for individuals exiting prison, as well as coordinating the environmental impact study and community conversations around ADA and accessibility issues for the new Twins stadium.
As a small business owner, author, and community activist De’Vonna co-founded the Minnesota Black Author’s Expo to provide a space for community and educators to find black literature.
She currently serves on the American Civil Liberties Union Smart Justice Committee and has been recognized as a Josie R. Johnson Leadership Fellow.
Transportation
De’Vonna is committed to taking the lead on engaging community members to talk about the connection between public transportation, the environment, and equity.
The County needs to make sure public transportation is a realistic option for the people who live and work in District One.
Affordable Housing
New families, individuals entering the workforce, disenfranchised communities, seniors, and immigrants often dish out more than 30% on housing.
Workforce Development
Invest in De'Vonna
It takes money to run for public office. We need your support to get our message to voters. Your financial contribution will help turn De’Vonna’s vision and leadership for a better Hennepin County into a reality!
Contribution limits are $1,000 per individual or $2,000 per married couple. Contribution to People for De’Vonna Pittman are not tax deductible.
Checks to People for De’Vonna Pitman are appreciated and can be mailed to:
P.O. Box 27639, Minneapolis, MN 55427.
Endorsements
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The retention of diverse talent is critical to a strong, growing, and profitable organization. Organizations can support employees who are Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and Asian by providing an outlet f...Comment on Facebook
The Center for Economic Inclusion is doing the work of dismantling racist systems and structures and solicit your support.
Do what you can to make the world a better place.
Support the mission to elevate data-driven promising practices, advocating for inclusive policies, and facilitating deep parternships to achieve inclusive growth.
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The Time is NOW. Your support will ensure an Inclusive Recovery. While Covid-19 continues to disrupt all aspects of life around the world, it has also exposed entrenched, systemic inequities that thre...Comment on Facebook
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I am supporting an amazing candidate for Minneapolis City Council.
Good candidates often lose by small margins because they need just a LITTLE more support.
This is Robin Wonsley, get to know her tomorrow during our FB LIVE and donate at least $10 toward our $500 goal to support her campaign.
I’m putting my money where my mouth is by donating $100.
We need $400, and I know you will help us get there.
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I am looking forward to presenting to the Attorney General’s Women’s Economic Security Task Force Thursday night.
My lived experience and professional learnings relative to policy that negatively affects women, their families and communities is one worth noting.
I’m honored to present to the task force and look forward to hearing about their work as a result of what they’ve heard from others before me. ... See MoreSee Less
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You rock!!
Our Statement Regarding the Verdict Rendered
in the Trial of Derek Chauvin
(April 20, 2021) -- There is no amount of justice that can justify the violence that George Perry Floyd, Jr. suffered on May 25, 2020. Yet, today, we honor his life, taken without right or cause, and breathe with gratitude for the jury that saw fit to convict Derek Chauvin on all three counts of murder.
For almost one year, we have collectively held our breath, while also holding onto hope. As this verdict is read, we long to breathe sighs of relief, yet we know they are followed by deep, heavy breaths that carry the weight of fear.
We exhale breaths of relief honoring the brilliant prosecution led by Jerry W. Blackwell, founding partner and CEO of Blackwell Burke P.A., the steadfast and fearless fight of the family of George Floyd, Jr., and the tireless advocacy of freedom fighters at George Floyd Square and similar squares throughout the country. We thank them for their tremendous bravery and relentless pursuit of justice.
We promise, George Floyd, Jr. will never be forgotten. His life mattered.
With gratitude, we thank our youth, community activists, and leaders on-the-ground, in board rooms and court rooms who have led and continue to lead this national reckoning, joining generations before us demanding justice for George and for every Black life extinguished on the road to freedom.
While this verdict is for Derek Chauvin, America must reckon with the charges of systemic racism and policy violence that are used as weapons of mass destruction against Black people every day. The last 335 days must serve as a mandate for action and systems change across every sector in our nation – economic, criminal justice, health, wealth and homeownership gaps, education, and more -- that continue to devalue, harm, and take Black lives.
This is not the end of the story. The final chapter will come when racial equity and inclusion are achieved. As a community, we will continue to rise, lead, and demand change. We do it for George, for Daunte, for Breonna, for Philando, and for Jamar. This national reckoning will continue.
At the Center for Economic Inclusion, we stand in solidarity with leaders committed to the principles of anti-racism, equity, inclusion and belonging who are willing to reckon with the depths of change and power yielding required to build an economy that works for everyone. We walk in relentless pursuit of that goal every day. ... See MoreSee Less
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