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.
People for Pittman
4 days ago
Faith is dead without works. What are you doing to change the state of our world one community at a time? ... See MoreSee Less
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People for Pittman
6 days ago
Minnesota’s Own lights up the screen on the TODAY show. ... See MoreSee Less
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People for Pittman
6 days ago
To say that I am completely humbled by this honor is an understatement.
Check out the other community leaders who were named Black History Makers.HCL is celebrating Black History Month by featuring current history makers in our community. Today we are featuring De'Vonna Pittman.
De’Vonna Pittman founded the Minnesota Black Authors Expo in 2017 connecting Black authors and their work to community and educators. An author, community advocate, and equity advocate, she has hosted countless community forums to empower women and their families.
She is Director of Inclusive Growth at Center for Economic Inclusion. Pittman leads the Center’s efforts to create broad, measurable shared accountability among public local, regional and statewide leaders and policy makers. She equips leaders and agencies with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to close racial wealth gaps and accelerate inclusive economic competitiveness through racially equitable workforce, land-use, economic development, housing, transportation and infrastructure policies and investment.
-- What inspires you to do the work you do in your community? --
I am a product of generational poverty and I know the barriers to gaining stability and self-empowerment. Pulling one's self out of poverty requires utilizing systems that are often not built to truly address all that comes along with trauma, instability, and being raised in a marginalized community. I know what is possible with even a little bit of determination and having systems that minimally address basic needs of survival. I believe that every little bit of passion I put into the world around me will create incremental changes in community, and in families, and it will make life better for a lot of people.
-- What part of this work for your community are you most proud of? --
I am most proud of the Minnesota Black Authors Expo; it is a magical event. Minnesota has some of the worst educational disparities; our children, especially children of color, have fallen behind. We wanted to restore a love for reading for Black children, and in Black communities. The expo has donated over 700 books since 2017. In the process of connecting community to Black literature, we were able to build something very special. ... See MoreSee Less
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Congrats DeVonna!! You make me so proud!!
People for Pittman
1 week ago
“Black Joy, Politics, and Equity”
I love writing, but losing something or someone takes something out of you, and I hadn’t been able to gather my thoughts until now.
This piece sums it up! I’m backkkkkkk!!! ❤️❤️
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VIEW: Black Joy, Politics, and Equity
r20.rs6.net
If we could simply prove to more people that we have the ability to be happy, and that the laughter of our children brings us joy, it might shift minds.Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
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That was beautifully written. And what a great message. As you always told me, whether we won or lost, this was destined to be your path. I'm so glad you allowed me to be by your side for some of the distance. ❤
Incredible pen-womanship!
Congratulations on your new role! Wonderful article! ❤️❤️
People for Pittman updated their profile picture.
3 weeks ago
For those of you who don’t know, I started in a new role with the Center for Economic Inclusion.
This week marks one month of building with leaders across the region to dismantle racist structures and systems to ensure inclusive growth.
We can do this together.
“As Director of Inclusive Growth, De'Vonna leads the Center’s efforts to create broad, measurable shared accountability among public, local, regional and statewide leaders and policy makers by equipping leaders and agencies with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to close racial wealth gaps and accelerate inclusive economic competitiveness through racially equitable workforce, land-use, economic development, housing, transportation and infrastructure policies and investments. “ ... See MoreSee Less
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Great photo!
You are so beautiful you belong in a magazine
Congratulations
Congratulations!!!
Congrats! You will be great I your new role!!
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People for Pittman
3 weeks ago
I'm humbled to be joining this esteemed panel to have important conversations about the need to dismantle institutional racism and DE&I in the workplace.
Join us this Wednesday:
Karen McKinney Chief Equity Officer for Minnesota Department of Human Services,
Lauren Hunter, MBA-HRM, CDP, MBA-HRM, CDP, Director of Diversity & Recruitment at Minnesota Department of Human Services
Charles D. Jackson
Diversity & Inclusion, Family League of Baltimore
Hosted by the Minneapolis Urban League - Twin Cities Young Professionals
Sign up:
#passiton #diversityequityinclusion
#realtalk ... See MoreSee Less
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