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
3 days ago
Economic recovery suggests that the economy we had before COVID-19 is one we want to return to. We reject that idea. We demand a reimagining of our economy to create one that truly works for everyone, and that requires reckoning with the racismthat has divided our communities for centuries and fueled the extraction of wealth, hope, and life for far too long.
It is time to reckon with racism, and it’s time to reckon with the truth and rise together.
Please join us on January 15 from noon to 1:00 p.m. for an exclusive virtual screening of our new documentary short film, Reckoning to Rise Together.
The film explores the risks, trials, and triumphs of Jim Mills (J-Klips), Kiara Ellis (The Nail Bar), and Tim Wilson (Urban Lights Music), three Black business owners navigating the pandemic, uprisings, wealth extraction, and racial healing in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Following the screening, we will host a moderated discussion with these leaders about the solutions for reimagining our economy and reckoning to rise together.
The event is free, and registration is required:
Order Local, Order BIPOC / BIPOC-Owned Restaurants
As you Zoom into our noon-time event, we encourage you to enjoy lunch (delivery or curbside pick-up) from one of these fine local, BIPOC-owned eateries! Click here:
#Reckoning2Rise #HowWeHeal ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
People for Pittman
3 weeks ago
This Black physician dies of COVID after sharing that she’s not getting good treatment because she is a Black woman.
Medical malpractice is especially a thing when the patients are not white.
If you work in the medical field, call it out. If you see it, say something!
People, please continue to advocate for your loved ones and shine a light on these atrocities!
#covidisnojoke
#RacismIsAVirus ... See MoreSee Less
Black doctor dies of COVID after alleging hospital mistreatment
abc7news.com
Indiana doctor, Susan Moore, dies of COVID after complaining of hospital treatment, said, 'this is how Black people get killed'Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
People for Pittman
3 weeks ago
❤️🖤💚 ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
People for Pittman
4 weeks ago
I concur. We have to put more resources into training youth and providing diverse career options. ... See MoreSee Less
Why We Desperately Need To Bring Back Vocational Training In Schools
www.forbes.com
Instructor helps a student participating in a woodworking manufacturing training program in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. Photographer: Tim Boyle/Bloomberg Charlie Negron Throughout most of U.S. history, Am...Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Amen! We need to begin to revere professions other than doctors, lawyers, politicians & teachers! I’m glad those honorable professions are respected. However, plumbers, electricians, carpenters & so many more are ESSENTIAL professionals in every community. Let’s honor every professional and reject the worker hierarchy that mimicks our horribly stratified, elitist society #hopeful
Yessss I use to love votech!
People for Pittman
1 month ago
Let's say a special prayer for all of the students.
I miss school for the kids who need it. I miss school for the kids who WANT to get out of their homes.
I miss school for the kids who are being abused EVERY day! I miss school for the children who aren't eating breakfast and lunch!
I miss school for the kids who aren't learning at home. I miss school for the kids who aren't being pushed.
I miss school for all the kids who were already behind before the pandemic.
I miss school for those who HATE math already. I miss school for those who HATE science already.
Yall....I know I'm in the minority, but I really miss school. ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
People for Pittman
1 month ago
I’m excited to be a guest speaker for tomorrow’s event!
Parents, educators, and community, it’s time to leverage youth voices!
This forum will inspire your children to get involved in public policy and healthy communities early.
Join us to understand how young people can and should lead in this intersection.
Topic: Youth IMPACT Symposium
Time: Dec 5, 2020 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
...
Meeting ID: 848 0951 0043 ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook