Why De'Vonna is Running
“Our district deserves a leader who will actively listen to people’s ideas and concerns and act to address those issues.” DonateGet InvolvedReducing Disparities
De’Vonna believes equity should be an integral part of quality improvement efforts – from planning to design and implementation.
She is committed to overseeing current efforts focused on reducing disparities across the county.
“I believe that engaged and empowered people create healthier communities.”
”Whether it be property taxes, workforce development, transportation, accessibility, or immigration concerns, I will listen and I will be an authentic voice for our district.”
Real Affordable Housing
A fresh look at affordable housing and equitable funding is a priority for De’Vonna.
We live in a county where three out of four households with incomes below the poverty line struggle to pay their rent or mortgage.
New families, individuals entering the workforce, disenfranchised communities, seniors, and immigrants often dish out more than 30% on housing.
Senior citizens are not able to afford rising property taxes, repairs for older homes, and are unable to age in place.
Workforce Development
For Hennepin County to have a competitive workforce it needs to reduce employment inequities and create innovative employment and training opportunities.
People need access to careers that provide pathways out of poverty.
This includes access to jobs and training programs that people can reach through public transportation.
“The formula doesn’t lie in the hands of the policy makers, it lies in the hands of the people.”
“All community members should be encouraged to participate in solution oriented processes – that is what creates healthier communities.”
Safe Neighborhoods
De’Vonna is committed to having authentic conversations with community members and police officers to ensure every resident feels safe in their community.
We need to begin reaching our youth now because they are the future, we have to prepare them to take care of us and our communities.
Read De’Vonna’s statement on Law Enforcement Reform.
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.
Public transportation is important to individuals and families who opt out of owning cars, or to those who simply can’t afford the expenses that having a car brings.
It’s time to reimagine Bottineau. We need a leader on blue line expansion who is focused on helping communities along the line thrive.
As your commissioner, I will be a champion for a transportation system that provides community members with access to living-wage jobs, educational opportunities, and high-quality housing.
“When the people are in the room with decision-makers, the outcomes will favor the people.”
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
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
People for Pittman
6 days ago
Minnesota’s Own lights up the screen on the TODAY show. ... See MoreSee Less
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
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
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
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!!! ❤️❤️
Share 💕! ... See MoreSee Less
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
Comment on Facebook
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
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook
Great photo!
You are so beautiful you belong in a magazine
Congratulations
Congratulations!!!
Congrats! You will be great I your new role!!
View more comments
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
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on Linked InShare by Email
Comment on Facebook