OUR STORIES

2017 Unsung Hero Awardee

Lorraine Rhodes-Dix

Lorraine Rhodes’ dedication to students, community and her own children is a beautiful testament to how great we all can be. She is determined to ensure all students receive the best education possible.

She was a teacher for 25 years in various districts, became a school administrator, and recently became a Principal at a local middle school. She comes from a family of 25 teachers and deans. Her love and laughter keeps so many faces happy. She truly enjoys her job and her students. Her children have used that love and laughter to reach others through music and media. We need more people like her to continue to care about the education of all students. Mrs. Rhodes strives every single day to find new ways to reach the minds of all students so they can reach their full potential. I don’t know of any other woman like her, who cares so much. She is an amazing mother and community leader. Lorraine was nominated for this award by Bianca Rhodes.

Parent Leader

Zhawin Gonzalez

Zhawin Gonzalez is a single father taking care of his three young boys in Minneapolis. As a full-time student at Augsburg college, Zhawin is double majoring in American Indian Studies and Communications.

He holds an AA in Liberal Arts from Minneapolis Community and Technical College, where he served as a Student Senate Officer. Before graduation, Zhawin launched his path by participating in the FATHER (Fostering Actions To Help Earnings and Responsibility) Project, a nationally recognized program in Minneapolis. Through the FATHER Project he gained specialization in child development, achieving certificates as a Parent Group Facilitator and in Employment Readiness Training.

His passion for child development inspired him to partner with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe to facilitate his own parenting classes. He later served on the FATHER Project Division of Indian Work, which has contributed to the Native community for more than 64 years by providing programs such as Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP), Strengthening Family Circles, and Healing Spirit and Health Services. In 2013, Zhawin was awarded the Father of the Year Award by the Festivals of Fathers and Families for his passion and dedication to creating healthy and happy families by building up and supporting fathers and the roles they play in the families and community. He currently serves as a Parent Leader on the Parent Leadership for Child Safety and Permanency (PLCSP) Team.

2017 Unsung Hero Awardee

MK Nguyen

I am nominating MK for the Unsung Hero Award because even though I have only known her for a little over two years, I feel like I have known her forever. I first met her when my kids were attending Freedom School.

The second time we met was for my interview with Saint Paul Promise Neighborhood. Her passion, personality, and character speak volumes to so many, especially to parents and children. Her dedication is real, all day every day. She shows up with a genuine and authentic personality 24-7. I think if we had more MKs in the world, then it would be a better place. She is dedicated to her family and family business, along with the community she grew up in, and the parents she meets every day.

Nominated By: Ebany Young

Parent Leader

Misty Littlewolf

Misty is a single full-time mother of 5 children. She has a lot of experience with both the child welfare & Indian child welfare systems. As a Parent Leader with MCCC, she wants to use her previous experiences to help parents and children currently going through the system.

She is the 2017 Vice President of the MAHUBE-OTWA Policy Council. In 2016, she worked with the MN Asset Building Coalition on their Leadership Academy. She also participated in the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention’s National Girls Initiative and shared her story to help girls in the Juvenile Justice system and those working within the juvie system to figure out a plan. Misty’s involvement with her community extends to her children’s activities. She is a member of the school’s Garden Club. In her spare time, she enjoys working on vehicles with her son. “I am determined to be a part of change in the future and to help others find their voice to share their experiences.”

2017 Unsung Hero Awardee

Pang Xiong

Pang is a mother of 6 children. She is patient, kind, and thoughtful. She a photographer and website builder. As a small business owner, she engages with her community through an Asian Women’s group. She participates in political campaigns.

When Philando Castile was shot and killed by a police officer, she felt the loss and pain of his family, and also the disbelief and anger of the community. As a Hmong woman, she wanted to do something to show her solidarity, so she organized a community conversation with folks from with various backgrounds including Hmong, black, and white. She invited elected officials to attend the gathering so they could listen to community members as they shared their thoughts and feelings. What a leader!

Nominated By: Tisha Salinas

Parent Leader

Briana S. Barnes

Hello I’m Briana S. Barnes. I’m from St. Paul, MN. I am the proud mother of a beautiful two-year-old daughter named Aniylah. Over the course of my life, I’ve always had a passion for youth and a wanting to see them explore their horizons.

In 2014, I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own non-profit organization called Dream S.K.Q.U.A.D., an organization designed to help youth with leadership skills and community outreach. Over the last two years, I have seen many youth come into my organization feeling broken because home is not their place of peace and school has lost its security so the youth don’t feel safe. I feel that the greatest purpose in my life is to make sure our youth succeed to their highest potential. So I joined MCCC to be the voice for our parents and children so they have a fighting chance in today’s society. I know that alongside other like-minded people we can change policies and help make Minnesota a place we all want to live in. Teamwork makes the dream work!

2017 Unsung Hero Awardee

Justine Booker

Justine has love for her family and community. She has been a source of support for the parents at the Circle of Parents groups she attends. Justine has had a past interaction with the Child Protection Services (CPS), but she did not give up on herself or her children.

Parent Leader

Leo Baker

I am a member of the Upper Sioux community near Granite Falls MN. I graduated from the University of Minnesota Morris. I took a combination of economics, political science, and Native American studies for a build your own major.

My official degree was Indigenous Governance and Development. I started my Masters at Augsburg College, the focus was on Native American education with special needs.

I work for Department of Human Services at a group home, Minnesota State Operated Community Services (MSOCS), doing direct care with individuals with mental health struggles. My free time is spent with my children and fighting for a better world for my children.

Parent Leader & Board Member

Brian Loch

Brian is a single father of a beautiful 4 year old daughter. He is an active member of the Father Project. He enjoys facilitating parenting groups, organizing community events, as well as being a Citizen Father. Brian also enjoys being outdoors doing anything and everything with his daughter at his side.

Things Brian and his daughter enjoy doing together include fishing , hunting, and gardening.

Having been adopted himself, Brian understands some of the issues facing children and families in today's world. His dedication to making a positive impact for all families makes him proud to be in a position to offer help to those in need. "Seeing my daughter using the tools I've taught her is my most amazing accomplishment" was Brian's answer to the question , what makes you the most proud ? That stable foundation is what he brings to the table for this honorable opportunity.

2018 Unsung Hero Awardee

Lina Bajiba

As a single mother of two school aged children, Lina Bajiba plays the role of both parents. A first-generation immigrant from Ethiopia, Lina is an educated, resilient woman who has taught her children the value of an education and the importance of embracing their culture. She instills in them the importance of not taking things for granted.

Lina brings many years of parenting experience to our Circle of Parent support group... No matter what is going on in her life she always has a smile to share and compassion and understanding for those around her. Her energy is uplifting and infectious…Lina has emerged as a leader in our group, attending facilitator training and partner meetings when she is able. The moms in our group look up to her and trust her. She is genuine and an inspiration to all those whose lives she’s touched. Therefore, we nominate Lina as a parent leader and thank her for all she’s contributed to our group.

Nominated by Melissa Gardner

Parent Leader

Phethile (Patti) Kunene

My name is Patti Kunene. I am originally from South Africa. I am a single mother of two girls. I completed my Bachelor's degree Program at Mankato State University in Communication Studies. I am an advocate for families who experience homelessness. I have been working as a case manager for homeless youth for over 5 years.

I have a passion for young people and as a mother I would like to assist them to be their best and achieve their goals, this means working with their families is vital in order to lessen some of the barriers that they face. Also through personal experience, I am able to relate to and engage with parents such as myself in order to share information and resources.

I am very active in my community through volunteering including Americorps Vista, Africa Classroom Connection, Camus Cupboard, and many other community engagement programs.

2018 Unsung Hero Awardee

Brantley Johnson

Brantley became involved with the FATHER Project in 2006. He has been actively engaged and has participated in numerous program services including legal services, job club, child support, parent education, and empowerment groups. Now as an alum, Brantley continues to provide support and has an enormous impact on the young men of color who are currently participating in our program.

He has grown significantly as a dad, overcoming numerous emotional and financial barriers that previously kept him from being involved with his kids. He is now a true leader and has fulfilled his personal obligation to give back to his community.

Brantley was selected in 2015 to assist with co-facilitating our Meld Parenting groups. He is also one of the co-creators of our Citizen Father, a leadership component of the FATHER Project. The program consists of outstanding participants and alum from our program who conduct leadership activities in their communities and nationally through presentations on responsible fatherhood. He was also selected in 2017 to sit on Governor Dayton's task force on mental health. Brantley is a spectacular young man and a true asset to our program.

Parent Leader

Amanda Elke

I come from a very diverse and adverse background. I have learned along the way that having diagnosis’s do not and should not be identifiers for personalities just a clue to what a person has survived. I am very outgoing, I love to laugh and to make others laugh.

2018 Unsung Hero Awardee

Grace Jones

Grace Jones is a dedicated and involved grandmother. Grace ensures all her grandchildren are respectful and humble. At any given time, you will see Grace with anywhere from 2-6 grandchildren at a time. She takes the time to volunteer and sit with her grandchildren during academic enrichment opportunities.

Parent Leader

Roxanne Draughn

Roxanne started her career as a legal administrative assistant. She has worked in a variety of industries over the past two decades including ten years in the nonprofit sector. She is a current member of the Parent Leadership for Child Safety and Permanency (PLCSP) Team. According to Roxanne, "As I continue to build my own pathways of making my dreams come true, my biggest goal is to make a positive, strong effect on my family (sons) and community.

2018 Unsung Hero Awardee

Tonya Long

Tonya knows what issues American Indian children in foster care face. She has been a foster mother to twenty-three (all American Indian) children from 2002-2009. She took a break from providing foster care until last year because she adopted two of her foster children. Both children were high needs children who had experienced high levels of trauma.

She went from receiving support for the children through the foster care program to no support once she adopted them. Tony recently took in a foster teen child whom she cared for from three days old to eleven months. The child was placed with relatives until recently when the relative got sick and could not provide care for her. Tonya took her in despite her own medical issues. Her selflessness and caregiving is what makes her an Unsung Hero.

Parent Leader

Sherelle Graves (Quaderer)

Sherelle Graves likes do to all sorts of recreational hobbies such as, beading, arts and crafts, sewing quilts, but lately has been focusing on taking care of her main priorities. They go sledding, swimming, tubing, and attend ceremonies. Sherelle pretty much loves to try new things so if there's something she hasn't gotten to try, trust her that it is on her list!

2019 Unsung Hero Awardee

Graciela O'Gorman Smith

Graciela is a strong parent who takes action to address injustice that impacts her son and the children of other mothers. When Graciela's son was falsely accused of a crime (profiled!) and disrespected by the police who were called by the accuser, she snapped into action. She advocated fiercely for the police department to dismiss the case.

She engaged the police community relations to meet with her and with parents of other young people affected by the incident. She advocated for further training for officers in St. Paul to prevent incidents like these where implicit bias and discrimination make young people feel less safe because of police actions. She extended an invitation, via the police-community relations staff, for the officers involved in the incident to meet with the falsely accused youth. When that invitation wasn't accepted, she invited a police Sergeant to come to her home for coffee, to meet with her son and to give him a more positive experience with a police officer. I am sure there is much more advocacy to come on behalf of youth of color and better policing.!

Parent Leader

Lliane Blons

Lliane has proven to be a wonderful foster parent since she began her foster care journey the summer of 2017. She initially took placement of one young girl, who she provided with a caring, stable and nurturing home. Approximately a year later, Lliane was asked to take placement of her foster child’s younger sister, who she took in without a hesitation. Lliane has now been providing care for both girls for about seven months and has done a wonderful job.

As a special education teacher she has the skills and knowledge needed to parent both girls in her care. She has handled every obstacle thrown her way in a graceful manner and as a first time parent, Lliane has truly grown and flourished. She has always been reciprocal of feedback and resources offered to her and has proven to be a great advocate for the children in her care. Despite being a single foster parent, Lliane has made sure that the children in her care have a sense of what a loving home and family feels like. As her previous licensing worker, I truly believe Lliane deserves this recognition.

Unsung Hero

Maggie Lorenz

Maggie is the true Unsung Hero in the Saint Paul Native American Community. Her dedication not only to her children, but that of the entire community's is what is most admirable. She is one of the most selfless and giving people I know. Many of us have benefited from her volunteerism. Most recently, she and Barry Hand founded "Wakinya Luta Oyanke," (Red Thunder Community), whose mission is in part to move beyond reliance to self determination, build on our collective healing, building strength, power, community pride, mend the broken hoops and dig deeper!

Wakinya Luta Oyanke offers free drum and dance instruction classes, social support, and traditional teachings on non-existent funding. They solely supported by community fundraising. This is the norm for this her - helping freely. Her deep love and commitment to community, especially children is apparent in everything she does. She is a stellar role model and have supported our community for a long time, even through cancer. I can think of no one better deserving for this award.

OUR STORIES

2017 Unsung Hero Awardee

Lorraine Rhodes-Dix

Parent Leader

Zhawin Gonzalez

2017 Unsung Hero Awardee

MK Nguyen

Parent Leader

Misty Littlewolf

2017 Unsung Hero Awardee

Pang Xiong

Parent Leader

Briana S. Barnes

2017 Unsung Hero Awardee

Justine Booker

Parent Leader

Leo Baker

Parent Leader & Board Member

Brian Loch

2018 Unsung Hero Awardee

Lina Bajiba

Parent Leader

Phethile (Patti) Kunene

2018 Unsung Hero Awardee

Brantley Johnson

Parent Leader

Amanda Elke

2018 Unsung Hero Awardee

Grace Jones

Parent Leader

Roxanne Draughn

2018 Unsung Hero Awardee

Tonya Long

Parent Leader

Sherelle Graves (Quaderer)

2019 Unsung Hero Awardee

Graciela O'Gorman Smith

Parent Leader

Lliane Blons

Unsung Hero

Maggie Lorenz

Meet our Unsung Hero, Ethel

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