Waite House | Pillsbury United Communities

Elizabeth Brisbin

March 21, 2025

Celebrating the notable women making history at Pillsbury United Communities

Cinnamon Pelly

Cinnamon Pelly, president and CEO of Pillsbury United Communities, brings over 25 years of experience across the corporate and nonprofit sectors. She has expertise in banking, operations, media relations, education, health, and philanthropy and has led initiatives focused on alleviating poverty, driving economic growth, and enhancing education, wellness, and the arts.

As COO of the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio, she successfully navigated the COVID-19 pandemic, growing the organization’s budget from $4.9M to $13M, tripling staff, and expanding community reach from 18,000 to 40,000 members.

Beyond her executive roles, Pelly has contributed to various nonprofit boards and government commissions, including the Hamilton County Jobs & Family Services Planning Commission and the Cincinnati Metropolitan Housing Authority. She holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Arts, and her research has been published in the Stanford Journal of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.

Miski Abdulle

As director of Immigrant Services and manager of the Immigrant Women’s Advocacy Program (IWAP), Miski Abdulle engages members of the immigrant communities through adult education, family literacy, employment counseling, and women’s advocacy.

Abdulle works at the intersection of social services and public health, often through an intergenerational lens focusing on the specific needs of community elders.

Abdulle is a licensed social worker and Global Career Development Facilitator.

Her dedicated service to immigrant women and the greater community was brought to center stage with the 2015 Courageous Woman Award, an annual honor presented through the Augsburg College Women’s Resource Center.

Julie Graves

Julie Graves started working at Pillsbury United Communities in 2002 at Waite House as the Youth Arts & Academic Coordinator. In her current roles as Director of Youth Impact and Waite House Director, Graves leads agency-wide youth development efforts and propels Waite House’s community-driven values.

She holds a Master of Education in Youth Leadership Development from the University of Minnesota. Also known as the unofficial agency “Settlement House Historian,” Graves completed her graduate fieldwork by researching the Settlement House movement locally and nationally, including spending time at Henry Street Settlement in New York City.

Signe Harriday

Signe V. Harriday is the Artistic Producing Director at Pillsbury House + Theatre, known for her visionary storytelling. As a director, multidisciplinary artist, activist, and facilitator, she uses theatre to ignite discussions about both individual and collective humanity.

Harriday’s past accomplishments include serving as an Associate Company Member of Pillsbury House Theatre and co-founding the Million Artist Movement, a collective dedicated to Black liberation. She is also the co-founder of the award-winning synchronized swimming team, The Subversive Sirens, and the founder of Rootsprings Coop, a retreat center for BIPOC artists, activists, and healers.

Harriday co-founded MaMa mOsAiC, a women of color theater company focused on social change through female-centered work. Harriday earned her MFA in Acting from the Institute for Advanced Theatre Training at the American Repertory Theatre at Harvard and Moscow Art Theatre.

Noël Raymond

Noël Raymond is the Co-Artistic Director of Pillsbury House + Theatre, where she has helped lead, develop, and implement theatre and arts programming to promote community vitality since 1995.

Raymond has worked extensively as an actor and director in theaters locally and nationally and is currently a core member of Carlyle Brown & Company. She served on the Minneapolis Arts Commission from 2011-2014 and has been on the Boards of Directors for the Multicultural Development Center, the Burning House Group Theatre Company, which she also co-founded, and the South Minneapolis Arts Business Association (SMARTS). Raymond co-authored, with Denise Kulawik, a case study of Pillsbury House Theatre for the book “Building Communities Not Audience” published in 2012. She has presented at numerous convenings including the National Alliance for Media Arts & Culture, the American Swedish Institute’s ‘Night of Social Wonder’; and the National Innovation Summit for Arts & Culture.

Jacara Warfield

Jacara Warfield has over 20 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, specializing in community engagement, case management, and program development. As a Community Health Coordinator at Pillsbury United Communities, Warfield has led initiatives focused on healthcare access, food security, and housing stability.

Warfield has managed large-scale projects, secured funding for vital services, and built strong partnerships to support underserved communities. Her work includes overseeing resource distribution, coordinating public health campaigns, and advocating for systemic change.

Known for her leadership, organizational skills, and compassionate approach, Warfield played a role in the Hennepin County Heart Health Initiative, promoting cardiovascular health for Black and Indigenous women. She remains dedicated to creating a lasting impact through advocacy, program development, and direct community support.

Jovita Morales

Jovita Morales is a policy and advocacy community organizer at PUC with a long history of activism dating back to 2000. She co-founded the Minnesota Immigrant Movement, a grassroots group fighting for immigrant rights, and has led efforts advocating for driver’s licenses for all since 2008.

Morales has also worked to provide training on the driver’s manual to help community members navigate the licensing process and pass the exam. She played a key role in passing the municipal ID in Minneapolis and supporting its implementation in Northfield.

Jennifer Weber

Jennifer Weber joined Pillsbury United Communities in 2023, transitioning from a teaching career in the K-12 system to become the Youth Education & Enrichment Manager at the Brian Coyle Center.

With 30 years in education, she started as a special education early childhood care provider. For nearly half of her career, she served as an educational advocate in her Native American community, and the other half as a respected teacher, mentor, and coach in the Cedar Riverside Neighborhood.

Her coaching journey began in the northern suburbs of Minneapolis, where she coached various sports, then moved to high school, building a successful program at PACT in Anoka. While attending Augsburg College, she worked at Cedar Riverside Community School, where she noticed a lack of quality sports and enrichment programs. This led her to co-found Cedar Riverside Athletics and Enrichment (CRAE), which partners with local universities, businesses, and leaders.

Though most know her as “Coach Weber” from her years of coaching basketball, her true passion lies in education, connecting with others, and advocating for opportunities in the community.

Elizabeth Brisbin

March 18, 2025

FANS Program Students Discover College Opportunities and Adventure in Arizona

Twelve high school students, accompanied by three chaperones, embarked on an exciting out-of-state college trip to Phoenix, Arizona, where they explored the possibilities of attending school beyond their home state of Minnesota. During the trip, they toured Arizona State University’s Tempe and Phoenix campuses, visiting various educational buildings, the music and art museums, and the fitness complex. Beyond the campus experience, the group ventured into Arizona’s stunning landscapes, hiking through Papago Park for a breathtaking view of the valley and tackling a hilly trail, with some students completing a 1.5-mile trek. The trip also provided opportunities to experience the unique desert environment, from spotting towering cacti to rollerblading, shopping for souvenirs and clothes, and bonding over card games. Along the way, students from Brian Coyle, Waite House, and Oak Park locations deepened their connections while reflecting on how life and geography can vary across the country—and how pursuing college out of state is an achievable dream.

Elizabeth Brisbin

North News Interns Engage in Advocacy at Youth Day at the Capitol

On February 26, 2025, six North News interns joined hundreds of high school students from across Minnesota for Youth Day at the Capitol, an event aimed at empowering young people to engage in the legislative process. The day began at the Minnesota History Center, where interns participated in an advocacy training session led by the Minnesota Youth Council. During the session, students learned how to advocate for issues they are passionate about, craft effective advocacy statements, and share their perspectives with lawmakers. Several North News interns took the opportunity to present their own advocacy statements, including Clarence Ransom, who spoke about undocumented immigrants’ rights.

Following the training, the interns explored the Smithsonian exhibit “Girlhood: It’s Complicated,” which examines the evolving experiences of girls in American history. They also visited exhibits on Native American history in the U.S. and the history of mining in Minnesota, gaining a deeper understanding of the state’s industrial and cultural past.

After their time at the History Center, the group joined a march to the Capitol building, where students gathered for lunch before engaging directly with lawmakers. The interns had the opportunity to meet with State Representative Esther Agbaje and Senate President Bobby Joe Champion. They asked Champion thoughtful questions on pressing issues, including the impact of the federal funding freeze in Minnesota, the situation in Gaza, and efforts to increase access to healthy food and essential goods for people without cars.

The event gave interns a hands-on experience in civic engagement, advocacy, and journalism. By participating in discussions with policymakers and learning from historical exhibits, the North News interns deepened their understanding of the issues affecting their communities and the ways they can use their voices to create change.

Elizabeth Brisbin

March 17, 2025

TOPA-opolis Community Campaign Kick-Off

The Housing Justice League invites you to come build community, learn about Tenant Opportunity to Purchase (TOPA), and share your priorities with city officials and local organizers!

When: Thursday, March 20^th, 6-8pm

Where: Sabathani Community Center – 310 E 38^th St. Minneapolis

FREE Dinner, PLEASE RSVP: tinyurl.com/topaopolis

Families Welcome.

Spanish interpretation available.

$25 stipends provided while supplies last.

Elizabeth Brisbin

23rd National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week

Pillsbury United Community Health Team celebrates LGBTQ Health Awareness Week by highlighting local organizations doing incredible work advancing LGBTQ Health Equity.

Family Tree Clinic (612) 473-0800

1919 Nicollet Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55403

A nonprofit clinic committed to improving the health of LGBTQ individuals through affordable, respectful sexual health care and education.

Outfront MN (612) 822-0127

2446 University Ave W Suite 112, St Paul, MN 55114

Outfront MN provides crisis intervention services, confidential crisis counseling, and other advocacy services for LGBTQ+ victims/survivors of violence and harassment.

MN Trans Health Coalition (612) 823-1152

730 E 38th St #108, Minneapolis, MN 55407

The Minnesota Transgender Health Coalition is committed to improving health care access and the quality of health care received by trans and gender non-conforming people through education, resources, and advocacy

Red Door Clinic (612) 543-5555

525 Portland Ave S 4th Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55415

STD & HIV testing, support groups, and sexual health services in Twin Cities.

Elizabeth Brisbin

Celebrating Notable Women Who Shaped Minnesota History

In celebration of Women’s History Month, Pillsbury United Communities is proud to recognize the significant contributions of women from all backgrounds. This week, we spotlight the historic milestones and accomplishments of women in Minnesota. Their stories of resilience, creativity, and leadership continue to inspire us all.

Lena O. Smith

1885 – 1966

Lena Smith made history in 1921 as the first Black woman to practice law in Minnesota. As the first female president of the Minneapolis NAACP, she led the charge against racial discrimination in the North, addressing housing, employment, and education issues.

Her pioneering work broke barriers for Black women in the legal profession and left a lasting impact on the fight for civil rights in the United States. “I’m used to doing the right thing without regard for myself,” Smith once said. “Of course, battles leave their scars, but I’m willing to make the sacrifice.”

Eloise Butler

1851 – 1933

Eloise Butler’s pioneering work in gardening lives on at the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary in Theodore Wirth Park, the oldest public wildflower garden in the U.S. The garden offers a tranquil escape into nature.

Butler began her career as a botany teacher in the early 1900s. She would take her students to explore the wetlands and uplands of what was then called Glenwood Park.

In 1907, after advocating it, she and others successfully petitioned the Park Board to designate a small plot of land for the garden, which Butler cared for on a volunteer basis.

In 1929, the garden was officially named in her honor, solidifying her enduring legacy in horticulture.

Mee Moua

1969 – Present

In January 2002, Mee Moua made history as the first Asian woman elected to the Minnesota Legislature and the first Hmong American elected to any state legislature. Moua, a St. Paul lawyer, ran on a campaign platform focused on education, housing, the economy, and public safety.

As Minnesota has the largest Hmong population in the U.S., Mou’s victory in St. Paul’s District 67 had a profound political and cultural impact on the Hmong community, marking a milestone in representation and political involvement for Hmong Americans. She was re-elected twice, serving a total of nine years in the Minnesota Senate.

Today, Mou serves as the president and executive director of Asian Americans Advancing Justice, which advocates for civic engagement for Asian Americans and other underserved communities.

Nellie Francis

1874 – 1969

At the turn of the 20th century, Nellie (Griswold) Francis emerged as an influential leader for civil rights in Minnesota. She made history as the only African American student to graduate from St. Paul High School in 1891 and was one of eight students chosen to deliver a graduation speech. In her address, Francis boldly asserted that the “race problem” was a construct of white Americans, who viewed Black citizens as dangerous rather than recognizing them as hard-working, peaceful, and patriotic—much less as equals.

This forward-thinking and fearless stance became a hallmark of her advocacy, which included the drafting of and lobbying for the adoption of a state anti-lynching bill that was signed into law in 1921, following the lynchings of three Black carnival workers in Duluth in 1920

Toni Stone

1921 – 1996

Toni Stone was a pioneering figure in the history of baseball, breaking gender and racial barriers in the sport. Born in 1921 in St. Paul’s historic Rondo neighborhood, Stone went on to become the first woman to play professional baseball in the Negro Leagues.

In 1953, she joined the Indianapolis Clowns, a team in the Negro American League, making her the first woman to compete in the league. Stone played second base and was known for her agility and strong arm.

In 1990, Stone was featured in the “Women in Baseball” and “Negro League Baseball” exhibits at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Three years later, she was inducted into the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame and the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. Award-winning playwright Lydia R. Diamond also produced an off-Broadway play about her life.

Next Week: We’ll honor the the women of Pillsbury United Communities making history today.

Elizabeth Brisbin

March 11, 2025

March 1-31, 2025 Brian Coyle Center Food Shelf is the Seward Community Co-Op March SEED recipient!

March 1-31, 2025, Pillsbury United Communities – Brian Coyle Center Food Shelf is the Seward Community Co-Op March SEED recipient! Round up at the register to help nourish your community. The Seward Co-op SEED program is a way in which the Seward Co-Op work towards their ends. The SEED program is a simple yet powerful community giving opportunity that allows customers to “round-up” their grocery bill for recipient organizations that share our commitment to a healthy community. All funds donated at the register are given directly to the recipient organization at the end of each month. Read More:

Seward Co-Op locations:

Franklin Store

Address: 2823 E Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis MN 55406
Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Friendship Store

Address: 317 E 38th Street
Minneapolis MN 55409
Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Elizabeth Brisbin

Breaking Barriers: Celebrating Significant Women in History

In honor of Women’s History Month, Pillsbury United Communities is excited to celebrate the vital contributions of women from all walks of life.

This week, we highlight the past and present achievements of women across the globe, who have broken barriers and made groundbreaking advancements in diverse fields such as science, aviation, public service and activism.

Their stories of perseverance, innovation, and leadership inspire us all.

Marian Croak, pioneering engineer

1955-present

Did you know that a woman played a key role in the technology behind Zoom and Microsoft Teams? Marian Croak was instrumental in developing Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology during her time at AT&T.

VoIP allows voice signals to be converted into digital data, enabling calls directly from computers or other digital devices.

During her career, Croak and her team developed a groundbreaking text-to-donate system for charitable organizations, which gained widespread use after Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in 2005. With over 200 patents to her name, Croak is one of the first two Black women inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Currently, she continues to innovate as the vice president of engineering at Google.

Croak offers an inspiring perspective on invention: “Many people think inventors have to be brilliant and off the charts in terms of their IQ, super smart and super academic in school and have gotten all A’s, and that’s not at all true. Inventors are usually people like you. “Sometimes they’re good at certain things, other times they’re not, and that’s ok. Just focus on what you want to change, and you become that change and can make that change happen.”

Patsy Mink trailblazing congresswoman

1927-2002

In 1964, Patsy Mink made history as the first woman of color elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first Asian American woman to serve in Congress. A native of Hawaii, Mink attended Wilson College in Pennsylvania and the University of Nebraska after high school but transferred due to racial discrimination. She later earned her law degree from the University of Chicago Law School and became the first Japanese American woman to practice law in Hawaii.

After Hawaii became a state in 1959, Mink set her sights on Congress. In 1962, she secured a seat in the Hawaii State Senate, and in 1964, she was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Throughout her tenure, Mink championed causes like gender and racial equality, affordable childcare, bilingual education, and environmental protection. She authored key legislation, including the Early Childhood Education Act and the Women’s Educational Equity Act. Mink is most renowned for authoring Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which banned sex discrimination in federally funded schools.

Mink once said, “I can’t change the past. But I can certainly help somebody else in the future, so they don’t have to go through what I did.”

Bessie Coleman, groundbreaking aviator

1892-1926

Bessie Coleman made history as the first African American woman to earn a pilot’s license and fly an aircraft in the United States. As a Black woman, she was unable to receive her pilot license in the U.S. at the time. So Coleman turned to Robert S. Abbott, publisher of the Chicago Defender, who advised her to move to France to follow her dream. In 1921, she earned her flying license, two years before Amelia Earhart.

Coleman’s first public flight in the U.S. took place on September 3, 1922, in Long Island, New York, marking her as the first Black woman to perform a public flight in the country. She went on to tour the nation, performing stunts and giving lectures to raise funds for an African American flying school. However, she would only perform for audiences at events where segregation was abolished and all spectators, regardless of race, entered through the same gates.

Tragically, Coleman’s life was cut short in 1926, when she died in a plane crash while rehearsing for an aerial performance. Despite her untimely death, her legacy endured. In 1929, William J. Powell founded the Bessie Coleman Aero Club in Los Angeles, which became an influential force in aviation. Through this club, many aviators—including the Five Blackbirds, the Flying Hobos, and the Tuskegee Airmen—were either directly or indirectly inspired by Coleman’s example, helping to further her dream of increasing African American participation in aviation.

Coleman’s determination and courage are encapsulated in her quote: “I refused to take no for an answer.”

Malala Yousafzai, fierce advocate

1997–present

Malala Yousafzai, now 27, began advocating for girls’ right to education in her native Pakistan at just 11 years old. Despite facing immense opposition and danger, her resolve to fight for the education of young girls only grew stronger. In 2012, Malala was targeted in an assassination attempt by the Taliban but miraculously survived. Rather than deterring her, the attack fueled her determination to continue her advocacy on a global scale.

In 2014, at just 17 years old, Malala became the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, a recognition of her tireless efforts to promote education for girls worldwide. Through the Malala Fund, she works relentlessly to ensure that girls everywhere have access to 12 years of free, quality education. Her unwavering courage has made her a powerful symbol of strength and hope, showing how one individual can spark change and shape a brighter future for millions.

In addition to her activism, Malala has ventured into media with her production company, Extracurricular, which has a deal with Apple TV+. The company produced the critically acclaimed documentary “The Last of the Sea Women.”

Malala is famously quoted as saying, “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world,” a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education.

Next Up: Next week we’ll honor historical contributions of women in Minnesota.

Elizabeth Brisbin

February 14, 2025

Pillsbury United Communities is Celebrating Black History Month

Pillsbury United Communities is celebrating Black History Month by sharing some upcoming events in the Twin Cities-metro area.

February 16 | 12:30 pm
Minneapolis Spirit of Black History Brunch
Tap-In, 2618 Lowry Ave. N., Minneapolis
Read More

February 20 | 5-7:30 pm
African Americans and Labor
Arlington Hills Community Center
1200 Payne Ave, St. Paul, MN
Read More

February 21 | 4-7 pm
Black to the Future! Kids’ Black History Exploration
825 Arts, 825 University Ave
Read More

February 21 | 5-8 pm
Brooklyn Park Black History Month Showcase
Community Activity Center
5600 85th Ave, N. Brooklyn Park
Read More

February 22 | 10am-1 pm
2nd Annual Black Men’s Brunch – Bring back the Love
The Den, 817 5th Ave. S. #200, Minneapolis
Read More

February 22 | 11am-3 pm
Black History Month: Breaking Generational Curses
825 Arts, University Ave. W, St.Paul
Read More

February 23 | 2-5 pm
How are you feeling mentally? Black Men’s Panel
825 Arts, University Ave. W, St.Paul
Read More

February 27 | 6-8 pm
S.H.I.N.E. & G.R.I.N.D Black History Month Showcase
North Senior High School
2416 11th Ave, St. Paul
Read More

February 28 | 7 pm
The Sound of Gospel Music presented by Rochester NAACP
Mayo Civic Center, 30 Civic Center Drive SE, Rochester
Read More

February 28 | 7-9:30 pm
Reads for My People
Fifth Element, 2411 Hennepin Ave, Minneapolis
Read More

Elizabeth Brisbin

February 10, 2025

FREE Home lead Assessment and up to $15k in Grants

Protect your family from lead exposure | You may qualify for a free home lead assessment and up to $15,000 in grants

Lead exposure can put young children at risk for brain and nervous system damage and slowed development.

Jacara Warfield

Community Health Coordinator

Pillsbury United Communities

612-453-5186

North Market, 414 Humboldt AvenueN., Minneapolis

www.hennepin.us/leadcontrol

Elizabeth Brisbin

February 7, 2025

Minneapolis Community Connections Conference

FREE EVENT

When: Saturday, February 8 at 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: Minneapolis Convention Center, First Floor, Hall E

1301 2nd Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55404

Participation is Power!

Speak:

Get involved in City decisions
Advise City leaders

Act:

Vote
Join a board
Make change in your neighborhood

Grow:

Jobs
Internships
Health
Housing
Renters’ rights
Immigration
Community safety
Environmental justice
Community resources
Food, music and dance

Get a FREE bus pass to the event: MinneapolisMN.gov/ccc

English 2025 Community Connections Conference

Spanish Community Connections Conference 2025

Somali Community Connections Conference 2025

Oromo Community Connections Conference 2025

Hmong Community Connections Conference 2025

Lao Community Connections Conference 2025