Our People

From Grand Forks, North Dakota, Isatu is a third-year student at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minn. She is majoring in Communication Studies and has a love of storytelling. Isatu believes in the importance of sharing stories to encourage change. Growing up as one of the select minorities in her community has led her to want to encourage and give other Black, Indigenous, and people of color a way to share their stories and inspire change in their own communities. She has worked with Pioneer-PBS to create short pieces that promote positive change in rural communities, shining a light on gender and racial equity and the importance of mental health as a tool for resilience when facing adversity. She aims to carry that passion and learned skills with her as the Wenda Weekes Moore Intern at the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota.

“Working with a diverse group of women for gender and racial equity at the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota aligns with my belief in using one’s voice and taking action to change harmful narratives. I wish to use my voice to speak up in support of others and to help provide a platform for marginalized and silenced women and girls to speak and be heard. I believe the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota is doing exactly that and I look forward to working with them.”

Erika Idrovo-Cuesta, previously the Wenda Weekes Moore Intern and Dr. Reatha Clark King Fellow, returned to WFMN in August 2019 after working as a legal assistant in immigration law and participating in policy training. She graduated from Augsburg University, and plans to continue as the first in her family to pursue higher education by obtaining a master’s degree in public policy.

“Philanthropy to me means opportunity. It wasn’t until I was introduced to philanthropy that I realized a community of supporters believed in this opportunity for all people to thrive, regardless of legal status, educational experience, skin color, gender or sexuality. As a Fellow, I find impact in the relationships, support, and opportunities to lead that strengthen my skills. In this role, I hope to learn more from my community and from influential leaders to grow in my leadership. I hope to respond to the growing needs from communities impacted by the coronavirus, anti-Black racism, and anti-immigration policies.”