About Latonya & Resume

I have worked in the community for many years, recognizing the issues that impact our marginalized neighbors, and working towards disparity reduction and equitable policies and practices. As a union president, I have worked to bring the voices of strong, tenacious workers to the negotiating table as we fought for fair wages, paid family and medical leave, and more equitable health care that works for employees striving to take care of their families.

My mother always taught me the value of education. When I was younger, I strived to be the best that I could be in a world that was challenging and bleak. I went to the University of Minnesota and obtained my Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, and Sociology of Law, Criminology and Deviance. I have my Master of Science Degree in Public Service Leadership in Criminal Justice and have completed all but my dissertation for my PhD in Criminal Justice.
I am a life-long learner, always seeking knowledge in my chosen field.

As a black female, I continue to raise up our issues of inequality, along with more equity and inclusion of marginalized communities so that they can thrive and realize their own American dream. As a community corrections professional, I will bring awareness to candidates’ initiatives that reduce disparities in the criminal justice system, center the voices of victims, and work collaboratively with stakeholders to bring forward ideas that will shine a light on our issues and work hard to change the narrative of public safety in this country. Housing, climate and universal health care are paramount policies that we must enact through legislation. As your DNC representative, I will continue to advocate for policies and lift candidates who want the best for all, not just the few.

As a member of the DNC, I will work hard to enfranchise disaffected and disenfranchised voters across all demographics, encourage and support them to recognize their potential and work towards finding energized democrats to run for office. Now, more than ever, we are seeing legislators across this country attempt to take away voting rights of millions of marginalized people, just so that they can stay in power. We need to work collaboratively to include everyone in our democracy.

I look forward to this work and ask for your support!

Latonya’s Resume

Minnesota DFL Roles

  • Executive Committee Member, Minneapolis DFL

  • Secretary, Senate District 61, Minneapolis

  • Delegate, State Central Committee

  • Director, DFL Feminist Caucus

  • Director, CD-5 DFL

  • Deputy Outreach and Inclusion Officer, CD-5 DFL

  • MN DFL Affirmative Action Committee—Outreach and Inclusion

  • MN DFL Platform Committee

Education

  • Policy Fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minnesota

  • BA, Political Science, Sociology of Law & Criminology, University of Minnesota

  • MS, Public Service Leadership in Criminal Justice, Capella University

  • PhD Candidate, Criminal Justice, Walden University

Organized Labor and Advocacy

  • President, AFSCME Local 552 (Hennepin County Probation Officers)

  • President, AFSCME Hennepin County Policy Committee

  • Vice President, Minnesota AFSCME Council 5

  • Justice Co-Chair, Minneapolis NAACP

  • Board Member, Minnesota Corrections Association

  • Board Member, Downtown Minneapolis Neighborhood Association

Appointed Positions

  • Vice Chair, Minneapolis Community Commission on Police Oversight (CCPO)

  • Commissioner, MN Sentencing Guidelines Commission

  • Member, Minneapolis Mayor’s Community Cabinet

  • Advisory Task Force Member, Justice Involved Girls State Task Force

All roles are current as of Feb. 2024