A new feature in our quarterly newsletter is to spotlight various DPS divisions and areas to allow employees to get to know them better. First in the spotlight is Community Affairs, with Community Affairs Director Nicole Archbold answering questions from the team:
Q: How long has Community Affairs been around and part of DPS?
A: Community Affairs was established at DPS in 2019.
Q: What is Community Affairs best known for?
A: Inside DPS, I think we are probably best known for coordinating with divisions to have a presence at community engagement events like National Night Out and the Minnesota State Fair. One of the programs we are known for externally is Make Minnesota Safe and Secure, DPS’s gun lock distribution effort, which has provided over 67,000 gun locks to Minnesotans across the state.
Q: If you had to describe the work of Community Affairs in one sentence, what would it be?
A: We are connectors – of people, information and resources.
Q; How big is Community Affairs in terms of employees, and where is it located?
A: Community Affairs is a part of the Commissioner’s Office, and currently, we are a team of four composed of myself, Laurisa Clay, Yasmin Aden and Qodah Elmi. In February, we will be a team of six.
Q: What are you most proud of related to Community Affairs?
A: As the Community Affairs Director, I’m most proud of our ability to foster strong, collaborative relationships between diverse community groups and DPS. Our efforts in building trust and understanding within the community have been particularly rewarding.
Q: If there was one thing you’d like other divisions at DPS to know about Community Affairs, what is it?
A: The Community Affairs team is very excited about the work we are doing with divisions to extend the reach of critical resources and programs that really make a difference to the lives of Minnesotans.
Q: Anything we’ve missed that you’d like everyone to know?
A: We hope to see you at the Minnesota State Fair in August!
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