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Upcoming Convenings
OEOA convenings are welcome and encouraged for everyone, and especially designed to increase civic engagement for politically disenfranchised communities.
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Our second Clinics at the Capitol will be July 15th on Employment and Economic Development. This free event series is designed to offer hands-on help in the People's House. Alongside state partners, July will focus on removing barriers for employment and entrepreneurs. Register here!
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The next Mind, Body & Soul will be Star of the North: How Travel and Outdoor Recreation Strengthen Mind, Body and Soul. Join OEOA and Explore Minnesota for an energizing and inspiring conversation with Executive Director Lauren Bennett McGinty and Outdoor Recreation Deputy Director Randolph Briley. Together, we’ll explore how tourism and outdoor recreation contribute to wellness, connection, and equity across Minnesota. Register here!
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Coming soon: Our July History Makers convening, celebrating Disability Pride! July is Disability Pride Month which honors the history and achievements of people with disabilities, and celebrates the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990. Watch your inbox for the venue reveal, and registration details! |
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OEOA Projects and Priorities
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Active Phase OEOA Listening Tour: up next summer visits to Rochester and Duluth
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Active Phase OEOA Clinics at the Capitol: events on July 15 and August 19
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Development Phase OEOA Statewide Equity Analysis Cohort: accepting cohort inquiries
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Development Phase OEOA Equity Story Map: aligning state partners for the initiative
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Development Phase State of MN Engagement Field Guide: gathered initial feedback from engagement employees across the state
Minnesota Voices
We would like to hear from you about what issues your community is facing and what resources matter the most. Share your voice here, and join our efforts to advance systems change in our state.
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This season has brought with it moments of deep sorrow, and powerful unity. Our hearts remain with the Hortman and Hoffman families, and the wave of Minnesotans whose lives have been impacted because of theirs. The outpouring of support from across Minnesota has been a beautiful reminder of our collective humanity, and to always remain focus on what we stand for versus against.
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the many community members, cultural leaders, grassroots organizations, and advocacy groups who came to the Capitol—not only to offer their condolences, but to stand in shared commitment to justice, compassion, and a more equitable Minnesota. Your presence, your prayers, your handwritten messages, and your unwavering solidarity have filled the halls with something more than grief—they’ve brought hope.
In the Office of Equity, Opportunity, and Accessibility, we often say that policy is people. And in times like these, we see that truth more clearly than ever. The work of state government is enriched by the voices that challenge us to grow, and the perspectives that expand our understanding. It is through this vantage point that we continue our mission—translating community priorities into systems change, together.
Thank you Minnesota for reminding us that courage is not the absence of hardship, but the presence of community.
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Join North Hennepin Community College, 7411 85th Ave N, for a Civic Engagement Education Series on September 30th, October 21st and November 20th to understand how the government works, make informed decisions and shape the future of your community. This event does not require registration.
Join the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO-MN) in partnership with MEDA (Metropolitan Economic Development Association) to celebrate and empower women entrepreneurs at WOMEN IGNITE! WOMEN IGNITE connects women business owners with community resources, expert advice, and networking opportunities to help them grow and thrive. Register here!
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Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing Community Needs Survey
The Minnesota Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind & Hard of Hearing board members are seeking your feedback to help shape the Commission’s big picture goals. This survey will help immensely to shape the Commission’s big picture goals! You can take the survey in light mode here! Or in dark mode here! Prefer a conversation instead? You can request an interview by calling Darlene Zangara at 612-405-5611.
2025 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study Comment Period
The State of Minnesota along with regional and local partners seek to ensure fairness in public contracting opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses and other historically disadvantaged businesses. To ensure this commitment, on June 24th the State and other public agencies released results of their joint draft study of business utilization in state and local government contracts and in the local marketplace.
The State is seeking public review of the information in the draft study reports before they are finalized in July. To learn more about the study results, visit the study website here, give input via 602-704-0125 or send to JointMNDisparityStudy2025@keenindependent.com, or learn of the countless zoom meetings on the website!
LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans Community Needs Survey
There is still time to make your voice heard by taking the Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans Community Needs Survey! Your input will influence policies and programs for our Queer & Trans community.
Position Posting: Governor's Office Policy Advisor
The Office of Governor Tim Walz and Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan is seeking a motivated and dedicated policy professional to serve as a Policy Advisor for taxes, bonding, cannabis and other issues as assigned. This position advises and supports the Governor on legislative and policy matters related to taxes, bonding, cannabis and gaming issues. Click here for information about this influential role!
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OEOA Mission Moments
- The office of OEOA had the opportunity to watch the Kumbayah: The Juneteenth Story presented by Sweet Potato Comfort Pie and the Minnesota Humanities Center. OEOA's Chief Equity Officer moderated an enlightening conversation with the artists about truth, reconciliation, and community care.
- On June 19th, OEOA pulled up to the ANIKA Foundation annual Juneteenth Celebration at Minnesota's State Capitol. It was a wonderful celebration filled with music, food, MN State career/resources, and great company. It was a moment for us all to honor and remember the contributions of people of African descent in Minnesota, and across the United States.
- The Chief Equity Officer joined Minnesota Employee Resource Group (ERG) MNclusive, at the Twin Cities Pride Festival. Throughout the parade route, she passed out fans and proclamations alongside the PE Department.
OEOA Convening Loopback
Clinics at the Capitol: Procurement–Small and Emerging Businesses. Our first Clinics at the Capitol was a success! Over 200 people attended. Participants were able to gain resources to broaden and vary their customer base by including the government marketplace, ample networking and training on a multitude of things. To ensure Clinics at the Capitol continue to center community needs, please fill out this survey!
The June Mind, Body and Soul Convening Legislative Wrap Up: Policy to the People drew 95 registered participants. Senior Policy Advisors from Governor’s Office discussed the legislative wrap up, and how to connect community with policy. Participants shared enthusiastic feedback who valued the space for learning, connection and the call to action. Attendees praised the event's meaningful content and accessible format, highlighting the importance of understanding how policy impacts our health, welling-being, and collective future. Insights will be compiled and forwarded to state leaders for review and consideration as part of ongoing efforts to make state resources more accessible and responsive to community needs.
One MN History Makers: Generation of Pride–A Celebration of Queer Youth, Art, and Legacy. In partnership with QUEERSPACE Collective and Transforming Families, this youth-led session focused on celebrating and uplifting contributions of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Deep gratitude for the incredible panelists including Theo Casio of The Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans, Minneapolis City Council Member Andrea Jenkins of Ward 8, and youth activists from QUEERSPACE Collective and Transforming Families.
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 Honors and Celebrations
Minnesota is home to a variety of cultures and events that are honored and celebrated through proclamations. Visit the Governor's Office website for the latest!
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 Public Appearances
You can invite the Chief Equity Officer to join your meeting, attend an event, or speak as part of your program. Simply complete the appearance request form.
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 Growth Opportunities
Be part of a team working
to make a difference and
move Minnesota forward.
Visit mn.gov/careers to
explore open positions and growth opportunities.
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The Office of Equity, Opportunity, and Accessibility (OEOA) in the Office of Governor Tim Walz
and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan is dedicated to effectively translating community priorities into systems-change by making recommendations to state leaders on budget, policy, and
executive actions targeted at eliminating disparities through improved policies, programs,
and service deliveries in state government.
OEOA is on Instagram!
Excited to announce the official Instagram page of the Office of Equity, Opportunity, and Accessibility, where community voices matter, and systems are transformed through collective impact. Follow @mngov.equityoffice to stay in the loop.
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