Meet the Health Equity Network Coordinators and Staff
Contact Ben (he/him)
benjamin.cahill@state.mn.us
What do you love about living in Northwest Minnesota? As a West Coast transplant to Northern Minnesota, this area isn’t exactly easy to live in. Despite its challenges, I have been amazed to meet so many resilient, supportive, and visionary people who are excited to make this area a place where people of all backgrounds can truly thrive. I love this tight-knit community I have found.
What excites you most about the networks? I’m most excited about the opportunity to learn about, uplift, and amplify the stories, people, and projects that may have historically been overlooked or pushed to the margins.
If you could have dinner with someone famous, who would you choose and why? It would be a toss-up between Joan Baez and Angela Davis because they have lived remarkable lives, done remarkable work, and could easily tell some of the most interesting stories all evening.
Contact Colleen (she/her)
colleen.mckinney@state.mn.us
What do you love about living in northeast Minnesota? My childhood memories come back to me every time I am near Lake Superior or anywhere in the northeast region. I also love spending time in the woods and learning more about wild plants that are used for food and medicine.
What excites you most about the networks? I look forward to meeting people from the entire northeast region, and helping to build upon existing equity efforts. I enjoy working toward creative solutions, and am happy to have the opportunity to help make health equity connections that benefit everyone in the northeast region and throughout Minnesota.
If you could have dinner with someone famous, who would you choose and why? I'd pick Dolly Parton, because she is a person who has come from rural roots and, despite her fame, remains genuine and works to make the world a better place.
Contact Fa (she/her)
fatuma.youb@state.mn.us
320-223-7327
What do you love about living in central Minnesota? I love the abundance of nature and diversity in central Minnesota. I am now discovering new trails with my bike during weekends at Lake Wobegon Trail, which crosses Stearns and Todd Counties and connects ten communities.
What excites you most about the networks? I am most excited to bring a network of leaders together to advance health and racial equity in the public health system, and consistently ensure that all communities in central Minnesota experience equitable benefits.
If you could have dinner with someone famous, who would you choose and why? I would choose David Attenborough, because who would not want to hear his voice?
Contact Lyndsey (she/her)
lyndsey.reece@state.mn.us
651-201-5318
What do you love about southeast Minnesota? Southeast Minnesota is a beautiful area where I spent many years throughout college and some of my career. Throughout the years I've developed a love for the growing, diverse communities in southeast Minnesota, and look forward to getting to know each community on a deeper level.
What excites you most about the networks? I am most excited to bring people together and develop lasting relationships as southeast Minnesota works to tackle the inequities seen throughout the communities.
If you could have dinner with someone famous, who would you choose and why? I would have dinner with Caroline Myss, an author. The dinner would be full of deep authentic discussion regarding whole wellness!
Contact Shor (they/them)
shor.salkas@state.mn.us
What do you love about health equity and community engagement? I love how much I learn everyday about the people and communities around me. This constant learning keeps me curious and humble, and it allows me to look for solutions in creative ways alongside people. I love that I am a small part of that bigger picture to create thriving communities and doing health equity and community engagement work.
What excites you most about the networks? I know that relationships are the core of communities creating long lasting change and to advancing health equity. This approach centers relationships and moves at the pace of trust, and sometimes that means we don't know what will emerge, but I know that some things that will emerge are belonging and brilliance.
If you could have dinner with someone famous, who would you choose and why? Yotam Ottolenghi, world renowned chef specializing in Middle Eastern cuisine, and we wouldn't just have dinner… we would cook dinner together via a hand-picked menu that highlights dishes that tell the story of his cultural cooking journey.
Contact TC (he/him)
tc.duong@state.mn.us
What do you love about health equity and community engagement? When it comes to health equity and community engagement, I love creating positive feedback loops where those most impacted by policies are the ones shaping it. What I mean by feedback loop is when communities have a voice in decision-making, the dynamic shifts beyond engagement to co-design. I love seeing institutions internalize an equity lens and cultural humility to the point that communities actively see those institutions as partners and resources.
What excites you most about the networks? The Minnesota Health Equity Networks is an insight and innovation lab for public health practitioners to have a safe space to share joys, challenges, and strategies. I love that my team is rooted in the WHY before the WHAT, and that gets expressed in our intakes, training, and evaluations!
If you could have dinner with someone famous, who would you choose and why? Julia Child, but for a very different reason than most people think. She wrote about how her father was an old money guy from Southern California who she clashed with on the regular. I would love to ask her about how she engaged with a family member so different from her and how she created such a life given her upbringing.