EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND FOUNDER

Rod Adams is committed to building economic power for Black and brown communities. Growing up in Chicago, he saw how poverty and crime affected people differently based on their race and these early experiences shaped his awareness of systemic disparities. Now, he is the founder and executive director of the New Justice Project, an organization that focuses on building power for Black Minnesotans through leadership development, political education and access to equitable jobs and housing. As a Bush Fellow, he will earn a bachelor’s degree in public policy at the University of Minnesota, travel to learn from experts in economic development and social innovation, and build more sustainable leadership practices that help him do even more for those he serves.

ORGANIZING DIRECTOR

Mel Koe hails from a small town in Malaysia and now calls the Twin Cities home! Prior to joining New Justice Project, Mel organized small business owners across Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan; and helped build power towards one of the strongest paid family medical leave laws in the country and a small business labor standards pilot project in Minneapolis. During their free time, Mel loves experimenting in the kitchen and cuddling with their cats.

COMMUNICATIONS & CULTURAL MANAGER

Shakirah Edwards is a multi media journalist, public speaker and host who grew up watching her father organize in the inner city, specifically North Minneapolis. At the time, there was no language used to confirm that that’s what he was doing but once she got older and he passed away she realized what a pillar he was for his community and understood the passion he felt to make change and fight for our people every single day. 

Today, she is determined to use her voice to fight for those same folk, and hopefully make a difference and a safe space for her community via digital organizing. 

COMMUNITY ORGANIZER

Nelle is a Southern transplant who has called Minnesota home for nearly six years. With a decade of experience across technical support, the service industry, and nonprofit sectors, Nelle brings a broad skill set and working class perspective to their organizing work. 

In their downtime, Nelle enjoys bachata partner dancing, practicing yoga in community and finds comfort in cheesy queer romance novels. Their experiences navigating being low income, black and queer highlight their resilience and commitment to personal, spiritual, and communal growth, with a focus on building collective power for equity in Minnesota.

ECONOMIC JUSTICE ORGANIZING FELLOW

Richard is a community leader from south central la. During his time in Minneapolis, he has invested in his community by becoming a micro greens farmer, community leader and now the economic justice organizing fellow at NJP. Through his work, he hopes to make a change in his community and uplift young black men.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

 From a young advocate for voting rights to a seasoned social justice leader, Dawn's journey has been marked by a deep commitment to equity. Her work in both the corporate and nonprofit sectors has equipped her with the tools to address complex social issues. Now, she is dedicated to creating a more just and equitable world for all.