Get to know Raisa Elhadi, LeadMN's newest staff member!

Raisa is the new Outreach Coordinator and began at LeadMN on January 29. You can contact her at 651-203-9463 or relhadi@leadmn.org.

Tell us about your work experience and educational background.

I graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2017 with a degree in Global Studies. While at UMN, and for a brief time afterward, I worked at an immigration clinic called the Center for New Americans, where I helped detained immigrants fight deportation to dangerous countries and potential persecution. Since then I’ve been abroad in Beirut, Lebanon, teaching English to Syrian refugee youth and women.

What interested you in working for LeadMN?

Working with students abroad was a really engaging and rewarding experience, so I knew I wanted to continue to do that in some capacity. Since I was so recently a student myself, I’m very conscious of the political force that students can be when they are empowered and equipped with the right tools, so I wanted to join LeadMN to help develop students as leaders.

What are some of the things that you have been working on and are excited to work on in the future?

Right now we’re really focusing on rallying students to vote in the upcoming midterm elections this November. Two-year college students will be heavily affected by the outcome of the different races in our state this year, and so we’re really trying to push the message that students do have a valuable voice in politics and that there are a lot of different ways to get their voices heard. I’m excited to continue this campaign as we get closer to election season and to get students pumped up about civic engagement.

What interests do you have outside of work?

I’m really passionate about traveling, whether that’s camping in Minnesota, cross-country road trips, or voyages across the world. When I’m in Minneapolis I still like to explore new places, and on the weekends I try to check out different neighborhoods, cafes, and restaurants I’ve never been to. I’m also an avid writer and I submit pieces to different online and print publications as a hobby. Finally, I love music; I play the piano and guitar and try to join local community bands or choirs when I have the time.

Raisa graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities with a degree in Global Studies that focused on human rights in the Middle East. While obtaining this degree she gained insight in human rights and social justice issues in her own community, particularly while working at an immigration law clinic throughout and following her undergraduate career. After graduation, Raisa volunteered for five months in Beirut, Lebanon, teaching Syrian refugees, and then returned to Minnesota to work with LeadMN and empower student leaders in communities of color in her own state.

Outside of work, Raisa enjoys writing and reading at different cafes in the Twin Cities, participating in music groups and playing piano and guitar at home, and traveling in whatever capacity she can, whether that’s camping in Minnesota, cross-country road trips, or voyages across the world.