Ayolanda Bandele
Ayolanda is rooted in youth and family advocacy and is actively engaged in an array of community initiatives. She is passionate about developing, building access to, and advocating for resources needed to ensure under-represented and under-resourced communities are not forgotten in decision-making processes. Driven by Shirley Chisholm’s quote, ”You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas,” Ayolanda’s professional experience includes building effective partnerships amongst community programs; organizing social action initiatives to address youth violence; developing cultural specific parent education classes; coaching parents to increase their parenting capacity; and facilitating professional development and community-based workshops.
She is also a family life educator, doula, and certified parenting coach. She holds a B.A. degree in Family Science from Concordia University.
Mujasi Jaara Bandele
Mujasi’s foundational purpose is the liberation, freedom, and strengthening of African Americans. For over 20 years, he has committed his life to the development of African American youth and families by serving in multiple community capacities. As a student of history and family science, he positions the strength and resilience of African American people as a reservoir of inspirational movement that offers the world an example of humanitarian triumph.
The canvas of Mujasi’s professional experience is widespread. He creates community spaces of historical reflection and community dialogue; coordinate effective partnerships between youth and family serving programs; design and implement culturally specific family education classes; develop evidence-base leadership projects for African American youth; and facilitate professional development workshops for the Twin Cities. Mujasi’s most prideful accomplishment is in his growth as a father of 6 and a mentor of many. He subscribes to Naim Akbar’s maxim, “Manhood maturation is not yet achieved until you are building and supporting the minds of the next generation.”
Mujasi obtain his M.A. in Family Science from Concordia University where he currently instructs a course in Family Communications and Relationships. He is a certified Family Life Educator and recently became a father-focused practicing Doula through the Community Outreach Perinatal Education training.