Our team
Executive Director: Leslie E Redmond, Esq. MBA
Leslie E. Redmond is a distinguished figure in the realms of activism, civil rights, mediation, and public speaking, hailing originally from Washington DC. A trailblazer from an early age, Leslie earned the distinction of becoming the youngest President of the Minneapolis NAACP at the remarkable age of 25. Beyond her impactful role in the NAACP, Leslie is the visionary founder behind "Don't Complain Activate" and the transformative Minneapolis Community Healing Team.
Leslie's educational journey is marked by academic excellence, with a BA in Political Science and a minor in African Studies from Barry University in Miami, Florida. Her commitment to continuous learning led her to achieve a Juris Doctor and Masters in Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas, where she also became a licensed attorney in the State of Minnesota. Adding another layer to her repertoire, Leslie shares her knowledge as an adjunct professor, teaching "Law for Business Leaders" at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business.
In the mosaic of Leslie E. Redmond's experiences, her dynamic leadership as the youngest President of the Minneapolis NAACP, coupled with her grassroots initiatives and legal expertise, paint a portrait of a multifaceted and impactful individual. As an Executive Director, Leslie brings a rare combination of vision, passion for social justice, and practical skills that make her an exceptional choice to lead and inspire meaningful change within any organization.
Board President: Cynthia Assam Esq
Cynthia Assam is a distinguished corporate and intellectual property attorney currently making waves as the Head of Legal at a cutting-edge startup focused on using technology to enhance access to quality legal representation. With a unique position as one of the few Black IP lawyers in the US, she sees the challenges in intellectual property ownership as a contemporary civil rights issue. Taking matters into her own hands, Cynthia founded Assam Law, a boutique firm aimed at providing tailored support to creatives navigating trademark prosecution and broader business legal matters.
A proud alum of the University of St. Thomas, Cynthia holds a JD and MA in Public Policy. Her academic journey was marked by excellence, earning her the title of Presidential Scholar. During her time at UST Law, she actively engaged in the Community Justice Project (CJP) and lent her expertise through a clerkship at the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights, showcasing her dedication to social justice and community service.
Cynthia has a unique blend of legal prowess, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep commitment to addressing civil rights issues. With a proven track record of transformative initiatives like Assam Law, as Board President, she brings leadership experience and a passion for dismantling systemic barriers to the forefront of organizational success.
Briana Joyner: Board Member
As the current interim executive director for Hallie Q. Brown and previously the chief human resources and inclusion officer for the Minnesota Historical Society, Briana Joyner is a passionate leader of people and impact with a diverse business background and extensive experience. Briana serves in her current role as the interim executive director at Hallie Q. Brown, a beloved African American Institution in the heart of Rondo.
Briana’s vast experience includes organizational development, behavioral science, evaluation, operations, strategy development and implementation, learning and development, human resources, culture transformation, diversity, equity, access, and inclusion. Briana has worked to develop broad ownership of equity work, a sense of belonging, and deep intercultural competence across the communities she’s led. She continues to champion, inspire, mentor, and empower the next generation of changemakers and beyond. Briana served as the Board President for Hallie Q. Brown, Board of Director for Solid Ground and she is a Board of Trustee for the OD Global Network where she teaches other OD and D&I practitioners on JEDI related topics and Chairs the Membership & Volunteer Engagement Committee. Most recently, Briana was named Best-in-Class Executives as a 2023 Notable BIPOC Executive by the Twin Cities Business Magazine and in 2022 she was named as a Women in Business Honoree by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal for her outstanding work.
Before joining Hallie Q. Brown and MNHS, Briana worked in various positions in the field of people and culture development, human resources and providing strategic leadership in roles at Target Corporation and public and privately held companies throughout the Twin Cities. She has two B.A.s in Marketing and International Business from St. Cloud State University and an M.B.A. in business administration with a concentration in organizational development, human resources management, and change leadership from the University of St. Thomas.
Board Treasurer: PJ Hill
PJ Hill, a seasoned financial advisor affiliated with North Rock Partners, stands at the intersection of financial expertise and community advocacy. With a rich background as the former Vice President of the Minneapolis chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), PJ is more than a financial professional; he's a dedicated community leader.
Embodying a commitment to positive change, PJ has held pivotal roles in local nonprofits such as Juxtaposition Arts, Southside Initiatives, and the George Floyd Worldwide Healing Hands Project. His influence extends to the board of directors at Fairview Health Services, where he actively contributes to shaping the direction of community well-being.
PJ Hill's ability to navigate complex financial landscapes is complemented by a genuine dedication to community welfare, ensuring that financial decisions align seamlessly with the organization's overarching mission and goals. With PJ at the financial helm, the board has not only a seasoned financial advisor but a passionate advocate for community-driven success.
Board Secretary: Angela Rose Myers
Angela Rose Myers is a dedicated advocate for social justice and human rights. She graduated from Barnard College in 2018 with a BA in Africana Studies and Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Angela Rose quickly emerged as a prominent leader, becoming the 2nd Vice-president of the Minneapolis NAACP in 2019 and participating in the NAACP’s NEXT-GEN program for emerging social justice leaders.
In 2020, Angela Rose made history by being elected as the youngest president of the Minneapolis NAACP. Simultaneously, she became a Josie Johnson Leadership Fellow with the African American Leadership Forum. Angela Rose furthered her education by earning a Master’s degree in Human Rights from the University of Minnesota in 2023. During her studies, she received notable awards for her leadership and service, particularly in addressing police brutality.
Angela Rose's impactful work extended beyond academia. Collaborating with a team of researchers at the University of Minnesota, she reported Human Rights abuses by the police in Minnesota to the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights and other UN entities. This effort resulted in a significant country visit from the UN-Expert Mechanism on Law Enforcement and Racism to Minneapolis in April 2023.
Her experience in human rights advocacy and commitment to justice closely align with the values of WinBack. Angela Rose's passion for social justice and her track record of initiating positive change undoubtedly contribute to the success and effectiveness of the organization.
You're Invited !
Join us for our Day of Remembrance event, let's collectively hold space and reflect on the profound moments that sparked change, fostering a sense of community and shared remembrance.