Asalesol Y.

About Asalesol Y.

As the Executive Director at Housing in Action since March 2021, I have dedicated over four years to redefining housing justice and fostering an anti-colonial, human-centered approach within the organization. By implementing innovative policies that promote work-life balance, anti-racist hiring practices, and staff development, we have elevated our organizational voice to the state level and contributed to impactful housing policies in Minnesota. With expertise in community building and staff retention, I have consistently championed collaborative solutions that center marginalized voices. My work is rooted in the belief that systemic change begins at the grassroots, creating sustainable practices that prioritize equity and inclusion in housing and beyond.

Experience

1. Executive Director

   Housing In Action

   Mar 2021 — Present · Twin Cities, MN, US

   Transitioning org into a human-centered, anti-colonial housing justice nonprofit- Redefined the notion of volunteerism from centering those outside of the community to those within it- Creating policies that reflect value of work-life balance more in line with European and British standards of balance than current U.S burn-out culture- Developed anti-racist hiring practices and procedures- Foster worker development through professional development stipend for all staff- Integrated sabbatical policy, benefiting all staff who work 5 consecutive years or more- Developed and maintain a hybrid-work policy- Elevated the voice of the organization to a state level- Co-craft housing policies with MN State Legislators- Designed, advocated for and organized our own legislative bill that became a direct appropriation - the first in the organization\'s 28-year history- Partnering to develop the first co-operative homes intended specifically for Black and Indigenous families in Minneapolis- Worked with a private funder to create a 20K downpayment grant for Foundational Black families choosing to purchase in the historically Black community of North Minneapolis - the first of its kind in Minnesota- Doubled the organization\'s budget.

Education

• Carleton College

  Bachelor’s Degree, Theater and Dance with focus on African-American Studies

• School for International Training

  N/A, Multiculturalism and Social Change in South Africa

  2005 — 2005

Skills

• Grant Writing
• Leadership
• Editing
• Fundraising
• Research
• Staff Development
• Public Speaking
• Curriculum Development
• Event Planning
• Program Development
• Volunteer Management
• Community Outreach
• Nonprofits
• Curriculum Design
• Microsoft Office
• Teaching