News

Michele McKenzie, Rosalyn Park, Jennifer Prestholdt

As The Advocates for Human Rights enters a new chapter, our interim leadership team is poised to guide the organization’s work. “Our mission could not be more critical than at this moment,” says board member Dan Supalla, who will take on the role of board chair in January. “Deputy Directors Jennifer Prestholdt and Michele Garnett McKenzie and Women’s Human Rights Director Rosalyn Park are experienced leaders able to guide the organization while we prepare for a broader executive search and continue the critical work of defending human rights locally and globally.” The interim leadership team is tasked with implementing a new strategic plan, which positions The Advocates for even greater impact. Their collaborative leadership will be key in advancing initiatives that break new ground, including a statewide partnership aimed at expanding access to immigration legal services and a cross-movement approach to addressing gender-based violence that highlights the intersectional experiences of both women and LGBTIQ+ individuals.

Innovative Approaches to Human Rights Advocacy

“The right to seek asylum is under attack,” says Michele Garnett McKenzie. “We need to sustain our capacity to represent people seeking asylum so we can enforce U.S. obligations under the Refugee Convention. And we need to innovate so people can get the legal help they need.” A new statewide partnership to improve access to immigration legal services is a key part of this strategy. This initiative aims to address gaps in legal support by creating a streamlined network of service providers across Minnesota, ensuring that people can receive the help they need when and where they need it. By strengthening ties with community organizations, law firms, and volunteers, The Advocates is positioning itself as a leader in making immigration justice a reality. The team is also taking steps to deepen cross-movement collaboration in the fight against gender-based violence. “We cannot afford to be distracted by the divide-and-conquer tactics of those seeking to rollback human rights for women and LGBTIQ+ people,” says Rose Park. “We recognize that violence is often intersectional, and we are building partnerships across movements.” From engaging people with lived experience in improving Minnesota’s anti-trafficking strategies and the legal response to system-involved survivors of violence to working in Morocco to ensure the safety of all individuals and communities from gender-based violence, The Advocates is focused on practical policies that protect human rights.

Building on a Strong Foundation

The new initiatives of the interim leadership team are grounded in The Advocates’ long history of mobilizing a vast network of supporters and volunteers. Last year alone, volunteers contributed more than $20 million worth of pro bono human rights work. This robust support base will continue to be a cornerstone of our work. “We know that by engaging people in hands-on human rights work, they become advocates for human rights,” says Jennifer Prestholdt. “We’re also continuing to invest in training our volunteers and partner organizations on using human rights.” Fundraising remains another critical pillar of The Advocates’ strength, and our leadership team is committed to building on the organization’s history of financial health. With a solid fundraising strategy in place, the team is well-positioned to sustain and strategically expand operations, ensuring that we have the resources necessary to implement our ambitious strategic plan.

Looking Ahead

As The Advocates for Human Rights continues to drive forward its mission, our interim leadership team is ready to lead with innovation, collaboration, and a bold vision for the future. Jennifer Prestholdt, Rosalyn Park, and Michele Garnett McKenzie bring decades of combined experience in human rights work, and their leadership is already shaping a new era for the organization. Their focus on maximizing the impact of The Advocates’ advocacy will set the stage for the successful implementation of our strategic plan. We are confident that under their leadership, The Advocates will continue to make an extraordinary impact in Minnesota and around the world. As we move through this transition, we remain committed to our mission of protecting human rights for all, and we invite our supporters to join us as we embark on this exciting new journey. Together, we will continue to change the world for good.