Hi, I’m Risikat. I'm a Brooklyn Park native passionate about bridging cultural divides and making complex processes accessible to everyone. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on advocating for communities, promoting equity, and empowering others through strategic communication.

I earned my Bachelor’s in Anthropology at the University of Northern Colorado, where I developed a strong understanding of human behavior and cultural dynamics. My professional journey began with AmeriCorps in Weld County, where I worked to help new American families navigate the challenges of educational institutions. During my time there, I built relationships with over 25 families and helped their students achieve academic success.

Upon my return to Minnesota, I spent nearly five years working in the nonprofit sector, focusing on helping families experiencing homelessness secure housing, expand educational opportunities, and navigate the complex family court system. One of my proudest accomplishments was securing housing for over 350 families and providing individual case management services. Near the end of my work, I began partnering with a colleague to offer workshops on eliminating bias while working with Minnesota's chronically homeless population.

After earning my Master’s in Strategic Communication Management, I took my newfound skills to the public sector. I advocated for environmental justice at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, helping to develop bring the first Environmental Justice Framework to life. I also worked on high-profile environmental pollution cases such as the 2019 Northern Metals case, which resulted in $600,000 being directly appointed to the most affected community members. I also briefly deployed to lead communications for the Environmental Council of the States in Washington, D.C. 

As Press Secretary and Deputy Communications Director for Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, I worked tirelessly to protect Minnesotans’ right to vote. I later served as Communications Director for Secretary Simon’s 2022 re-election campaign. Fun fact: The Secretary of State race won the most votes of any statewide office that year.

Currently, I lead the Communications Division for the City of Brooklyn Park, nurturing a dynamic team of super-talented graphic designers, writers, videographers, GIS & data analysis, and social media experts. 

I do my work with transparency and integrity, and take care of the people doing it alongside me. I know my way around a news conference, think five steps ahead of reputational hits, and will forever have the humility to say, “I don’t know - but I’ll find out!"

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​Here's the short version:
​I care a lot so I try to do my part. If you want to get REALLY close and personal, ask me about my pug - her name is Maya. 

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