Human Rights Commission

The Winona Human Rights Commission has named the winners of their annual essay contest for area students in grades 5 through 12.  The essay topic was “What does Human Rights mean to me, and what role does it play in my life?"  

The winners are: 

  • 1st Place - Alessia Velasquez Nitti, Junior, Cotter High School 

  • 2nd Place - Stephani Cardenas, Junior, Cotter High School

  • 3rd Place - Kate Casey, 9th grade, WSHS.

Overview

The purpose of the Winona Human Rights Commission is to secure for all citizens:

  • Equal opportunity in employment
  • Full participation in the affairs of the community
  • Housing
  • Public accommodations
  • Public services and education

This is done by assisting the Minnesota Department of Human Rights in implementing the Minnesota Human Rights Act and by advising the City Council on long-range programs to improve community relations to the City.

Meetings

  • 4:30 pm
  • 1st Wednesday of each month
  • Wenonah Room, 3rd Floor
  • City Hall
    207 Lafayette Street

Agendas & Minutes

Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.

View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes

Members

The Human Rights Commission consists of 15 members who serve three year terms, and are appointed by City Council, The commission is overseen by City Clerk, Monica Hennessy Mohan; email Monica Hennessy Mohan. Positions open September 16.

  • Takanda Epps
    Term Expires: September 16, 2021
  • Rachel Heim
    Term Expires: September 16, 2021
  • Jocylyn Poehler
    Term Expires: September 16, 2021
  • Hannah Faas
    Term Expires: September 16, 2021
  • Vacant (County H.S.)
    Term Expires: September 16, 2021
  • Maurella Cunningham
    Term Expires: September 16, 2022
  • Robert Gardner
    Term Expires: September 16, 2022
  • Fatima Said, Project Fine
    Term Expires: September 16, 2022
  • Marcia Hitz
    Term Expires: September 16, 2022
  • Vacant (District Court)
    Term Expires: September 16, 2022
  • Jacob Grippen
    Term Expires: September 16, 2023
  • Fredrick Paul Lee
    Term Expires: September 16, 2023
  • Tina Schott, Winona Housing and Redevelopment Authority
    Term Expires: September 16, 2023
  • Tyler Treptow-Bowman
    Term Expires: September 16, 2023
  • Vacant
    Term Expires: September 16, 2023

Membership Criteria

Active interest in securing human rights

Apply

Interested in joining commission? Apply now! Complete the 2020 Boards and Commissions Application (PDF) and email it to Monica Hennessy Mohan.

Reference

Winona City Code Section 22.22

Commission Bylaws

Human Rights Commission Facebook Page