ChangeMakers

A logo that reads changemakers

ChangeMakers is a series from MPR News showcasing Minnesotans from diverse, often underrepresented backgrounds who are making an impact. Whether they’re making history or making a difference for just one person, these individuals are leaders building new futures for their communities. Scroll down to meet our ChangeMakers.

Theater Mu’s Lily Tung Crystal: The more people hear Asian Americans’ stories, the more they'll treat us as the Americans we are
“I feel like there is a contingent in American society that doesn’t see us as real people,” she said. “And part of that is because our stories are not told widely in the media, in film, or on television.” As Theater Mu’s artistic director, she’s working to change that.
ChangeMakers: Asian and Pacific Islander Minnesotans making history
During Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, MPR News and Sahan Journal introduce you to Asian and Pacific Islander Minnesotans who are making history right now across the state.
‘America is not somebody else; America is us’: Civil rights organizer Bo Thao-Urabe wants Minnesota to measure success differently
In celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, MPR News and Sahan Journal are featuring Asian Minnesotans making history. Bo Thao-Urabe, executive director of the Coalition of Asian American Leaders, talks about what she learned from Martin Luther King Jr. — and from her mother.
ChangeMakers: Mysti Babineau, protecting land and people
Mysti Babineau, 34, is an organizer with climate change organization MN350 and an advocate for missing and murdered Indigenous people. Her work focuses on the intersectionality of climate and social justice issues.
ChangeMakers: Terri Yellowhammer, bringing representation to the bench
Fourth District Court Judge Terri Yellowhammer, 57, wants increased visibility for Native Americans. Her vision for the future is to see more Native Americans positions of leadership so her community can have the services they need. 
ChangeMakers: Sarah Agaton Howes, preserving culture through craft
Sarah Agaton Howes, 44, is an artist whose designs are rooted in traditional Ojibwe floral beadwork designs. She is the founder of Heart Berry, an online store featuring her original artwork. Agaton Howes says she’s inspired to make art because she views cultural art as a gift.
 ChangeMakers: Leya Hale, self-discovery and reclaiming the Native narrative
Leya Hale learned how to be a storyteller by watching her dad share stories about their Native communities at cultural events back home. She grew up in the Los Angeles area and moved to St. Paul by way of South Dakota. Her journey has been one of self-discovery and reclaiming her narrative, something she says is necessary in order to elevate Indigenous stories.
ChangeMakers: Autumn Dillie, combating homelessness with culture and care
Autumn Dillie, 31, is a street outreach worker for the American Indian Community Development Corporation. She provides Native Americans experiencing homelessness with culturally specific services, which Dillie says is key to long-term stability.