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Minnesota’s Brenda Cassellius grew up in public housing in Minneapolis and she considers that her greatest asset.

“I grew up in poverty but there was never a poverty of love,” she said, stressing that it’s possible to get out of poverty and chart your own path. “It instilled in me to give back.” 

Cassellius has given back to communities by spending decades working in education.

She was the first African American woman in Minnesota history to serve as the commissioner of education, under Gov. Mark Dayton.

She was later the superintendent of Boston Public Schools, including throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and was a leader in bringing a climate plan that makes schools in the district more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. 

Now Cassellius is back in Minnesota and she recently started her position as the executive director of Fresh Energy, a nonprofit aimed at transitioning our state to clean energy. 

She also mentors women of color who are school district superintendents and leaders

Also, hear from our listeners who called in to talk about their personal stories of growing up from humble beginnings and later overcoming a path of obstacles. 

a non-profit aimed at transitioning Minnesota to clean energy. She formerly worked for three decades in public education, including as Minnesota’s education commissioner and as superintendent for Boston Public Schools.

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MPR News host Angela Davis speaks with Brenda Cassellius about her inspiring story of growing up in poverty and then becoming a leader in education. Now she’s shaping Minnesota’s climate policy.

Minnesota's former education leader aims to give kids a healthier planet

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