Reneka Evans

Reneka E. Evans is a dynamic health equity strategist and principal planner with over a decade of experience leading government health initiatives and community outreach programs. Based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Ms. Evans has built a reputation for strategic leadership, contract management, and fostering strong relationships across intergovernmental agencies, diverse communities, and state-wide contractors. Their expertise spans emergency preparedness, equity and inclusion, project management, and policy alignment. Throughout their career, Ms. Evans has held pivotal roles at the Minnesota Department of Health, where they developed and implemented emergency guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitated large-scale outreach events, and partnered with senior leadership to address state-wide health issues. Their work has been instrumental in advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion, notably co-leading state-wide emergency response efforts and creating impactful agendas for division-wide meetings. In addition to their public sector leadership, Ms. Evans has managed multi-unit teams at H & R Block Tax Services, led HIV prevention and harm reduction programs at the African American AIDS Task Force and Hennepin County Public Clinic, and pioneered innovative outreach for transgender and LGBTQIA+ communities. Their commitment to mentorship, technical assistance, and community engagement is reflected in their successful onboarding and training of staff, development of emergency response policies, and advocacy for comprehensive internship programs. Ms. Evans holds a Bachelor of Arts from Metropolitan State University and a certificate from Hennepin Technical College. Their dedication to service extends beyond professional roles, with appointments to the Council on LGBTQIA2S+ Minnesotans, service as an election judge, and advisory work for youth and AIDS projects. Recognized as a Change Maker by Minnesota Public Radio and honored by the MN African American HIV Initiative, Ms. Evans continues to champion health equity and community empowerment across Minnesota.