SAINT PAUL --  With a focus on attracting new talent to public service and expanding the State of Minnesota’s workforce, a new cohort of Star of the North fellows have joined Minnesota state government. From helping advance state equity efforts to strengthening state IT and public safety, these nine individuals will play an integral role in shaping public policy.

“Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Smith are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that is reflective of all of the communities we serve,” said Chief Inclusion Officer James Burroughs. “These nine individuals chosen for the 2017 Star of the North fellowships are ambitious, driven, and committed to public service. We are excited about the contributions they will bring to state government and to public service that will undoubtedly benefit all Minnesotans for years to come.”

The 2017-18 Star of the North Fellows are:

• Brenda Rivera, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Office of Business Administration
• Jargalmaa (Joy) Erdenemandakh, Minnesota Department of Revenue, Management Analysis and Research
• Kirsten Renee Henry, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Technology Investment Management
• Lawrence Karongo, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Office of Equity and Diversity
• Leigh Benvenuti, Minnesota Office of Ombudsman for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, Policy Analysis of the Minnesota Olmstead Plan
• Nicholas Johnson, Minnesota IT Services, Information Technology
• Sam Olukiran, Minnesota Department of Administration, Community Services Division
• Wenchen Wang, Minnesota Department of Human Services, Background Studies and Licensing Division
• Zachary Bergan, Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

“As one of the largest employers in Minnesota, it is critical for state government to recruit bright, innovative talent into state service,” said Minnesota Management and Budget Deputy Commissioner Edwin Hudson. “The fellowship program enables us to find and prepare the future leaders of state government, people with exciting ideas who are passionate about serving their communities. Over the next year, they will make a real impact on state government.”

This is the fourth cohort to be brought into state service through the Star of the North fellowship program. To be considered for a fellowship, applicants must demonstrate an interest in a career in public service and have, or be in process of obtaining, an advanced degree. Fellows are placed at an agency that best fits their education for year-long, salaried positions.

The Star of the North Fellowship program is also a critical piece in the state’s effort to increase diversity and address an aging workforce. The Dayton-Smith Administration has set a goal of having people of color comprise 20% of state workers by 2019. The Star of the North program serves as a pipeline for hiring the fellows into full-time positions once the program ends. Of the 14 fellows who took part in the 2016-17 cohort, 11 were hired into permanent positions with the state, two enrolled in full time doctoral programs, and one found employment with the federal government.

“The Star of the North Fellowship opened doors for me that weren’t previously open. It provided me with an opportunity to show my strengths through my placement, engage in networking with State leaders, and build relationships within the state, and true friendships within my cohort. I am grateful for the opportunity because it taught me lessons I can use throughout my career and life journey,” said Dara Johnson-Ayodele, a 2016-17 Star of the North Fellow. Johnson-Ayodele was hired to lead the state’s Health Insurance Premium Subsidy Program.

The Star of the North fellows join the state as agencies say goodbye to 600 interns who served with the State of Minnesota in 2016-2017. State interns range from graduate to undergraduate to high school students. After gaining experience in the public sector and building relationships with state employees, the goal is for these individuals to call the State of Minnesota their employer of choice after graduation. For more information on future internship or fellowship opportunities with the State of Minnesota, visit the MN Careers website or follow @MNCareers on Twitter.

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