Marlena Hanson

Marlena Hanson, a first-generation descendant of the White Earth Nation in Northwest, MN, is a devoted mother of six with a bachelors of science in social work and a minor in addictions from Bemidji State University. Drawing from her own lived experiences, Marlena has cultivated deep empathy and a passion for aiding her community, consistently sharing resources to support others. Her journey has led her to empower individuals to heal from their own experiences and find their voices to enact positive change in the world.

As a cohort one graduate of the Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative, Marlena not only continues to advocate for her community but also serves as a Site coordinator, guiding others through their own leadership journeys. She leverages her voice to effect change at both state and federal levels, providing an Indigenous perspective on various advisory councils throughout Minnesota. Marlena's dedication lies in utilizing her platform to amplify Indigenous voices and perspectives, ensuring that her community's needs are heard and addressed.