Staff
Rebecca Gilgen, Executive Director
Serving the Brooklyns is an honor I have had since 2013. I came to the BBA with a background in community practice social work, community organizing, youth development, strategic planning, evaluation, community based participatory research, expanding diversity, equity and inclusion practices and organizational development. I am a certified Technology of Participation facilitator and a qualified Technology of Participation trainer, and IDI Qualified Assessor. I'm passionate about igniting energy, capturing consensus and building momentum for groups to solve problems and take action together. I have an undergraduate degree in Sociology from University of Wisconsin - Madison and a Masters of Social Work (Macro Practice) from the University of Minnesota.
Fun facts about me - I love singing karaoke, dancing and taking walks around Lake Nokomis with my two fantastic kids, and my amazing partner.
Crixell Shell, Youth and Community Engagement Initiatives Coordinator
Bio coming soon.
Chia Xiong, Data, Evaluation and Youth Participatory Action Research Coordinator
Previous to the BBAY, I worked at Three Rivers Park District for several years in outreach, community engagement, program development, and focus on equity. My work in community and equity alongside knowledge and experience in GIS systems will be vital in bringing equity and engagement practice into BBAY’s data work. I have a Master of Public Health degree from the School of Public Health at the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Community Health Education from the University of St. Thomas. Grown up in the Brooklyns, I graduated from Champlin Park High School. My educational background and various experiences in community engagement, equity, and GIS brings a unique lens to the BBAY.
I enjoy spending my free time with family, exploring the outdoors, playing video games, and working on DIY projects.
Rachel Warren, Reimagine Black Youth Mental Health Coordinator
I am excited to be a learner and contributor in the Brooklyns! Prior to joining the BBAY, my creative and culturally responsive planning, programming, and implementation have proven both engaging and effective for youth, families, and communities. My deep understanding of equity and justice has also made me instrumental in elevating organizations’ processes to better serve people. I have initiated and carried out high-quality programming with system-involved/impacted young people, and I have designed curriculum to deepen learning and skill-building aimed at equipping people to establish and sustain anti-oppressive workplaces. My experiences in Minneapolis, Chicago, Anacostia, and Madison have given me perspective on how to actualize necessary change in big ways.
I am results-driven, solutions-oriented, and consistent in my above-and-beyond approach to building authentic relationships that cultivate joy and move us toward new and healed ways of doing things.
I am a graduate of North Park University in Chicago where I earned a B.A. in Nonprofit Management, a B.A. in Sociology, and a Minor in Spanish. I was then an Advanced Opportunity Fellow at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I earned a Masters of Social Work.
I enjoy reading, being active and outdoors, traveling, and spending time with the people I love.
Marwok Gure, Data Assistant & Youth Outreach Specialist
Before joining BBAY, I dedicated several years to educational and case management roles in the Twin Cities, focusing on empowering young minds. I also bring a wealth of experience from my time in affordable housing, a sector where I spent five meaningful years understanding and contributing to community welfare.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Linguistics, and I'm thrilled to be back in the field of community work, a domain I find both challenging and rewarding.
Outside of work, I am just as passionate about personal growth and enjoyment. I love spending time with my family, exploring new places and roller skating.
Kennedy Erickson, Grants and Project Specialist
I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with BBAY and the amazing communities of the Brooklyns. Prior to joining the team in September of 2023, I provided case management to youth experiencing homelessness or at-risk as well as leading independent living skills groups for youth in foster care. I obtained my Bachelor of Social Work degree in 2022 from St. Cloud State University and my Master of Social Work (Community Practice) in 2024 from the University of Minnesota.
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, listening to vinyl, thrifting, and reading. I also love to take community ed classes to explore other hobbies. My most recent adventure was ceramics.
Brian Thomas, Youth Outreach and Engagement Specialist
So glad to join the Brooklyn Bridge Alliance team and the ultimate mission to serve our community well. Over the past three years, I've served in the Brooklyn Park community as a youth program director - providing a safe space for teens to develop healthy relationships with one another and organizing activities. I have also served as a special education teacher for several years, and I enjoy working with our local schools.
As the Youth Outreach and Engagement Specialist, I look forward to connecting with our vibrant community of young people and working towards a greater understanding of what they need to be successful. My hope is to build strong rapport and an engaging experience for all who attend our activities. Thank you!
Mitchel Vosejpka, Youth OnBoard Coordinator
Before joining BBAY, I spent my years building a career in Mentorship and Community Building. With over 10 years of experience working in community nonprofits and working with young people; I’m absolutely stoked to be joining this incredible program and supporting this fantastic community. I deeply believe that the potential of young people is best tapped into when they are guided towards skills and strengths they can use to power themselves and their futures.
I hold a Bachelor of Arts revolving around Youth Therapy and Guidance using Theatre. I love to motivate and energize young minds through exploration and creativity, exposing people to their own power. I feel so grateful to be able to use arts and psychology to help people the way it helped me growing up.
In my own time I love to involve myself in theater as an actor around the Twin Cities. I also love dancing and watching movies. Game nights and camping trips are big hobbies of mine and I love getting together with friends and family whenever I can. Life is about joy and that’s the goal day to day for me.
Haley Vien, Culturally Responsive Tutoring Coordinator
I am so excited to be joining the BBAY team as the Culturally Responsive Tutoring Program Coordinator! I was born and raised in Oakland, California but I have called Minnesota home since 2018. I am a first-generation college graduate from Macalester College with a Bachelors in American Studies. Before joining the team, I was involved in high school programming that promoted civic engagement and youth employment where I had the chance to connect youth with interesting career opportunities and provide trainings to support their success in these opportunities. I love collaborating to create spaces for and by youth to uplift joy, community, leadership, and growth, so let's get cooking!
If you find me in the wild, you can catch me playing games on my Nintendo Switch, eating good food, spending time with my loved ones, or catching a musical!
Akin Tunmbi, MSW Intern
I am a dedicated professional with a passion for fostering a positive culture and facilitating youth development. With experience in addiction counseling and restorative justice, I am honored to work with young people to seek out opportunities to help them recognize their strength and maximize it. I am also committed to working collaboratively with community partners to develop and implement strategic solutions to end youth substance addiction, delinquencies and inadequate learning.
I believe in empowering and advocating for the needs of young people for their rights and equal access to health services, meaningful youth participation and development. I am passionate about mental health and rights for adolescents and aim to represent and address the issues affecting their life through collaborative conversation. Glad I have such an opportunity at Brooklyn Bridge Alliance..
When not working I am delving into spiritually enriching conversation either with man or nature that rejuvenates my being.