The Bite-Sized Learning events are designed by MCN’s Greater Minnesota team to keep us connected across the state. While the topics are chosen to meet the needs of Greater Minnesota, all are welcome here. Each event will have a short presentation along with plenty of time for networking and discussion on the designated topic.
Join MCN’s self-described “nerdy and hilarious” public policy team to learn more about a proposed $200 million nonprofit relief fund and other policy issues at the state capitol that impact nonprofits. Bring questions about how to connect with elected officials, specifics on the nonprofit relief fund proposal, why advocacy work is awesome, rules around how much advocacy and lobbying nonprofits can do, gossip we know about your state legislators (joking, kind of), and generally how your organization can have an impact on decisions that are being made. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re a seasoned advocacy pro or brand new to the world of policy.
Bring your questions and expertise on the topic- with our cameras and microphones on, we can stay connected, learn, and support one another.
RSVP for the event on Zoom.
Speaker Information
Marie Ellis serves the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits as public policy director. In this role, Marie advances the mission and work of MCN and Minnesota’s nonprofit sector through developing MCN’s policy priorities, advocating on those issues at the state, local, and national levels, and assisting members in effectively advocating on behalf of their organizations and stakeholders. Marie is committed to continuing MCN’s work to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals and participates in overall organizational leadership and management at MCN as part of the leadership team.
Marie has been working in public policy since her first job, lobbying in Washington, D.C. with Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. Since then she has worked at the Minnesota Senate as leadership assistant, Catholic Charities as public policy manager, and the Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce as director of public policy and legal counsel. Originally from Saint Cloud, Marie has a B.A. in religion from Concordia College in Moorhead and a law degree from the University of Saint Thomas School of Law. With volunteer, intern, and work experience at dozens of Minnesota nonprofits, Marie brings an understanding of the challenges nonprofits face in advocacy work and loves helping MCN’s members discover and harness their advocacy power.
Ileana Mejia is the public policy advocate at the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and is working to increase individual nonprofits' advocacy capacity through trainings, materials, and conversations, and advocating on behalf of the nonprofit sector as a whole to advance MCN’s mission. She most recently worked at a nonprofit as a community organizer where she focused on coalition building around equitable development and parks and green spaces. Ileana has a passion for inclusion and racial equity work, particularly in lifting up voices who have been historically left out of policy decisions that directly influence them. In addition, she has a master’s degree in public policy from Humphrey School of Public Affairs and completed a term of service with Public Allies AmeriCorps program.