AGE-FRIENDLY 

ADVOCACY 101

Senior Director of Advocacy

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota

Erin directs the engagement of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota with policymakers and community partners on public policy priorities. In this role, her efforts center around practical solutions to strengthen resources, inspire hope, change lives and build community.  An experienced advocate, she works across communities and with elected officials to develop and champion policies at both the state and federal level. She also works to strengthen advocacy capacity of stakeholders and community leaders. Prior to this work, she engaged in advocacy as a birth doula and educator with individuals experiencing incarceration during the childbearing year and with unhoused families. 

Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion and Social Justice

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota

Paul works to improve practices that promote diversity, inclusion and social justice at Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota. He collaborates on recruitment and development strategies to ensure equity and opportunity as well as fosters relationships with diverse external stakeholders. Prior to this work, Paul served in pastoral ministries for more than 30 years in several regions of the U.S. and is a past board president for ISAIAH, a multi-racial, statewide, nonpartisan coalition of faith communities. He also serves on the Cultural and Ethnic Communities Leadership Council, which advises the Commissioner of Human Services on reducing disparities that affect cultural and ethnic communities throughout Minnesota.

Advocacy Manager

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota

Lily works as a member of the advocacy team for Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, where she designs systems and implements plans to connect people to elected officials, including nonpartisan voter engagement, advocacy trainings, and representing the organization at the state legislature. Prior to this work, Lily most recently worked as a Program Manager for Forward Global Women, where she managed public events and education for women leaders from the Middle East, North Africa, and the United States as peacebuilders as well as serving as Advocacy Coordinator at Catholic Charities of St. Paul and Minneapolis and a Project Organizer for Education Minnesota. 

Host

Minnesota Leadership Council on Aging

Adam serves as president and executive director for the state's largest collaboration working to elevate aging as a state policy priority. For more than two decades, he has been a passionate advocate, community organizer and educator on aging topics at the Minnesota State Capitol. He also convenes the Finish Strong Funders Network and staffs the Minnesota Diverse Elders Coalition. 

State Senator  (33, R)

Assistant Majority Leader

Senator Karin Housley represents District 33, which includes the communities of Stillwater, Forest Lake, and the St Croix Valley. She was first elected in 2012 and is serving her fourth in the Minnesota Senate. She is a passionate advocate for older adults, veterans, and families, and is proud of the relationships she has built with the communities she represents. Senator Housley currently serves as the Republican lead on the Senate Capital Investment Committee and is a past chairwoman of the Senate Aging and Long-Term Care Committee. She also serves on the housing and jobs committees.