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Lulete Mola is a social change strategist with a proven track record of building and…
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Lulete M. shared thisI’m big on dignity. I believe the dignity of a people is the most important reflection of our shared humanity. When I think about how we can solve the most complicated issues within our society, I put dignity first and at the center. Last Friday, for the 6th year in a row, we at Black Collective Foundation MN celebrated some of the most visionary leaders across Minnesota at Rooted & Radiant. Rooted & Radiant is our annual Juneteenth engagement that creates a new world from the ground up serving as an affirmation of dignity. A declaration that our communities are divine, beloved, worthy, and deserving of freedom, joy, and belonging. That is why cultural institutions matter. They are the homes that carry freedom forward. They protect culture, cultivate leadership, preserve memory, and make room for future generations to dream bigger than the circumstances before them. In a moment when belonging, citizenship, and basic human dignity are once again being debated, last Friday reminded me that nobody can define our future for us. We will continue shaping it ourselves. We will shape it with courage, imagination, and deep love for our people. For the 300 people in the room- thank you for trusting us to hold you. We got us, always.✨ P.S. if you were there , tell me what you’re still thinking about.
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Lulete M. shared thisA joyful Juneteenth to all!!! Today is a celebration of our God given destiny to be free. While Juneteenth honors the moment freedom finally reached the last stronghold of slavery in the United States- More than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation- the symbol of Juneteenth directly connects to all people in this U.S. democracy. Juneteenth represents the fight for freedom that encompasses all of us. To honor Juneteenth I have two asks: (1) Give to Black Collective Foundation MN to support and protect self determined institutions like ours during a moment with many conditions working overtime to eliminate us: https://lnkd.in/giEpx7Nm (2) Take a moment to read today's op-ed my Co-Founder Repa Mekha and I penned in the The Minnesota Star Tribune : “From debates over voting rights to questions about birthright citizenship itself, the nation continues to wrestle with who fully belongs within the protections of American democracy. But history has shown us — Juneteenth shows us — that when Black people fight to move this country closer to its democratic ideals, everyone benefits from the expansion of freedom and justice.” Link in comments. Ok I have to go get ready for our annual brunch- the largest Juneteenth gathering of Black leaders across Minnesota- embodying how it feels to be freeeeeeeeeee.
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Lulete M. shared thisI’m from the place where THE PEOPLE just received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award for our collective resistance to hate, demonstrating that love is indeed a verb . The people mobilized, the people peacefully protested, the people organized, the people put together rapid-response networks, the people documented federal overreach, and the people protected each other. Congratulations to each and every one of my people across the Twin Cities!! There are many names who put everything on the line that may never be adequately recognized or thanked and so I hope we can use this as an opportunity to send so much gratitude their way. So so so proud to call this place home. Special thanks to Imam Yusuf Abdulle, co-founder of the Somali American Leadership Table + Natalie Ehret, founder of Haven Watch + Carolina Ortiz, associate executive director of COPAL and + Zena Stenvik, superintendent of Columbia Heights Public Schools who accepted the award on behalf of the Twin Cities. (Photo from MPR article).
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Lulete M. shared thisWe have entered the season of remembrance marking six years since the 2020 uprising for racial justice, and I've had a difficult time finding the words to describe how it feels. It's complicated. Because we can do hard things, I wrote anyway. In this reflection, I place this year's remembrance within the longer arc of social change that emerged from that moment. During the most difficult days of the pandemic, the people of Minnesota were creating, defending, innovating, building cross-cultural relationships, and strengthening systems of mutual aid to support our communities. We have seen those same instincts emerge again recently during Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS. We would not have had the victories of 2026 without 2020- much respect to Tish Jones who helped me connect the dots. Make this your weekend read and reflect with me in honor of our regenerative movement. I know we're in difficult days but the courage that ignited a once-in-a-lifetime uprising for justice is still within us. More here:
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Lulete M. shared thisTomorrow, the largest voting rights action since the Civil Rights Movement is taking place as Black Voters Matter, partners, faith leaders, organizers, and community members from across the South gather for All Roads Lead to the South, a National Day of Action for Voting Rights in Montgomery, Alabama. Over 70 buses riding to the South to fight for our democracy. The recent Supreme Court Louisiana v. Callais ruling further weakened key protections in the Voting Rights Act of 1965, opening the door for maps to be redrawn in ways that weaken Black political power and representation. ➡️19 congressional seats are now considered at direct risk. ➡️ 191 state legislative seats across the South are threatened. ➡️ Nearly 30% of the Congressional Black Caucus could become vulnerable. As Jamil Smith wrote : “The gerrymandering will not stop at Congress. It will reach state legislatures, county commissions, school boards, every level of government where Black communities have built political power...” The South has always carried lessons for the rest of the country. And the Midwest should not assume it is immune. History has shown us time and time again that when the rights, representation, and political power of Black communities are weakened, the broader foundation of democracy weakens with it. And when Black people fight to move this country closer to its democratic ideals, everyone benefits from the expansion of freedom, participation, and justice. Here is my invite to tap in. Understand what is happening, talk about it with your communities, and help others make the connection between these attacks and our collective future. More here: https://lnkd.in/gaqXwGHa
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Lulete M. shared thisWriting this from North Carolina while attending the G4GC Convening, and I can’t stop thinking about what’s unfolding across the South and what it means for all of us. The recent Supreme Court Louisiana v. Callais ruling further weakened key protections in the Voting Rights Act of 1965, opening the door for maps to be redrawn in ways that weaken Black political power and representation. ➡️ 19 congressional seats are now considered at direct risk. ➡️ 191 state legislative seats across the South are threatened. ➡️ Nearly 30% of the Congressional Black Caucus could become vulnerable. As Jamil Smith wrote: “The gerrymandering will not stop at Congress. It will reach state legislatures, county commissions, school boards, every level of government where Black communities have built political power...” Today I’m also thinking about Ella Baker, who helped launch the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) right here in North Carolina and always believed that communities closest to the struggle should lead the movement themselves. She understood that durable change is built through institutions, relationships, political education, and everyday people believing they have the power to shape the future together. The South has always carried lessons for the rest of the country. And the Midwest should not assume it is immune. History has shown us time and time again that when the rights, representation, and political power of Black communities are weakened, the broader foundation of democracy weakens with it. And when Black people fight to move this country closer to its democratic ideals, everyone benefits from the expansion of freedom, participation, and justice. Here is my invite to tap in. Understand what is happening, talk about it with your communities, and help others make the connection between these attacks and our collective future. Read the full piece below. CC: Black Collective Foundation MN
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Lulete M. shared thisWhile I’m not in town to join Somali Solidarity Day at the Minnesota State Capitol, I have faith that Minnesotans will turn out in numbers, as we always do. The level of targeting, dehumanization, stereotyping, and hostility our Somali neighbors are experiencing is deeply alarming. We all have a part to play in rejecting the alluring, yet deeply dangerous, tactics of division and instead choosing love, unity, and democracy. Today and always, let’s choose each other. Cc: Black Collective Foundation MN
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Lulete M. reposted thisLulete M. reposted thisWithin 72 hours, Rooted & Radiant is sold out. Year after year, Rooted & Radiant, our summer social and brunch event, is fully booked - a reflection of how deeply our community values this space to be received and affirmed in the company of fellow visionaries. We are moved and grateful for the enthusiasm of everyone who registered. We can’t wait to welcome you this Juneteenth. Didn't get your spot this year? Make sure you're on our mailing list at MNBlackCF.org so you're the first to know.
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Lulete M. shared thisThis is your sign to reserve your seat for The Collective’s (Black Collective Foundation MN ) Rooted & Radiant Juneteenth brunch on 6.19.26 Link is in your email, expires at midnight. For six years, The Collective’s Rooted & Radiant engagement has gathered over 600 cross- sector leaders across philanthropy, business, nonprofit, education, government, and community in a space built entirely for us. If you know…well you know. Didn’t receive an invite? Plug in. Go to MNBlackCF.org and sign up for our mailing list. Want to support joy, soulful connection, and more for Black leaders across MN? See sponsorship information in the comments!
Lulete M. commented on a post
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Oh I know your mama is so proud. I remember calling her to check on her when she was pregnant with your sister and you were visiting Venezuela . How amazing to see how well she’s doing now 🥰
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Lulete M. reacted on thisLulete M. reacted on thisCollective Harvest in action! ✨️✨️✨️ Earlier this month we had the pleasure of coming alongside Zora's House for its Jump at the Sun Society Brunch. We love when we are able to transform the space into a beautiful garden party vibe. 💛🌿 This year's guest speaker was the dynamic Lulete M. from MN. She added so much value to the conversation around owning our power and how collectively we can create our own harvest. To LC Johnson and the ZH Team, we see you and we see the impact and progress being made. Keep going!!! ☀️ Thank you you Chef Daryl Griffith and your amazing team at InJoy Meals for serving everyone. Shout out to my team for making the event go smoothly!! We are grateful to be able to witness history in the making. Remember, we are as great as the Nile, so let's embrace our power! 💪🏽🏞 #zorashouse #collectivepower #brunch #movement #sustainability #support Tamaliyapo Mphande Liz Gordon-Canlas Daniela Edmeier, PhD Shelby Williams Che Guy Mykayla Bryant Dr. Rohnesha M. Horne, D.Div. Sophia Fifner, M.S., CFRE Christina Ratleff Kennedy Pannell
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Lulete M. reacted on thisSo proud of my amazing sister as she heads to the Harvard Kennedy School! Watching her dedication and brilliance firsthand has been incredible, and I can't wait to see the impact she makes next.Lulete M. reacted on thisI’m excited to share that starting next week, I will be pursuing a Master in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School. This wonderful opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the unconditional support of my family, friends, mentors, and colleagues. Thank you for believing in me and guiding me throughout my professional journey. I’m looking forward to the next two years of learning from world-class faculty, challenging myself, and gaining the tools to address pressing policy issues.
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Lulete M. liked thisLulete M. liked thisI’m excited to share that starting next week, I will be pursuing a Master in Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School. This wonderful opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without the unconditional support of my family, friends, mentors, and colleagues. Thank you for believing in me and guiding me throughout my professional journey. I’m looking forward to the next two years of learning from world-class faculty, challenging myself, and gaining the tools to address pressing policy issues.
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Lulete M. liked thisLulete M. liked thisIf we are going to claim our power, we’ve got to organize our visions. We have to organize our capital, power, and institutions to do that work of our generation, together. That is what this moment, the Summit, and the work ahead is all about. The Governing for All Blueprint that we are building together is an expression of that intention, commitment, and action. The Governing for All Blueprint is intended to articulate the future states and outcomes that we are entitled to demand under the transformative intent of the 14th Amendment. It is to be the Blueprint toward a future where all people can finally thrive. As Nancy MacLean noted, there is absolutely no question that we are in a founding moment now. The question is which founding will it be? Will it be an inspiring founding toward a nation that finally governs for all? Or will it be the reactionary refounding that brought us to the brink of collapse into authoritarianism? I want to thank Ashleigh Gardere, Judith Dangerfield, Baratunde Thurston, Nancy MacLean, Robert Raben, and Daniel Cardinali for joining this important conversation about this emerging Blueprint and why it is so critical at this moment. The choice before us is ours, and so is the work of building the future we choose.
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Lulete M. reacted on thisLulete M. reacted on thisI have some news to share: "Next, I would like to formally announce Amelious N. Whyte, Jr. as our Chief Diversity and Community Engagement Officer...... Building on his long-standing service to the college and the University, Amelious has served on the dean’s leadership cabinet for over two and a half years in a dual role as interim director of the Office for Diversity, Inclusion, Community Engagement, and Equity and assistant dean for public engagement. Throughout his tenure and further validated through his interview, Amelious has demonstrated an exceptional ability to drive our DEI and public engagement goals forward." The message above was shared by CLA Dean GerShun Avilez last Monday in an email to our faculty and staff, and it is effective today. I am tremendously grateful for the faith and trust that the Dean has placed in me to do this important work, in this particular moment. I am also very grateful for the support of many colleagues within CLA. I have additional gratitude for: Deb Cran for her role in helping me see how I could continue to contribute to the University in different ways back in 2014; Scott Meyer for hiring me as the inaugural Director of Public Engagement in CLA; John Coleman, for encouraging me to stay in CLA when I had the opportunity to leave by highlighting the potential impact I could continue to make in CLA; Ann Waltner for providing me with the opportunity to serve as Interim Director; and Steph Alder who in 2017 asked me to consider applying for a DEI leadership role outside of the University. I had never considered pursuing DEI roles until Steph planted a very important seed. My new role combines advancing DEI & community engagement in ways that leverage their synergies, but also recognizes what's needed to advance each separately. As I like to say "both/and." Although I have been serving as the Interim Director since January 2024, I am approaching my new role with a different perspective. My new role is different from the one I assumed in 2024. The responsibilities have changed. The office I now lead has a different mission and vision. The internal and external environment has changed significantly with regard to how we advance DEI and how we should engage with our communities. I share the following as a form of self-accountability as I begin this new era in my service to CLA and the University of Minnesota: I will constantly push myself to be collaborative, strategic, proactive, transformative, and perhaps most importantly, empathetic. I will continue to ask myself and those around me "Who needs to be seen and how do we show that we see them?" I will also ask myself "How can I continue to evolve as a leader and help those who I work closest with evolve as well?" My colleague Louis Clark IV regularly thanks me for choosing CLA and in the spirit of reciprocity, I am glad that they have continued to choose me.
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Lulete M. reacted on thisSee you next week at Summit!!!Lulete M. reacted on thisWe cannot wait to welcome you to Summit on Monday! Take a moment to watch this video for a stirring look back at Summit 2024, offering a glimpse of what’s ahead. Two hundred fifty years after the founding of this nation, the story remains unfinished. During this week together, we are going to write the next chapter as founders of a redesigned nation that works for all. By week’s end, participants will feel the power of our collective work and leave having helped shape the Governing for All Blueprint — a document codesigned to sharpen strategies and align institutions, people, and resources to achieve structurally transformational results. And while we do this work, we’re going to celebrate, dance, and be lifted by joy! Review the agenda to plan your week here: https://lnkd.in/ecpv_9jb #WeAreTheFounders2026 #GoverningForAll
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Lulete M. liked thisLulete M. liked thisTo survive an #institution is to learn its language, to map its invisible corridors of power, to become fluent in its peculiar dialect of delay and deference. It is to secure a seat at a table not of your design. But to #transform it, that requires a far more treacherous fluency. It demands that you speak the language of #revolution in the accent of the status quo, that you draft the blueprint for the new world using the ink of the old. Yet here lies the #philanthropist’s knife-edge: you cannot dismantle the master’s house from the inside if you are first crushed by its falling roof. To advocate for radical grant-making while tethered to conservative endowments, to champion community-led power while reporting to a legacy board, is to exist in a state of perpetual, strategic vertigo (and often hypocrisy). The true art of philanthropic transformation is not a single, heroic act of demolition. It is a sustained performance of high-wire dexterity where you must hold the pillars of the old structure steady enough to keep yourself alive, while simultaneously tunneling beneath them to lay the foundations for what comes next. The goal is not to be a martyr to the past, but a midwife the future, surviving the birth pangs long enough to witness the new world take its first, shuddering breaths.
Experience & Education
Volunteer Experience
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Board Member- Co-Chair, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Minnesota Council on Foundations
- Present 8 years 9 months
MCF is a vibrant philanthropic community collectively advancing prosperity and equity.
Publications
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Central High's Class of '63 gives scholarships and pep talks
Pioneer Press
See publicationDID NOT AUTHOR
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From Me to You- A Letter of Apology
Voices For Racial Justice
See publication"I want to profusely apologize, on behalf of the nation of the United States of America if you were turned away from voting on or before November 6th, 2012."
Honors & Awards
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Presidents Award for Outstanding Achievement, Recipient & Speaker
Office of the President
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PD4_4RZ4VHU
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Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity Award
Office of Equity and Diversity
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Waller “Academic Merit” Scholarship Recipient
Departement of Political Science
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Page Education Foundation Active Community Scholarship Recipient
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Woodrow Wilson- Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship Finalist
Woodrow Wilson- Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship
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University of Minnesota Outstanding Student Employee Award
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Minnesota African Women’s Community “Ambassador of change”
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Languages
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Amharic
Full professional proficiency
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English
Full professional proficiency
Recommendations received
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