State Director
Avonna received her bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and her master’s degree in political management and advocacy from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. She currently serves her community as a member of the Fridley School Board and as a member of the Fridley Environmental Quality and Energy Commission.
Avonna became the Minnesota State Director of Clean Water Action Minnesota in November 2022, having worked in politics for almost two decades. A former legislative staffer, she has worked with dozens of candidates in Minnesota, including running the successful campaigns of the first woman of color to sit on the Anoka County Commission and the first Muslim woman of color to sit on the Blaine City Council. Prior to joining Clean Water Action, she spent five years as a campaign manager with a national political consulting firm where she worked on nearly 2,000 different candidate and issue campaigns across the country. She has an extensive background in campaign management, voter targeting, fundraising, and community outreach.
With Avonna’s leadership, Minnesota became the first state to pass the most comprehensive PFAS bans in the world, known as Amara’s Law. Her work to bring industries, agencies, lawmakers, and advocates together has set an example for states across the country to pass similar legislation. As an advocate, Avonna strives to raise the voices of those who are typically left out of the political process.
Avonna lives in Fridley, Minnesota with her partner Mike and 2-year-old son, Huntley. They also have a 20-year-old, Dylan, who is doing his best to conquer the world in his first apartment nearby. They have one clingy pitbull mix who loves to snuggle.
