Biography & Resume

Biography & Resume
Andre M Koen Biography www.andrekoen.com 651.998.9376


I am an energetic presenter, powerful communicator, and a dynamic teacher, integrating my abilities as improvisational comedian, large group facilitator, keynote speaker, and classroom teacher to captivate and educate his audience. These skills have become the hallmark of his sessions as consultant and facilitator.

I served as the EEO/Affirmative Action Diversity Coordinator for Anoka County, Minnesota, where I educated the community on State and Federal laws, statutes, rules, codes and regulations governing employment and human rights functions, including U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) rules, Americans with Disability Act (ADA), and Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 (ADEA). Prior to his work in Anoka County, Andre was the Academic Dean at National American University, where he inspired mid-career adults to live their dreams and reach their full potential. Andre believes that people possess the ability to empower themselves, and this belief is made manifest by his unique style of teaching. I am looking for an opportunity for a Diversity Consultant in the Human Resources position. I am looking to expand the work I have done to include providing access of multi-entity, multi-functional, multi-site integrated health care system .I want to make sure that organizations are able to effectively respond appropriately to concerns related compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, EEO/AA laws and supports families, the community at large, and strategic organizational diversity objectives.

The National Association of Human Rights Workers awarded me with the Human
Rights Worker of the Year award for the continued dedication to human and civil
rights. In addition, In 2005 I received both the “American Red Cross Marketing” and “The Community Presentations Volunteer of the Year” awards for the difference he is recognized as making in his community.

As an agent for change, group facilitator, and youth advocate, I believe that
everyone has the capacity for leadership. Through his work with the American Youth
Foundation (AYF), I have served as “Program Specialist” for the Community Education
Resource Team. There I initiated a training program which promoted diversity within communities and schools. In addition to his role as program specialist, serving as the director of the International Leadership Conference in Ossipee, New Hampshire. Prior to AYF, I serves as the Transportation and Coordinator of Special Services for the St. Joseph Residential Treatment Center in Dayton, Ohio. In these ways, he has shown that he is committed to multicultural awareness, and youth development.

There are many words that define Andre Koen, but the most definitive is, “Andre, the Enkindled Spirit.”

Andre' M. Koen

7951 Greenwood Drive, Mounds View, MN 55112

651.998.9376 [email protected] www.amhorizons.com


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SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS

AM Horizons Training Group June 2012-Present
Diversity and Inclusion Trainer
Creates training plans, authors books and conduct cultural audits that provide key assessment of affirmative action plans, employee engagement efforts, recuirtment and retention strategies. I conduct training sessions that focus on cultural competence, decreasing microinequity and creasing discretionary effort.

Bethel University January 2013-Present
Adjunct Faculty
Facilitate the individual learning plans of young adults and mid career adults. As an instructor in both the graduate and undergraduate schools we engage the hearts and mind of students in creative and traditional pedagogical approaches.


Anoka County Government October 2005-2012
Diversity Coordinator/Cultural Coordinator
Develops and implements policies in accordance with federal, state and local laws as
they relate to AA/EEO/ADA. In addition, the education of all county employees on working with diverse populations, cultural awareness, ethics, legal concerns that rule and govern public employees. I have a Master’s degree and experience directly involved in organizational change interventions with a major organization. Over the last 7 years I have developed an expert level of knowledge in: Organizational Development, Diversity/Cultural Competence, Team Development, Consulting, and/or Strategic Planning.

Accountabilities:
Compliance Administration
Develops and maintains Affirmative Action Plans (AAP), AAP statistical reports using appropriate software and conduct preliminary analysis.
Assists in the preparation, maintenance, and updating of annual Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) for all required legal entities including planning/design regarding implementing EEO laws and regulations.
Researches professional and federal publications to obtain current information on changes in applicable EEO/Affirmative Action laws.
Works with recruiters and others to monitor recruitment and reporting activity for community events and AAP required information.
Performs periodic reviews to assess level of regulatory compliance on all workforce related processes, tools and resources.
Develops tools and resources regarding EEO/AAP for leaders.
Responds to specific internal and external business requests by acquiring, synthesizing and analyzing market/customers’ data for response and a presentation regarding compliance trends, community programs, and industry benchmarks.
Conducts presentation to leaders, business partners and community.
Develops and maintains tracking system for EEO/AAP processes and plan review.
Serves as technical and strategic resources for leaders, HR professionals and others regarding compliance administration and philosophy.
Knowledge
Development of 5 programs based on data from the Affirmation Action Plan (AAP)
Managed Cross Functional County Action team focused on achieving EEO goals derived from the AAP
Advised on the construction of accessibility upgrades, reasonable accommodations and accessibility of fall Anoka County activities based on the County’s ADA Plan
Created Anoka County’s Trainee Program to facilitate and develop a pipeline for minorities and women across the county; 30 participants in 3 years
Designed 10 strategic trainings and interventions that engaged departments in organizational change model based on the AA Plan.
Conducted diversity training, cultural competence sessions, leadership development, Brownbag/Movie discussion groups to develop cultural competence
Provided advice and counsel to staff on effectively maintaining work environments free of discrimination, microinequities and harassment, and avoiding unlawful practices
Lead round tables discussions on the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the impact of the ADA, EEOC updates, Hr hiring practices and tools for engaging minority employees.
Attended many job, recruitment and college fairs looking for applicants
Inspired a team Anoka County employees and volunteers to engage with cultural recruitment activities like Juneteenth
Assessed, monitored and analyzed the county’s progress using the applicant data and employee data to create action plans to reduce our underutilization of minorities
Demonstrated effective resolution of disputes and grievances with one-on-one coaching, training, mentoring and in depth investigations


Skills
Core Competencies
• 7+ years experience in EEO/AA, Diversity, Investigations, Compliance, the development of training materials and evaluation of training programs
• Excellent research and analysis ability to formulate sound recommendations.
• Maintains professionalism, and objectivity in challenging interpersonal interactions and crisis or emergency situations.
• Maintains confidentiality of the organization and its employees.
• As a an educator I have a proficiency at producing high quality training materials, presentation graphics, reports, and electronic database systems
• Knowledge of government and regulatory employment laws as it relates to EEO organizations
• Highly proficient in computer software packages (for example: MS Office products including MS Access or knowledge of database systems, Excel spreadsheets, Moodle, Video software, LMS Systems and other graphical packages)

Abilities
• I possess the ability to influence and build relationships, work collaboratively with individuals or teams from all areas and processional levels of the organization, community and various business partners
• I have strong analytical skills and creative problem solving skills
• I have strong oral and written communication skills including the correct English language grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary and the ability to develop, prepare and deliver high level business presentations
• I am able to manage multiple projects simultaneously with high degree of attention to detail
• I am able to work independently and with minimal supervision
• I am comfortable with role of change agent, working with resistance and working with ambiguity
• I am available to work evenings and weekends as needed
• Proficiency in computer software packages for online, istance and computer based training


Accountabilities:
Compliance Administration
Develops and maintains Affirmative Action Plans (AAP), AAP statistical reports using appropriate software and conduct preliminary analysis.
Assists in the preparation, maintenance, and updating of annual Affirmative Action Plan (AAP) for all required legal entities including planning/design regarding implementing EEO laws and regulations.
Researches professional and federal publications to obtain current information on changes in applicable EEO/Affirmative Action laws.
Works with recruiters and others to monitor recruitment and reporting activity for community events and AAP required information.
Performs periodic reviews to assess level of regulatory compliance on all workforce related processes, tools and resources.
Develops tools and resources regarding EEO/AAP for leaders.
Responds to specific internal and external business requests by acquiring, synthesizing and analyzing market/customers’ data for response and a presentation regarding compliance trends, community programs, and industry benchmarks.
Conducts presentation to leaders, business partners and community.
Develops and maintains tracking system for EEO/AAP processes and plan review.
Serves as technical and strategic resources for leaders, HR professionals and others regarding compliance administration and philosophy.


National American University (NAU) February 2000-2005
National American University is a small private career university. NAU’s focus is to
become partners with adult learners as they continue on their path of lifelong learning.

Adjunct Professor
Facilitated the learning plans of adult college students using the Pacific Institutes' Thought Patterns curriculum,
Instructed the Professional Development Course.
Used the Meyers-Briggs temperament sorter, Holland’s Career Inventory, SCAN Skills, and the LPI Aptitude test.
Helped adult students life goals based on Steven Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is also taught in Andre’s courses.

Academic Dean (2004-2005)
Schedule and recruit instructors that have a balance of teaching and real world experience.
Monitor student success, order educational material, conduct faculty trainings and manage the learning plans for over 200 adult students.

Skills for Tomorrow Schools (Skills) St. Paul, Minnesota August 1998-2004
Skills for Tomorrow is a School-to-Work charter school using Joel Baker's EFG
Competencies.
Senior High focuses on providing students with small class sizes, performance based assessment, educational fundamentals, leadership skills, and career development opportunities.

Responsibilities include developing, facilitating, monitoring and evaluating curriculum

120 students who focus on social change, valuing equity, self-esteem, ethical behavior, and student as leader.

Lead Educator
Leadership/Social Studies/Civics Teacher
Developed simulations, experiential learning and outdoor adventure programs for classes of 17 students
Facilitated the learning plans of 130 high school students using tools such as
Myers-Briggs Temperament Sorter,
Holland's Career Inventory,
SCAN Skills, and LPI Aptitude Test,
Steven Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.

Service Learning/ Job Coach
Coached a team of students in the use of work place and SCAN skills in a real world environment.
Coordinated the learning objectives, service projects, and reflection activities for students required to earn 180 hours of service learning.

Multi-Media Administrator
Instructed, maintained and problem solved for a Microsoft NT LAN network with 50 PCs and 120 users.
Production coach for multi-media/web based products for both teachers and students.
PC Based products used: MS XP family of products,
Hyper Studio,
Macro Media Flash MX,
Dream Weaver,
I-Movie, Adobe Dream weaver

Educating Future Generations Coach (EFG)
Served as trainer-to-be, a resource to teachers both internal and external throughout the organization.
Trained staff to focus on providing teachers with resources to facilitate expanding their current curriculum, building partnerships with the community, and building student competencies through meaningful work.

American Youth Foundation (AYF) St. Louis, Missouri June 1988-1998
AYF provided skilled competence in the areas of recruiting volunteers, drafting proposals and developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating programs.
Achieved professional certification in the following areas:
Low and High Challenge Course,
Group Facilitation,
First Aid,
Adventure Education, and Trainer.

Program Coordinator International Leadership Conference (ILC), Director
Responsible for developing, facilitating, monitoring and evaluating leadership curriculum
Responsible for recruitment, training and retention of staff volunteers, budget allocations and providing a safe, nurturing environment for 140 youth from over 8 countries.

RELATED CAREER QUALIFICATIONS

AM Horizons Training Group
Lead Facilitator in a national consulting firm that provides training, coaching and support in the areas of Equity/Diversity, Teamwork, and Leadership.

Community Mediation Services
Volunteer with Community Mediation Services to conduct both community mediation and restorative justice process.

North Start Council Juvenile Diversion Program
Develop program strategies for the expansion of the program and increasing it’s effectiveness.

Alexandra House: Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program
Community Outreach Chair, working with the board to connect community resources, educates community leaders and increase volunteer base.

Anoka County Community Action (ACCAP) (Secretary)
Manage and give oversight to programs for low income community members; e.g. Head Start, Emergency Energy Assistance and First time home owner courses.

Core Faculty for Minnesota State Patrol
Designed and facilitated a six month cultural competence and elimination of bias section of the academy for freshmen officers.

Nation Association of Human Rights Workers
Board Member and Member at Large, we focus on the continuing education and training of our members through our annual training conference.

University of Saint Thomas
Online teaching assistant, offered support and technical help for students who were new to online courses.

Stevie Ray's Improvisational Comedy Troupe
Performer and troupe member our focus is on performance and teaching individuals and organizations how to think on their feet, improve public speaking and how to play together which touches on diversity issues.

New Orleans Diversity Team, New Orleans, LA
Is a Train-the-Trainer program that for the last six years has taught over 200 youth how to facilitate dialogue on diversity issues.

World of Difference, St. Louis, MO
Lead Facilitator, taught and conducted diversity workshops for adult and youth groups in the St. Louis Area

TEACHING ASSIGNMENTS
National American University PS1500- Strategies for Successful Thinking
Minnesota School of Business CM1100- Interpersonal Communications
Rasmussen College PS100- Keys to College Success
Adler Graduate School- Multicultural Relations

EDUCATION
University of St. Thomas University St. Paul, MN
MA, Educational Technology Program

National American University St. Paul, MN
BS, Organizational Leadership

Certificates/Certifications
Educational Technology Certificate, St. Thomas University

Rule 114 Mediator, Community Mediation Services, Crystal, Minnesota



Over the last 10 years Andre has developed:
•Work experience in Human Resources, Training, Diversity, EEO/AA, or Compliance in lieu of degree.
• Experience in EEO/AA, Diversity, Investigations, Compliance, including Minimum of two years training experience including the development of training materials and evaluation of training programs and/ two years investigations interviewing and document review experiences.
• Excellent research and analysis ability to formulate sound recommendations.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, composure and objectivity in challenging interpersonal interactions and crisis or emergency situations.
• Ability to respect and maintain the confidentiality of the organization and its employees.
• High degree of proficiency at producing high quality training materials, presentation graphics, reports, and electronic database systems
• Knowledge of government and regulatory employment laws
• Proficiency in computer software packages (for example: MS Office products including MS Access or knowledge of database systems, Excel spreadsheets, and other graphical packages)
• Ability to influence and build relationships, work collaboratively with individuals or teams from all areas and processional levels of the organization, community and various business partners
• Strong analytical skills and creative problem solving skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills including the correct English language grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary and the ability to develop, prepare and deliver high level business presentations
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with high degree of attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision
• Comfortable with role of change agent and related ambiguity




Andre Koen, the enkindled spirit.

Who is Andre Koen?
Andre Koen is an energetic presenter, a powerful communicator, and a dynamic teacher. There are many words that describe him. The most illustrative is, “Andre, the Enkindled Spirit”. Andre is a diversity trainer in Minnesota. He provides
face-to-face and online courses on diversity education including leadership development, empowerment training, cross-cultural competence, sensitivity training, anti-racism training and team building. Most of his clients include professionals needing continuing education credits. His weekly blog includes ideas for controlling, removing, and fighting discrimination. Koen also offer one-on-one training and coaching.

Recycling minds in Anoka County
Article by: PAUL LEVY ,Star Tribune

Adler Graduate School : Teaching Assignments

Andre helps government and educational organizations manage and train staff, employees, and clients on diversity issues without blame, fault or guilt. His organization understands that people are doing the best they can with what they have, yet encourages them to examine themselves, explore other cultures, and become allies for others. Koen works to move people's behaviors not by pushing them or making them feel guilty. His courses teach individuals to dissect, analyze, and making meaning of the issues that challenge us in a fair, balanced way that people can hear and understand. He motivates individuals to create something collaboratively.



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Andre Koen is a highly skilled community leader, public speaker, mentor, and activist. He has become well known for his highly acclaimed creation of innovative and behavioral changing courses, both for the classroom and online learning. This unique curriculum includes diversity education, cross-cultural competence, sensitivity training and team building. Additionally, Koen has extensive experience in educating others regarding anti-racism by sharing skills
that diffuse tense or stressful situations, which can arise in anyone’s personal or professional life.

As the son of a Black Panther-turned-preacher, Andre learned at an early age the importance of reaching across cultural lines to seek understanding and acceptance. He also garnered this message from his
mother, a highly compassionate special education teacher who taught Andre that each person has something worthwhile to offer.

The lessons that Andre absorbed during his upbringing were further supported by receiving degrees in organizational leadership and educational technology. This combination of experience and training allowed Andre to become an effective manager, an understanding and compassionate leader, and a confident creator of change.

He has received many awards and honors during his career
including being named "Human Rights Worker of the Year" by the National Association of Human Rights", and the "American Red Cross Marketing and Community Presentations Volunteer of the Year" award.

Andre is also highly proficient with technology and writes a weekly blog that disseminates ideas on fighting and removing discrimination. See his videos and learn more about creating change and making the world a better place at http://www.andrekoen.com/.

Recycling minds in Anoka County
Article by: PAUL LEVY , Star Tribune
Andre Koen, Anoka County's cultural director, learned long ago the importance of listening, seeing beyond the surface.

Andre Koen, the son of a Black Panther-turned-preacher, was talking about people reinventing themselves. He recalled a confrontation with a stranger who assaulted him with a racial slur.

Koen is the Anoka County cultural coordinator and a motivational speaker whose clients have included the Minnesota Trial Lawyers Association, the Centennial Lakes School District and the New York Knicks. Intelligent and savvy, Koen has dealt with all kinds -- including a chicken farmer, whose beet-red face, alcohol-scented breath and struggle to maintain any semblance of balance suggested he'd strayed beyond his limit.

The farmer told Koen he didn't like black people -- only, Koen recalled, the man didn't say it that politely.

Koen, 39, is a tall, angular man with dreadlocks, a disarming smile and a simple philosophy: "We recycle minds." Instead of walking away or sparring verbally or physically with the farmer, Koen sat down with him. When their conversation was over, the farmer wrote his name and phone number on a napkin, handed it to Koen and told him to call if he ever needed chickens or fresh eggs.

"Andre just defused a situation in our office an hour ago, with a woman and her son who walked in here expecting to get jobs," said Melanie Ault, Anoka County director of human services. "Andre stepped in and very clearly addressed the mother, then the son, and developed a rapport very quickly.

"Other staff just watched and marveled. He has a way of turning awkward situations into very positive experiences."

Koen has been honored by the National Association of Human Rights Workers as its Worker of the Year, and he has received the American Red Cross Marketing and Community Presentations Volunteer of the Year awards for community service.


Recycling minds in Anoka County
Article by: PAUL LEVY , Star Tribune
Andre Koen, Anoka County's cultural director, learned long ago the importance of listening, seeing beyond the surface.

Koen's mother was a physical education teacher who worked with disabled kids. One of those children had no arms or legs. Koen said his mother's approach with the child could not have been more positive. He tries to bring that kind of compassion and "healthy nature" to his job... which is?

What exactly is a cultural coordinator?

Koen's predecessor, John Robinson, was known as the county's diversity director, after first being labeled the county's affirmative action officer. The title was going to be changed to "diversity coordinator," said County Administrator Terry Johnson, but former Commissioner Scott LeDoux wanted a more positive-sounding title, Johnson said.

But Koen defies labels.

"I don't have a rule book and I don't have a checklist," he said. "I'm trying to create new ways of having people think."

Absorbing it all

Long before earning a degree in organizational leadership from National American University and a master's degree in educational technology from the University of St. Thomas, Koen was nourished on religion, social consciousness and old-fashioned common sense.

When stories were told at relatives' funerals, young Andre walked away knowing who created recipes of his favorite dishes and who created recipes for adventure.

His grandparents met in Tennessee, and part of his family lived in Arkansas. He was told that when a great uncle mouthed off to a white woman, a stampede of white folks arrived at the uncle's door and told another relative, "We want him."

The family left Arkansas for Cincinnati and, later, Dayton, Ohio, which Koen describes as a "fabulous" place for a kid to be raised. But the family still had ties to Memphis -- there was a Koen cleaning business there -- and that only added to the shocking impression made on Koen's father when the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated there in 1968.

William Koen joined the Black Panthers, but he was still evolving.

"If we want change to happen, we have to have everybody at the table," Andre Koen said recently. "And my father knew it."

William Koen, an airport analyst, became a minister. He told his son that there are "no prescriptions for creating miracles." He was like many of Andre's other early mentors -- "so forward in thinking that everything I'm doing now is just catching up to where they were leaning."

Getting their attention

Andre considers his Anoka County work for the past five years his "dream job." But he was motivating groups and individuals years before -- as a paid facilitator, a teacher, even during his year as a member of Stevie Ray's Improvisational Comedy Troupe.

His website, at www.am horizons.com, emphasizes his ability to build teams and his work as a motivational speaker. But whether he's talking about self-worth, diversity or aging, Koen knows his audience.

"If I know people are here to see me because it's a mandatory training, the first thing I talk about is how much this training sucks," he said. "It doesn't suck, but I want to get their attention and I want them on my side."

He recently did a video demonstration that has been used by 17 counties and state agencies, he said. He's not afraid to wave his arms or raise his voice. When told how refreshing his videos are, he simply credits Anoka County for being diversified enough to go in different directions.

Teaching - and learning

His understanding of the Internet -- and of human nature -- make him stand out on the seventh floor of the Anoka County Government Center. And he remains as eager to learn as he is to teach.

At a conference, Koen met Chris Gardner, the self-made millionaire whose memoir, "The Pursuit of Happyness," is well known to movie- goers.

"I shook his hand and I felt the callouses and saw the cuts," Koen said. "I thought, 'Wow, this guy is the real deal.' That touched me."

Koen says he just wants to "contribute," to get people thinking about how they want to be, not just what they'd like to be.

"I just want to be part of the diversity," he said.

Paul Levy • 612-673-4419



Census reflects north metro changes By MARIA ELENA BACA, Star Tribune
Census reflects north metro changes By MARIA ELENA BACA, Star Tribune

March 29, 2011

In Columbia Heights, the changes are writ large on the storefronts.

Central Avenue through the city is home to Middle Eastern restaurants, Latin groceries, a Hmong-owned insurance agency, African-American hair salons, a Sharia real estate agency and more.

"We are moving from a metropolitan area to a cosmopolitan area," said Community Development Director Scott Clark. "This is part of the natural growth of an urban area."

As elsewhere in the Twin Cities metro area, growth in minority populations looms large in new U.S. Census data for the northern suburbs. In Columbia Heights, for example, although the city's population grew by only 5.3 percent in the past decade, to 19,496, the minority count rose 153 percent and is now 30 percent of the total.

Following the trend set by the northern suburbs closest to Minneapolis, Crystal's minority population grew 87 percent and Brooklyn Center's and Brooklyn Park's rose by 78 and 67 percent, respectively. Brooklyn Center, population 30,104, is now 50.9 percent minority, while Brooklyn Park, 67,388, is 47.6 percent. At the same time, on the northern reaches of the seven-county metro area, St. Francis' minority population fell from 4.3 to 4.1 percent, despite explosive growth of 47 percent overall, to 7,200. In the center of the county, Andover's minority population doubled, but people of color account for only 6.8 percent of the city of 30,600.

Andre Koen is cultural coordinator for Anoka County, which comprises much of the northern metro. He believes that the county's minority growth in particular can be traced to availability of amenities and services such as mass transit, affordable housing and jobs.

"You can't have one without having all of them, and I'm not sure how you build all of them simultaneously," he said. "They are so intricately connected, to create equitable communities we have to figure out how to get that mix."

In Andover, noted City Administrator Jim Dickinson, most of the city's recent growth has been in "step-up" houses, possibly making the city less appealing to the newest generations of immigrants.

At the same time, Crystal, just up Interstate 94 from Minneapolis, may have it all.

"We have affordable, modest housing," said City Manager Anne Norris. "I think the combination of location and cost of housing stock and type of housing stock makes it an attractive place to live."

But like other rapidly changing cities, Crystal is trying to figure out how to be inclusive of all residents. Officials are looking to neighboring cities for guidance, Norris said. There are plans to pick up New Hope's Know Your Neighbor community dialogues, for example.

"We recognize the face of Crystal is changing," she said. "We just haven't figured out how to be more inclusive."

Across the north metro, cities are in different stages of preparing to meet changing demographics.

Brooklyn Center and Brooklyn Park, which even 10 years ago had relatively high minority populations for the north metro, have worked to incorporate native-born and immigrant people of color into the daily operations of their cities, from the police departments to the city commissions that help set the tone of each city.

"We're probably more of an American city than any other city in Minnesota. ... Progressive people come here for that whole American dream," said Vickie Schleuning, Brooklyn Center's assistant city manager.

In Brooklyn Park, officials have worked hard to increase the percentage of people of color from 14 to 32 percent of the city's volunteer commission members. One effective approach was to invite leaders of ethnic groups to join, overcoming a cultural reluctance to step forward, said Denise Rene Wollenburg, the city's community outreach coordinator.

The next step may be bringing the majority culture on board, Koen said, noting that government types may not always be on the same page as long-term majority residents.

"As I get older, I realize the value of moving quickly, as well as making sure we are bringing people along," he said.

Staff writer Paul Levy contributed to this report. Maria Elena Baca • 612-673-4409

© 2012 Star Tribune. All rights reserved.