This month’s spotlight features Merone Melekin, Deputy Director of the Minnesota Covid-19 Response. In her role Merone oversees crisis and cross-government management and operations for the State of Minnesota. Take a look into Meron’s journey as she navigated a career in State Government while working tirelessly to help leaders address public safety, justice, and equity disparities.
Please briefly explain some of your responsibilities in your current career role
I serve as the Deputy Director of the Minnesota Covid-19 Response. I led the development and implementation of a comprehensive Covid-19 vaccine and testing plan for the State of Minnesota at the height of the pandemic. Today, I sit on the State’s Senior leadership team advising and providing guidance on emergency health response priorities, sustaining systems, and focusing of resources to advance the strategic direction of the agency to ensure equitable administration of vaccines and testing to all Minnesotans. In plain language, I describe my work as crisis and cross-government management and operations.
You recently served as Chief of Transition for Governor Mark Dayton and currently serve as the Deputy Director of Minnesota Covid Response & Director of External relations. You have helped the City of Minneapolis and the State navigate some difficult times. What are some of the critical issues that the City or State still have to navigate through?
I’ve worked in several roles in State Government from leading the Covid Response to serving as the Former Governor’s Assistant Chief of Staff. They each came with their own unique challenges and opportunities however one thing about service in State Government is that it never stops. You can be in the middle of a global pandemic, a housing crisis, and have to address a fatal police officer involved shooting, all in a day’s service.
Minnesota was the epicenter of community organizing and movement work over the last few years following the tragic death of Philando Castille, George Floyd, Daute Wright, and many more. I helped our leaders navigate through some of the most challenging times, while advising how to best work with the community and rebuild trust in a system that never served a large segment of our population. While this was not explicitly part of my job description, when you have a seat at the table, you ensure that your voice is heard and use your influence and agency to advise leaders to do the right thing. As a reminder, our leaders are only as good as their team and the people they surround themselves with.
Minnesota still has several issues to navigate through including public safety and policing, affordable housing, economic justice, and some of the largest racial equity disparities in the nation that were only exasperated during the pandemic.
Your career has been rooted in politics and government. How did you get into your current field?
My upbringing played a large role in the trajectory of my career. Like many other Eritreans, I was brought up at the time Eritrea gained her independence and as we know, our road to independence was grass rooted. Naturally we were organizers of the community and knew the power of our voice and value of having a seat at the table. I followed the footsteps of my older sister, elders, and, revolutionaries before me and developed a deep interest in navigating systems and creating solutions. I started off volunteering in campaigns and community organizing and eventually pivoted into policy work and crisis management at the State Capitol.
How did you decide that this was the right career path for you?
Following undergraduate studies, I pursued a career in non-profit as a social impact researcher and I wasn’t fulfilled. I didn’t want my work to only inform policy; I wanted to influence it, so I later joined the Governor’s Office. As the Governor’s Senior Advisor, I was one of the final sign off’s before a bill was made into law. I recognized what a privilege it was and the impact I could make for generations to come, so I was determined to make sure the administration I worked for was one I could be proud of. It was during my time in the Governor’s Office where I knew this was the right career path. I didn’t have to sacrifice my principles or beliefs to do good work.
How did you seek opportunities that helped you grow and develop within your field?
I leaned into my job experience and network to grow and develop within my field. Your talent and network are two of the most powerful things you can have. I am typically a reserved person but once I embraced how talented I was, it made it easier to network and identify opportunities for growth, whether it was a promotion or fellowship opportunity. Talent also shines. If you do well at your job and put yourself out there, people take notice and do what they can to keep you around.
I’d also mention the power of a good mentor and sponsor. My talent and growth wouldn’t be where it is today if I didn’t have strong mentors that believed in me and had an equal interest in seeing me grow.
What skills have you found vital to your job?
The ability to build relationships, actively listen, think critically, advocate and identify a path towards a solution.
What are the most rewarding and challenging aspects of your career?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my career is knowing that my influence impacts decision-making, and as a result can impact the lives of people who look like me.
One of the most challenging aspects is not having enough of us at the table. Having a person with a different experience at the decision-making table can be the difference between new legislation being signed or vetoed. Leaders are only as good as the people around them and there is a lot of work that still needs to be done to increase representation within the doors of the Capitol.
How do you stay motivated and goal-oriented?
I have regular check-ins with myself where I can stay grounded in my principles and remind myself of why I continue to do this work. These regular check-ins help me keep my head above water and give myself the necessary grace and praise. I also keep a running list of accomplishments where I reflect on the things that I’m proud of and offer any opportunities for growth. Scheduling breaks and check-ins improves my productivity and further allows me to be present and clear about my goals.
To date, what is your greatest professional accomplishment?
I have been able to cross off several “firsts” while working in government. I was the first and youngest woman of color to serve as an Assistant Chief of Staff in the Minnesota Governor’s Office. I was also the youngest program lead for the Covid-19 global pandemic response program and nationally recognized for one of the most effective programs nationwide.
I’d also share that being the first comes with responsibility. While I’m proud of the recognition, being a role model and creating a pathway for more people of color to join the executive branch is something I hold at the same caliber. When I first started working at the Governor’s office, I reminded myself that this wasn’t just for me. This was for all the young black and brown kids that never imagined having a seat at the table and it was my duty to make sure they have a permanent seat in this space.
What’s one piece of advice you would give someone looking to transition into your line of work?
Hard to choose just one. I have a few:
- Listen and be an advocate.
- Work for an administration/leader you align with.
- Take up space and don’t get discouraged. You belong in any room you enter.
Outside of your hard work and efforts toward building your brand, what do you do for fun? Hobbies?
I love to travel, carry around my camera and practice portrait photography, and check out coffee shops and restaurants in new cities!