Autumn Chmielewski
Graduate School attended: University of Minnesota, School of Public Health
Graduate Degree: Master of Healthcare Administration
Undergraduate School attended: University of Minnesota
Undergraduate Degree: Political Science & Journalism
Specific Area of Interest within Field: Community Health & Collaboration
Hometown: Park Rapids, MN
Read Autumn's July 22nd, 2016, November 18th, 2016 and December 23rd, 2016 Blogs here
What is your vision for a “community of excellence”?
I’m not sure what my vision is for a “community of excellence” but I do have some ideas about an excellent community. An excellent community is one where equity replaces equality and systematic barriers are removed so neither is needed.
What are you most passionate about in your community?
Equity. I am motivated every day to wake up and actively work to build a better future filled with opportunity and fairness for everyone. I have three young children and work with many more in my community. I see the joy, wonder and truth they bring to life and I’m passionate about working to ensure they have every opportunity to share their unique gifts, develop their innate talents, and thrive in a community that loves and respects them for who they are.
How do you plan to contribute to spreading “communities of excellence” across our country now and in the future?
I will use my position of power and privilege to ask hard questions and create opportunities for minority and marginalized populations to be heard and engaged in leadership and decision making capacities for their communities. If “communities of excellence” proves to be a successful method for creating community engagement and improvement, then I will actively work to share the framework and best practices across the country.
FUN FACTS
What is/was your favorite class?
Art, we don’t give ourselves enough time to be creative and spontaneous in our work as adults.
What are your favorite hobbies by the season?
Not by season but some hobbies include reading, writing, painting, playing piano, skating, and gardening/farming
What is something unique about you?
I can touch my tongue to my nose
Favorite place you been to?
It’s not far from home but I love the Mississippi River Gorge in South Minneapolis. I like to sit on the sandy shores of the Mississippi River and pretend that I’m seeing the water and trees through Mark Twain’s eyes.
Where would you like to live?
A quiet farm in the Driftless Valley where giant oak trees outnumber emails
