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Luisa Trapero, a community leader from St. James, was named to Governor Walz’s Advisory Council on Climate Change. This appointment will provide Luisa with the opportunity to have direct input in as the state works on climate change initiatives.
This appointment was well deserved as she was an integral part in the creation of the St. James Climate Smart Communities program. She was also part of the Region Nine Learning Exchange with North Rhine-Westphalia where she was able to see a rural community’s approach to creating sustainable energy and the economic benefits of these programs.
Along with her appointment to the council, Luisa was also hired to be the University of Minnesota Extension’s SNAP-Ed Health & Wellness Coordinator for Watonwan County. She is also a committee member for the Uniting Cultures/Uniendo Culturas Program, a founding board member for the Minnesota School Board Director of Color, and serves on the Riverbend School Board.
Even with her busy schedule, Luisa took time to sit down with RNDC for an interview.
It seems like you stay pretty busy serving on multiple boards and committees. What led you to public service?
I think it is essential to be involved in your community. What led to public service was my mother and grandmother, both single parents. They were always interested in many different communities in their home country. They always told us if you see someone needing help, you are there to help that person. It also helped when I was invited to the Rural Leadership Training Program by the Blandin Foundation. This training helped me understand that being involved also consists of taking responsibility and being where decisions are being made for the good of the community, always with your lens of equity and diversity.
‘Being where decisions are being made’ must have resonated with you. Now you’re on the Governor’s Advisory Council on Climate Change. You were also part of the Region Nine Delegation to North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), Germany. What was a key takeaway from the learning exchange?
It was the mentality. The population understands the importance of dealing with climate change. They think about their communities more than themselves or making big companies more significant profits. I like how the towns, cities, counties, and states are together in one mentality of helping Mother Earth. The trip made me able to dream about a society where we think about our habitats and their effects on the earth.
Being selected to serve on the council is an honor. I now have the chance to make a difference in the decision-making.
You have also been a trailblazer for the BIPOC community. Can you tell us about your experience being the first Latino elected in St. James?
I felt very proud, but also very committed to the community, especially the Latino community. I was trying to give a voice to those who did not have one in the decision-making. At the same time, I was learning a complex system. Some days, there were challenges, but there were triumphs.
The challenges I faced were learning how to navigate the system but also thinking about equity in all the decision-making that I was doing. School board decisions like academics and the arts and sports need to be done with an equity lens all the time.
I think we had various triumphs. One was having the agendas and minutes for the board meeting in English and Spanish. I also fell it was a victory to have an equity group for the district and administration of the school. Our Equity and Diversity also moved forward with the students. I think that was a triumph for anyone who wants to see changes in the district with an equity lens.
After many years on the Board, it was time to let someone else take that responsibility. There's a time when you must let someone else take the baton and continue with the lens of equity.
Thank you for your time. RNDC is excited to see what you accomplish next!
RNDC would like to congratulate Luisa on her appointment to the Governor’s Advisory Council on Climate Change.
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