BIO

When writing my bio I wanted to try and leave out my background because I have the privilege of passing in places I wish I didn’t. I wanted to write only from participation in the conference. “For as long as I can remember I have strived to prove myself into existence”-Cathy Park Hoang. I have been coming to the Overcoming Racism Conference since 2015 and when I was asked to facilitate my immediate response was, “You have the wrong person”. Why would you want me? I am a constant learner and I will never feel like my journey around equity and racism is done. If you have been in a training with me, you know, I am still trying to navigate when to step up and step back. I messed it up, I get this wrong sometimes . When I learned this years theme, as a non presenting person I was especially challenge, to stand in front of all of you and act as though I know when I’m talking about. This is the beauty of this conference; and why I continue to come back.  I am willing to do the work. This work requires hard conversations with people who look like me.  I was brought back last year’s keynote when Dr. Yohuru Williams asked for someone’s wallet from the audience and took their money out and then gave them back their wallet.

I don’t think I have seen a better demonstration of our attempts at reparations or acknowledgement in this nation. It’s been words. I am humbled today to see how we are striving through be part of the change, moving from words to sustainable actions. I’m excited to have the conversations and honored to be a part of it creating momentum.

My name is MiKayla Handley (she/her) I am a mother of 4 and a grandmother to one. 

I was born and raised in Rapid City, South Dakota. 

I am a descendant of the Northern Cheyenne Nation. (here comes the imposter syndrome) I am not an enrolled member. 

I work at Hennepin County where I create content around equity and inclusion. (more of what am I doing here, and I can’t believe they hired me!!)

I have a Bachelors of Science from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, SD. Where I studied American Indian Studies and Human Services. I love food, I don’t cook. I love to sing, I can’t carry a tune. I love to dance, I have no rhythm and yet I believe we should continue to do all of these things, regardless of the outcome.