Kowsar Mohamed, a distinguished two-time alumna of the University of Minnesota, currently serves as an Enterprise Director with the State of Minnesota while pursuing her doctorate in Natural Resources Science and Management. In this enlightening discourse, we delve into her extensive experience as an economic development practitioner, where she has adeptly bridged the realms of ecology, governance, and community inclusion. Mohamed articulates her profound insights into water governance, emphasizing its critical role in fostering community resilience and ecological sustainability. She also discusses her initiative, Ecosystem X, which serves as a regenerative systems lab aimed at developing innovative tools for community engagement in environmental stewardship. As we navigate the complexities of inclusive growth and environmental justice, Mohamed's perspectives underscore the necessity of integrating local knowledge and practices into broader governance frameworks.

Kowsar Mohamed's extensive expertise in economic development and her passionate advocacy for regenerative practices are the focal points of this engaging podcast episode. As a two-time alumna of the University of Minnesota and a current PhD student specializing in Natural Resources Science and Management, Kowsar's dual focus on academia and practical application underlines her multifaceted approach to community resilience and water governance. The dialogue begins by exploring Kowsar's formative experiences in community organizing, which laid the groundwork for her commitment to inclusive economic growth, particularly in urban settings.

Throughout the discussion, Kowsar articulates her vision for a future where water governance is approached through a lens of equity and sustainability. She emphasizes the importance of reindigenizing water governance practices, drawing on her Afro-indigenous heritage to highlight the need for a more holistic understanding of water as a communal resource. This perspective challenges listeners to reconsider the commodification of water and advocates for a governance model that prioritizes the well-being of communities over profit. Kowsar's reflections on the systemic inequities faced by marginalized groups in accessing water resources resonate deeply, providing a critical examination of current governance structures and their impacts on community well-being.

The episode further delves into Kowsar's innovative work through Ecosystem X, a platform she established to foster collaboration across sectors in pursuit of regenerative solutions. She discusses the organization's mission to develop tools and frameworks that empower communities to take charge of their environmental futures. By integrating data-driven approaches with community insights, Ecosystem X aims to create sustainable practices that are both effective and culturally relevant. Kowsar's call to action for more equitable philanthropic practices underscores the necessity of dismantling traditional funding barriers to enable grassroots initiatives to thrive. As the episode concludes, listeners are left not only informed about the complexities of water governance but also inspired by Kowsar's unwavering commitment to fostering inclusive, resilient communities.

Takeaways:

• Kowsar Mohamed's extensive background in economic development showcases her commitment to community resilience and inclusion.
• Her doctoral research focuses on the vital areas of regenerative systems and water governance, emphasizing community-led approaches.
• Ecosystem X, founded by Mohamed, aims to create a hub for diverse ecosystems, bridging economic, environmental, and social initiatives.
• Mohamed advocates for re-indigenizing water governance to restore community-centered practices that prioritize access to clean water.
• The podcast underscores the importance of integrating local community knowledge into environmental...

Reyna Hernandez, a prominent iHanktonwan D/Nakota painter and muralist, endeavors to challenge the conventional narratives of settler colonialism that pervade the Midwest. Her artistic practice is deeply rooted in the critical examination of authorship and representation in public spaces, seeking to incorporate Native history and contemporary perspectives into the visual dialogue. Through her murals, she utilizes cultural symbolism and storytelling to explore themes of identity, visibility, and the erasure of indigenous experiences. In our conversation, we delve into the significance of her community-based approach to muralism, emphasizing the collaborative process that empowers local voices and fosters meaningful connections within rural communities. Join us as we discuss the transformative potential of public art and the vital role it plays in reshaping societal narratives.

A profound exploration of the intersection between art and community unfolds as we engage with Reyna Hernandez, a talented ihanktonwan Dakota muralist. Through her work, Reyna endeavors to disrupt the conventional narratives of settler colonialism that pervade the Midwest. Her artistic process is intricately tied to an astute examination of authorship and representation, as she seeks to address the visual language that shapes public perception and societal values. In this conversation, she articulates the necessity of incorporating Native histories and contemporary perspectives into public art. Reyna's work is not merely aesthetic; it is a poignant commentary on identity, visibility, and the often-overlooked stories of Native peoples. We delve into her collaborative approach, which emphasizes community engagement and the importance of listening to the voices of those who inhabit the spaces she aims to transform. This episode illuminates the power of art as a vehicle for social change, revealing how murals can serve as conduits for dialogue and understanding within rural communities. Reyna's insights challenge us to reconsider the role of public art in shaping collective memory and identity, making this a compelling episode for anyone interested in the intersections of art, culture, and community activism.

Takeaways:

• The podcast emphasizes the significance of public art as a medium for community engagement, particularly in rural areas where access to arts programming is limited.
• Reyna Hernandez discusses her artistic process, which prioritizes community input to ensure that murals reflect the values and narratives of local residents.
• The conversation highlights the transformative power of collaboration in art, as it fosters a deeper connection between the artist and the community.
• Hernandez articulates the importance of Indigenous women telling their own stories through art, challenging historical narratives controlled by others.
• The episode addresses the nuances of identity in public art, stressing that art should encompass a variety of experiences rather than conform to singular representations.
• The discussion underscores the need for granting organizations to trust artists, allowing for organic and fluid creative processes that adapt to community needs.

Links referenced in this episode:

• waterers.org
• https://www.reynahernandezart.com
• mural_otw

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Waterers
• University of South Dakota
• Dakota News
• Oscar House Art Institute

Ryan Stopera, an award-winning writer, director, photographer, producer, and community advocate, epitomizes the transformative power of storytelling within diverse communities. His journey begain in social work, where he engaged with marginalized populations, ultimately catalyzing his passion for documentary filmmaking and narrative storytelling. With a commitment to elevating underrepresented voices, Ryan's work has challenged mainstream media narratives, particularly through his documentation of social movements since the 2008 recession. The essence of his endeavors lies in fostering collaboration and connection, as he believes that shared stories within communities significantly contribute to resilience and social change. This conversation illuminates the intersection of art, activism, and community, showcasing how Ryan's multifaceted experiences shape his mission to empower and uplift others through creative expression.

Ryan’s artistic philosophy emphasizes collaboration and the necessity of community-based storytelling. He reflects on how the supportive fabric of the Twin Cities’ artistic environment has fostered his projects, allowing for the coalescence of diverse voices and ideas. The episode further explores his current endeavors, including his work on a feature-length documentary titled 'Why We Dance', which illustrates the significance of indigenous dance as a vessel for cultural expression. Through heartfelt anecdotes and a commitment to social justice, Ryan's insights serve as a testament to the belief that art can indeed shape societal discourse, encouraging future generations to embrace their narratives and create collaborative spaces for change.

Takeaways:

Ryan Stopera's profound journey as a self-taught artist began with his dedication to social work, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.

Through his documentary work, Ryan has elevated marginalized narratives and transformed them into powerful stories that resonate with audiences.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of Ryan's artistic practice, allowing him to merge storytelling with community organizing for impactful change.

Ryan's filmmaking endeavors strive to showcase the often-invisible aspects of community life, fostering connection and understanding among diverse populations.

The influence of familial relationships, particularly the memory of his late sister, serves as a driving force in Ryan's creative expressions and storytelling.

As an artist, Ryan advocates for the significance of building intentional relationships that sustain collaborative projects and enrich the creative process.

Links referenced in this episode:

www.waterers.org

elevenwarriorarts.com

https://www.ryanstopera.com/

https://www.artoftherural.org/

Companies mentioned in this episode:

Waterers

Bank of America

Art of the Rural