Executive Director

Linda Lelis-Her is a visionary artist, community organizer, and Executive Director at Future of Us. A second-generation Hmong American queer feminist Minnesotan, her lived experience informs her commitment to justice and community power. For more than 15 years, she has organized at the intersections of gender justice, racial equity, and democracy while building movements, mobilizing communities, and cultivating new generations of leaders. Her leadership spans grassroots organizing, civic engagement, campaigns, and nonprofit strategy and fundraising. Grounded in storytelling and collective action, she advances political participation and expands power for Hmong, LGBTQ+, youth, and womxn communities historically excluded from decision-making. She believes collective action and community leadership can transform systems and build a more conscious, liberated, and just future.

Associate Director

My favorite form of self-care: Sleep, good company, eating, practicing yoga, hiking, running, biking.

Must read/watch: The residence, The curious case of Natalia Grace, The power of now

Sun, moon, rising: Capricorn; Aquarius; Virgo

Advocacy & Policy Manager

My favorite dish is, has, and will always be Tibetan dumplings (“momo”). Tibetan momo with ranch (hot take) and Tibetan/Nepali hot sauce is a must.

My favorite movie trilogy is the Lord of the Rings trilogy, specifically the 3rd movie (Return of the King).

I try to spend 1-2 hours a day going to the gym and working out because it’s important not only for my health, but also in keeping a disciplined regimen. I also try to take 15-30 minutes a day reading, whether it be historical/non-fiction books about political ideas/concepts/events, or fictional books. I think it’s nice to get a few minutes away from staring at my phone or laptop.

Policy Intern

Staël Kpetsu is a University of Minnesota student majoring in Global Studies and Sociology of Law, Criminology and Justice, with a minor in Spanish. She grew up in Togo, West Africa, where she developed a strong interest in Women’s Rights, before moving to Minnesota to further her education. Staël has interned with the Advocates for Human Rights, created a gender-based violence advocacy organization (CASEA) on campus, volunteered at shelters and constantly seeks opportunities to make a difference in her community. She is interested in International Law and Public Policy, hoping to later tackle our nation’s most pressing social issues through a Human Rights approach. When she is not working, Staël enjoys reading, dancing, traveling and spending quality time with her loved ones. 

Communications Manager

Maly, a second-generation Hmong American, has a creative foundation rooted in preserving and reimagining Hmong culture through fashion design, photography, and videography. Through her work, she carries that legacy forward, telling stories and evoking experiences that show how culture can exist, evolve, and adapt within modern contexts. Her approach explores identity, belonging, and how culture continues to live and reform wherever we are. Beyond this foundation, Maly channels her creativity to make an impact and amplify the voices of the MN Asian community, applying storytelling and innovative approaches to support meaningful projects and initiatives.

Campaign Manager

David, a first-generation Mexican-American, has always strived to help any community in need. Starting as an Education Advisor, he helped students from low-income, first-generation backgrounds plan their futures and navigate the many systems and obstacles in place for higher education, apprenticeships, and various other pathways. Through his work in education, he has seen firsthand the damage that poorly executed policies can inflict on vulnerable communities. David wishes to use his experience to advocate for and help others learn about their role in politics to better their communities. As the Campaign Manager, David will use his knowledge and skillset to rally the community, and amplify the voices of Asian-American youth.