Ruth Hampton Olkon

Name: Ruth Hampton Olkon

Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

Heritage: Jewish

Family: Husband, three kids, one sister, one brother-in law, one niece, parents, in-laws, and close friends

What brought you to the Backyard Initiative? I wanted to be involved in what I believe is the most important work in the world

What is your role with the project? Provide support and facilitate connections between and amongst Allina Health and the community.

How long have you been with the project? One year

What is your favorite restaurant in the Backyard? Maria”'s Cafe

Name: Lovel Trahan

Name: Lovel Trahan

Hometown: Lafayette, LO

Heritage: Cajun and Creole

Family: Two parents, one brother, three grandparents, six aunts, three uncles, seven cousins, and one partner

What brought you to the Backyard Initiative? A desire to be part of the development of what health care may look like in ten or fifteen years

What is your role with the project? To build capacity in the project and to make the Backyard more important than it is today.

How long have you been with the project? Eleven months

What is your favorite restaurant in the Backyard? Safari Express in the Midtown Global Market

Dimpho Orionzi

Name: Dimpho Orionzi

Hometown: St. Cloud, MN

Heritage: Lugbara, tribe in North-western Uganda

Family/Siblings: Two parents, two sisters, one brother, two grandmothers, and many, many aunts, uncles and cousins

What brought you to the Backyard Initiative? I wanted to learn about genuine community engagement because I believe communities are an important stakeholder and often get left out of critical conversations.

What is your role with the project? To find ways of connecting what we”'re learning in the Backyard to other important work that is happening in the community and in Allina Health.

How long have you been with the project? One year and eleven months

What is your favorite restaurant in the Backyard? Maria”'s Cafe