The Dream Team

Co-Founder  | The Real Minneapolis

Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships

valerie@realmpls.org

She/Her/Hers

Aptly described in StarTribune as a boisterous Vegas native, Valerie does not take no for an answer. At least not when the kind and loving answer needs to be yes. Her story is one of rags to riches, then rags to riches. Raised by a Hispanic low-income single mother whose family was divided by alcoholism, Valerie was the first of her generation to attend college -- amidst the vast wealth at Pepperdine University in Malibu! Subsequently, alcoholism and heroin addiction led her to homelessness and incarceration. In 1996, she got sober and dedicated her life to helping everything she once was -- she was given a 2nd chance and believes everyone should have the same. Valerie owns Bright Spot Sober Living, 4 houses in South Minneapolis for homeless individuals post-inpatient treatment. She has a double major in Public Relations and Organizational Communications and previously worked at PR agencies, Target Corporation, and UnitedHealth Group as a creative wingnut in marketing, advertising and events.

Co-Founder  | The Real Minneapolis

Director of Youth Leadership

maryclaire@realmpls.org

She/Her/Hers

Mary Claire (MC for short!) is a 2nd year Pediatric Nursing Student and basketball player at St. Kate’s. She lives a few blocks from George Floyd Square and is the daughter of a Caribbean immigrant and a Midwestern Super-Mom who met George Francois while doing service in St. Lucia. Her lifelong neighbor Valerie likes to say “MC has the discipline of an athlete, the heart of a nurse and the spirit of an immigrant.” She may be quiet and humble, but don’t be fooled -- she is the nurturing calm and vital force that keeps the glue of Hope Youth Center together. Cognizant of her middle-class privilege, she has dedicated her life to helping the children in her neighborhood. 

She lives by these words: “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. - Gandhi

Co-Founder  | The Real Minneapolis

Creative Director, Brand Management 

marni@realmpls.org

She/Her/Hers

As a creative empath and digital magician, it’s certainly fitting that Marni felt right at home with the other 2 whacky co-founders. 20 years of waving her wand led to her latest role as Creative Director of Brand Management, but more importantly: Marni uses her superpowers for the greater good. She attended the College of St. Benedict as a Political Science major with the belief that in order to fight the system, you have to know the system. Her community involvement and grassroots activism started pretty much at birth and shows no sign of stopping. Marni is passionate about equity, inclusion, and empowerment for all and peacefully fights on the frontlines for racial equality including indigenous rights, such as:  justice for MMIW (Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women), and environmental justice. As an avid motorcyclist, it was a natural calling for her to be the only female frontline rider for BRAPB (Bikers Riding Against Police Brutality). The group's diverse and dedicated members lead peaceful protests on 2 wheels, blocking traffic and protecting community members while advocating for racial equality and better policing.