WSCO Board Meetings are typically held on the fourth Monday each month from 6:30 to 8:00pm, usually in person at our offices at 209 Page Street West, but sometimes virtually (check our calendar for the most up-to-date information). WSCO board meetings are open to the public. There is time for public comment at the beginning of each board meeting (two to five minutes per person depending on number participants). If you would like a longer time to speak to the board please contact [email protected] to get on the agenda.
Interested in running for our board? Elections for open seats are held at our annual meeting every fall. Contact WSCO Executive Director Monica Bravo at [email protected] to learn more.
2025 Board of Directors
WSCO is proud to take a “by us, for us” approach to electing our Board of Directors. After hearing from each candidate during our “West Sides Decides” Annual Meeting in November 2024, every West Sider in attendance had the opportunity to vote, leading to the approval of 10 new board members. Alongside three returning members, they will work with West Side residents to realize WSCO’s vision in 2025. Meet them here:
Jeannine Pohl is the owner of Block Portrait Studios and has been a proud West Side resident since 2015. As a portrait artist, she has had the privilege of connecting with countless West Siders, hearing their unique stories and witnessing their dreams. Jeannine and her family deeply cherish this vibrant community, filled with parks, businesses, festivals, and diverse neighbors. She is passionate about contributing to the West Side's growth and vibrancy by making small ripples that lead to big waves of positive change.
Committed to fostering a thriving, inclusive neighborhood, Jeannine believes in the power of community organizations to drive meaningful progress. Her strengths lie in envisioning innovative solutions, building connections, and helping others succeed. By serving on the WSCO board, she aims to deepen her understanding of local challenges and opportunities, advocate for positive change, and contribute to a shared vision for the West Side’s future.
With over 30 years of experience living, working, and raising a family on the West Side, Joy Sorensen Navarre is deeply connected to the community and proud of WSCO’s history. Previously serving as an Ex-Officio board member and WSCO’s interim Executive Director during the summer of 2023, she has been actively involved in WSCO’s Land Use Action Circle and fund development efforts. As a local business owner with decades of executive leadership experience in nonprofit and business sectors, Joy brings a wealth of knowledge, particularly in financial management, collaboration, and action-oriented leadership. Passionate about community organizing and racial equity, Joy is committed to fostering a strong and inclusive West Side. They are excited by initiatives like redress for Flats families, economic investment for local residents, and the Tenant Union. At this pivotal time for WSCO, Joy hopes to contribute to the organization’s healing and rebuilding while building relationships with fellow West Siders and mentoring new board members.
[email protected]
With more than five decades of experience in community organizing, Lawrence A. Lucio has dedicated his life to serving the West Side. His extensive career includes roles such as youth organizer at Neighborhood House, the first director of El Rio Vista Playground and the West Side Youth Service Bureau, and a guidance counselor at Roosevelt Jr. High and Humboldt Jr. High for 16 years. He has also served as principal of Northeast Middle School, Humboldt High School, Edison High School, and Stadium View School, and co-founded the West Side Booster Club, where he coached for 35 years.Driven by a commitment to youth, families, and public education, Larry believes in making decisions that prioritize the best interests of the community. Through his work with WSCO, he hopes to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen the West Side while mentoring the next generation of leaders. His extensive experience and passion for advocacy make him a dedicated and invaluable contributor to his neighborhood.
Nancy Negrette is a dedicated member of the West Side community, working at WestSide HairCare Salon since 1999, and also a self-employed business owner. Born in Milwaukee, WI, and a St. Paul resident since 1978, Nancy has strong ties to the area, with a rich cultural heritage from both her father, who hails from the old West Side, and her mother, who is from Red Lake. She is currently pursuing her pathway to nursing school while working full-time at Planned Parenthood, with a professional background primarily in community service and healthcare. A passionate artist, Nancy finds joy in hairstyling, and is deeply connected to the land, particularly the Mississippi River, as part of her Lakota and Dakota heritage. Dedicated to advocating for her community, Nancy is committed to discussing and implementing positive changes for the West Side and West Side businesses. She values ethical decision-making, open-mindedness, and supporting her community through active engagement. Through serving on WSCO’s board, Nancy hopes to develop her communication and community organizational skills, with the aspiration to one day run for office and continue advocating for the West Side.
Nate Giles (Secretary) grew up on the East Side of St. Paul but has always had strong ties to the West Side, where his family frequently visited for Yerba Mate, reflecting his Chilean and Argentine roots. Over the years, he has lived in various parts of St. Paul, even spending time in Michigan, but he and his wife chose the West Side, drawn to the beautiful Cherokee Park and the proximity to the Mississippi River. With 15 years of experience in education, including 8 years as a special education teacher, he remains passionate about improving St. Paul, particularly through the work of WSCO, which he became involved with through his interest in a pedestrian bridge at Harriet Island. Motivated by WSCO's commitment to community engagement and policy advocacy, Nate is excited to contribute to the organization’s mission to address local needs and drive positive change. He values fostering connection, respecting diverse viewpoints, and ensuring that community voices are heard, especially from those who may be introverted or less likely to speak up. With a focus on collaboration, Nate aims to recruit more community involvement, encourage productive discussions, and help guide sustainable solutions for West Side issues. Serving on the WSCO board offers an opportunity to further develop his leadership skills, learn new perspectives, and make a meaningful impact on the community he cares so deeply about.
Santino Franco is a lifelong West Sider with over 26 years of experience as a coach, mentor, and advocate for his community. He is committed to ensuring that the West Side has a strong voice at the political table in St. Paul and continues to serve as a passionate advocate for local residents. Santino is eager to be more actively involved in the political aspects of community work, bringing his leadership skills and deep understanding of the neighborhood to the WSCO board. He believes that, when serving on a neighborhood board, it’s important to separate personal values and ideals to work for the betterment of the entire community. Through his involvement with WSCO, he hopes to gain a better understanding of local government and how to further support and strengthen the West Side.
Sebastian Gonzalez Navarro (Treasurer) is a seasoned legislative staffer and political organizer with a strong connection to the West Side. Although raised in Southern Minnesota, he forged an early bond with the West Side through frequent childhood trips to El Burrito Mercado and vibrant Latine festivals. Now a proud West Side resident, Sebastian is deeply committed to giving back to the community that helped shaped his identity and values. With a background in state government, Sebastian has worked under Representative Pérez-Vega, Senate Majority Leader Erin Murphy, and as a Campaign Director in Minnesota’s 4th Congressional District. His experience spans legislative processes, coalition building, and grassroots advocacy. Key achievements include securing vital funding for Neighborhood House, establishing Hair Technician Licenses to support local BIPOC cosmetologists, and championing equity-driven legislative initiatives that uplift underserved communities. Now, Sebastian is channeling his skills and passion into advocating for transformative state investments and infrastructure projects that address the community's evolving needs.
Sheila Evans is a longtime resident of the West Side, wife of 34 years, mother, and grandmother. She is the founder of Chica’s De Color, a fundraising group dedicated to supporting the community, and actively volunteers with Humboldt Prom, Athletics & PTO, Westside Boosters, and efforts to feed the hungry in Castillo Park. Currently, she is working on establishing Sheila’s Sharing Space, a drop-in shelter for anyone in need. With a strong commitment to family, Sheila brings energy and a deep connection to the community to her work. Through her involvement with WSCO, she hopes to foster a team effort within the community to address local needs and continue making a positive impact.
Yasmin Muridi
Amanda Otis (Vice Chair, Returning Member) has served on the WSCO Board for the past three years. As a small business owner of a salon on the West Side, Amanda wanted to find an effective way to bridge the gap between the systems that run the community and the people who live in the community. She is passionate about equality, understanding, and using her voice to take action in changes that will help our community members thrive. Knowing the value of showing up for ourselves and our families before we can be of service to the community, when not advocating for other West Siders Amanda loves spending time with her family, her partner, and their three kids.
Jessica Klimisch (Chair, Returning Member) has been a proud West Side resident for eight years, where she has found a true sense of community among small businesses, families, and long-time residents. As an active member of the West Side Tenant Union, she is committed to advocating for her neighbors and giving back to the welcoming community that has embraced her. Jessica brings experience in supporting small businesses, with skills in streamlining procedures, task organization, marketing, and design.Dedicated to putting the community first, Jessica believes in reflecting on personal values while prioritizing the well-being of those impacted by decisions. Her passion for fostering an inclusive and connected neighborhood drives her commitment to serving as a WSCO board member.
[email protected]
Sebastian Ellefson (Returning Member) and his wife moved to the West Side in 2017, where they are raising their two young children, with their oldest attending Riverview Elementary. He works as an attorney for the Volunteer Lawyers Network, providing legal assistance to low-income individuals facing challenges. Motivated by a desire to continue the important work of WSCO, Sebastian is committed to connecting West Siders with valuable knowledge, resources, decision-making power, and one another. He believes it is our duty to help others and make decisions that benefit not only ourselves but our community and the world. With experience serving on boards and legal expertise, Sebastian aims to contribute his strengths to the WSCO board while gaining further insight into grassroots organizing and the workings of local government.
Staff
