Happy International Women’s Day! Women are making history in Minnesota and beyond, and today is a day to recognize and honor them, and to work toward gender equity for women and girls.

One inspiring Minnesotan making history: our very own Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan!

A citizen of the White Earth Nation of Ojibwe–and one of the first Native American women in the country to be elected to executive office–Peggy Flanagan is a longtime advocate for children, families, communities of color, and indigenous people. Even before being elected to the House of Representatives in 2015, she fought to increase Minnesota’s minimum wage and worked to create a better Minnesota for the youngest Minnesotans as executive director of the Children’s Defense fund.

She was the first Native American woman to address the Democratic National Convention as an official speaker in 2016, and was one of only two Native American state representatives in Minnesota at the time of her election to the Minnesota Legislature. In 2017, she formed the POCI (People of Color and Indigenous) caucus with other state legislators to reduce academic and economic disparities that affect communities of color.

As Lt. Governor, she and Governor Walz are working to support education, health, and community prosperity across Minnesota. She’s been busy meeting with students, families, and native communities to hear about the issues that matter most, and she continues to be a fierce advocate for all Minnesotans.

Happy International Women’s Day, Lt. Governor Flanagan!

What issues do you want to see Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan tackle this Legislative Session? Tell us here!