For over 20 years, Anika has worked to improve outcomes for youth and families through partnerships that leverage the power of community voice, vision and leadership. Most recently the senior director of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Center for Prevention, she has spent her career working to advance initiatives in education, cultural arts and sciences, workforce development, community health and wellbeing.

Her work has impacted community groups, nonprofits, museums, state and local government, and healthcare organizations across the region. Prior to the Center for Prevention, Anika led the State of Minnesota’s efforts to attract, support and retain leaders of color in executive leadership positions. As director of the Kitty Andersen Youth Science Center at the Science Museum of Minnesota, she worked to build career pathways increasing engagement for women and people of color.

A daughter of the historic Rondo neighborhood of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Anika’s work and approach reflect her value for community leadership and representation. Anika enthusiastically works to leverage often untapped community assets and perspectives, working to engage elders, youth, and cultural leaders in systems redesign. Recognizing the wealth of power and resources already within community, she aims to be a conduit, supporting communities and institutions to bring their powers together for good.

A strategic thinker, Anika works to appreciate and understand the systems she works within. She brings both a systems-based and relational approach to her work, leading initiatives that transform systems to eliminate disparities and advance equity.

Anika spends her free time enjoying music, arts and sports activities with her husband, four children, puppy and large extended family. She holds a MA degree in Human Services and a BA in Human Resource Management from Concordia University – Saint Paul. She was named one of “40 under 40” by the Minneapolis/Saint Paul Business Journal in 2016, and she was recognized by Fearless Commerce in 2021 for her leadership of Sankofa Leadership Network.