Joané McAfee just celebrated her 27th birthday.
And while there are plenty of 27-year-olds populating the workforce, there are very few who can say they earn their pay serving as a trusted policy advisor to their state’s governor.
McAfee can say just that, advising Minnesota’s Gov. Mark Dayton and Lt. Gov. Tina Smith on policy concerning criminal justice, public safety, human rights and more. Not too shabby for a person who four years ago had absolutely zero plans of serving in the public arena.
“When I graduated (college) I had a very narrow focus. I was going to be working for a big PR agency or on somebody’s television program,” said McAfee, who graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in public relations.
McAfee said a job as a legislative assistant with Sen. Bobby Joe Champion (59, DFL) changed her career direction … and her life.
“Working with Sen. Champion and seeing how I could be a part of change for Minnesota gave me a new perspective. Sen. Champion valued my voice and I give a lot of credit to him for investing in me,” said McAfee.
That investment paid off. In January when the governor was seeking voices from underrepresented communities, McAfee’s name was presented to him … not by Champion, but by Sen. Jeff Hayden (42, DFL), who had also recognized the work she was doing.
“When my name was presented, the lieutenant governor was familiar with me and she felt I’d be a really good choice as policy advisor,” said McAfee, who said her age is seldom – if ever – a hindrance in her role. “I offer a fresh voice and a different perspective and a different demographic. That’s what the governor wants and what is welcomed and respected.”
Indeed, when it comes to state government, McAfee is a different voice. During her three years as staffer to Champion, McAfee was the only Black female staffer in either the state House or Senate. That opened her eyes to a stark reality.
“We have policy makers talking about us (people of color) and the issues affecting us, but we aren’t there to be a part of the conversation.”
At just 27-years-old, McAfee is now an integral part of the conversation. So when Dayton was pondering the issue of police body cameras, one of the voices heard in the room was that of McAfee.
“I offered the community perspective. Gov. Dayton was really passionate (about the issue) already and he was passionate about listening to the community,” said McAfee.
Keeping close ties to the community is important to McAfee, she said.
“I spend a lot of times with my friends who are not in politics, so I’m not always talking politics and policy, that way I don’t get sucked into this (state capitol) bubble,” said McAfee. “I have to have that community touch … that connection. As soon as I lose that someone else might as well come in and do the work, so I make sure to stay connected to the community.”
