Love First leaders are deeply embedded in St. Paul’s Black communities. From historic Rondo to the East Side, we are proud to be part of long lineages of activists and community leaders in our beloved city. Our BIPOC leaders — predominantly ADOS — understand the systems of oppression that undermine the progress of our youth and are authentically curious to discover, together, the talents and passions each youth possesses. We have the relationships and experience that bring together disparate resources across activist groups, government and non-profit groups, and the community at large.
STAFF
Satara Strong-Allen, Executive Director
Satara Strong-Allen receives the deepest joy from connecting with and creating affirming space for youth to be their authentic selves. For more than a decade, Satara has worked directly with young people in the Twin Cities through the schools, nonprofits and direct grassroots organizing, and takes pride in her ability to help youth find their voices, step into social justice and self-define their unique roles in making our communities stronger and more vibrant. Drawing on her own childhood experiences and southern upbringing, she offers trauma-informed care and open-hearted connection to youth of all backgrounds, with a particular passion for helping Black girls discover and embody their full, unapologetic Black joy and power. Her goal for Love First is to identify and dismantle the obstacles to youth liberation through targeted programming and individualized work to help young people feel heard, affirmed and supported to chart successful futures on their own terms.
Contact her at [email protected]
Born and raised in Rondo, Chauntyll Allen is a longtime front-line community organizer, educator and youth activist. She leads Black Lives Matter Twin Cities, founded Love First Community Engagement, and works as the Director of Criminal Justice and Activism at the Wayfinder Foundation — among many other community leadership roles.
She joined the Saint Paul School Board in January 2020. Her journey with SPPS began as a graduate of Central High School, and continued through the years as program coordinator with Community Education, basketball coach for middle and high school, Teaching Assistant, Discovery Club teacher, and Educational Assistant (EBD Level 4-6). Chauntyll brings a special interest of special education and addressing the current disparities to the Board. She was inspired by Commissioner Toni Carter’s dedication to working with youth, and she has been a great mentor to Chauntyll.
Chauntyll and her wife, Satara Strong-Allen, live in the St. Anthony Park neighborhood. In addition to serving as a board member, Chauntyll is also a youth advocate and educator. A love of Saint Paul and love of Saint Paul’s youth drives Chauntyll in her work.
BOARD
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- Faith Dietz, Chair
- Nekima Levy-Armstrong, Treasurer
- Carolyn Szczepanski, Secretary
- Margaret Sullivan
- Amelia Hansa