Ayanna Farrell

Ayanna Farrell serves as principal human resources representative for Hennepin County and adjunct faculty at University of St. Thomas. A native of Minnesota, Ayanna’s desire to support greater good has manifested in many positions ranging from teacher, education specialist, coordinator, and principal administrator in public education. She has served as a program director, manager, and coordinator in the private sector and institutions of higher education. Throughout those varied experiences, the constant has been her commitment to leading diversity and inclusion initiatives and educational equity employing research-based strategies.

Ayanna’s studies include international relationships at University of New South Wales (Sydney, Australia), a bachelor’s in family social science from the University of Minnesota, and a master’s in education from University of St. Thomas.

Her education and professional experiences have provided rich opportunities for Ayanna to view the world from multiple perspectives, build relationships across difference, and seek strategies that create inclusive and sustainable organizational solutions. Often issues of access and equity manifest in complex professional spaces and provide opportunities for meaningful learning, development, and leadership growth.

A favorite quote: “…there are times when silence becomes an accomplice to injustice.” – Ayaan Hirsi Ali