Dr. Antonia Apolinario-Wilcoxon

Antonia Apolinario-Wilcoxon, EdD, worked at the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) as director of Community Relations from June 2012 to October 2018. In this role, she managed, developed and facilitated engagement between DHS and the communities experiencing inequities in access and outcomes, while building community relations. She staffed the creation of the legislatively mandated Cultural and Ethnic Communities Leadership Council (CECLC), which advises the commissioner on reducing disparities that affect racial and ethnic groups within DHS programs.

Dr. Apolinario-Wilcoxon uses her skills as an ACE Interface Certified presenter to provide community engagement that is sensitive to the lived experiences of everyone in the space, by creating welcoming, supportive and caring spaces. Difficult conversations about the suffering of those experiencing disparities are surfaced in a sensitive and supportive environment. While providing exceptional coaching, training, and strategic thinking using TOPS methods, or engaging through Art of Hosting/Participatory Leadership and Respectful Conversations, she enjoys being in the community serving as a catalyst for change.

Antonia is a consistent and powerful voice for health equity, and serves on the University of Minnesota School of Public Health Administration and Policy Community Advisory Board where she advises both the full-time and executive programs on matters related to public health priorities, trends in practice, and curriculum needs.

Currently on leave from DHS for a mobility project at Ramsey County Public Health, Antonia leads community engagement activities on youth and juvenile justice system issues with partners City of St. Paul and the St. Paul Public Schools.