Bloomington's own Elise Balderrama, a resident since 1993 after her move from Minneapolis, has become a fixture in the community's push for inclusivity and racial equity, according to recent coverage by the city's news team. While some settle into passive residency, Elise has rooted herself deeply in the civic soil, branching out into various facets of the city's infrastructure and community development efforts with a history of more than three decades of public service in Minneapolis, particularly within Information Technology.
It was the creation of Bloomington's Office of Racial Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, that spurred Elise to lend her voice and actions to the local government, showing a keen interest in City Council meetings, and strategic planning sessions. Her advocacy doesn't end at the council chamber doors, she's a regular at the "Welcome to Bloomington" initiative's meetups – a program launched just this year aimed at helping newcomers find their place and support in the fabric of the city, Elise told Bloomington city news.
The initiative, and Elise's role in it, offer a bridge for new residents, connecting them to essential services, volunteer openings, and network opportunities. She has been a friendly face for many, providing orientation and a sense of kinship in these gatherings, and stressing the critical nature of trust and belonging. "Trust and belonging are foundational to our lives as humans," Elise emphasized in her statement to the city's news.
Her message to the community at large is one of simple engagement and participation. Elise echoes the sentiment that presence, even in small intervals, can yield a profound impact in a neighborhood. "Showing up makes a difference," Elise said, whether it’s a city gathering or any of the myriad events sponsored by the local government. In her eyes, the opportunities in Bloomington are rich, and just minutes of one's time, can contribute significantly to the community's welfare.
