Introducing Tonny Yang and the #mplscollegevotes Contest

Beginning his journey at Minneapolis College in early October of 2020 as the new Student Activities Coordinator, Tonny Yang was eager to immerse himself in his new community. “To me community is a place you can be 100 percent you, yourself, and not be shamed for being yourself and for being authentic,” said Yang. “It’s being seen, heard and trusted. It’s a place where people empower you, build love and challenge you to grow.”

For Yang, who completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at St. Cloud State University, helping students create a meaningful college experience is essential to the work he is doing. As the Student Activities Coordinator, Yang advises the Minneapolis College Student Senate, the officially recognized representative of the student body at Minneapolis College.

“I’ve been so impressed with our Student Senate. Just being in their executive meetings I see how caring they are. I know they’re doing all that they can in this virtual environment to support each other and their fellow students.”

Along with advising the Student Senate, Yang’s work focuses on supporting Minneapolis College’s various Student Clubs and Activities and developing a strong leadership program for College student leaders to enhance their skills related to team building, event planning, handling finances and much more.

Yang recognizes that leadership extends far beyond the classroom, citing voting as a community-oriented means of leadership that young people can participate in and/or help promote. “It’s amazed me to see how many people aren’t aware of their voting rights,” said Yang, “voting impacts so much, I want to help people get educated.”

With the November 3 election quickly approaching, Yang was excited to share his ideas for a #mplscollegevotes Contest to help raise awareness about voting amongst the Minneapolis College Community. Students can simply post a public photo of themselves on their social media or a video on TikTok with hashtag #mplscollegevotes expressing why they think voting is important, or if eligible to vote, why they vote. Students who participate will have a chance to win a $50 Visa E-Gift Card. A winning photo entry and a winning TikTok entry will be selected.

To find out more visit the Minneapolis College Votes webpage.

To connect with Tonny, email tonny.yang@minneapolis.edu.