Leadership

Our board and staff help guide Hawthorne Neighborhood Council’s work and ensure community voices are part of neighborhood decisions.

Woman in a blue and beige floral dress holding an award, standing in front of a white screen with a logo.

Executive Director

Diana Hawkins

Diana Hawkins is the executive director of Hawthorne Neighborhood Council, co-founder of the Hawthorne Huddle, and a long-time community leader in Minneapolis.

As Executive Director, she is responsible for carrying out the direction of the Board, overseeing day-to-day operations, supervising staff, managing finances in coordination with the Board, and representing HNC in the community. She works closely with residents, partners, and public agencies to advance neighborhood priorities related to health, housing, safety, and community engagement.

With more than 30 years of experience in community advocacy and leadership, Diana is known for her commitment to mentoring, coalition-building, and ensuring that resident voices guide HNC’s work.

Read more about Diana’s story and history of leadership.

Board of Directors

  • A child's finger painting of handprints with a heart

    Clarence Jones

    BOARD CHAIR

  • I floral heart hung on a blue wall

    Cassie Shepherd

    TREASURER/SECRETARY

  • A long-haired calico cat

    Dee Philips

    BOARD MEMBER

  • Black and white cat

    Megan Philips

    BOARD MEMBER

  • many shining hearts

    Shekina Washington

    BOARD MEMBER