Patel strives for positive change

Through the month of December, Anita Patel—daughter of Annette and Dr. Subhashchandra “Pat” Patel of Clarkfield—was chosen by the Minnesota Jaycees as one of it’s ‘Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans’ and was featured by Minnesota Business magazine. Raised in Clarkfield and a graduate of Yellow Medicine East High School, the 29-year-old Patel is now chiefly the Director of Racial Justice and Public Policy at the YWCA of Minneapolis, but her dedication to public service leads her to serve on a seemingly inexhaustible list of non-profit boards and coalitions. “We’re extremely proud of what Anita is doing for children, the poor and the disadvantaged,” said Anita’s father, Dr. Patel. “She’s fighting for justice and making positive change in her community and (Anita’s mother and I) are very proud of that.” Anita currently resides in Minneapolis.

What has it been like to receive the positive attention you've been receiving as of late?
It is definitely a humbling experience to be receiving the positive attention.  I believe in what I do and am fortunate to have excellent supportive and inspirational people in my life.  I see the awards and words of praise as an affirmation of our collective work to create positive change in our communities.

You are involved with an amazing number non-profit and philanthropic organizations; what is your motivation for serving these organizations? And what has been their impact both on those you set out to serve and yourself?
From my perspective, many of us who grow up in small communities learn early the value of serving each other and just how connected we all are.  My family modeled and taught me the day to day reality of the quotation "no one is free when others are oppressed."  I know that when each of us chooses to do something to better our lives or the lives of those in our communities, no matter how broad your definition of community is, the ripple effects from that action definitely make a positive impact.  I have learned so much from working with people in the organizations I serve and truly believe that leadership for change must be born out of an understanding of the needs of those who are affected it.

You mentioned, when we talked, how important the community of 
Clarkfield was in shaping who you are and what you do-could you  elaborate?
Clarkfield is an exceptional community and has been a strong foundation from which to grow.  The people of Clarkfield provided much support as I developed and also taught me the value of speaking up for what I believe in. It is no accident that my passion for "eliminating racism and empowering women and girls" was sparked during my early years in the community.

What is your main focus and mission as of right now?
My main focus and mission lies in the intersection of "eliminating racism and empowering women and girls."  As a country we have much to celebrate toward this end, but there is still a long way to go.  I believe we start by understanding the perspectives of those around us, our families, friends, and co-workers and then work to transform that understanding into action that creates an inclusive, just community.

You've worked very hard in an effort to make a difference in the world- yet unfortunately, not all people do. How do you motivate people to become more active? And what have you found are the benefits to being so actively engaged in issues and in the community?
We all have issues we care about...it may be your child's education, ensuring you have access to healthcare, or the creation of jobs for a vibrant community.  I believe making a difference is all about realizing your own power to make an impact on the topics you care about.  Being connected with one another by working toward a vision of a better world is not only a benefit of active engagement, but a way to keep our communities thriving.

What has been the response to things you have been doing from both the communities here in and around Granite Falls and Clarkfield and elsewhere?
I have received so many words of encouragement and support and am unable to express just how much I appreciate them!  I love telling people about where I am from because the communities are so strong and continue to reinvent themselves to provide others with a similar strong foundation that I was fortunate to get.  I now work and live in Minneapolis, but much of my heart remains with the Clarkfield/Granite Falls area and community.