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Peter Woitock | He/Him
Government Relations Manager at The Food Group
Keynote Speaker
Peter Woitock serves as the Government Relations Manager at The Food Group, where he advocates for anti-hunger initiatives at the Capitol. He earned his Master’s degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 2008. Since then, Peter has been actively involved in political campaigns and nonprofit organizations. He is deeply committed to combating poverty and hunger in Minnesota.
For over a decade, Peter has championed anti-hunger initiatives. For his keynote, he will highlight recent legislative successes, and the challenges faced by hunger advocates, as well as outline the future efforts needed to combat hunger in Minnesota. Additionally, Peter will share the most effective strategies for organizing and advocating for change.
Josh Crosson | He/Him
Executive Director at Ed Allies
Breakout Session: Voting is Just the Beginning: Shaping Policy After Elections
As Executive Director, Josh sets the direction for the organization’s work to ensure that all Minnesota students, especially those from historically underserved communities, have access to a great education. He previously worked in D.C., where he transformed his passion for public policy into a fulfilling vocation, or, as his friends put it, made a living out of doing something “activisty”—first at the Human Rights Campaign and later on Capitol Hill. At HRC, Josh spearheaded student outreach operations and expanded the organization’s mission to incorporate LGBTQ+ students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities. He then spent five years writing legislation and advising his hometown congressman, Rep. Adam Smith (WA-9), on labor, health, budget, and tax issues. When he’s not working for Minnesota’s kids, Josh enjoys spending time with his husband, Jon, and their dogs, Jujubee and Symone, in their North Minneapolis home.
Join Josh Crosson, Executive Director of EdAllies, for an insider’s look at what it really takes to change policy. Ever wonder how a simple school lunch became a battleground for social change? Discover the wild twists, unexpected alliances, and grassroots strategies that turned a tiny moment into a massive win. Whether you’re a policy wonk or just generally interested in new strategies to change the world, this session will leave you fired up to influence power and create lasting impact—no matter who’s in office! Don’t miss your chance to get the scoop and ask your burning questions.
Will Rops | He/Him
Special Education Teacher at RTR Schools
Breakout Session: Addiction, Loss, and Advocacy: Naloxone on College Campuses
Will Rops grew up in Pipestone, a small southwestern Minnesota town and graduated from MSU Moorhead in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies where he served as Student Body Vice President.
Will is currently a Special Education Teacher at RTR Schools with plans to become a school counselor in the near future. Will looks forward to sharing his story with the 2024 Advocacy Conference attendees.
Will’s story is one of addiction, loss and advocacy. He is living proof that positive change can start with one person, and a good idea.
This session details a multi-year advocacy campaign to expand naloxone access on college campuses. Attendees will learn about the historical context of the opioid crisis and a policy solution that ensures that no student dies of an opioid overdose on a Minnesota university campus.
Elliot Altbaum | He/Him
Young Adult Coalition Organizer at ISAIAH
Don't be a Political Pawn: How to analyze power and get on the political chessboard
Don't be a political pawn! How to do a power analysis and get on the political chessboard to win what you deserve.
Elliot is the organizer for the Young Adult Coalition of ISAIAH which is a political home for students, renters, and anyone who wants to win racial, economic, and climate justice for their community. Elliot has held leadership roles on local and statewide candidate campaigns including Attorney General's campaign in 2022.
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Will Hagen | He/Him
Director of Government Relations and Member Engagement at Minnesota Retailers
Alumni Panel
Will is a graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead, and during his time at MSUM, he first connected with Students United as the Legislative Specialist for the MSUM campus committee and later served as Student Body President and Students United Board Member.
He spent the beginning of his career in electoral politics, community organizing, and advocacy before pursuing a Master of Public Policy at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
Will currently works as the Director of Government Relations and Member Engagement for Minnesota Retailers. Beyond work, Will finds joy in travel, cheering on Minnesota sports teams, playing D&D, and spending quality time with his fiancé Emma and their two cats, Pickle and Butter.
TJ Tjeerdsma | They/Them
Classroom Plus and Financial Matters Associate at Best Prep
Alumni Panel
TJ Tjeerdsma is a Students United alumnus currently working as a communications professional at a nonprofit called BestPrep.
TJ advocates for all marginalized communities, especially those they're a member of—the LGBTQ+ and disability communities. TJ's proudest accomplishments include helping found a rural Minnesota Pride celebration and implementing accessibility standards in their daily work.
Elijah Norris-Holliday | He/Him
Founder and CEO at Project Restore Minnesota
Alumni Panel
Elijah Norris-Holliday is the founder and CEO of Project Restore Minnesota, supporting youth and families impacted by the youth justice system in the Twin Cities. He also serves as a consultant for Ramsey County, advising on youth justice transformation policies and practices.
Elijah has led national conversations and participated in panels on improving youth justice. He holds a master’s in public administration and is a proud father to Elijah Malik Norris-Holliday Jr.
Gabe Spinks | He/They
Policy and Advocacy Program Director at Bridgemakers
Alumni Panel
Gabriel (he/they), a native of Minneapolis, is a distinguished youth worker and advocate. Their exceptional career is marked by a strong commitment to student empowerment and community engagement. With a diverse background in education, advocacy, and civic leadership, Gabriel has consistently championed educational opportunities and amplified student voices.
Gabriel is responsible for collaborating to transform our youth-serving systems – particularly the education system – in alignment with human needs through policy work. They will lead efforts to build a nationwide coalition of youth leaders and organizations, develop strategic partnerships, and advocate for policies that promote equity, justice, and opportunity for all young people.
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AbdulRahmane Abdul-Aziz | He/Him
Itasca Project Coordinator at Greater MSP
Alumni Panel
AbdulRahmane Abdul-Aziz (He/Him) is currently the Itasca Project Coordinator with the GREATER MSP Partnership where he coordinates cross-sector regional strategy in conjunction with their Executive Leadership Council, and their Working Team consisting of executive leadership from business, philanthropy, public-sector, and private-sector CEOs.
He is an alum of the Humphrey Policy Fellowship, the Twin Cities Chapter of the New Leaders Council, and previously serves as a Trustee with Minnesota State.
In his free time, he loves to travel, powerlift, be outdoors and occasionally watch a movie and lounge the day away! Lastly, and most importantly, he is a proud MSU Maverick (Horns Up!) alum where he met lifelong friends that he will cherish forever.