Saint Paul, MN — Noel Nix knows from experience that good intentions and ideas are not enough to create lasting change; meaningful action is also necessary. In his positions as a St. Paul City Council aide, Ramsey County Commissioner assistant, and now director of community initiatives for St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, he has advanced comprehensive approaches to community development. He sees that the work to create equitable community change within powerfully entrenched systems takes a tremendous toll on the mental health of people in public service, especially people of color. He believes that the push for changing these systems so that they work better for everyone is inextricably linked to the mental health of those leading the work. He seeks to equip himself with the knowledge and skills to integrate mental health practice into the public sector environment. He will pursue advanced education, build a network of mental health care practitioners who support transformational leaders, and study successful community-based mental health care models.
What has informed your approach to leading change in your community?
The ethos of service modeled by my parents has informed my approach to leading change. I grew up in Flint, Michigan, at a time when a lot of immense community challenges and struggles began to emerge. This made me curious about why some cities thrive or decline. This also shaped me into becoming a big picture, systems-change thinker. I’m constantly collecting stars to make a new constellation.
What life-changing lesson did you pick up from the people who helped guide you?
We can say anything, but it’s what we actually do that impacts people. Our actions are at the heart of how we show up in our relationships and are at the core of whether and how we care, help and partner. By understanding ourselves and those around us, we can find and acknowledge mutual self-interests and advance shared goals.
What is your favorite quote or expression?
The arc of the moral universe may bend towards justice, but it doesn’t bend on its own. - Barack Obama
