Shayla Owodunni

Shayla Owodunni ran for election for an at-large seat of the Minneapolis Board of Education in Minnesota. She lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Owodunni completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Shayla Owodunni was born in Minnesota. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, Carlson School of Management in 2012. Her career experience includes working as an entrepreneur and in corporate finance, information technology governance, and risk and compliance program management.^[1]

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Minneapolis Board of Education At-large

Incumbent Kim Ellison defeated Shayla Owodunni in the general election for Minneapolis Board of Education At-large on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Kim Ellison (Nonpartisan)	57.7	95,794
	Shayla Owodunni (Nonpartisan)	41.5	68,818
	Other/Write-in votes	0.8	1,327

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 165,939
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Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Minneapolis Board of Education At-large

Incumbent Kim Ellison and Shayla Owodunni defeated Elena Condos in the primary for Minneapolis Board of Education At-large on August 13, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kim Ellison (Nonpartisan)	56.7	36,458
✔		Shayla Owodunni (Nonpartisan)	26.6	17,086
	Submit photo	Elena Condos (Nonpartisan)	16.7	10,701

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 64,245
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Owodunni in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

Shayla Owodunni completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Owodunni's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Hi everyone! I’m Shayla Owodunni, a Minnesota native passionate about making a positive impact in our community. I graduated from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, focusing on Accounting and Entrepreneurial Management, which laid a strong foundation for my career in corporate finance and IT governance, risk, and compliance.

Education has always been close to my heart. This past year, serving as an Early Learning Corps volunteer, I worked directly with students in reading and math, witnessing firsthand the challenges and triumphs they face in Minneapolis Public Schools.

Building community is core to who I am. I serve on the Carlson School of Management Alumni Board and co-chair the Carlson 360 Network, fostering inclusivity and supporting diversity initiatives. As a volunteer with the Hennepin County Master Gardener program, I nurture growth and development both in and out of the classroom.

I also run several businesses that reflect my passions. The Plant Penthouse is a flora-inspired lifestyle brand where I share my love for plants and design. Social Heirlooms provides modern etiquette education, and Corporate Carpentry Consulting offers IT GRC and program management solutions.

My vision for Minneapolis Public Schools centers on academic achievement, community collaboration, and financial integrity. I’m dedicated to creating an environment where every student can thrive and bloom to their full potential.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Prioritizing Academic Achievement: I believe every child in Minneapolis Public Schools deserves the chance to excel in literacy and math. I’m committed to using evidence-based teaching methods that make learning both enjoyable and impactful. My experience as an Early Learning Corps volunteer showed me firsthand that when we support students with the right tools and strategies, we propel them to shine. I am also an advocate for the magnetic power of making literacy and math learnings fun through games and interactive activities. Together, we can create an environment where academic success is a natural and expected outcome for each of our MPS children.
Fostering Community Collaboration: Building strong partnerships between schools, families, and local organizations is essential for student success. I am committed to empowering parents with engaging and impactful tools to support their children's education. By collaborating with local businesses and educational institutions, we can establish regular interactive sessions and resources focused on effective literacy and math activities that strengthen the home-school partnership. This approach fosters a supportive, enriched educational environment for all students, while creating a forum to address and adapt to the needs of our MPS community.
Ensuring Financial Integrity: Transparency and responsible budgeting are crucial for the longevity of MPS. I advocate for adopting zero-based budgeting, conducting comprehensive audits, and establishing a financial oversight committee to ensure funds are allocated efficiently and effectively. This will keep our schools financially healthy and focused on what matters most—our children. With my background in corporate finance and IT governance, risk, and compliance (IT GRC), I am dedicated to optimizing resources to support both students and teachers.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about educational equity, community collaboration, and financial transparency. Ensuring that every child in Minneapolis Public Schools has access to high-quality education, with an expectation for academic excellence, regardless of their background, is my top priority. I believe in using evidence-based teaching methods and personalized learning strategies to boost literacy and math proficiency. Additionally, I am committed to building strong partnerships between schools, families, and local organizations to create a supportive and enriched educational network. Lastly, I advocate for financial transparency, accessibility, and responsible budgeting to ensure our schools are well-resourced and focused on student success.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my father. He immigrated from Nigeria in search of a better life and truly defied all odds to make that a reality. He embodies resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in the power of hard work and high expectations. Despite the many challenges he has faced along the way, he has never let those obstacles define him. Instead, he has used them as stepping stones to create a life of purpose and achievement.

My dad always told me I would be something great and never gave me the option to believe otherwise. His journey is the epitome of a success story for me: defying the odds, living life as a victor, and forever pushing the needle forward. His journey and mindset have deeply influenced my values and aspirations. I strive to live up to his example by approaching my own goals with the same determination and optimism, and by encouraging others to believe in their potential just as he believed in mine.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I highly recommend "Disrupting Disruption" by David Kirp. It's an insightful book that delves into the complexities of educational reform and the importance of focusing on proven, evidence-based strategies rather than quick fixes. It confirmed my belief that there are solutions to the struggles we seek to overcome in MPS. Kirp’s work resonates with my belief in the power of steady, thoughtful change and the value of community collaboration in achieving lasting educational improvements. His emphasis on the importance of nurturing relationships within schools and communities aligns closely with my vision for Minneapolis Public Schools. Reading this book provides a comprehensive understanding of where my approach to educational policy is rooted, and the effective principles that guide my candidacy.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

An elected official must embody integrity, transparency, and a genuine commitment to serve the community. Integrity ensures that decisions are made with honesty and ethical standards, while transparency builds trust and fosters open communication. An elected official should also be empathetic, actively listening to and understanding the needs of their constituents. Dedication to continuous learning and adaptability is crucial, as it allows the official to stay informed and responsive to evolving community needs and educational advancements.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities of a school board member include setting a clear vision and goals for the district, establishing policies that promote educational excellence, and ensuring fiscal accountability and transparency. It is also essential to engage with the community, fostering strong partnerships between schools, families, and local organizations. A school board member must advocate for the needs of all students, ensuring equity and inclusivity in educational opportunities. Regular assessment and transparent communication with MPS stakeholders are vital to maintaining accountability and trust within the district.

What is the primary job of a school board member in your view?

The primary job of a school board member is to ensure that all students receive a high-quality education that prepares them for future success. This involves setting strategic goals, developing and approving policies, and overseeing the district’s financial health. School board members must also advocate for equitable educational opportunities, ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. Engaging with the community and fostering strong partnerships is essential to creating a collaborative and supportive educational environment.

Who are your constituents?

As a school board member, my constituents include the students, parents, teachers, and staff of Minneapolis Public Schools, as well as the broader community members who are invested in the success of our educational system. This diverse group encompasses families from various cultural, socioeconomic, and linguistic backgrounds. It is crucial to listen to and represent the voices of all these groups to ensure that our policies and practices meet the needs of our entire community.

How would you support the diverse needs of your district’s students, faculty, staff, and community?

Supporting the diverse needs of our district requires a multifaceted approach that includes culturally responsive teaching, equitable resource allocation, and targeted support programs. I would advocate for professional development that equips educators with the skills to address diverse learning styles and backgrounds. Establishing strong support systems for students, such as tutoring and mentorship programs, is essential. Additionally, creating open, accessible channels for communication and feedback from all stakeholders will ensure that the district remains responsive to the evolving needs of our community.

How will you build relationships with members of the broader community? Which groups, organizations, stakeholders will you specifically target?

Building relationships within the broader community is all about proactive engagement and meaningful collaboration. I plan to prioritize partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations to create a supportive network for our schools. Hosting regular community forums, attending local events, and establishing advisory committees will provide opportunities for open dialogue and collaboration. Specifically, I aim to connect and empower conversations with existing parent-teacher associations, cultural organizations, and local nonprofits focused on youth development and education. By working together, we can ensure that our schools are well-supported and our students have every opportunity to thrive.

What will you do to build a relationship with parents in the district?

I believe in the power of active engagement and open communication. My plan is to support and empower our existing parent forums and advisory groups within MPS, ensuring I stay connected to the real-time priorities of our parents.

I value meetings that are productive and lead to real actions. My goal is not just to listen but to genuinely hear parents' concerns and feedback. By partnering with local businesses and educational institutions, my vision is to offer resources and create regular interactive sessions focused on academic achievement practices beyond the classroom. These sessions will equip parents with the tools they need to support their children’s education at home, strengthening the bond between home and school.

By fostering an environment where parents feel heard and valued, we can address the needs of our MPS community together. This approach ensures our schools are well-supported, and our students have every chance to thrive.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Financial transparency and government accountability are cornerstones of a successful and trustworthy educational system. Transparency ensures that all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and community members, are informed about how funds are allocated and spent. This builds trust and allows for community involvement in decision-making processes. Government accountability means that elected officials and administrators are held responsible for their actions and decisions, ensuring they act in the best interests of students and the community. I advocate for clear, accessible financial reporting and regular audits to ensure responsible budgeting and resource allocation.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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Candidate

Minneapolis Board of Education At-large

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Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 16, 2024

[1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on July 16, 2024

[1]

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Shayla Owodunni

Contents

Biography

Elections

2024

General election

General election for Minneapolis Board of Education At-large

Nonpartisan primary election

Nonpartisan primary for Minneapolis Board of Education At-large

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

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