Roslyn Harmon with her Mother Rose McGee (Golden Valley Resident) and nieces Aya and Bentley Rose.
About ROSLYN
Roslyn Harmon, the first person of color to officially file, run, and win the seat for mayor of Golden Valley is a long-standing resident of 30 years, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, particularly in the field of education, community development, and implementing policy and procedures. With over 20 years of experience as an educator, Roslyn has taught, directed, and developed programming for various non-profit organizations and schools, showcasing her leadership abilities and vision. She is invested in youth and families, making sure they have access to the best educational resources and opportunities needed to thrive and reach their full potential.
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Helping and serving others is not just a passion but an intrinsic part of Roslyn's DNA. Her heritage is rich with examples of impactful contributions to society. Her late bonus father, William E. McGee, broke barriers as the first Black Public Defender for Hennepin County and was cherished as a mentor and close friend to Attorney General Keith Ellison and various elected officials in Minneapolis and St. Paul. Roslyn's biological father, Isaac Harmon, has left his mark as a retired Facilities Maintenance Manager for 24 Hour Fitness, residing in Colorado. Furthermore, her mother, Rose McGee, is a local community celebrity and esteemed Elder known for her remarkable initiatives like the Sweet Potato Comfort Pie Initiative, along with being an accomplished author and playwright. The legacy of service and dedication runs deep in her family, inspiring Roslyn to continue making a significant impact in her community.
Roslyn is not only a loving sibling to her brothers and sisters, but she is an Aunt to several nieces and nephews, and also a devoted Godmom to whom she affectionately refers to as her "community babies." Her generous nature shines through as she graciously gives without expecting anything in return. In her leisure time, Roslyn delights in shopping, dancing, cooking, and traveling, all while cherishing precious moments spent with friends and family. Notably, she is also a respected artist, specializing in singing and the performing arts, which adds a touch of creativity and passion to her already vibrant personality.
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For those of you who have lived in GV for a while, Roslyn worked at Martinizing Dry Cleaners while in high school. It was job where she met residents and created strong relationships.
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CREDENTIALS
One of Roslyn's key advocacies is the training of highly skilled and proficient community members in restorative and mediation practices. She recognizes the significant role leaders play in addressing conflicts and repairing harm within various institutions. By equipping individuals with these skills, Roslyn aims to improve overall social performance and relationships. She has developed exceptional curriculum and programming for youth leaders in organizations like St. Paul Academy, Providence Academy, Phyllis Wheatley Community Center, Minneapolis Public Schools, St. Paul Charter Schools, and ARTS-Us, further demonstrating her commitment to educational excellence and community empowerment.
Golden Valley PRIME [Prioritize Race and Inclusion for Equity] Founding Member
One notable achievement of Roslyn's involvement is her contribution to the development of the city's first equity plan. By actively participating in discussions and providing valuable insights alongside outgoing Mayor Shep Harris, City Staff, and PRIME residents, she has helped create a roadmap for addressing systemic disparities and promoting equal opportunities for all residents.
Golden Valley PEACE Commission Former Vice Chair
Vice Chair of the PEACE [Police Employment Accountability and Community Engagement] Commission, Roslyn and fellow commissioners focus on community engagement, research, data analysis, and providing recommendations to the City Council, staff, and police, regarding policing matters. Our efforts are aimed at fostering trust, promoting accountability, and enhancing the relationship between the police and the community.
Golden Valley Sweet Potato Comfort Pie® Initiative Founding Member and Board Member
This non-profit organization plays a significant role in the Golden Valley community by hosting its annual MLK Event, which serves as a platform for alliance building, crisis response, the arts, mentorship, healing, and empowerment.
Community Recognition
Roslyn Harmon's contributions to community have garnered recognition and awards including:
• Wellness Wednesday 2023 Entrepreneur & Woman of the Year
• Honoree from The City of Minneapolis's Black Girl Magic Proclamation
• Outstanding Mentor, Minnesota’s Team Women Wavemaker Award
• Woman of the Month, First Friday’s Black Excellence Award
• President’s Award for Community Partner, Bethel University
• Black History Month Honoree, DEI Commission
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EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION
• Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies at the University of Minnesota
• Master of Arts in Adlerian Counseling and Psychology in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Ordained pastor with the State of MN under Antioch Christian Center
• Certified Prepare/Enrich Couples Coach
• MN Rule 114 Qualified Neutral Mediator
• Certified in Advanced Training for Conflict Resolution, and Restorative Training
• Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
​Overall, Roslyn Harmon's educational achievements and certifications reflect her multidimensional expertise in communication, counseling, pastoral care, couples coaching, mediation, and conflict resolution. These qualifications enable her to approach her leadership roles and community engagements with a comprehensive and compassionate perspective, addressing the diverse needs of individuals and communities effectively.