Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Office (MMBWG)

The Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls (MMBWG) Office was established in 2023 to reduce and end the systemic neglect and violence faced by Black women and girls in Minnesota. We are dedicated to:

• ​Supporting families and communities
• Ensuring timely investigations
• Fostering collaboration with law enforcement
• Advocating for policies that promote justice and equity

Our goal is to honor the lives of those missing and murdered, elevate their stories, and work tirelessly to prevent future tragedies through education, awareness and transformative action.

MMBWG intake form

What we do

• Support and guide families during a law enforcement investigation.
• Facilitate communication between investigators, survivors and family members.
• Help develop and distribute missing persons materials.
• Connect to victim services professionals, mental health services, support groups and crime victim advocates.
• Present education and awareness lectures to youth, families and the community.

Read more in this news release 

Logo and brand

 

The MMBWG logo symbolizes the strength, resilience and visibility at the heart of the work being done by the office. Its design reflects the urgency of the work and the commitment to honoring, protecting and uplifting Black women and girls across the state. To learn more about the meaning behind the logo and the mission it represents, read the full news release.

History

The formation of the office was a recommendation included in the 2022 Report to the Minnesota Legislature by the Missing and Murdered African American Women (MMAAW) Task Force. The report to the legislature and documents related to the Missing and Murdered African American Women Task Force are found on the MMAAW Task Force page.

A proposal to create the office was introduced during the 2023 legislative session. Gov. Tim Walz signed into law the establishment of the nation's first Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Office. Staff of this historic office will work to engage community, partner with key justice stakeholders, and implement the MMAAW Task Force's recommendations.

Leadership

Kaleena Burkes, Director

MMBWG Office Director Kaleena Burkes worked at the State Guardian ad Litem Board for nearly seven years. During her time there, she served as a program and training analyst and later became the organizational development manager, where she managed statewide strategic issues, contract management, compliance and the training department.

Her appetite for getting to the why brought her to Minnesota. She served as a research associate at the University of Minnesota Law School's Robina Institute.  She began leading the MMBWG Office in 2024. 

Staff

Head of Advocacy and Victim Support: Luana Nelson-Brown

Case Review and Systems Specialist: Adrianne Rocha

Justice and Advocacy Research Analyst: Lesley Schneider

Violence Prevention and Training Coordinator: Alla Hassan

Principal Planner: Whitney Terrill