As Civil Rights Coordinator for the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Joann daSilva describes her work as “staggering in the amount that needs to be done, yet powerful in being able to watch people shift away from intolerance and prejudice.” 

Her responsibilities are largely grounded in the prohibition of discrimination based on race, color and national origin in accordance with the landmark Civil Right Act of 1964—arguably the seminal anti-racism statute in the U.S. 

DaSilva was recruited for the Civil Rights Coordinator role when she was working for an unemployment discrimination professor during law school. More than 15 years later, daSilva remains proud of her work in the community as a public servant. She oversees federal and state civil rights compliance issues and civil rights complaints, and provides training and leadership on civil rights requirements for Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties and 81 other county human service agencies. 

“One of the greatest parts of my work is literally seeing people’s attitudes change right in front of me when I’m training county human services workers,” says daSilva. “It’s also tremendously rewarding to share what I’ve learned over the years about tolerance and respect with my young daughter and seeing her human connections with others grow.”