We’re thrilled to share an exciting milestone in our journey towards shared leadership at Headwaters Foundation for Justice. After a thorough, thoughtful process guided by Headwaters’ staff and board with the support of Mighty Consulting, we are proud to announce that Migdalia Loyola Meléndez will join Headwaters as our new Co-Executive Director, alongside Bilal Alkatout, beginning today, June 23, 2025.

Welcoming Migdalia to the Headwaters team marks a transformational moment for our shared leadership model. This decision is a reflection of our deep belief in collective power, community accountability, and cultivating sustainable leadership.

Migdalia brings decades of experience rooted in equity, relationship-building, and community-driven change. Most recently, she served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Public Engagement to Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan. She also led equity-focused initiatives at Planned Parenthood North Central States and Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Center for Prevention. Migdalia has consistently worked to build trust, advance systems change, and move resources into the hands of communities most impacted by injustice. Her years of dedicated leadership align with Headwaters’ mission to amplify the power of community towards collective liberation.

Together, Migdalia and Bilal will co-lead Headwaters in partnership with our staff, board, grantees, and broader community. We look forward to the vision, experience, and energy Migdalia brings – and to the powerful collaboration ahead. 

Read the full announcement

We are honored to welcome Migdalia to the Headwaters team, and we can’t wait for you to meet her. We’ll be sharing more soon, including opportunities to connect and celebrate together.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership, your trust, and your commitment to our collective work for justice.

In solidarity,

Headwaters Foundation for Justice