UROC Staff
Makeda Zulu
Executive Director
612-626-9829 | [email protected]
Makeda Zulu is UROC’s chief executive officer with primary responsibility for securing UROC’s success in all aspects of its work. She provides executive oversight of strategic planning, revenue generation, financial stewardship, organizational development, staff management, and operational activities. She holds a bachelor's degree in business management from Grambling State University and a master's degree from the University of Minnesota’s Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
James De Sota
Assistant Executive Director
612-624-4514 | [email protected]
James De Sota works to connect University researchers with community needs. He oversees a wide variety of projects including UROC's Research Agenda, scholarly affiliation process, budget and human resources management, and grant-related initiatives. Prior to joining the University, he served as the neighborhood director for the Southeast Como Improvement Association, an AmeriCorps VISTA with the Minnesota Literacy Council, a Peace Corps Volunteer in Gambia, and researcher and consultant for several for-profit industries in the geographic information sector.
Kai Ecker
Graduate Research Assistant
612-626-8762|[email protected]
Kai Ecker studies clinical mental health as a master's degree student at the University of Minnesota College of Education and Human Development's School of Social Work. They support the UROC Research Agenda, the Josie R. Johnson UROC Dissertation Fellows Program, and the UROC affiliation process.
Jasir Johnson
Principal Office and Administrative Specialist
612-626-8762 | [email protected]
Jasir Johnson is a principal office and administrative specialist at UROC. He provides clerical support to the UROC leadership team, works closely with UROC's office manager, and helps staff UROC's front desk.
Kimberly Jones
Community Liaison
612-626-8762| [email protected]
Kimberly Jones supports UROC's outreach and engagement efforts in the areas of infrastructure development and support, partnership building, and enhancing and developing skills in senior citizens, African Americans, and immigrant refugees. She holds a bachelor's degree from Jackson State University and a master's degree in education from Fielding Graduate University.
Claudette Lyng
Executive Administrative Assistant
612-626-8762 | [email protected]
Claudette Lyng serves as the administrative point of contact between UROC's executive director and internal/external clients. She is responsible for handling the executive director's professional administrative requests and queries. She has extensive healthcare background and will provide a well rounded administrative experience for the UROC team.
Johneva McCoy
Office Manager
612-624-5881 | [email protected]
Johneva McCoy works closely with the UROC leadership team in support of UROC research projects and outreach programs, communications, and community-engaged initiatives. She oversees UROC's building operations including room reservations and rentals, manages the logistical aspects of UROC's presence at community events and special events taking place at UROC, and supervises UROC's front desk team.
Lea Scott
Principal Office and Administrative Specialist
612-626-8762 | [email protected]
Lea Scott is a principal office and administrative specialist at UROC. She provides clerical support to the UROC leadership team, works closely with UROC's office manager, and helps staff UROC's front desk. Lea holds an interdisciplinary degree in Eco-Womanist Studies from the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Nina Shepherd
Marketing and Communications Director
612-626-8762 | [email protected]
Nina Shepherd designs and implements marketing, communications, public relations, and brand strategies for UROC, as well as for the University of Minnesota's Office for Public Engagement. She has held marketing and communications roles in offices throughout the University, including with University Relations, the Water Resources Center, and the Bell Museum of Natural History, and has held media relations and editorial positions with General Mills, Weber Shandwick, Corporate Report Minnesota, and Twin Cities Magazine.