Liish Kozlowski

Alicia "Liish" Kozlowski is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives, representing District 8B. Elected in November 2022, Kozlowski is affiliated with the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party (DFL) and is notable for being the first nonbinary member of the Minnesota Legislature. They also hold the distinction of being the first Mexican and first Ojibwe person to represent the city of Duluth, as well as the second two-spirit member in the legislature's history.

Early life and career

Liish Kozlowski was born on January 12, 1988, in Duluth, Minnesota. They were raised in a culturally rich environment, being the child of a Mexican father who worked as a union electrician and a mother from the Fond du Lac Band of Ojibwe. Kozlowski's upbringing was influenced significantly by their grandmother, and they were later adopted by a Native American family. Their adoptive father, Ray "Skip" Sandman, was recognized as an Anishinaabe spiritual leader and had previously run for a congressional seat in Minnesota's 8th District.

Kozlowski pursued higher education and became a first-generation college graduate. They earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2009. Following this, they continued their academic journey by obtaining a Master of Business Administration from the College of St. Scholastica in 2017. This educational background provided Kozlowski with a strong foundation for their future career in public service and community engagement.

Before entering the political arena, Kozlowski worked as a community relations officer for the City of Duluth from 2019 to 2021. In this role, they collaborated closely with Mayor Emily Larson and focused on various initiatives aimed at improving community relations. Notably, Kozlowski advocated for the removal of the term "chief" from city job titles, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and sensitivity toward Indigenous cultures. They also played a pivotal role in establishing a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two Spirit People Reward Fund, which was the first of its kind in Minnesota, highlighting their dedication to addressing issues affecting Indigenous communities.

Legislative service

Kozlowski's entry into the Minnesota House of Representatives came after a significant political shift in District 8B. They decided to run for office following the announcement that four-term incumbent Jennifer Schultz would not seek reelection, opting instead to pursue a congressional seat. In the Democratic-Farmer-Labor primary, Kozlowski emerged victorious against Duluth City Council president Arik Forsman, securing their position as the representative for the district.

Upon taking office, Kozlowski made history by becoming the first nonbinary member of the Minnesota Legislature. Their election also marked a significant moment for representation, as they are the first Mexican and first Ojibwe individual to serve in this capacity for Duluth. Additionally, Kozlowski is recognized as the second two-spirit member of the legislature, following Susan Allen.

In the Minnesota House, Kozlowski is actively involved in several committees, including the Capital Investment Committee, Economic Development Finance and Policy Committee, Housing Finance and Policy Committee, and Labor and Industry Finance and Policy Committee. Their roles on these committees allow them to influence a range of legislative issues, from economic development to housing policy. Furthermore, Kozlowski serves as the vice chair of the House People of Color and Indigenous (POCI) Caucus, which aims to amplify the voices and concerns of communities of color within the legislature. They are also a member of the inaugural Queer Caucus, a group dedicated to advocating for LGBTQ+ issues and representation in state governance.

Kozlowski's contributions to the Minnesota legislature have been recognized through their inclusion in Minnesota Public Radio's "Changemakers" series in 2023, which highlights individuals from diverse backgrounds who are making a positive impact in the state.

Policy focus and district

Kozlowski's legislative agenda is centered around several key issues that reflect their commitment to social justice, equity, and community well-being. They have advocated for increased support for working families, emphasizing the importance of universal childcare and fully-funded education. Their focus on education aligns with their belief in providing equitable opportunities for all children, regardless of their background.

Environmental protection is another critical area of concern for Kozlowski. They have supported legislation aimed at ensuring responsible mining practices, including proposals that require thorough environmental assessments before permits are granted. This reflects a broader commitment to safeguarding natural resources and promoting sustainable practices in Minnesota.

Kozlowski is also a strong advocate for reproductive rights, supporting pro-choice policies and efforts to increase access to abortion services, particularly for marginalized groups such as people of color, gender-expansive individuals, and immigrants. Their advocacy extends to creating inclusive educational environments and increasing housing access for disadvantaged communities.

In 2023, Kozlowski authored a law that mandates the inclusion of gender-neutral bathrooms in Minnesota schools, demonstrating their commitment to fostering inclusive spaces for all students. They also proposed legislation aimed at banning nonessential cosmetic procedures on intersex children under the age of 12, although this bill did not advance to a vote.

Kozlowski has been a vocal supporter of initiatives aimed at addressing the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in Minnesota. They have advocated for increased funding for the state's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office, highlighting the disproportionate rates of violence faced by Native American women and girls in the state.

Currently residing in Duluth, Minnesota, Kozlowski identifies as both non-binary and two-spirit, and their Ojibwe name is Ozaawaa Anakwad, which translates to "Yellow Cloud." Their unique background and experiences inform their legislative priorities and commitment to serving their constituents in District 8B.