News

The Moorhead Human Rights Commission is pleased to announce Human Rights Awards to 4 recipients in recognition of their significant contributions to human rights in our community in 2024.

Recipients are:

Sara Stompro in the Non-Profit category. Sara is the Director of Program Services at the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center.

Martha Castanon in the Civic and Community category. Martha is the Legal Assistant at the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota.

Tammy Schatz in the Education category. Tammy is the Moorhead Adult Basic Education Program Manager.

Nia Dyer in the Civic and Community category. Nia is the Community Board Co-Chair and Foster Advocate.

Here are excerpts from the winners’ nominations:

Sara Stompro has worked tirelessly at Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. Sara started as an advocate for youth survivors of sex trafficking and has worked her way up to Director of Program Services. Sara advocates strongly for improved treatment of survivors by our criminal legal and child welfare services. Her approach is done with a gentle heart and gentle voice, but she fiercely advocates on behalf of community members who experience harm first in relationships.

Martha Castanon is known for her work at the Law Immigration Center, a member of the Minnesota Council of Latino Affairs and an active community member. She has always been involved with supporting immigrants in the community, specifically, those what migrate during the farming season to work in the sugar beet fields. Martha participates in inclusive community events; she coordinated the first MN Council of Latino Affairs in Moorhead. Martha has always advocated for the recognition of the labor of migrants that work on the farms around the Moorhead area. She was recognized at the National level in Washington DC for her dedication to obtain better working conditions for people.

Tammy Schatz's work is invaluable in our community and goes beyond just educating nontraditional students but also resources to empower people in our community. Tammy has dedicated 30 years to Adult Basic Education, providing invaluable support to individuals who are learning English or overcoming various life challenges. Beyond her role as an educator, Tammy has consistently worked to bridge gaps for newcomers and learners of all ages and backgrounds. Her creative and compassionate approach has made her a crucial resource for many, and her advocacy for adult learners and marginalized groups continues to have a significant impact.

Nia Dyer is a young woman who experienced a lot of adversity but has become a highly successful adult. Nia is finishing up her bachelor’s degree in communications and will graduate this spring. She has used her experiences in life to amplify her voice and advocate for our most vulnerable citizens; youth in foster care, people with disabilities and victims of crimes. Nia was accepted for a fellowship with the Foster Advocates in MN. Nia and Foster Advocates testified for the needs of MN’s foster youth and were able to establish the new Ombuds Office for Foster Youth (OOFY), an office dedicated to receiving and investigating complaints and increasing support for MN youth in foster care. Nia became a member of the Foster Advocates Community Board and currently serves as Co-chair and Liaison between the Board of Director and the Community Board. She was also appointed to the Advisory Board for the newly- established OOFY by Governor Walz in 2023. Nia has written several published articles to advocate and create awareness for what people with disabilities and youth in foster care experience.

Awards were presented by the Moorhead Human Rights Commission at the Moorhead City Council Meeting on Monday, December 9. Congratulations to the 2024 Human Rights Award Winners!