our board
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VALERIE CASTILE, CEO and President
Valerie Castile is the mother of Philando and Allysza Castile. In 1987, she relocated to Minnesota with her then only child, Philando, to give him a better life. Her beloved son was murdered by a police officer in July 2016 in Falcon Heights, Minnesota. Since then, Valerie Castile has dedicated herself to helping families who have lost a loved one by gun violence; she founded the Philando Castile Relief Foundation (PCRF) in honor of her son. Valerie’s hopes include working collectively to decrease the unnecessary loss of life by any person or police, to increase awareness of the hurt and trauma received as a mother, and to create the narrative that All Lives Matter. She also guides the PCRF in reducing students' negative lunch balances throughout Minnesota school districts, is in honor of Philando's work as a cafeteria supervisor. Philando often paid for students' lunches out of his own pocket if they didn't have enough money. In June 2019, Valerie joined Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar and Senator Tina Smith in introducing the No Shame At School Act, legislation which prohibits schools from shaming children who are unable to pay for their school lunch.
(To download short and long versions of Ms. Castile's bio, click here.) |
Valerie Castile
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ALLYSZA CASTILE, Vice President
Allysza Castile, sister of Philando Castile, began working as youth mentor at Dunning Recreation at the age of 15. She loves school, kids, learning and helping others. Allysza excelled in high school. She graduated early and continued on to post secondary classes and college at Minnesota School of Business. She graduated in the class of 2013 with an Associates Degree in Medical Assistance. Allysza is dedicated to helping others after the murder of her brother.
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Allysza Castile
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CLARENCE D. CASTILE, Director
Clarence D. Castile has been a resident of the St. Paul Midway community for over 40 years. He is passionate about assisting in developing policies and procedures for the protection of our law enforcement communities, and most especially our citizens. Mr. Castile lost his nephew, Philando Castile, to gun violence in July 2016. He has served on former Governor Mark Dayton's Council on Law Enforcement and Community Relations. He was appointed by sitting Govenor Mark Dayton to serve on the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST Board). Additionally, he has served on the Deadly Force Encounters Work Group with Attorney General Keith Ellison and Former Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington.
Currently Mr. Castile serves as President of the Prince Hall Masonic Foundation, where he devotes his talents and energy overseeing its academic scholarship program geared towards students of African descent pursuing degrees with trade schools and institutions of higher learning, He is excited to join Lights On! with a goal of the program with as many agencies and communities as possible. |
Clarence D. Castile
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TRACY CASTILE, Treasurer
Tracy Castile is a native of St. Louis, MO, and is the uncle of Philando Castile. He has lived in Minnesota for over 30 years. Tracy currently is an employee of the Metropolitan Transit Council. He is a member of Crossroads Church in Woodbury and enjoys volunteering at Feed My Starving Children. In his spare time he likes to read, bike ride and watch sports. He has two sons and one grandson.
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Tracy Castile
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RENITA JOHNSON, Secretary
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Renita is a long-term resident of St. Paul, MN and mother of three adult sons. She is a graduate of St. Paul Central high School and Alumni of the University of Minnesota holding a Master’s Degree in Social Work. Renita’s desire to uphold and pursue social justice and family work has been a long-term priority. This is seen and witnessed throughout her skills, experience, and expertise surrounding issues related to Family and Children services, social justice issues, and consultation and training, and providing culturally competent Mental Health services.
Renita was an older cousin to Philando Castile, and his loss of life is a constant reminder of the potential threat and reality of gun violence for herself and her sons. In addition to her role as a board member on the Philando Castile Relief Fund (PCRF), Renita has continued to commit herself to the advancement, guidance, and supportive development of professionals of color in the field of Clinical Social work, as they serve individual, families, and communities of color. |
Renita Johnson
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DR. COURTNEY GRAVES, Web Development/Marketing
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Dr. Courtney Graves is a licensed professional counselor, community advocate, and cousin of Philando Castile. With a deep commitment to social justice and mental health, Dr. Graves has dedicated her career to supporting individuals and families impacted by trauma, racial injustice, and systemic inequities.
Growing up in a close-knit family, Dr. Graves witnessed firsthand the resilience and compassion that defined Philando’s life. His legacy of kindness and community service inspires her ongoing work to honor his memory through programs that promote healing, empowerment, and positive change. Dr. Graves holds advanced degrees in counseling and has over a decade of experience working in community-based mental health and social services. She is the founder of Health Care Connections Services, a private practice specializing in therapy, life coaching, and wellness support for women and communities of color. Through her professional practice, advocacy, and writing, Dr. Graves strives to create spaces where people can process grief, build connections, and transform pain into purpose. She remains committed to amplifying Philando’s story as a catalyst for hope and action. |
Dr. Courtney Graves
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