Elizer Darris receiving Alumnus of the Year Award from his wife, Shadoe, and daughter, Nia, at ARC 2025
Elizer Darris with his wife, Shadoe, and daughter, Nia, at ARC 2025
Elizer Darris speaking at Inver Hills Commencement Class of 2025
Elizer Darris speaking at ARC 2025
Elizer Darris speaking at Inver Hills Commencement Class of 2025
Elizer Darris
Elizer Darris receiving Alumnus of the Year Award from his wife, Shadoe, and daughter, Nia, at ARC 2025
Elizer Darris with his wife, Shadoe, and daughter, Nia, at ARC 2025
Elizer Darris speaking at Inver Hills Commencement Class of 2025
Elizer Darris speaking at ARC 2025
Elizer Darris speaking at Inver Hills Commencement Class of 2025
2016 graduate founded Minneapolis-based political, governmental, NGO, and business consulting firm specializing in community-centered solutions
Elizer Darris has received the Inver Hills Community College Alumnus of the Year Award for 2024–2025. Elizer completed his Associate of Arts (A.A.) at Inver Hills in 2016. Today, he serves as the founder, president, and CVO at Darris Group LLC, a consulting firm headquartered in Minneapolis that focuses on leadership development, strategic planning, and public policy analysis with a strong emphasis on finding community-centric solutions.
“Receiving this award from Inver Hills means more than recognition—it represents a full-circle moment,” Elizer said. “This college gave me a foundation when I was rebuilding my life, and now to be honored as Alumnus of the Year is proof that transformation is possible. My journey is a testament to the power of education, resilience, and community, and I’m deeply grateful to Inver Hills for being a part of that story.”
Elizer was nominated by Marika Reese, Inver Hills social justice studies faculty, Lisa Tracy, Inver Hills biology faculty, and Shadoe Darris, his wife and the owner/CEO of Affordable Moments.
“Beyond his formal roles and accolades, Elizer is known for his humility, authenticity, and deep connection to the communities he serves, making him not only a leader in name, but a leader in practice,” the nominators wrote.
About the award…
Elizer Darris, Inver Hills 2024–2025 Alumnus of the Year
The Inver Hills Outstanding Alumni Award recognizes a graduate or former student who has demonstrated exceptional professional achievement or distinguished community service. Nominees must have completed at least 30 semester credits or a certificate program at Inver Hills. The Inver Hills Alumni Association Board selects the awardee each spring.
Giving back to the college…
Elizer is renowned as a dynamic speaker, trainer, executive coach, and change-maker. He served as a keynote speaker at the college’s Annual Research Conference (ARC) 2025, “Exploring Wellness: Health, Community, and Resilience,” on the Inver Hills campus in late April. He was also a featured speaker at the Inver Hills Commencement Ceremony Class of 2025 at Viking Lakes TCO Stadium in Eagan, Minnesota, in early May.
Elizer Darris Inver Hills galleries
Annual Research Conference (ARC) 2025
Inver Hills Commencement Ceremony Class of 2025
More about Elizer…
Elizer Darris
Elizer Darris is a former juvenile lifer who successfully fought to get his life sentence overturned and became impassioned to create systemic change. Elizer’s political acumen is evident through his successful management of numerous local and county-level campaigns, making him a sought-after consultant for political candidates.
A key figure in social justice, Elizer co-founded and chairs The Legal Revolution, an innovative program enabling incarcerated individuals to pursue legal careers. He also serves on the Pohlad Foundation Racial Justice Grants Committee, leads the Legislative & Public Policy Subcommittee as a board member for the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce, and is a recent national board member for the Tides Foundation.
Elizer’s 2020 appointment by Governor Tim Walz to the State Board of Public Defense was a historic achievement, making him the first formerly incarcerated person to hold such a position, reflecting his deep commitment to justice and reform.
Recognized for his exceptional leadership, business acumen, and dedication to community, Elizer was honored by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal as a 2022 40 Under 40 awardee. In 2023, his ongoing efforts were acknowledged with an Echoing Green Fellowship, highlighting his significant impact and unwavering dedication to societal change.
In 2024, Elizer was accepted as a fellow by the Young American Leaders Program at Harvard University. He was recognized as a Rising Young Professional awardee by Commerce and Finance Magazine. He also received the 2024 Truth and Justice Award from the Urban League Twin Cities.
Elizer and his wife, Shadoe, have a daughter named Nia.
A key figure in social justice, Elizer co-founded and chairs The Legal Revolution, an innovative program enabling incarcerated individuals to pursue legal careers. He also serves on the Pohlad Foundation Racial Justice Grants Committee, leads the Legislative & Public Policy Subcommittee as a board member for the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce, and is a recent national board member for the Tides Foundation.
Elizer’s 2020 appointment by Governor Tim Walz to the State Board of Public Defense was a historic achievement, making him the first formerly incarcerated person to hold such a position, reflecting his deep commitment to justice and reform.
