Rochelle Hammer, Coordinator of the Midwest Coalition for Human Rights, has worked in the field of human rights since 2001, when she joined the newly formed Human Rights Program at the University of Minnesota. In her work with the Human Rights Program, Rochelle supported research and collaboration among regional partners in the “Human Rights at Home” project focused on human rights abuses in the United States. She also provided guidance to students pursuing the graduate minor in human rights, established a regional internship program, and worked closely with U of M students interning for the Program. From 2002 to 2004, Rochelle also worked with the Mexican Capital Legal Assistance Program researching psychological testing methods of Spanish-speakers, and briefing capital cases involving non-triggerman to conduct a national survey of the cases and their outcomes.
Since becoming Midwest Coalition Coordinator in January 2007, Rochelle has focused her work on recruiting new members to the Coalition, enhancing communication exchange and resource-sharing amongst member organizations, coordinating efforts of members and key partnering organizations in developing objectives and strategies to carry out issue-based advocacy, further developing a regional human rights fellowship program, and providing grant management and financial oversight.
Early in 2007, Rochelle received the Sullivan Ballou Award, honoring emerging leaders in the fields of human rights and social justice. Rochelle has a B.A. in Global Studies with a focus on human rights from the University of Minnesota. She is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in nonprofit management, and learning to play the guitar.
