The election for three board seats begins August 14!
We have partnered with ElectionBuddy to administer the election. You’ll receive your ballot by email and SMS text message.
- Add invitations@mail.electionbuddy.com to your contact list to prevent the email from being identified as spam.
- SMS message – reply “Unsubscribe” to the SMS notice to stop receiving SMS notices from ElectionBuddy.
If you don’t see your ballot email or text come through, reach out to Katie Lewis at elections@mplsrealtor.com
Learn more about your six candidates below, and be sure to vote before the election closes on Friday, September 1.
![]() Frank DrakeI have been a Realtor and Commercial Realtor for 39 years, since 1984. I ran for US Congress as the Endorsed Candidate in the Minneapolis Congressional District against Keith Ellison, receiving 80,600 votes. I have owned and managed over 18 properties, including an office building in Bryn Mawr. At one time, I owned ten single family homes in Edina. I am married for 37 years to Julie Drake and have two adult children. My goal is to make earning a living as a Realtor® easier and meaningful as all worthwhile occupations are. Thank you for your vote!! |
![]() Gina DumasI have been in real estate industry since 1989! I work primarily in residential sales, including new construction and relocation. I have served on the Pro Standards Committee, Foundation Committee, the DEI committee at RE/MAX Results and am currently the Education leader for the MN Chapter of the Residential Real Estate Council (RRC/CRS). I’m a big sister to an amazing young lady through the Twin Cities Big Brother organization since 2015. My past and current leadership experiences have given me a great perspective; I’ve learned over the years that listening is one of the most important factors in advocating for the members I’m serving. I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart, Joe, since 1990. We have two sons, ages 27 and 29 (who are both homeowners!). I love to travel, soak up the outdoors by hiking, running, and spend time cooking, eating and playing games with my family and friends. |
![]() Sam LeversonSam Leverson has been in real estate for over 5 years with Edina Realty working primarily with first time, move up, and LGBTQ+ buyers and sellers. Sam is part of Edina Realty’s Diversity and Inclusion Team as an office ambassador and also serves on MAR’s DEI committee. This past May, Sam had the honor of receiving the Jean Leake Emerging Markets scholarship and was able to participate in the NAR mid-year meetings. Sam is a natural born connector, and he brings enthusiasm and fresh perspective to the table. These are all traits that make him a strong candidate for the board of directors, with the intention to plug new voices from the REALTOR community into committees to that will benefit from their voice. |
![]() April ManchikApril Manchik is passionate about the real estate industry and is highly regarded for her personal integrity and expertise in the field. With her strong background in mortgage and finance, she is able to enhance her client’s experience. She’s also curated a collaborative network of trusted industry leaders and advisors to help her clients to the closing table. Volunteering is something April enjoys and is currently serving on the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors as Vice-Chair of Young Professionals Network. She is also a member of the Greater Wayzata Area Chamber of Commerce. She’s been involved with other community charities in the past such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Team in Training. April is an excellent candidate for board of directors because of her commitment to do good works and engagement in serving the organization on both the (previous) finance committee and the young professionals. She is driven towards contribution and believes being fully engaged is key for success. Her objective is to bring a new perspective, increase membership involvement and enhance the user experience globally. Along with having her MBA, April is a continual learner, always listening to a new audiobook. She is Ninja Sales trained, a B.O.L.D. graduate and teaches real estate education. Some of her favorite pastimes are spending time with her family, golfing, boating, traveling, and CrossFit! |
![]() Doneva RawlsA vision of helping and serving others has been a part of Doneva from day one. From the 1st home, that she helped a family own until now Doneva has been amazed at how a community can grow and prosper when homeownership is open to all. She has helped this idea blossom from, the dream in a person’s heart, to becoming a reality for over 1,500 families. Serving others has been her life calling. Helping others achieve what they perceive to be impossible become their new reality has been an incredible journey that Doneva has had the opportunity to experience first-hand. She has built a business where it allows her to help others to change their lives. Minnesota is the place she calls home; her business has allowed her to help families across America. Her time in the Navy has revealed the real” Doneva,” serving others is not what she does, it is who she is. A personal side note, Doneva has a wonderfully active family, 5 sons. The basketball mom you can find her on any given Saturday cheering her sons to victory. Doneva is actively involved in her community through Jr achievement a mentor-ship program at Brooklyn Center Senior High. She was appointed by the mayor of Brooklyn Park to Citizens for Long Range commission, and currently serves on several real estate committees like the Minnesota Nominating Committee, Minnesota Government Affairs Committee, Minnesota Board of Directors, and Minnesota Executive Committee. Doneva has also previously served on the Minneapolis and Minnesota Diversity Committee and the Minneapolis Board of Directors, among others. Doneva is a life-long learner she obtained her BA from Metro State University and currently working in a graduate degree program. Her heart beats to a delightful flutter when she focuses her gaze on positive policies that enhance the lives of the clients that she cares for. |
![]() Tunde ShonoikiMy professional real estate career began over 20+ years ago. After two years at Apartment Search in Uptown, I affiliated with Lakes Area Realty, my real estate home ever since. In addition to my expansive experience as a residential REALTOR, I have over a decade of experience in Commercial Real Estate, both leasing and sales. My education background includes earning a bachelor’s degree from St. Thomas University with a BA in Finance. A few years into my real estate career, I obtained my Minnesota Real Estate Broker’s License. My greatest enjoyment comes from working with first-time and first-generation home buyers particularly those that need assistance with financing options including Riba free, Sharia and non-interest-bearing programs. In partnership with the African Development Center, I had the unique experience of closing the first non-interest-bearing mortgage loan in the state of Minnesota. I learned early on in my career that it is best to let the money follow the transaction. In other words, clients’ needs come before the commission earned. This basic philosophy has brought joy to my clients and made me feel fulfilled in the process. I continue to believe that in business as in life, honesty is always the best path to follow. Another passion of mine is giving back to the REALTOR community. My involvement in the Profession Standards Committee spans over 10 years. My leadership experience includes serving as Chair of Professional Standards and also serving as Vice Chair of the Policy Committee for Minnesota REALTORS. In addition, I have served on my local association’s Board of REALTORS. I enjoy volunteering at local food banks with my grandchildren and fundraising for various causes and non-profit organizations across Minnesota. Currently, I am investing in building a future retirement home in Nigeria with my lovely wife and partner in life. |