A Dream Job at The Arc Minnesota for Dupree Edwards

As the newly elected board co-chair of The Arc Minnesota , Dupree Edwards (pictured presenting at The Arc Gala) is excited to draw on his lived experience and passion as a self-advocate to improve the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

“This position at The Arc is really a dream job for me,” Edwards said. “To be on the board of directors of a non-profit organization is something I wanted to do, but I really didn’t think the opportunity would pop up so soon.”

The Arc Minnesota promotes and protects the human rights of people with IDD and their families across the state. It leads statewide advocacy on legislative policy and supports programs that provide inclusive education, recreation, employment, and housing.

Edwards is a lead state advisor on systems change for the University of Minnesota’s Institute on Community Integration (ICI) and has his own business, Dupred Show Productions . The focus of his company is to support people with IDD as they step into the workforce. Edwards credits his time at ICI with helping him build the confidence, office skills, and network of contacts to become a leader in the disability community.

As a board co-chair, Edwards is committed to expanding the reach of The Arc Minnesota and wants to make sure people from the Somali, Hmong, and Native communities know the organization is there to support them. “My main focus is making sure people know The Arc is there for everybody,” Edwards said.

The CEO of The Arc Minnesota, Naveh Eldar, says he’s delighted Edwards is taking on a leadership role in his organization. “Dupree is very passionate about his advocacy, and he is not shy about speaking his mind and having tough conversations,” Eldar said.

“I really admire Dupree, and he has the emotional intelligence, a knowledge of the facts, and other qualities that make him a strong leader,” Eldar adds.

Edwards first became aware of The Arc Minnesota when he began volunteering at an Arc Value Village store as a young adult. “I started out just folding clothes and helping to run the place,” Edwards recalls. “Pretty soon, I became involved as a peer-to-peer mentor at The Arc. That led to them asking me to show up at events and to emcee their gala. It really became an opportunity for me to raise my voice.”

Eldar appreciates the way Edwards uses his voice to bring people together. “During our board meetings, we do discuss topics that can be polarizing, but Dupree always approaches these topics in a way that is respectful and allows people to feel they are being heard,” Eldar said.

“I know from personal experience that Dupree pays attention to the non-verbal communications people give off,” Eldar adds.

“I remember during one of my first board meetings as the new CEO in 2024, we had an emotionally charged conversation that was going on,” Eldar recalls. “I needed to take a break and get into a meditative space. I had just moved to Minnesota from Tennessee to take on this role. I was alone in a corner and feeling the pressure. Dupree just put his hand on my back and said, ‘Don’t worry, Naveh. We’re here to support you. You’re doing a good job, and I’m glad you’re here.’ That was exactly what I needed to hear in that moment, and I don’t even think he knows how much he helped me recenter and get back to the work.”

For his part, Edwards calls himself an “old soul” and says he’s proud to have the heart to know when people need some encouragement. “I really feel I can be a voice for the voiceless,” Edwards said. “That’s what really keeps me going. I’m going to do my best, and I’m grateful for all the doors that ICI and The Arc have opened for me. I’m excited about the future and how I can work to help more people.”