Jon Tollefson

Jon Tollefson is the co-founder of CitizenWe, a platform designed for researching political candidates and sharing ratings and reviews.1 He is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has a diverse background in diplomacy, public policy, and labor relations.

Professional Experience

Tollefson's career includes:

• Co-Founder at CitizenWe: He has been in this role since January 2020, working on developing a trusted platform for voters to access information about candidates and elected officials.1

• Government Affairs & Labor Relations Specialist: Currently working at the Minnesota Nurses Association, where he advocates for patients and nurses, focusing on safe, high-quality, and affordable healthcare in Minnesota.1

• Former U.S. Diplomat: Served in the U.S. Department of State from 2008 to 2013, with postings in Mexico, Nigeria, and Washington, DC.1

Education

Tollefson received his education from The George Washington University:

• Bachelor's degree in International Affairs (2002-2005)
• Master's degree in International Economic Affairs (2005-2007)1

Additional Roles and Interests

• Advocacy: He has been involved in advocating for human rights, particularly for LGBT individuals, having served as president of GLIFAA, the LGBT diplomats' association.1

• Public Policy: Tollefson has experience in regional economic development and support for Minnesota's high-tech startup community.1

• Political Activism: He founded MillennialPAC, which focused on engaging Millennials in community building and supporting diverse candidates.1

Jon Tollefson's diverse background in diplomacy, healthcare advocacy, and political engagement has shaped his current role as a co-founder of CitizenWe, where he aims to improve political transparency and voter engagement.