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Manda Lillie and Angela Davis

First Lady Gwen Walz has influential voice in making policy

Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz stands for a portrait.
Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz stands for a portrait inside MPR on Friday, Feb. 15, 2019.
Evan Frost | MPR News

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Gwen Walz, Minnesota's new first lady, is carving out a different role than her predecessors. With an office in the Capitol, she plans to influence policy in several areas — with a special emphasis on education and corrections. Like her husband, Gov. Tim Walz, Gwen Walz is a former teacher.

She spoke with Angela Davis about where she hopes to make a difference, and the realities of work at the Capitol and life in the Governor's Mansion.

To listen to the full conversation you can use the audio player above.