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Minnesota Realtors®’ (MNR) Governmental Affairs (GA) team is your voice at the Capitol, advocating for bills that promote homeownership, strengthen the real estate industry, and protect property rights. Led by Paul Eger, Senior Vice President of Governmental Affairs, and Senior Director of Advocacy Matt Spellman, the GA team meets with lawmakers, provides testimony on bills impacting our industry, and keeps members informed with weekly legislative updates. 

This year, they’re joined by Fowzia Warsame, an intern through our participation in the Citizen League’s Capitol Pathways program. Capitol Pathways, founded in 2016, connects BIPOC college students with paid internships in government offices, nonprofits, corporations, and law firms throughout the legislative session, giving them firsthand experience in the policymaking and public service world. 

Fowzia is supporting the team during the 2025 Legislative Session, helping to track bills, attend committee hearings, and research key housing issues. We sat down with her to learn more about her experience working with the GA team at the Capitol this session. 

Q: What inspired you to apply for the Capitol Pathways Program? 

Fowzia: I’m passionate about policy and advocacy, and I wanted to understand what the world of policymaking is really like. This program felt like the perfect introduction. 

Q: What drew you to Minnesota Realtors® for your internship? 

Fowzia: I’ve been interested in affordable housing and housing policy in general. Minnesota Realtors®’ mission, goals, and values really lined up with my own. What stood out most was the first-generation down payment program and seeing how MNR is taking real action to help people, especially those who might not otherwise have the same opportunities. 

Q: What is something you’ve learned about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into shaping housing policy? 

Fowzia: Housing is a huge concern across the country and in our state. Despite political differences, legislators care deeply about creating housing for their constituents, so they’re often more willing to compromise in housing committees than in other areas. I’ve seen so many stakeholders, such as staffers, lobbyists, advocacy groups, and committee members, collaborate tirelessly behind closed doors to create bills that could positively impact Minnesota’s housing needs. 

Q: Have you seen firsthand how advocacy work makes an impact? 

Fowzia: Different organizations testify for or against every bill, and legislators really do listen to that testimony. Every stakeholder has the opportunity to make contributions to the bill language and influence the legislative culture. At the start of the session, committees used a lot of Minnesota Realtors®’ data when drafting bills, and we’ve seen it show up in different committee hearings. It’s nice to see that the information we’re bringing forward is being used to make change. 

Q: What has been the most exciting or rewarding part of your internship? 

Fowzia: Just being able to have a small part in advocacy work has been so rewarding! It's been amazing to watch Paul, Matt, and all these groups work so hard to pass bills that really make a difference for people, especially the first-generation down payment program. MNR and the whole coalition have worked so hard to make sure this program continues to receive funding. There are so many people committed to serving the state and looking out for the public’s best interest. 

Learn more about the GA team’s work and find out how you can get involved by visiting our Advocacy page.