Tenzin Dolkar

Tenzin Dolkar joined McKnight in March 2021 as a Midwest Climate & Energy (Climate) program officer. Dolkar works to shape and guide the trajectory of the Foundation’s climate initiatives. She oversees and develops grant portfolios that support efforts to build power through partnership, aligning McKnight’s climate and equity goals.

Dolkar also serves as a council member on the Metropolitan Council- the regional government agency in Minnesota. Before McKnight, Dolkar served as a climate advisor to the City of Minneapolis through a Natural Resources Defense Council partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies American Cities Climate Challenge. Previously, she served as the State of Minnesota’s Rail Director and as a policy advisor to Governor Mark Dayton on transportation, agriculture, and rural issues for Governor Mark Dayton. Dolkar holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in international studies with a minor in social work from the University of St. Thomas.