Kulani “Ku” Moti, J.D., participated in Youth in Government, Model United Nations, and the Conference on National Affairs. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and her J.D. degree from the University of Denver. She held various law-related positions including working as a public defender at the Minnehaha County Public Defender’s Office in Sioux Falls, South Dakota before joining the Minnesota Department of Human Services, where she is now Inspector General for the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

What do you do in your day job: My office investigates fraud, licenses programs such as family child care, adult foster care and mental health centers, and conducts background checks of people who work in those facilities.

Someone you admire: Nelson Mandela. I read Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela in college and his last quote has stayed with me and helped guide me in life. "I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance that I have come. But I can rest only for a moment, for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not ended.

Volunteer role(s) with Center for Youth Voice: Program Specialist coordinating elections for Minnesota Youth in Government, Wisconsin Youth in Government, and Model United Nations; Advisor/chaperone for the Conference on National Affairs.

Why do you volunteer for the Center for Youth Voice: The young people - that is why I continue to be involved in these programs. I continue to grow and learn and to be excited for the future because of the young people I get to work with in these programs. So many have become wonderful life-long friends.  

A favorite program-related memory: There are too many favorite memories to list. Being a part of YIG for 30+ years, I can't pick just one favorite memory. Each conference has so many amazing and wonderful memories that I cherish. 

Share some alumni words of wisdom: Center for Youth Voice programs are all about learning to be an authentic and Servant Leader. Embrace those teachings and learnings because they are invaluable, and you will use them every day. I know I do!