2016 NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE … · Courageous Engagement Across Difference 2016 NONPROFIT...

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2016 NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Platinum Sponsor:

www.minnesotanonprofits.org/leadership#nplead16

Tuesday, June 14, 20167:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

McNamara Alumni CenterMinneapolis, MN

Courageous Engagement

Across Difference

2016 NONPROFITLEADERSHIP

CONFERENCE

2016 Nonprofit Leadership Conference | June 14, 2016

2015 Nonprofit Leadership Conference Hosts and Sponsors

The Bush Foundationwww.bushfoundation.orgThe Bush Foundation invests in great ideas and the people who power them. We encourage and empower individuals and organizations to think bigger and think differently about what’s possible in communities across Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geo-graphic area.

Humphrey School of Public Affairs,University of Minnesotawww.hhh.umn.eduThe Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota is one of the country’s top-ranked professional public policy and planning schools. The School offers five distinctive master’s degrees, a doctoral degree, and five certificate programs that match students’ passion with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to solve real-world challenges.

The Jay & Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Minnesotaphillipsfamilymn.orgFounded in 1944, The Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Minnesota continues the family tradition of sharing resources for the public good while exercising leadership and flexibility in responding to emerging community needs. The Foundation’s grantmaking is focused on helping people in poverty attain economic stability through discreet strategies in the areas of employment, education, housing and transit. A portion of fund-ing also supports anti-discrimination and systems change work.

Minnesota Council of Nonprofitswww.minnesotanonprofits.orgThe Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) is a statewide as-sociation of 2,000 nonprofit organizations. Through its website, resource publications, workshops and events, cost-saving programs and advocacy, MCN continually works to inform, promote, connect and strengthen individual nonprofits and the nonprofit sector.

Greater Twin Cities United Waywww.gtcuw.orgUnited Way helps every child succeed and helps every family get ahead, so our whole community thrives. We create path-ways out of poverty by stabilizing families, helping children succeed and empowering healthy lives. In addition, as a conduit for thought leadership across Minnesota, we advance policy and systems change.

St. Catherine Universitywww.stkate.eduSt. Catherine University is home to more than 5,200 students in a wide array of disciplines and degree levels. At its heart, the spirited College for Women and the legacy of its founders informs every facet of the University.rk. The University mission guides the education of all students within a learning environ-ment that recognizes the accomplishments of women and their distinct approaches to teaching and learning.

3 www.minnesotanonprofits.org/leadership | Stay connected: #nplead16


Table of Contents

Conference Schedule-at-a-Glance ................................................page 4

Conference Keynote & Luncheon Activities ..............................page 5

Round I Workshops .............................................................................page 6

Round II Workshops .................................................................... pages 8 - 9

Round III Workshops ............................................................... pages 10-11

Round IV Workshops ........................................................................page 12

Facility Map ..........................................................................................page 13

Leadership Award Recipients ........................................................page 14

Presenter Biographies ........................................................... pages 16 - 20

About MCN ..........................................................................................page 22

Andrew Bocher, Minnesota Council of NonprofitsJulia Classen, Aurora ConsultingEliel Gebru, Humphrey School of Public AffairsNausheena Hussain, Reviving the Islamic Sisterhood of Empowerment (RISE)Stephanie Jacobs, Humphrey School of Public AffairsJay Kiedrowski, Humphrey School of Public Affairs

Paul Masiarchin, Minnesota Council of NonprofitsEmma Olson, Jay & Rose Phillips Family Foundation of MinnesotaPaul Robinson, Wilder FoundationJodi Sandfort, Humphrey School of Public AffairsPaul Vliem, Minnesota Council of NonprofitsLeslie Wright, Greater Twin Cities United Way

2016 Nonprofit Leadership Conference Committee

www.minnesotanonprofits.org/leadership #nplead16

Courageous Engagement Across Difference


4 2016 Nonprofit Leadership Conference | June 14, 2016

Conference Schedule-at-a-Glance

7:30 - 8:45 a.m. Round I WorkshopsA Critical Conversation on Gender Identity ............................................................................................Heritage GalleryData Works For Us (It Can Work for You, Too) .................................................................................. Johnson Great RoomEngagement Across Generations .................................................................................................Thomas H. Swain RoomUniting for a Cause: Intersectional Activism ...................................................................... 6th Floor West Committee RoomWhat Should I Do Today? .................................................................................................................... Ski-U-Mah Room

9 - 10:30 a.m. Conference Keynote ....................................................................Memorial Hall

Getting the Job Done: Leading Through Difference Hosted by Jodi Sandfort, Humphrey School and Jarell Skinner-Roy, College PossibleDuring our morning keynote session, Gloria Perez, president and C.E.O. of the Jeremiah Program, will discuss trends and opportunities for nonprofit sector leaders. (See page 5 for more keynote information).

10:45 a.m. - noon Round II WorkshopsA Critical Conversation on Class and Socio-Economic Status ...................................................................Heritage GalleryCoaching Skills: Developing People to Achieve Your Mission ..........................................................Thomas H. Swain RoomRealigning Financial Leadership ............................................................................................................ Ski-U-Mah RoomResilient Leadership ....................................................................................................................... Johnson Great RoomWorking Effectively with Your Muslim Clients and Colleagues ............................................. 6th Floor West Committee RoomWorking with Interns to Build Your Nonprofit and Support the Next Generation of Leaders ...........................Minnesota Room

noon – 1:15 p.m. Networking Luncheon & Awards Ceremony...................... Memorial HallHosted by Martin Wera, Director, Community Relations, Ameriprise Financial Hear from this year’s Nonprofit Leadership Award winners as they contemplate the role of leadership in building community (see page 14 for more information on this year’s recipients).

1:30 – 2:45 p.m. Round III WorkshopsA Critical Conversation on Religion .......................................................................................................Heritage GalleryDon’t Fumble the Handoff: Successful Leadership Transitions ............................................... 6th Floor West Committee RoomLeading Quiet Brilliance: Introverts in the Workplace ............................................................................... Ski-U-Mah RoomThinking Outside the [Voting Booth] Box: Designing Access ......................................................................Minnesota RoomUnlocking the Power of Community through Partnerships .................................................................... Johnson Great RoomWorking Toward Gender Equity in Nonprofit Leadership ................................................................Thomas H. Swain Room

3 - 4:15 p.m. Round IV Workshops A Critical Conversation on Race and Ethnicity ........................................................................................Heritage GalleryAuthenticity: The Cornerstone of Effectively Engaging Across Difference ...........................................Thomas H. Swain RoomGet Up on Your Soap Box .............................................................................................................. Johnson Great RoomLeading Our Public Institutions Toward Greater Inclusion ..........................................................................Minnesota RoomUnlock Your Board’s Fundraising DNA ................................................................................................... Ski-U-Mah Room

4:15 - 5 p.m. Reception .........................................................................................Memorial Hall




Conference Keynote | 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Getting the Job Done: Leading Through DifferenceGloria Perez, president and C.E.O., Jeremiah Program

Leaders are continually faced with situations where differences in perspective and experience cre-ate challenging conditions for making progress. How do you validate perspectives, stay focused on your mission and get the job done?

During our morning keynote session, Gloria Perez, president and C.E.O. of the Jeremiah Program, will discuss trends and opportunities to provide leadership for nonprofit sector leaders. Gloria’s presentation will address a leadership style that does not seek to eliminate or reconcile differences but instead focuses on the organization’s vision and goals.

About Our SpeakerOur keynote speaker, Gloria Perez, is the president and C.E.O. of the Jeremiah Program. Jeremiah Program offers one of the nation’s most successful strategies for transforming families from poverty to prosperity two generations at a time. Their two-generation programming provides the support necessary for low-income single mothers and their children to move into a life of economic independence. Jeremiah Program works in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Fargo-Moorhead, Boston, Massachusetts and Austin, Texas.

Gloria is one of the country’s leading experts in two-generation strategies to reduce poverty. As a fellow in Ascend Program of the Aspen Institute she is working with leaders from across the country to drive proven strategies to help families achieve economic security. Gloria is a graduate of Macalester College and recipient of the Alexandrine Medal from St. Catherine University and the Ellis Island Medal of Honor.

Networking Luncheon & Awards Ceremony | noon - 1:15 p.m. Hosted by Martin Wera, director - community relations, Ameriprise Financial

Help to recognize this year’s Nonprofit Leadership Award winners and take time to network with your peers.

Nonprofit Leadership AwardsThe Minnesota Council of Nonprofits is committed to building the strength and integrity of the nonprofit sector statewide. As part of this commitment, in 2010 MCN initiated the Nonprofit Leadership Awards to recognize the passion and energy of individual leaders at various stages in their nonprofit careers.

In 2016, YNPN - Twin Cities and the Center for Integrative Leadership at the University of Minnesota join MCN in recognizing leaders with three distinct awards:

• Catalytic Leader (emerging leader award)• Visionary Leader (mid-career leader award)• Transformational Leader (experienced leader award)

Meet the awardees on page 14.


Round I Workshops | 7:30 - 8:45 a.m.

A Critical Conversation on Gender IdentityRoom: Heritage Gallery (Capacity: 80) Join the session facilitators during one or all four of the Critical Conversations to dig deep into an area of our nonprofit work where we seek greater inclusion and engagement. Sessions will start with a 10 minute framing presentation. The rest of the time, these sessions will engage conference attendees in a criti-cal conversation, not a lecture or PowerPoint presentation. Join the discussion to gather insight from other attendees, think about ways to move our nonprofits toward greater inclusion and engagement on each theme, and consider ways to expand our roles in building a more just society. As nonprofit leaders, we’ll explore our roles at the individual, organizational and sector levels. Participants will make a commitment to taking at least one concrete step to act at each of these three levels.grey doolin, consultant, greyspace consulting and JAC Stringer, independent consultant

Data Works For Us (It Can Work for You, Too)Room: Johnson Great Room (Capacity: 110) Data can feel like a needy co-worker that sucks the life out of your program, or data can feel like a real team player that supports and improves your impact. Learn practical strategies that you can use to energize your team and get data working for you. The BrandLab shares the lessons they learned as a small nonprofit when they stopped chasing data and started using data to make decisions and share facts about the “gut feeling” they had about their impact. Walk away with practical strategies to get control of the data you already have, engage your team (and especially your board) in measurement-focused conversations and tell a more powerful story along the way.Brandi Olson, C.E.O., Brandi Olson Consulting and Ellen Walthour, executive director, The BrandLab

Engagement Across GenerationsRoom: Thomas H. Swain (Capacity: 90) By 2025, more than half of the workforce will be made up of Millennials. Cultivating and engaging the new generation of talent will be a key factor to success for nonprofit organizations. This session will present an overview of generational trends and characteristics, focusing on the interactions among genera-tions, from Baby Boomers through Generation Z. We will focus on creating action-oriented tips and changes that can create meaningful differences in the recruitment, engagement and retention of talent based on today’s workplace demographics, with the goal of creating sustainable talent pipelines within our organizations.Brian Garshelis, program director, New Sector Alliance

Uniting for a Cause: Intersectional ActivismRoom: 6th Floor West Committee Room (Capacity: 60) Climate change, racial injustice and religious discrimination: these are just a few of the global issues facing us all. In order to combat each problem, we will need the combined power of everyone. Our shared humanity calls on us to grow together through action. Rallying behind common social justice issues can unite diverse communities by forging peace and under-standing, and the experience of working together benefits both the workers and the cause. Different communities possess different strengths and experiences: together, we can bring about a cultural revolution through utilizing our own unique strengths while still honoring each other’s spaces and struggles. This panel discussion with activists from multiple organizations will highlight the benefits of linking arms and doing good in the world together - with one another rather than for one another.Tamara Gray, executive director, Rabata Inc. DBA Daybreak Bookshop; Virajita Singh, assistant vice provost, Office of Equity and Diversity, University of Minnesota; and Artika R. Tyner, associate vice president for diversity and inclusion, University of St. Thomas

What Should I Do Today?Room: Ski-U-Mah Room (Capacity: 100) We tend to think of decisions as the outcome of “knowing.” But how are we supposed to know what is right and what is wrong when the work we are doing comes with no how-to manual, text book or Wikipedia page ready to guide us? Often the keys include finding small actions that face fears, seek out new per-spectives, and open ourselves to productive discomfort. There is no more important decision we make each day than wisely de-ciding what we will do with the next 24 hours. Participants in this session will design a simple action plan by walking through the 4 key Stages of Creative Strategy: Research, Reframe, Real-ize, and reAct. Utilizing the practices of innovators, improvisers and great leaders—this session will help identify what has got you stuck and holding you back from the next great decision to move your most important work forward.Andy Zimney, founder, Leading Off the Cuff and C.O.O., Youth Frontiers, Inc.




Friday Keynote Frances Kunreuther, co-director, Building Movement Project

“Building a Better Leadership Pipeline”

Thursday KeynoteWinona LaDuke, executive director, Honor the Earth

“Creating a Multi-Cultural Democracy: Religion, Culture

and Identity in America”

Listen. In the face of change, we must slow down before rushing ahead. As Minnesota’s nonprofit sector, we must pause, reflect and listen. Listen to the communities who have not traditionally been heard. Listen to the people on the ground working to build strong communities. Listen to the good things as well as the critical. Listen to our intuition and best practices. Then listen for the oversights and the new voices. We must step back to move forward.

Learn. As a sector, we must continue to learn from one another and ourselves. Be willing to acknowledge our mistakes and knowledge gaps. Learn from the young, the old, our closest allies and the allies whom we have yet to meet. Change is constant. We must always aspire to learn.

Lead. Lead not through titles or privilege or power – but through grace and wisdom and humility. We must lead our-selves before leading others. Lead to a place where more of us can live the lives that we wish to live.

Join the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits for our 2016 Annual Conference. Hosted in Duluth, MN, this year’s gathering is the perfect opportunity for professionals from every corner of Minnesota’s robust nonprofit sector to join together, celebrate the sector, learn from one another and prepare for another year.

Highlights of this year’s conference include:

Learn more about the 2016 MCN Annual Conference or register today at:www.mcnannualconference.org

Awards PresentationsJoin us as we celebrate

shining stars in our sector during the presentation of the

2016 Minnesota Nonprofit Awards and the Virginia

McKnight Binger Unsung Hero Awards

40+ Breakout SesssionsDozens of workshops on the

topics most important to your work—and the work of your colleagues, board members

and volunteers—are available from thought leaders from

across our sector.


Round II Workshops | 10:45 - noon

A Critical Conversation on Class and Socio-Economic Status Room: Heritage Gallery (Capacity: 80) Join the session facilitators, during one or all four of the Critical Conversations, to dig deep into an area of our nonprofit work where we seek greater inclusion and engagement. Sessions will start with a 10 minute framing presentation. The rest of the time, these sessions will engage conference attendees in a critical conversation, not a lecture or PowerPoint presenta-tion. Join the discussion to gather insight from other attendees, think about ways to move our nonprofits toward greater inclu-sion and engagement on each theme, and consider ways to expand our roles in building a more just society. As nonprofit leaders, we’ll explore our roles at the individual, organizational and sector levels. Participants will make a commitment to taking at least one concrete step to act at each of these three levels.Sheila Kiscaden, commissioner, Olmsted County Board of Commissioners

Coaching Skills: Developing People to Achieve Your MissionRoom: Thomas H. Swain (Capacity: 90) Managing people takes time and unique skills. In this inter-active, skills-practice workshop, we will share effectiveness strategies and practical tools for developing people through the art of coaching. Coaching is the ability to use a simple yet dynamic conversational approach, engaging others to take more initiative, problem-solve with confidence and feel energized to do their best work. Workshop participants will be introduced to ways to balance your leadership style between instructive and facilitative approaches, will learn 10 drill-down coaching questions that build awareness and ownership in others and will practice real-time coaching strategies to help others tackle challenges and achieve goals. You will be able to identify opportunities to coach on-the-job and understand the impact coaching can have on your organization, your people and your mission. The workshop draws on the book, Coaching Skills for Nonprofit Managers and Leaders by Judith Wilson and Michelle Gislason. Shelley Jacobson, C.E.O., Minnesota Communities Caring for Children and Debbie Okerlund, executive coach and trainer, Lead With Agility, LLC

Realigning Financial LeadershipRoom: Ski-U-Mah Room (Capacity: 100) Too often, nonprofit leaders with expertise in finance are teased with names like “bean counter” or “number cruncher.” What if instead we use labels like visionary, key strategist or mis-sion cruncher to describe our top finance leaders, no matter what their title? And what if we demand and expect all of our senior staff to have financial leadership skills? This session realigns financial leadership in three critical areas for nonprofit organizations and should be attended by executive directors, board members, program, financial and development staff and anyone else interested in the changing role of finance in nonprofit management. Let us envision a future where financial leadership is integrated with mission and program, where organizational strategy, planning and management seamlessly incorporate financial considerations. Our organizations are ultimately stronger and more effective when the responsibility for financial leadership extends beyond the CFO or accounting department to include us all.Curt Klotz, finance director, Nonprofits Assistance Fund and Wendy Marcano, vice president of finance, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities

Working Effectively with Your Muslim Clients and ColleaguesRoom: 6th Floor West Committee Room (Capacity: 60) Each year, CAIR-MN handles complaints of religious, racial and ethnic discrimination. The majority of cases involve employ-ment discrimination, including discrimination in hiring, wrongful termination, hostile work environments and denial of religious accommodations. From these cases, we have learned that most discrimination occurs because of miscommunication and a lack of understanding of religious practices/culture. CAIR-MN’s pro-active diversity presentation bridges the gap of misunderstand-ing and provides resources to employers, attorneys and service providers. The presentation will open with an introduction to Muslims by discussing Muslim demographics worldwide, in the United States and in Minnesota. Next, the presentation explains basic aspects of Islam and cultural norms. Finally, the presentation discusses how to provide a religious accommoda-tion. It emphasizes: 1) the main practices for which employers can expect a request for accommodation, 2) legal obligations of employers/service providers, and 3) practices to be mindful of when interacting with Muslim clients/colleagues.Jaylani Hussein, executive director and Amarita Singh, civil rights director, CAIR-Minnesota




Resilient LeadershipRoom: Johnson Great Room (Capacity: 110) Nonprofit leaders are often charged with holding the tension of competing views and expectations. During this workshop, attendees will reflect on the challenges they face, find connec-tion with those facing similar challenges and explore the ripple effect of those stressors on their personal well-being and the broader health of their workplace. Leaders will learn to respond to these challenges using the Ripples of Resilience model which calls on individuals to cultivate self-awareness, understand their truth and practice personal rather than oppressive power. Attendees will walk away with a better understanding of stress and its impact on individual and collective well-being, as well as strategies to boost their bounce-back potential through times of change or challenge.Lindsay Walz, founder and board co-chair, courageous heARTS

Working with Interns to Build Your Nonprofit and Support the Next Generation of LeadersRoom: Minnesota Room (Capacity: 50) This session will provide an opportunity to think about the give-and-take of working with interns. Presenters will discuss ways to maximize the benefit for your nonprofit and for the intern by designing a well-devised internship program. We’ll talk about recruitment, retention and professional development. Plus, we’ll consider the costs incurred by the organization and the intern as we contemplate the best way to ensure a mutually sup-portive relationship. Learn the laws of unpaid internships, the advantages/disadvantages of paid internships, how to design an internship program, and how to recruit top talent to excel in your organization.Jennifer Guyer-Wood, director of career services, Humphrey School of Public Affairs; Sindy Morales Garcia, community initiatives program associate, Amherst H. Wilder Foundation; and Colleen Striegel, vice president, human resources & administration, American Refugee Committee

Why United Way?We’re committed to helping every child succeed and helping every family get ahead, so our whole community thrives.

Read their stories at gtcuw.org/stories

STABILIZING FAMILIES

EMPOWERING HEALTHY LIVES

HELPING CHILDREN SUCCEED

THE MISSION of The Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Minnesota is to honor the legacy of its founders by supporting

efforts that address the unmet human and social needs of individuals, families, and communities that have the least access

to resources. OUR GRANTMAKING WORK is focused on efforts that help people in poverty to attain economic stability. We do this in the 7-County

Twin Cities Metro Area through a few discrete strategies in:

Employment Housing

Education Transit

Combatting Discrimination and Addressing Inequities

www.phillipsfamilymn.org @JayRosePhillips

phone 612-623-1654 Fax 612-612-1653


Round III | 1:30 - 2:45 p.m.

A Critical Conversation on ReligionRoom: Heritage Gallery (Capacity: 80) Join the session facilitators, during one or all four of the Critical Conversations, to dig deep into an area of our nonprofit work where we seek greater inclusion and engagement. Sessions will start with a 10 minute framing presentation. The rest of the time, these sessions will engage conference attendees in a criti-cal conversation, not a lecture or PowerPoint presentation. Join the discussion to gather insight from other attendees, think about ways to move our nonprofits toward greater inclusion and engagement on each theme, and consider ways to expand our roles in building a more just society. As nonprofit leaders, we’ll explore our roles at the individual, organizational and sector levels. Participants will make a commitment to taking at least one concrete step to act at each of these three levels.Grant Stevensen, pastor, St. Paul Area Synod and ISAIAH

Thinking Outside the [Voting Booth] Box: Designing AccessRoom: Minnesota Room (Capacity: 50) This breakout session is designed as an experiential exercise. Presenters will demonstrate how the design thinking process generates empathy for the user. Designing good solutions—whether you hope to improve voter turnout, help people navi-gate a complex transportation system or change how people think about where their food comes from—starts with under-standing how one person experiences something. After a short introduction, presenters will lead participants through a design thinking exercise about voting that will help them gain empathy for those new to the system, particularly immigrants or disen-franchised members of society. Presenters will host a dialogue about what that experience was like, and let the audience identify problems or barriers that kept them from voting. The ses-sion will conclude by outlining key takeaways and providing a connection from this exercise to how this approach can provide insight for any organization.Sieng Lee, graphic designer, Design Uake; Susan Sheridan Tucker, executive director, League of Women Voters Minnesota; and Sandy Wolfe Wood, principal, Designing Change

Don’t Fumble the Handoff: Successful Leadership TransitionsRoom: 6th Floor West Committee Room (Capacity: 60) When a leadership transition goes well it requires the effective collaboration of board, outgoing executive director, interim director and new executive director. Join this session to hear how GiveMN’s board chair, new E.D. and interim director executed a seamless transition during Give to the Max Day 2016. Bringing together different leadership styles in a transi-tion can be fraught with peril, but in this session participants will learn what it takes to set aside those challenges for the good of their organization. In this session, attendees will understand the key drivers of effective leadership transition; create a framework to engage board, staff and key stakeholders during transition; and learn to put aside ego to ensure organizational success. Learn how to structure a plan of action to ensure your organiza-tion keeps growing during times of change using detailed goal-setting, intentional communication and grown-up leadership.Jake Blumberg, executive director, GiveMN; Andy Goldman-Gray, founding partner, AGG Marketing & Consulting; and Cyndi Lesher, board chair, GiveMN

Working Toward Gender Equity in Nonprofit LeadershipRoom: Thomas H. Swain (Capacity: 90) A 2015 study on women in the workplace conducted by GuideStar reported that only 18 percent of nonprofits with budgets of more than $50 million had female CEOs. In tandem with this dearth in women in nonprofit leadership, GuideStar found that female nonprofit C.E.O.s earned 6 to 23 percent less than their male counterparts, depending on organization size. Meanwhile, 40 percent of American households identify women as the main breadwinner. In the face of this contradic-tion and a seismic shift in workplace dynamics, how can the nonprofit sector support women in leadership roles in more egalitarian numbers, and serve as an example to other fields? How can women in the nonprofit realm support and mentor other women into leadership roles? Join this session for a frank and supportive conversation and practical, clear takeaways on providing resources, access and mentorship for the current and emerging women leaders working in your organization or field.Seena Hodges, senior director – marketing and development, Theater Latté Da and Amanda White, managing director, Mixed Blood Theatre




The MCN Nominating Committee is currently seeking nominations for individuals to represent their communities and serve on the MCN board of directors. This call for nominations is the start of the selection process for MCN’s 2017 board of directors and we invite you, a leader of an MCN member organization, to nominate yourself or a colleague you think would be strategic for one of six openings. Eligible candidates must be a representative (staff or board member) of a current MCN nonprofit member organization.

This is an annual opportunity for MCN members to nominate leaders in the sector to serve as their representatives to MCN’s board. Please consider nominating yourself or a colleague before Friday, July 8, 2016.

MCN’s Board Election

Nominate Today!Inform, promote, connect and strengthen Minnesota’s nonprofit sector

www.mcnboard.org

To learn what it’s like to serve on MCN’s board, join current MCN board members during today’s luncheon. Look for the board table near the front of the hall.

Leading Quiet Brilliance: Introverts in the WorkplaceRoom: Ski-U-Mah Room (Capacity: 100) Introverts constitute an estimated 51 percent of our population, yet are often seen as a non-contributory minority in our extrovert culture. The result? Organizations may be missing the thoughtful input and creative ideas of these deep thinkers who like to mas-ter content. Extrovert leaders can be frustrated by their quietness and seeming reluctance to participate; introvert leaders can feel threatened by the outspokenness of extroverts. Communication breaks down, conflicts, errors and stress levels rise, and produc-tivity suffers. Learning to connect and communicate across these inborn personality differences is essential if America is to remain truly productive and creative. Join this session to learn concrete, simple steps introverts and extroverts can take to connect, communicate, lead and work together productively.Lynette Crane, founder, Creative Life Changes

Unlocking the Power of Community through PartnershipsRoom: Johnson Great Room (Capacity: 110) Presenters will draw on barriers to work in the Cedar-Riverside community with strategies supported by the work of Augs-burg College’s Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship. Through this presentation, attendees will gain an understanding about characteristics needed for effective cross-boundary work. This work focuses on dynamic ways to create partnerships within communities when faced with misconceptions or barriers in areas such as religion and culture. Participants will then talk in small groups about the barriers they face in their own com-munities and how they see this working (or not working) in their communities. Participants will also get a chance to engage in one-on-one interviews with other participants. Lastly, presenters will briefly discuss the takeways from the presentation.Yasmin Abdulaya, director of health equity and food justice, Campus Kitchen and Health Commons, Katie Clark, nursing instructor and director, Augsburg Health Commons, and Allyson Green, director, Campus Kitchen, Augsburg College


Round IV Workshops | 3 - 4:15 p.m.

A Critical Conversation on Race and EthnicityRoom: Heritage Gallery (Capacity: 80) Join the session facilitators, during one or all four of the Critical Conversations, to dig deep into an area of our nonprofit work where we seek greater inclusion and engagement. Sessions will start with a 10 minute framing presentation. The rest of the time, these sessions will engage conference attendees in a criti-cal conversation, not a lecture or PowerPoint presentation. Join the discussion to gather insight from other attendees, think about ways to move our nonprofits toward greater inclusion and engagement on each theme, and consider ways to expand our roles in building a more just society. As nonprofit leaders, we’ll explore our roles at the individual, organizational and sector levels. Participants will make a commitment to taking at least one concrete step to act at each of these three levels.Keith Mayes, associate professor of African American & African studies, University of Minnesota

Get Up on Your Soap BoxRoom: Johnson Great Room (Capacity: 110) This is a dynamic and entertaining workshop to get people off their seat and onto their feet. Learn the three biggest mistakes presenters make and how to avoid them. They did not come to see your Power Point, they came to hear you and what you had to say. Now learn how to say it with impact. Everyone has some level of nervousness when they present; learn and prac-tice four easy ways to reduce the stress of presenting. Learning to speak more powerfully allows you to get your organization’s message across to various groups in a much more effective manner. Learning how to tailor your presentation based upon the audience’s needs helps you to reduce the gap between our differences. Finally, come laugh and learn.Charles Dively, director of employee development, Minnesota Department of Corrections

Leading Our Public Institutions Toward Greater InclusionRoom: Minnesota Room (Capacity: 50) This session will explore the ways that nonprofit organizations are using leadership programs to change the face of public institutions. Hear from staff and participants in the Boards and Commissions Leadership Institute and the Capitol Pathways in-ternship program as they share strategies and reflect on lessons learned from programs that provide opportunities for people of color to participate in the public institutions whose make-up has not caught up with the rich diversity of Minnesota. Susie Brown, public policy director, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and Terri Thao, program director, Nexus Community Partners

Unlock Your Board’s Fundraising DNARoom: Ski-U-Mah Room (Capacity: 100) Higher board member engagement in fundraising is achiev-able and does not have to be dependent on an individual’s personal wealth and connections. Research findings show that when board members 1) have a better understanding of their strengths; 2) can express their own story about the organiza-tion’s impact; and 3) are able to deepen their relationship to the organization’s mission; they are more willing to engage and use their unique skills and capabilities to build relationships and influence on behalf of the organization. To be successful at improving engagement, organizational leaders need to under-stand and know how to position their board’s unique fundrais-ing DNA. During this interactive workshop, participants will be able to build a common language between staff and board members about fundraising, understand where they might focus future efforts to strengthen their storytelling, and where they can begin to align board member assets to the organization’s fundraising efforts.Carlo Cuesta, principal and Anne Jin Soo Preston, director of projects and research, Creation In Common

Authenticity: The Cornerstone of Effectively Engaging Across DifferenceRoom: Thomas H. Swain (Capacity: 90) Engaging across difference requires a strong sense of self. Being grounded in who you are allows you to be more open to seeing, hearing and learning from difference. One who is grounded in self is authentic. Sometimes in our careers, we find ourselves conforming to the expectations and styles of oth-ers – away from authenticity. While we must be able to adapt to be effective, starting from an authentic place is essential to be effective in our daily work, professional relationships and leadership opportunities. Join us to learn how being authentic at work can have an incredible impact on everything from your daily to dos to connecting across difference. Spend time in conversations with colleagues across the sector, uncovering your authentic self and work through potential barriers. Warn-ing: this workshop is not about crafting a version of the self you think you should be. This is about being you.Nikki Miller, director of volunteer engagement, Planned Parenthood, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Anne Hoyt Taff, director of community impact, Community Affiliates, Minnesota Philanthropy Partners




Facility Map

KEY:

Prayer Room

Mother’s RoomRoom key available at McNamara Information Desk

McNamaraInformation Desk

Registration

Thomas H. Swain Room

Individual Accessibility and AccommodationsThe Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) seeks to create an inclusive environment for individuals to partici-pate at this conference. Please talk with the staff person at the conference registration table about any accessibil-ity requirements that are not mentioned on this page.

Mother’s Room and Prayer Room: We have spaces available for quiet prayer/meditation and for nursing mothers. Please see map above or inquire at the Registration Desk for details.

Dietary Requirements: If you have special dietary needs including vegan and gluten free, please notify a server. In many cases, these items have been prepared ahead of time and are available for conference attendees upon request.

Room AssignmentsAll scheduled events of the 2016 Nonprofit Leadership Conference will be held on the main and sixth floors of the McNamara Alumni Center. The keynote and luncheon will be held in Memorial Hall. Breakout sessions will be held in the Heritage Gallery, Johnson Great Room, Minnesota Room, Ski-U-Mah Room, Thomas H. Swain Room and West Committee Room.

Please refer to the map above for directions or ask an available MCN staff member to point you in the right direction.

Resource ExhibitorsRepresentatives from our conference sponsors will be available at several exhibit tables throughout Memorial Hall. Please take a moment to stop by and learn more about their organizations and the wonderful work they do on behalf of Minnesota communities. To learn more about our conference sponsors, please reference the inside front cover of this program.


2016 Nonprofit Leadership Award Recipients

Transformational LeaderLaDonna Hoy, Founder and Executive Director, Interfaith Outreach & Community PartnersLaDonna Hoy leads Interfaith Outreach & Community Partners, a Twin Cities metro human service organization with a 37-year history of serving families and individuals of eight west suburban communities. Under her visionary leadership, Interfaith Outreach has leveraged multiple cross-sector local and regional partnerships to effectively respond to human need,

remove systemic barriers that keep families and individuals out of the community mainstream, and marshal the heart and will of a whole community to successfully transform tough challenges into real possibilities. This experienced leader award is co-sponsored by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and the Center for Integrative Leadership at the University of Minnesota.

Visionary LeaderBlanca Raniolo, Executive Director and Co-founder, WERC Enrichment Resource Center Blanca Raniolo, originally from Venezuela, moved to Minnesota in 2003 to earn her second master’s degree from Hamline University. In 2005, she continued pursuing her passion of working in the nonprofit sector at La Escuelita in Minneapolis. In 2011, Blanca co-founded and became the executive director of WERC Enrichment Resource Center, a bilingual after

school program in Minneapolis. Blanca’s passion is working with diverse communities and offering them equal opportunities to learn in a welcoming, safe environment.This mid-career leader award is sponsored by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.

Catalytic LeaderTyrai Ross, Program Manager, Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math CorpsTyrai Ross’s passion for education and social justice has led her to become co-leader of the Diversity and Inclusion Cross-Functional Team where she works to “equip all staff and members with the tools and resources necessary to cultivate an environment of inclusion and respect that recognizes and celebrates all backgrounds and experiences.” Tyrai has helped to develop diversity and inclusion trainings for AmeriCorps members across

Minnesota, including Circle Dialog sessions on topics of race, age and gender. She received a bachelor’s de-gree in elementary education from Creighton University and a master’s degree in organizational leadership from Judson University. This emerging leader award is co-sponsored by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and YNPN Twin Cities.

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2016 Nonprofit Leadership Awards. Please join us in recogniz-ing these remarkable nonprofit leaders for their tireless efforts on behalf of communities across Minnesota.




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Yasmin Abdulaya serves as the director of health equity and food justice, AmeriCorps VISTA with Augs-burg College, working specifically on health-related initiatives through the Campus Kitchen and the Health Commons. After graduating from Augsburg College with a biology degree in 2011, she started serving

as an AmeriCorps VISTA to gain skills in community-based work and to create meaningful relationships with people in the community, including underrepresented populations. Yasmin believes her year of service has been the most formative experience that will make her a better physician in the future.

Jake Blumberg is the executive director of GiveMN. Jake believes that a successful strategy, campaign, and message can expand the impact of the nonprofits doing incredible work in our communities. Jake has a background that spans leadership roles in nonprofits, politics and higher education. As the senior direc-

tor of development and community engagement at Open Arms of Minnesota, Jake launched giving campaigns that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars. As co-finance director of Minnesotans United, he helped lead a multimillion dollar campaign to win the freedom to marry for same sex couples in Minnesota. And in Washington D.C., Jake concurrently attained a master’s degree in political management from The George Washington University while working as a speech writer and associate director of development for The George Wash-ington University Law School.

Susie Brown is the public policy director for the Min-nesota Council of Nonprofits, a role she has held since 2010. Previously, Susie served as executive director of Child Care WORKS, as public policy director for The Family Partnership, and in several roles with Planned Parenthood in Connecticut and Vermont, including

public affairs director and director of Planned Parenthood’s 501(c)4 Vermont Action Fund. She teaches in the Masters of Nonprofit Man-agement Program at the Hamline University School of Business. Susie has a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from Lewis and Clark College, and an M.P.A. from the University of Vermont. She serves on the public policy committees of the Minnesota Council on Founda-tions, the National Council of Nonprofits and Independent Sector.

Katie Clark has been at Augsburg College since 2009. She first began directing the Augsburg Central Health Commons and teaching Community Health courses. In 2011, in partnership with two other local nonprofits, Katie launched the Health Commons in Cedar-River-side. Currently, Katie directs both the Health Commons

and teaches various courses in all levels of the nursing programs at Augsburg College. Katie’s main area of expertise is working with those who are marginalized in our society, as she has developed unique experiences for Augsburg nursing students to learn about the health and healing of those who are displaced and is passionate about creating systematic change. Katie previously worked for eight years as a nurse at University of Minnesota Medical Center – University Campus in both oncology and the medical ICU.

Lynette Crane is a Minneapolis-based acclaimed na-tional speaker, author and executive coach. Trained in psychology, she has more than 40 years’ experience in the field of stress management, communication and conflict reduction, and teambuilding. Her latest book is The Confident Introvert, written to help introverts, who

are 51% of the population, thrive in a culture that idealizes extrover-sion. A lifelong introvert, she helps what she calls “quietly brilliant” people get the respect and success of which they dream. She also helps leaders engage and develop quiet, seemingly passive members and integrate groups of extroverts and introverts for mutual success. Lynette has an M.A. in psychology.

Carlo Cuesta is the managing partner of Creation In Common. Since 2002, the Creation In Common team has been working with nonprofits, foundations and government agencies on enhancing how organiza-tions engage the public. Carlo has led engagements with the Greater Twin Cities United Way, Scholarship

America, Metro Transit and the Department of Human Services to name a few. In addition to his consulting work, he is an adjunct instructor at the University of Minnesota and contributing writer to the Nonprofit Quarterly.

Charles Dively is the director of employee development for the Minnesota Department of Corrections. He is responsible for the training and development for the department’s 4,300 employees. During his 10-year tenure, the Minnesota Department of Corrections has standardized many agency-wide training programs

and supported the award-winning Integrated Conflict Management System that reduced the number of investigations by 54% and de-signed a mentoring system for managers. Previously, he has worked as an organizational and leadership development consultant for such institutions as AT&T, Ford Motor Company, D.E.A.F, University of Michigan, Cedars-Sinai of Beverly Hills and New York Univer-sity. Charles has a bachelor of arts in psychology and a master’s of education in educational administration from Pennsylvania State University. In addition, he holds numerous professional instructor certifications.

grey doolin is an activist-educator, community organiz-er, and artist with a background in community mental health. They are on a quest to make the world a safer and more compassionate place for trans and gender nonconforming folks. grey does this by helping to change organizational systems and policies, by help-

ing trans folks rewrite their stories and see their goodness reflected in the world, and by being a courageous true-heart in their everyday life.

Conference Presenter Biographies




Brian Garshelis is New Sector’s program director, responsible for national recruiting and partnership development strategy. Prior to his current role, Brian managed New Sector’s fellowship programs in the San Francisco Bay Area for three years before moving back to his home state of Minnesota to launch and

lead the Twin Cities programs. Brian’s previous leadership develop-ment experience includes work on Senator Amy Klobuchar’s intern-ship program, the Stanford Graduate School of Business’ Career Summit and the Bloomington Jefferson High School debate team.

Andy Goldman-Gray, founding partner of AGG Marketing & Consulting, is a senior level marketing and development professional focused on helping pur-pose driven organizations engage with their multiple stakeholders. He helps organizations design strategy, and more importantly bridge from strategy to action.

With Andy’s background in marketing, promotions, donor relations, program design, sponsorship and campaign management, donor and customer engagement and loyalty strategy he has deep experi-ence in all aspects of organizational leadership. Having given nearly 2,000 speeches in his career on topics ranging from leadership and generosity to community engagement, Andy can tell one heck of a story that will help motivate your key stakeholders.

Tamara Gray is the founder and executive director of Rabata, an online platform that works with women around the globe to raise the female voice in scholar-ship. She works in the field of education, focusing on instruction, curriculum design, administration and teacher training. Currently, she works with local and

international organizations to develop programming that reaches across diverse cultures and audiences. Tamara holds a master’s degree in curriculum theory and instruction and is also a doctoral student in the Leadership, Policy and Administration program at the University of St. Thomas. Some of her projects include Daybreak, a bookstore and gathering space in Minneapolis; Daybreak Press, a publishing company giving rise to women’s voices; and Ribaat, an online seminary program.

Allyson Green joined the Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship at Augsburg College in 2014 after completing an M.S. in environmental justice and environmental health. She currently coordinates the Campus Kitchen student leadership and community engagement program and teaches a course in environ-

mental justice and social change. Her previous experience includes student organizing and farming with the University of Michigan Sustainable Food Program and Campus Farm; public health research on small-scale gold mining in Ghana; environmental education in Milwaukee; community outreach on water quality and coal mining in Appalachia; and science education research at Calvin College.

Jennifer Guyer-Wood, director of Career Services at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, manages all aspects of career services. She collaborates with student services, alumni relations, development and many other partners to serve our students from first contact to graduation and beyond. Having worked in

higher education since 1997, in both student affairs and university advancement, she’s passionate about helping students achieve success during their educational experiences and after graduation. Jennifer’s experience includes career advising, teaching college courses, working with testing, assessment, and grants, as well as management and supervision. She also enjoys working with social media, constituent engagement, retention initiatives and workshop development and facilitation. Jennifer has a master’s of science and bachelor’s of science degrees from Minnesota State University – Mankato.

Seena Hodges is senior director – marketing and devel-opment for Theater Latté Da. During her tenure, the organization has doubled the number of active sub-scribers and achieved a record number of single ticket sales. She is currently spearheading NEXT 20/20—a robust new works initiative aimed at developing 20

new musicals or plays with music. She is the former communications manager for the Guthrie Theater and previously worked at New York press agency Boneau/Bryan-Brown, developing audiences and creat-ing media opportunities for Broadway shows. Seena is a graduate of the Theatre Management and Producing M.F.A. program at Colum-bia University. She serves on the board of directors for the Minnesota Theater Alliance and is a member of the membership committee for the National Alliance for Musical Theatre.

Anne Hoyt Taff is director of community impact at Minnesota Philanthropy Partners. Anne leads the Community Affiliates program, collaborating with local community foundations on philanthropic projects across 17 communities in Greater Minnesota and the Twin Cities. She helps build capacity and strengthen

local philanthropic initiatives that address the breadth and diversity of interests across Minnesota. As an experienced nonprofit profes-sional and licensed attorney, she brings expertise in nonprofit leader-ship, fundraising, and governance to her daily work. Prior to joining MN Partners, Anne worked in legal services and higher education. Most recently, Anne was senior development officer at Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota. Anne received her J.D. degree from the University of Minnesota Law School, and has a bachelor of arts from Macalester College.

Shelley Jacobson joined Minnesota Communities Caring for Children in 2015 as the chief executive officer. Shelley has 35+ years of nonprofit leadership experience, including the role of executive director for several organizations. Shelley’s strengths include organizational leadership, strategic planning, human

resources management, and being a champion of diversity. She has proven success with agency and fiscal management, fund develop-ment, board relations, volunteer management, community relations and program planning.


Anne Jin Soo Preston, director of projects and research at Creation In Common, leads the research efforts and oversees consulting projects. Anne has conducted extensive research, data collection, and analysis in the arts, culture, science, education and health-related fields. Previously she helped organizations identify and

respond to local and national funding opportunities, develop orga-nizational infrastructures, and key marketing and communications strategies. Anne holds a master of professional studies in arts and cultural leadership from the University of Minnesota. She currently sits on the board of directors for Springboard for the Arts and is part of the leadership team for Board Repair.

Sheila Kiscaden, an Olmsted County commissioner, previously represented Rochester/Olmsted County in the Minnesota State Senate. She has a long history of working on behalf of the community on its issues and challenges. Her focus and leadership on health and human services issues continues to be a theme

of her community and public service work. In addition to being an active community volunteer, Sheila has 30+ years of experience as a consultant specializing in the organizational development issues of early education, health and human services organizations. She is a skilled facilitator and conversational host who trains others in hosting conversations that matter. She is currently co-chairing a state Health Equity Task Force and SE MN Together, a regional coalition addressing workforce issues.

Nonprofits are Curt Klotz’s passion and profession. He has taught in inner city D.C with the Higher Achieve-ment Program, coordinated national communities of volunteers with the Lutheran Volunteer Corps, and supported persons living with HIV/AIDS at Seattle Shanti. At the Indian Law Resource Center in Helena,

Montana, he discovered his calling to be a nonprofit C.F.O. A stint as the chairperson of the Montana Nonprofit Association deepened his commitment to the nonprofit sector as a whole. Joining Nonprofits Assistance Fund as finance director has given him the perfect op-portunity to share his passion for nonprofit finance every day and use his 30 years of experience in the nonprofit sector to make a positive, lasting difference in the world. Curt is a certified public accountant.

Sieng Lee is a first-generation Hmong American refugee. His family came to the U.S. in 1991 from Thailand. He is a graphic designer and community organizer. His most recent work includes designing and developing the We Are Hmong/Peb Yog Hmoob Minnesota exhibit at the Minnesota History Center

which brought different communities together to learn more about one another. His passion lies at the intersection of our multicultural society helping to bridge the many inequities and misunderstand-ings. As a designer he believes there is more to design than creating artifacts, and that design thinking can help address pressing issues like voting. Sieng graduated from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a master’s in fine arts.

Cyndi Lesher is the retired president and C.E.O. of Northern States Power Company-Minnesota, an Xcel Energy company. During her career at Xcel she served as vice president, chief administrative officer and chief human resources officer, president of NSP Gas, and vice president of NSP human resources. She serves on

the board of directors of: Anchor Bank, Twin Cities Area Red Cross, Opportunity Partners, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Citizens League, GiveMN and the Drake University board of trustees. She is a regent emeritus of the University of Minnesota. Cindy earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Drake University, a master’s degree in reha-bilitation counseling and psychology from St. Cloud State University, and completed the Master of Excellence Program at the Carlson School of Management.

Wendy Marcano is the vice president of finance for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities (BBBS). She is responsible for ensuring that accounting and financial reporting practices and policies meet with the legal and operating needs of the agency. Wendy brings more than 20 years of accounting and finance

experience to BBBS. Immediately prior to joining BBBS, Wendy was the operations and systems innovation director at The Bridge for Youth. Wendy served as a legacy board member of the Kinship pro-gram of the Greater Minneapolis Council of Churches and volunteers with WomenVenture. She received her bachelor’s degree in profes-sional studies from Audrey Cohen College and her M.B.A. from the University of Phoenix.

Keith Mayes is an associate professor in the Depart-ment of African American & African Studies at the University of Minnesota, and the College of Liberal Arts’ Arthur “Red” Motley Exemplary Teacher. Keith earned his Ph.D. in history from Princeton University. He has published one book entitled Kwanzaa: Black

Power and the Making of the African American Holiday Tradition. He is currently working on another, The Unteachables: Civil Rights, Disability Rights and the Origins of Black Special Education. Keith established the Mayes Educational Group, and Black Curriculum & Cultural Innovations, LLC, which provides training in the areas of institutional diversity and equity; evaluation and assessment; curricu-lum development; ethnic studies pedagogy; and black mentoring and student retention. He has lectured throughout the Twin Cities Metro area in K-12 schools, churches and corporations.

Presenter Biographies continued...




Nikki Miller is director of community engagement at Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, where she started as a sophomore in Macales-ter College’s Off-Campus Student Employment program over 15 years ago. Nikki leads a program engaging 1,500 volunteers annually, cultivating long-lasting rela-

tionships, connecting individuals, facilitating collaboration, building capacity and social capital, inspiring and empowering community leaders, and trying her best to make folks laugh while they move for social change. She has served on a number of national committees and work groups related to community engagement, and is a trainer in the Volunteer Resources Leadership series with the Minnesota As-sociation for Volunteer Administration. Nikki received her M.F.A. in writing from Hamline University, studied anthropology and women’s studies at Macalester College, and is also a freelance writer.

Driven by a commitment to racial equity, Sindy Morales Garcia works with the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation’s Center for Communities to catalyze the cultural shifts needed to co-create transformational and sustainable change. Her work is informed by a rich tapestry of experiences working in higher educa-

tion advocacy, community engagement initiatives and faith-based activism. As a facilitator, Sindy enjoys cultivating spaces of meaning-ful reflection and dialogue that enable participants to strategically advance new thinking and action in their lives and work.

Debbie Okerlund is an executive coach who partners with nonprofit leaders and managers, giving support and tools for practical strategies, personal creativity and new skills to navigate organizational challenges. She has coached leaders, facilitated coaching groups and conducted trainings on coaching skills and com-

munication for over 130 organizations since 2001. Debbie has 25-years’ experience as a leader and manager including 14 years as executive director in a nonprofit organization. She is a certified practitioner of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®, has Authenticity Consulting certification in peer-coaching group facilitation and is licensed to train in Coaching Skills for Managers and Leaders by Judith Wilson. Debbie completed Advanced Coaches Training with the Thomas Leonard Graduate School of Coaching and the Coaches Training Institute, and has a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin.

Brandi Olson empowers leaders to measure, adjust and grow the good their organizations can do. As a teacher, and now as the founder of Brandi Olson Consulting, she has been helping people learn how to measure and improve their work for over 10 years. Brandi has led youth wilderness expeditions, devel-

oped pre-college programs for Chicago Public Schools, taught spe-cial education in the Twin Cities, and guided organizations across the country. She’s learned that authentic impact doesn’t happen just because of good intentions. You have to know where you are going to get there and make sure you don’t get lost along the way. Impact Mapping + Measurement is how she makes data practical, meaning-ful, and realistic for organizations who are serious about proving and improving their impact.

Susan Sheridan Tucker joined League of Women Voters (LWV) Minnesota as its executive director in 2013. LWV Minnesota offered an opportunity to work with leaders on progressive public policy and to help re-shape a legacy organization as it prepares to enter its second century. LWV Minnesota strives to uphold the

vision of our founding mothers, protecting voters’ rights, engaging all citizens in the democratic process and to stand up for public policies that benefit the whole community. Over Susan’s 25 years in the non-profit field, she has worked on affordable housing projects, master plans, community building, strategic planning and change manage-ment. A native New Yorker, Susan earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature and political science from New York University and her master’s in urban planning from Hunter College, CUNY.

Artika R. Tyner is a passionate educator, author, speaker and advocate for justice. She received her B.A. from Hamline University with a major in English and a certificate in conflict studies, and a master of public policy and leadership at the University of St. Thomas, followed by a doctorate in leadership. Her

research focuses on diversity/inclusion, community development and civil rights. Artika serves as the associate vice president for diversity and inclusion at the University of St. Thomas. She trains students to serve as social engineers who create new inroads to justice and free-dom and advocates gaining tools for effecting social change through policy reform. She serves as a global citizen by supporting educa-tion, entrepreneurship and women’s leadership initiatives in Africa.

Amarita Singh is the civil rights director at the Council on American-Islamic Relations, Minnesota chapter (CAIR-MN), a nonprofit civil rights legal advocacy organization. In addition to representing clients in discrimination cases, she is also responsible for organizing presentations providing educational

outreach to private companies, nonprofits, school districts, govern-ment agencies and more. Amarita received her J.D. from William Mitchell College of Law and has an undergraduate degree in Spanish studies from the University of Minnesota. Before CAIR-MN, Amarita worked with victims of domestic violence at the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, in the General Counsel’s Office at the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and helped shape regula-tions for rideshare companies at the D.C. Taxicab Commission in Washington, D.C. Amarita also lived in Venezuela where she studied Spanish and taught English.

Virajita Singh is a designer, teacher, researcher and change agent practicing design thinking, public inter-est design, sustainability and art. She leads the Design for Community Resilience program at the University of Minnesota’s Center for Sustainable Building Research working with communities in greater Minnesota. Since

2015, she has served to bring design thinking and innovation to advancing equity and diversity work at the University of Minnesota as assistant vice provost in the Office for Equity and Diversity. Her work is about using design thinking and creativity to solve pressing problems while engaging and empowering as many people in the process as possible. Her vision is that people across the world will use their incredible creative capacities and the skills of design to collaboratively create a just and sustainable world today.


Presenter Biographies continued...

Reverend Grant Stevenson is Lutheran pastor and local social justice leader. He is the clergy organizer for ISAIAH, a collaborative of more than 100 metro area congregations working together for economic and racial equity. He is also the co-creator of Spirit of Truth, a faith community that works to integrate faith and

justice work. Grant has degrees from Bethel University and Luther Seminary.

JAC Stringer is a trans-genderqueer femme, (dis)abled, Cherokee-white radical activist and artist. JAC is internationally known for his work surround-ing genderqueer identities, trans community build-ing, social justice education, trans artistry, and youth empowerment. Among his many projects, JAC founded

the Midwest’s first and only regional trans health advocacy organiza-tion, Heartland Trans Wellness Group, where he served as executive director for seven years. Today, he continues to contribute to activist initiatives and art spaces around the country. JAC currently serves as the founder and director of Trans Activism Hub as well as working as a freelance educator, counselor and artist. JAC has a master’s of social work degree.

Terri Thao is a program director at Nexus Community Partners, a nonprofit community building intermediary where she runs the Boards and Commissions Leader-ship Institute. Terri is an active community volunteer, serving on the boards of the Asian Economic Develop-ment Association, East Side Neighborhood Develop-

ment Company, the F.R. Bigelow Foundation, Minnesota Housing, the St. Paul Planning Commission and Voices for Racial Justice. She obtained her bachelors’ and masters’ degrees from the University of Minnesota.

Ellen Walthour is the executive director of The Brand-Lab. She began her career as an educator teaching middle school. She now leads a fast growing nonprofit whose mission is to change the face and voice of the marketing industry to be more reflective of the nation. Her personal mission is to create equitable opportunity

for the young, talented people she meets on an ongoing basis. Data is her friend, her armor and her weapon all at one time. Knowing, with numbers, what she feels deeply helps her continue to bring people into the movement of The BrandLab.

Lindsay Walz is a courage catalyst who is committed to transforming our understanding of the everyday impact of stress and trauma. She integrates her lived experience with her professional expertise to guide individuals and communities toward deeper well-being through her person-centered approach to resilience.

In 2013, Lindsay founded courageous heARTS, a youth-serving nonprofit in Minneapolis and has been nationally recognized for this work by the Arts and Healing Network. Lindsay holds her M.Ed. in youth development leadership from the University of Minnesota, where she was named a Rising Alumni in 2014.

Amanda White is managing director at Mixed Blood Theatre. Prior to Mixed Blood, she served as a member of the Strategy and Major Gifts teams at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. Amanda has also worked in play development for The Araca Group, and as associ-ate artistic director at the William Inge Center for the

Arts, where she served as the recipient of a Theatre Communications Group Future Leaders fellowship. She holds a master’s degree from Columbia University and an M.F.A. in performance from Minne-sota State University – Mankato. She is also an alum of The School at Steppenwolf Theater Company. Amanda is an adjunct faculty member at St Mary’s University, and a member of both the board for Walking Shadow Theatre Company and the National New Play Network’s finance committee.

Sandy Wolfe Wood is a graphic designer and princi-pal of Designing Change, a design thinking and social impact design firm. Over the course of her career, Sandy has worked in the areas of corporate branding, package design and information graphics, but more recently—driven by a passion for social justice—she

has become a strong advocate of design thinking as an effective innovation and problem solving tool for social sector problems. As Steve Jobs once said, “Most people make the mistake of thinking de-sign is what it looks like. Design is how it works.” Sandy received her B.A. in art history from Swarthmore College, a B.F.A. in communica-tion design from the Rochester Institute of Technology, and a master of public affairs from the Humphrey School.

Andy Zimney is an executive level nonprofit leader, improviser, speaker, writer, facilitator and productivity instructor who works with others to apply the practices of creativity in practical ways to produce more work that really matters. Andy is currently the director of operations at Youth Frontiers, a local nonprofit that

partners with schools to improve school climate. A trained actor and improviser, Andy can be seen regularly at ComedySportz Twin Cities, an improvisational comedy theater. Andy and his wife Sally Koering Zimney are the cofounders of Sandy & Ally Productions, a creative consulting firm that has worked with Nickelodeon, Thompson Reuters and others. Andy has served on the Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support panel and was recently selected as a member of the inaugural Nonprofits Assistance Fund Financial Leadership Cohort.



About the Minnesota Council of NonprofitsThe Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN) is the statewide association of over 2,100 nonprofit organizations. Through its website, resource publications, workshops and events, cost-saving programs and advocacy, MCN continually works to inform, promote, connect and strengthen individual nonprofits and the nonprofit sector.

MCN StaffClark Biegler, Policy AnalystAndrew Bocher, Emerging Nonprofit SpecialistSusie Brown, Public Policy DirectorMark Buenaflor, Operations and Database CoordinatorShelly Chamberlain, Director of Operations and Human ResourcesJesse Chang, VISTA Program CoordinatorCatherine Dahlberg, Inclusion and Engagement SpecialistKate Fridley, VISTA LeaderBen Horowitz, Policy AdvocateMaria Isley, Northeast Minnesota Regional Coordinator Becky Johnson, Finance ManagerJoLynn Langaas, Northwest Minnesota Regional CoordinatorNan Madden, Minnesota Budget Project DirectorPaul Masiarchin, Program DirectorShannon McCarville, Program CoordinatorLaura Mortensen, Minnesota Budget Project Communications Manager Ann Mosey, Southeast Minnesota Regional CoordinatorJoe Pederson, West Central Minnesota Regional Coordinator Jon Pratt, Executive DirectorRinal Ray, Public Policy AdvocateSondra Reis, Associate DirectorEmily Steinmetz, Central Minnesota Regional CoordinatorCaitlin Swanson, Communications CoordiantorBiftu Takele, Nonprofit Services AssistantPaul Vliem, Development and Project ManagerJohn Wurm, Membership and Communications Director

MCN Board of DirectorsMary Jones, YWCA of Minneapolis, chairRodolfo Gutierrez, Hispanic Advocacy and Community Empowerment through Research (HACER), vice-chairKenza Hadj-Moussa, Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless, vice-chairSheila Smith, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, secretaryRobert Benes, Lake and Pines Community Action Council, Inc., treasurerThomas Adams, PhD, Better Futures MinnesotaAmy Brugh, Minneapolis Bicycle CoalitionSarah Clyne, Domestic Abuse ProjectSusan Estee, Second Harvest North Central Food BankTracy Fischman, Prepare + ProsperSue Grafstrom, LifeCare Medical CenterMolly Greenman, The Family PartnershipLynn Hunt, Happy Dancing TurtleCathy Maes, Loves & FIshesAngie Miller, Community Action DuluthLori Saroya, Bush Foundation FellowSusan Schmidt, The Trust for Public LandJarell Skinner-Roy, College PossibleChris Taylor, Minnesota Historical SocietyErnesto Velez, Centro CampesinoMelinda Wedzina, MRCI WorkSourceFartun Weli, IsuroonJonah Weinberg, Autism Society of Minnesota

Jackie Aman, Wilder FoundationAndrew Bocher, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Kendall Carlson, Greater Twin Cities United WayAmalia Centurion, Casa de EsperanzaKatie Driscoll, Center for Integrative Leadership, University of MinnesotaMario Hernandez, Latino Economic Development CenterPaul Masiarchin, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits Enrique Olivarez, CLUES - Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio Anita Patel, Bush FoundationJarell Skinner-Roy College PossibleMartin Wera, Ameriprise Philanthropic Program

A very special thanks to the 2016 Leadership Awards committee:




As one of the country’s top-ranked professional

public policy and planning schools, we match

your passion with the knowledge, skills, and

experience needed to advance the common

good in a diverse world. The Humphrey School

of Public Affairs is widely recognized for its role

in examining public issues and shaping policy

and planning at the local, state, national, and

international levels.

InspIrIng Leaders to

AdvAnce the common Good

HumpHrey scHooL of pubLIc affaIrsUniversity of Minnesota

301 19th avenue southMinneapolis, Mn 55455

612.624.3800hhh.umn.edu

I worked 25 years, working formyself—I want to spend the rest working for my community.

tracy nordstrom,Master of Public Affairs

fIve master’s degrees IncLudIngmId-career master of pubLIc affaIrs

pHd In pubLIc affaIrs

professIonaL certIfIcates

• Early Childhood Policy

• Election Administration

• Nonprofit Management

• Policy Issues on Work and Play

• Public Affairs Leadership

pubLIc and nonprofIt LeadersHIp center

2016 Nonprofit Leadership Conference | June 14, 2016

A special thank you to our conference hosts and sponsors for their continued support:

St. Catherine University

2016 NONPROFIT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE … · Courageous Engagement Across Difference 2016 NONPROFIT...

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