
Spotlight on the Speakers
Join us | April 25, 2025
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Opening Keynote Speaker
Lucie Amundsen
Meet
We’re kicking off the day with a keynote that’s anything but ordinary!
Lucie Amundsen, co-founder of Locally Laid Egg Company and a natural storyteller, will bring humor, insight, and a fresh perspective on breaking barriers in unexpected ways. With wit and wisdom, she’ll share her journey of entrepreneurship, resilience, and ruffling a few feathers along the way. Get ready to laugh, learn, and start the day feeling inspired to shatter a few ceilings of your own!
Closing Keynote Panel: Beyond the Ceiling
As we close out the day, join us for an inspiring conversation with three trailblazing women who have shattered ceilings in their own unique ways. In this dynamic Q&A-style panel, they’ll share their experiences, insights, and hard-won lessons on breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. Come ready to listen, learn, and leave empowered to forge your own path forward.
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Marlene Johnson
Marlene M. Johnson was Minnesota’s first woman lieutenant governor, serving in Governor Rudy Perpich’s administration from 1983 until 1991. She is cofounder of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners and the Minnesota Women’s Campaign Fund and was executive director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators for nearly two decades. She is now on the advisory board of Kakenya’s Dream, a board member of the Washington Office on Latin America, and a trustee of The Alexandria Trust. In 1988, she was awarded the Royal Order of the Polar Star by the Kingdom of Sweden. She lives in Washington, D.C.
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Jael Kerandi
Jael Kerandi is the youngest of five children and was raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She graduated from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management, where she earned her BS in Finance and Marketing with minors in Leadership and Business Law. During her tenure at the university, she served as the first Black Undergraduate Student Body Vice President and then President. Kerandi is passionate about creating a better world; racial justice and working toward a more equitable society. She currently volunteers with Speak with Purpose and serves on the UMN Black Alumni Board and Carlson School of Management Gophers of the Last Decade (GOLD) board. In her free time, she enjoys working out, watching sports, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
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Kathy Nelson
Kathy Nelson is a registered professional engineer with over 30 years of experience in utility telecommunications design and strategy. She is the founder & CEO of KN Utility Telecom Consulting. Kathy served on the board of directors for Utilities Telecommunications Council, including becoming the first Chairwoman of the 75-year-old trade association and serving as Public Policy Division Chair. In addition to being a technical expert in her field, Kathy is passionate about promoting women and girls in STEM. She hosts a podcast, “Ordinarily Extraordinary - conversations with women in STEM,” and provides community for women in STEM.
Breakout Session Speakers
Join us for a transformative day where women from all walks of life come together to empower, inspire, and grow in a supportive community.
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Transformative Sessions
Gain actionable insights from experts and connect with other women facing similar leadership challenges.
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Safe, Supportive Space
Ask questions, share your journey, and learn from each other. This is your chance to learn in an open, non-competitive environment.
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Community Building
Build lasting relationships with like-minded women from across the state—together, we’re stronger.
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Wellness for Mind & Body
Start your day with yoga, enjoy meaningful networking, and wind down with a happy hour where connections grow beyond the event.