top of page
external-file_edited.jpg

September 22-23, 2025 | Brainerd

This two-day summit combines social cohesion with inclusive economies and workforce, equity in education, and environmental justice through presentations, interactive opportunities, and moments of artistic expression.  Join other individuals and organizations as we connect in ways that weave community and offer authentic conversations, as well as a place to find a slice of joy, celebration and a chance to breathe.

Green Integration Background Image (2).png

Keynote Presenters

Amikogaabawiikwe 
(Adrienne M. Benjamin)

renowned artist reconciliation advisor

Anishinaabe artist, educator, and community activist from Chiminising, (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), Adrienne explores how Indigenous knowledge, creative expression, and community-rooted education can transform our collective understanding of history and belonging. 

Sara Sherman

Dandelion Farms

In this experiential session, Sara, co-founder of Dandelion Neurorelational Family Services, guides participants through a reflective journey supported by connection. Through storytelling, guided practices, and embodied reflection, attendees will explore the inner patterns that shape how they relate to themselves. 

​Seema G. Pothini

Equity Literacy

Seema provides concrete tools & strategies for supporting all to speak up immediately and effectively when hurtful, hateful, or simply awkward comments and behaviors occur in the professional setting. Historical context, personal stories, videos, reflection, and audience discussion will be used to engage participants.

Anne Li

Wilder Foundation

Anne Li shares about Minnesota Compass– a social indicators project that tracks demographic and quality of life trends, looking at insights into Minnesota's changing demographics in rural communities, and what that means for economic development and community growth using place-based data. This interactive presentation lets attendees dig into their community data and walk away with tools to tell their own data stories.

Danger Boat Productions

Thinky fun

The Improv Café is an inviting, interactive experience where conversation and creativity meet. Guests engage in small-group discussions around meaningful questions, then watch as a team of quick-witted performers transforms those ideas into spontaneous, heartfelt, and hilarious scenes. It’s part community gathering, part improv performance, and entirely unforgettable. Whether you're contributing your story or simply taking it all in, the Improv Café offers a space to connect, reflect, and laugh together.

Social Cohesion Breakout Sessions

Green Integration Background Image (2).png

Inclusive Economy/Workforce Breakout Sessions

Equity in Education Breakout Sessions

Green Integration Background Image (2).png

Environmental Justice Breakout Sessions

Other Breakout Session Topics include:

Green Integration Background Image (2).png

Other Happening

Schedule of Events- tentative

Sunday, September 21

Pre-summit Happenings

Evening Social

Packet Pick up

Apps and conversation

Monday, September 22

Summit Begins!

Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts, Brainerd

8:00am Doors Open | Check In | Coffee and Light Breakfast

9:00am Welcome and Keynote Presentation

10:00am Breakout Sessions​

11:45am Interactive Plenary and Lunch on your own​

1:55pm Breakout Sessions​

3:00pm Closing Presentation

Evening Community Events

4:00-6:30pm Mississippi River Ampitheater Park

Music, food, hands on activities 

​6:30-8:30pm Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts

Screening of Join or Die followed by Q&A with the film producers

Tuesday, September 23

Summit Wraps Up

Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts, Brainerd

8:00am Doors Open | Check In | Coffee and Light Breakfast

9:00am Welcome back and Keynote Presentation

10:00am Breakout Sessions​

11:15am Lunch and Conversation​

12:00pm Closing and Call to Action

1:00pm Casual exit with music and mocktails

Open to the public

bottom of page