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.
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
Inclusive Economy/Workforce Breakout Sessions
Equity in Education Breakout Sessions
Environmental Justice Breakout Sessions
Other Breakout Session Topics include:
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