On May 8, 2025, nearly 170 women from across northeastern Minnesota came together at the Minnesota Discovery Center for the 3rd Annual Women’s Leadership Summit. It was a day filled with meaningful conversation, connection, and a renewed sense of purpose.

This year’s theme, Resilience, Redefined, invited us to move beyond outdated ideas of toughness. Instead, we explored strength as presence, reflection, and purposeful action. From the main stage to the breakouts, that spirit was alive throughout the day.

Our keynote speaker, Krista Ryan, opened with her inspiring message, Keep F*!#ing Going: Leading with Impact in an Imperfect World. Drawing from her own journey through trauma and healing, Krista reminded us that leadership is not about being flawless. It’s about staying rooted in who you are—even when the path forward feels uncertain. We must lead ourselves first, acknowledging that we don’t have to have it together all the time, allowing ourselves grace when we do not, and refusing to subscribe to the modern American ideal of blind positivity.

Attendees participated in breakout sessions that reflected the multifaceted realities of leadership:

• The Mental Load with Rev. Stacey Jutila addressed burnout and setting boundaries at work and home.

• Navigating Setbacks with Char Conger gave practical tools for turning disruptions into growth.

• The Power of Asking the Right Questions with Lori Coda-Peterson focused on how inquiry builds trust and collaboration.

• How to Give and Receive Feedback with Krista Ryan tackled communication with courage and clarity.

During the afternoon panel, we heard from St. Louis County Attorney Kim Maki, Jen Gigliotti of 30West, and Michelle Graber of L&M Fleet. The discussion touched on leadership and personal challenges in the workplace. One of the memorable takeaways was Kim Maki’s thoughtful insight on mental health and boundaries in high-stress roles. While the panel covered a range of experiences, it offered a reminder that every leadership journey is different.

A powerful reminder during our Q&A: when we encourage taking risks and learning from mistakes in the workplace, grace must abound to those within our realm as well. Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.

Explore the full photo gallery here

Thank you to our generous sponsors, knowledgeable speakers, and every woman who attended. Your energy, stories, and willingness to show up made this summit unforgettable.

We look forward to continuing this journey together. Save the date for the Women’s Leadership Luncheon on September 10 in Mountain Iron, featuring CliftonStrengths-based development. Registration will open later this summer.

Looking to carry the energy of the Summit into real-world impact?
Join us on Friday, June 13 in Virginia for Women’s Build Day with North St. Louis County Habitat for Humanity.

No experience needed. 12 spots available (15 max). Lunch provided by The Sawmill, and a free Women’s Build t-shirt if you sign up early.

Sign up to volunteer

Let’s keep redefining resilience, together.