Nearly 160 women from across northeastern Minnesota gathered at the Minnesota Discovery Center on May 14th for a day that went far beyond typical networking or professional development. The 2026 Women’s Leadership Summit pushed past surface‑level inspiration and dug into real conversations about leadership, growth, and navigating professional spaces as women in this region.

From the opening keynote to the final panel discussion, the energy in the room was undeniable — focused, bold, and deeply intentional.

A Keynote Rooted in Renewal and Purpose

The summit opened with an energizing keynote from Jasmine Brett Stringer and her message Seize Your Career with R.E.S.T. challenged attendees to take a new approach for more effective, compassionate, and innovative leadership. And how taking a moment for renewal can help gain confidence, create a network of advocates, and lead with intention, presence, and purpose.

Morning Breakout Sessions: Confidence & Clarity

Attendees then moved into morning breakout sessions designed to challenge assumptions and strengthen leadership skills:

• Leading with Confidence with Jean MacDonell provided a deep dive into quieting the inner critic, overcoming imposter syndrome, and stepping into one’s expertise with conviction.
• Mastering Time Management with Brenna Hucka focused on intentional workflow design, helping women streamline their days, reduce stress, and reclaim control of their time.

Afternoon Breakout Sessions: Advocacy & Executive Presence

The afternoon offered two additional breakout options, each centered on elevating influence and strengthening professional relationships:

• Allyship in the Workplace with Jasmine Brett Stringer was a powerful exploration of what it means to move from passive encouragement to active, visible advocacy for other women.
• Executive Presence & Powerful Communication with Jennifer Cady underscored the importance of owning your authority, communicating with clarity, and commanding respect in any room.

A Dynamic Panel to Close the Day

The summit concluded with a compelling panel discussion moderated by Kim Stokes and featuring Terri Nystrom from Essentia Health, Linnea Walli from Iron Range Plumbing and Heating, and Shawntel Gruba from Iron Range Tykes Learning Center.

Together, they explored the real, unfiltered side of leadership with topics like outgrowing old beliefs about success and redefining what achievement looks like, leading confidently even without all the answers, and finding balance by letting go of unrealistic expectations.

Their honesty and vulnerability created a space where attendees could see themselves reflected - not just in the successes, but in the messy, courageous middle of leadership growth. Their insights were candid, energizing, and deeply resonant - a perfect capstone to a day centered on purposeful leadership.

Walking Away with Intention

Attendees left the Minnesota Discovery Center ready to step boldly into the lives they want and the careers they deserve — with intention, clarity, and purpose. This summit wasn’t just an event. It was a catalyst for women across the Iron Range to lead with greater confidence, connection, and momentum.

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.

Explore the full photo gallery here

We look forward to continuing this journey together.

Save the date for the Women’s Leadership Luncheon on August 18th in Mountain Iron, featuring Jasmine's Book Seize you Life. Registration will open later this summer.

Let’s lead with intent - and watch purpose become momentum.