9:00-9:30 a.m. Round 1 - Small group discussions and topics
9:35-10:05 a.m. Round 2 - Small group discussions and topics
10:05-10:15 a.m. Break
10:15-10:45 a.m. Round 3 - Small group discussions and topics
10:50-11:20 a.m. Round 4 - Small group discussions and topics
11:25-11:35 a.m.
Closing remarks from HTC President, Joy Bodin
11:35 a.m.-12:10 p.m. Lunch & Learn
JOY BODIN
Hennepin Technical College
President
joy.bodin@hennepintech.edu
The Board of Trustees of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities named Joy Bodin to serve as president of Hennepin Technical College in 2022.
Bodin returned to Hennepin Technical College as President after five years serving as Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Central Lakes College in Brainerd and Staples. Joy’s previous service to Hennepin Tech began in 1992. She has served as the Academic Dean of Industry and Social Science from 2010-17, Interim Dean of Student Affairs from 2011-12, and Director of Marketing and Admissions in 1999 to 2010. Prior to her experience at Hennepin Technical College as an administrator, Bodin taught introductory computer courses.
Joy’s responsibilities as Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs include providing leadership and vision in all areas of academic affairs, student affairs, information technology, and institutional effectiveness. Her many accomplishments include leading efforts to develop new technical programs and transfer pathways, leading initiatives around student success to break down barriers for all students, and promoting a culture of caring by building relationships throughout campus.
She holds a bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University and a master’s from Capella University.
“Joy Bodin comes with strong knowledge of Hennepin Technical College as well as the leadership skills and expertise the college needs now,” said Devinder Malhotra, the previous chancellor of Minnesota State. “She is a strategic and transparent leader with a commitment to career and technical education. Her ability to build relationships.”
CHRISTINA BOGOJEVIC
MN State Patrol
Colonel
christina.bogojevic@state.mn.us
Christina has been a trooper for 22 years, starting a career in the east metro, and worked there for approximately a year, before transferring to the Rochester District.
Christina spent the next 18 years there, serving in many roles, including crash reconstruction specialist, defensive tactics instructor, investigator, lieutenant, lieutenant in the commercial vehicles division, captain, and mobile response commander.
In 2022, Christina accepted the position of lieutenant colonel, and in 2024 accepted their current position of colonel. Christina holds an AS in law enforcement and a bachelors in political science, with a concentration in campaign management.
SUNNY BOWMAN
Dakota County Lumber Owner
sunny@dakotacountylumber.com
Sunny Bowman is president and owner of Dakota County Lumber, a Farmington business since 1984. She played hockey at Shattuck St. Mary’s in Faribault, MN, a virtual production line for future NHL stars, and graduated with a dual B.A. in International Political Economics and French and Francophone studies from Colorado College.
Since taking over at Dakota County Lumber in 2012, she has more than tripled sales while managing a growing sales force, taking the singlelocation dealership through a complete renovation, and instilling a leadership vision that creates commitment from team members and unbreakable customer loyalty. She continues to be recognized for her advocacy efforts promoting the next generation of skilled craftspeople in the construction industry and elevating the profile of women in construction and is an active board and committee member of Housing First Minnesota and the BLD Connection.
She and DCL have been honored as the 2019 Northwestern Lumber Association Dealer of the Year, the Housing First Minnesota 2019 Housing Industry Leader of the Year and the 2021 Associate of the Year, the 2021 NLBMDA Independent Pro Dealer of the Year, is a two time member of the class of HBS Dealer magazine’s Top Women in Hardware and Building Supply, was an inaugural member of LBM Journal’s 40 Under 40 class, and most recently was honored at the MSP Business Magazine Most Admired CEO Awards.
AMANDA GREGORY
Design Ready Controls
Director of Marketing
amanda.gregory@designreadycontrols.com
Amanda joined the Design Ready Controls team in 2015, starting in office management. She quickly advanced to take on leadership roles and is now the director of marketing - leading marketing, sales development, internal communications, community relations and office management.
Amanda earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication with a minor in marketing from Winona State University. Her professional background includes account and project management, as well as marketing experience in the produce and manufacturing industries.
LORI HIGGINS
Metro North Chamber President lori@metronorthchamber.org
Lori Higgins has been the President of the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce since 2010, becoming their first female chief executive officer. As President, she oversees the advocacy, programming, operations and strategic initiatives of the organization. MetroNorth is the 3rd largest local chamber of commerce in the metro and serves over 700 businesses and organizations.
Being an active community member is a passion of hers. She serves as Vice Chair of the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission, is on the Anoka County Workforce Development Board, the Twin Cities Gateway Board, and was the President of the Augsburg University Alumni Board of Directors.
Kristi Jacobson is a Senior Vice President of Commercial Banking at Tradition Capital Bank.
She spent the first 16 years of her career working in Retirement Services and Trust. Since 2017, Kristi has worked in Commercial Banking, serving as a Relationship Officer and banking partner for her clients. Her focus is on deposit strategy for small- to mid-sized businesses and nonprofits.
She has a passion for financial empowerment and volunteers regularly teaching about budgeting, building healthy credit, understanding taxes, and investing for retirement. She currently serves on the board of two Twin Cities nonprofits - CAPI and P.E.A.S.E. Community Foundation and also on the Human Resources Committee at Incarnation Lutheran Church.
MEG JAEGER Mega Remodel Owner + Chief Creative meg@megaremodel.co
I’m Meg Jaeger, owner of a design-build renovation company specializing in familycentric design. I started in construction over 25 years ago as a custom builder, but my passion for remodeling led me to shift focus seven years ago. My team takes on everything from kitchens and baths to basements and additions, and we’re grateful for our loyal clients and the variety of projects they bring.
Being a woman in construction does have its challenges, however the industry has evolved, and our clients appreciate the craftsmanship and attention to detail we bring to every project. As a contractor, every day has variety; from customer sales & selection meetings, scheduling and meeting with our trade contractors, specifying and ordering material and actually getting the job done!
ALI KAPLAN
Twin Cities Business Magazine
Editor-in-Chief
akaplan@tcbmag.com
Allison (Ali) Kaplan is vice president of content for MSP Communications’ Cities Media Group, which includes Twin Cities Business magazine, where she also serves as editor in chief. In this dual role, Ali contributes to overall strategy and new initiatives for both TCB and sister publication MplsSt.Paul Magazine, and leads the Twin Cities Business editorial team, including print, digital, and events.
At heart, Ali is a writer, an editor, a speaker and a storyteller who takes an entrepreneurial approach to journalism. At TCB, that includes the creation of StartMN, digital hub for news and advice on entrepreneurship and innovation, and the development of a podcast about business leadership and innovation called By All Means, which she hosts.
Previously, she served as senior editor of shopping and style for Mpls. St.Paul Magazine, where she wrote an award-winning retail column that bridged the space between business and lifestyle.
A relentless side hustler, Ali launched her own Ali Shops brand and blog in the dark ages before Instagram. More recently, in October 2022, she co-founded Mother Of, an online resource dedicated to helping mothers of the bride or groom look and feel their very best.
An authority on retail, trend and consumer experience, Ali’s writing has appeared in numerous publications including Lucky, Delta Sky Magazine, and The St. Paul Pioneer Press. She appears regularly as an on-air expert for television and radio. She also hosts the weekly radio show Shop Girls on myTalk107.1.
Ali started her journalism career as a newspaper reporter and columnist. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication and currently serves on the school’s Board of Visitors.
JEAN KELECIC
Gillette Children’s Hospitals
Doctor of PT
jmkelecic@gmail.com
Jean graduated with her Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2001. She has worked in multiple settings including neurologic rehab, acute care hospital, skilled nursing, and pediatrics. She has been in her current role for 15 years, as a supervisor of an outpatient pediatric rehabilitation therapies department at Gillette Children’s. She supervises a team of 18 comprised of physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, and rehab support staff. Her role also includes oversight and maintenance of resources related to insurance, billing, and documentation throughout the Rehabilitation therapies department at Gillette.
ERIN KOEGEL
MN House of Representatives
State Representative erinma14@gmail.com
Erin Koegel is an American politician serving in the Minnesota House of Representatives since 2017. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), Koegel represents District 39A in the northern Twin Cities metropolitan area, which includes the city of Fridley, Hilltop, Spring Lake Park, and a portion of Columbia Heights.
Koegel was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2016 and has been reelected every two years since. She first ran after threeterm DFL incumbent Jerry Newton announced he would run for a seat in the Minnesota State Senate.
Koegel chaired the Sustainable Infrastructure Policy Committee in 2022 and is currently the Co-Chair of Transportation Finance and Policy Committees. She also serves on the Ways & Means and Rules committees.
JENNIFER LABADIE
City of Shorewood
Mayor
jlabadie@ci.shorewood.mn.us
I am a married mom with three children. Two of my kids are high schoolers and 1 is a college student.
In 2024, I was re-elected to serve a second term as Shorewood’s Mayor. This is my fifth year serving as the Mayor of Shorewood.
I am an attorney and I’ve been licensed to practice law in Minnesota for over 25 years. I received my Juris Doctorate from the University of Akron and my Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.
For 13 years, I have served Shorewood residents in various roles. Before I was elected as Shorewood’s Mayor, I served on Shorewood’s City Council for 6 years and on the Planning Commission for 2 years. I am the Former Chair of the South Lake Minnetonka Police Department Coordinating Committee and the Former Vice-Chair of the Excelsior Fire District Board.
At the state level, I am the Vice President of the Minnesota Mayors Association and a member of the Regional Council of Mayors. I have also served on the League of Minnesota Cities Human Resources and Data Practices Committee. At the federal level, in March 2023, I was honored to represent the City of Shorewood at the White House at a meeting entitled “Building a Better Minnesota.”
I am a member of the Lake Minnetonka Excelsior Morning Rotary Club and I’ve been a Girl Scout troop leader for over 14 years.
I love watching track and field meets, watching ballet, working out, and playing with my dogs and cat.
KARAH LODGE
MN Amateur Sports Commission
Managing Director
klodge@mnsports.org
Karah Lodge is a sport management professional in both the public and nonprofit sectors, with expertise in sports administration, event coordination, and organizational leadership.
After a variety of experiences with collegiate and professional sports organizations, Karah began her career with the National Sports Center Foundation, where she worked in various roles helping execute largescale sporting events and fostering community engagement through sports programming. She then pivoted to statewide initiatives with the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission, a state agency, where she focuses on the development and promotion of amateur sports in the region.
Karah also serves as an officer of Women in Sports and Events (WISE) Twin Cities, a non-profit organization that supports the advancement of women in the sports and events industries.
In addition to her professional experience, Karah holds a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management from the University of Minnesota, and she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Iowa.
AMADA MARQUEZ SIMULA
City of Columbia Heights
Mayor
amarquezsimula@columbiaheightsmn.gov
Amáda Márquez Simula, affectionately known as Mayor Amáda, embodies the spirit of community, creativity, and inclusivity. Born in Madison, Wisconsin, to a multicultural family, her upbringing instilled in her a deep appreciation for diversity and a drive to make a difference. Raised in a household where her mother’s European heritage merged with her father’s Mexican roots, Amáda learned the value of hard work and resilience.
From a young age, Amáda’s artistic talents shone brightly, and her passion for music and performance became evident. Inspired by her father’s musical pursuits, she immersed herself in various artistic endeavors, from theater to dance, showcasing her vibrant personality and natural charisma.
Despite facing challenges as a Latina woman, Amáda never allowed stereotypes to hinder her ambitions. Whether leading community initiatives, campaigning for social justice, or empowering young girls through her involvement with the Girl Scouts, she remained steadfast in her commitment to effecting positive change.
Settling in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, with her husband, Amáda continued her dedication to community service. From revitalizing the city’s compost program to spearheading sustainable initiatives as President of HeightsNEXT, she earned acclaim for her tireless efforts to enhance the quality of life for all residents.
Amáda’s remarkable ability to unite people from diverse backgrounds and generations has earned her widespread recognition as a humanitarian and community leader. As Mayor of Columbia Heights, she continues to champion inclusivity, innovation, and civic engagement, breathing new life into the city and fostering a sense of belonging for all its inhabitants.
With her unwavering passion and boundless optimism, Mayor Amáda Márquez Simula remains a beacon of hope and inspiration, dedicated to building a brighter future for Columbia Heights and beyond.
MEGAN NORD Building Systems Solutions
CEO
Meganb@bssmn.com
Megan Nord is the CEO of Building Systems Solutions, Inc., a Minnesota company that specializes in the design and implementation of commercial sound systems including paging and sound masking systems. She has been with BSSI since 2010 and took over the role of CEO in January of 2013, growing the company year after year in both sales and capacity. BSSI has provided commercial sound systems to improve productivity, provide privacy and support the communications needs of Fortune 500 companies, corporate HQ’s, medical clinics and hospitals and manufacturing facilities. She heads a team that delivers sound and safety system design and project management services for projects across the US.
She continues to pursue product and industry education opportunities, participate in enrichment and diversity events and seek opportunities to lead in the construction community and as a women business entrepreneur. She has completed JE Dunn’s MCBD Program, Women Venture’s Scale Up program and attended MNDOT’s DBE Program.
She is also a Past President of the Board of the Association of Women Contractors and an active member of the Minnesota contracting community.
Prior to her work with BSSI – she worked in marketing for Berger Transfer & Storage in Roseville MN from 2007-2010.
She graduated from Valparaiso University in Indiana in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications.
ANNETTE PARKER
Hennepin Co. Sheriff’s Office
Captain
Annette.Parker@hennepin.us
I started working for the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office as a records clerk in 2008. I was promoted to deputy sheriff in 2012.
As a deputy I worked in the Adult Detention Center, Court Services, and the Background Unit as a background investigator. In 2019, I was promoted to sergeant and had assignments in the Personnel Unit and in Internal Affairs. In 2023, I was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to the Professional Standards Division. In 2024, I was promoted to my current role as a captain to oversee the Community Outreach and Public Affairs Division.
CHERI ROHLFING
Delta Airlines
Captain/Pilot y02acrohlfing@aol.com
Cheri first became interested in aviation while taking Aerospace Science class her junior year in high school. That summer, she attended the first Minnesota Aviation Career Education (ACE) Camp & has been involved ever since. She started flight lessons at the age of 17, became a flight instructor, then Assistant Chief Flight Instructor while attending Minnesota State University Mankato. After her graduation from Mankato, she was hired by Great Lakes Aviation and next flew corporate jets for North Star Aviation. She was then hired by Northwest Airlines and began flying the DC-9. Currently, Cheri is an Airbus A320 Captain with Delta Air Lines. In addition, she is a Pilot Recruiter, Ambassador, Former Propel Liaison, and Chairman’s Club Honoree with Delta. While a flight instructor, Cheri began teaching as an Adjunct Professor for the Minnesota State University, Mankato Aviation program. She enjoys teaching all levels of courses, working with the college students and preparing them for careers in aviation. In addition to teaching, she volunteers as the advisor to the aviation student organizations; Women in Aviation – Northern Lights Chapter, Aviation Club, ALPA ACE and Aviation Management Club. Cheri was instrumental in the creation of the Aviation Learning Communities on campus and facilitated the partnership with Delta’s Propel university program.
In 2015, Cheri worked with Delta Air Lines to create the annual WING (Women Inspiring our Next Generation) Flight which flies an airplane full of high school girls to a fun, educational destination to encourage them to follow their dreams and achieve their goals. The entire flight is coordinated and operated by women pilots, flight attendants, charter coordinator, maintenance techs, ground operations, dispatcher, TSA, and air traffic controllers.
Cheri is a founding member of two Women in Aviation chapters in MN; Stars of the North and Northern Lights. Some other organizations Cheri has impacted include: Air Expo volunteer; Board Member with AirSpace MN group; worked to promote the Mankato airshows; speaker for the Liz Strohfus Field dedication; keynote speaker for the Women’s Leadership program for Equifax, Atlanta; keynote speaker on behalf of Delta Air Lines at the National Flight Academy graduation, Pensacola; Merit Badge Counselor for the Boy/Girl Scouts aviation merit badge program; organizer of her sons field trips and after-prom parties; and church volunteer, leading their youth group. She also holds a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. In addition, Cheri remains a current flights instructor and has taught her sons how to fly.
Rohlfing is an outgoing activist in her family’s activities and in the aviation community, including her volunteer position as Board Member and Banquet Chairperson for the Minnesota Aviation Hall of Fame.
KRISTI ROLLWAGEN
MN Homeland Security
Former Director
sk5068@aol.com
Kristi is an Emergency Management professional highly skilled in prevention, preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation planning, training, and exercising.
She has twenty-nine years of experience in the Fire Service and Emergency Management at the State, City and Local level. National level experience deploying to natural disasters, man-made disasters, and technological emergencies as part of an Incident Management Team. EOC Director for regional emergencies to include the I-35W Bridge Collapse, the COVID-19 Pandemic, and widespread Civil Unrest. Frequently sought speaker at statewide and national level Emergency Management conferences. University level instructor for Police, Fire and EMS Emergency Management courses.
CHER ROSS
Federal Reserve and Allianz Vice President sjg2429@yahoo.com
Cher Ross is a seasoned executive with over 20 years of experience spanning financial services, product strategy, operations, and business development. She has led large-scale initiatives in market expansion, strategic partnerships, process optimization, and organizational leadership across multiple industries, including insurance, banking, and treasury services. Known for driving innovation, operational efficiency, and cross-functional collaboration, she has a proven track record of delivering results in complex, highly regulated environments.
Most recently, Cher served as Vice President, Retirement Market Strategy at F&G Life and Annuities, where she spearheaded product development, distributor engagement, and competitive intelligence. She previously held leadership roles at Allianz Life, overseeing annuity product growth, and at the Federal Reserve Bank, where she optimized treasury operations and organizational performance. Cher holds an MBA from Cardinal Stritch University and a BA in Organizational Leadership from Bethel University.
CARLY SCHWIETERS
Schwieters Companies Manager,
Strategic Growth + Marketing
carly@schwieterscompanies.com
Carly Schwieters is the Manager of Strategic Growth and Marketing at Schwieters Companies, a family-owned business that supplies and installs interior finishes—including doors, millwork, cabinetry, and hardware—for new construction projects. In her role, Carly leads efforts to drive business expansion and enhance brand presence. Her team implements sales & marketing strategies, fostering strategic partnerships and driving growth.
KRISTEN TOMLINSON Hennepin Co. Sheriff’s Office
Major kristen.tomlinson@hennepin.us
Sheriff Witt appointed Kristen Tomlinson as Major of the Public Affairs Bureau on July 14, 2024. She began her career with HCSO in 1999 and has worked in many areas of the agency to include Jail, Professional Standards, Crime Lab and Investigations. Most recently, she served as the captain in charge of the Community Outreach and Public Affairs Division (COPA).
Within the Public Affairs Bureau, Major Tomlinson oversees the COPA Division, Data and Technology Division, Tri-Wellness Unit, and the Communications Unit. Major Tomlinson holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota. She is a graduate of the FBI LEEDA Leadership Trilogy program and a graduate of the IACP Women’s Leadership Institute. She has served on the Executive Board of Law Enforcement Opportunities and the Supervisor’s Union. She is a member of the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE) and the International Chiefs of Police (IACP).
GRACE VAN BROCKLIN
Netspi, Inc.
Regional Sales Director
gracevanbrocklin7@gmail.com
Grace Van Brocklin is a driven sales professional with a background in business administration and a passion for strategic growth. She graduated from Bemidji State University with a degree in Business Administration, specializing in Management, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship. In addition to excelling academically, Grace was a dedicated student-athlete, competing as a Division II golfer on the Bemidji State women’s golf team for all four years.
Following her graduation, Grace joined NetSPI, a leader in offensive cybersecurity solutions, as a Sales Development Representative. Her strong work ethic, relationship-building skills, and ability to drive results quickly led to her promotion in December 2023 to the role of Commercial Account Executive. In this position, she collaborates with clients to provide tailored cybersecurity solutions, helping organizations strengthen their security posture against emerging threats.
Grace’s competitive spirit and leadership—honed both on the golf course and in the business world—continue to fuel her success in the fast-paced field of sales and cybersecurity. She remains committed to professional growth and delivering exceptional value to her clients.
ANN VAN BROCKLIN AnnieK’s Cookies
Owner
Ann is the owner and founder of Annie K’s Cookies, a company built on her love for baking and her desire to create a space where creativity, community, and quality come together. As the heart behind the brand, she has grown Annie K’s Cookies from a simple idea into a beloved business known for its delicious treats and dedication to supporting others.
In addition to her entrepreneurial journey, Ann is an elementary teacher during the day. With a strong commitment to education, she uses her platform as a teacher to instill values of kindness, resilience, and leadership in her students—values she also brings into her business.
Her ability to balance two dynamic roles speaks to her incredible work ethic, passion for leadership, and dedication to empowering others— whether through her cookies or in the classroom. Ann’s leadership is rooted in community, mentorship, and the belief that everyone, regardless of age or background, has the power to lead and create meaningful change.
DAWANNA WITT
Hennepin County Sheriff
dawanna.witt@hennepin.us
Dawanna S. Witt was sworn in as Hennepin County Sheriff on January 3, 2023. She is the first woman and person of color to hold the office. In her first two years, she has created a new Auto Theft Unit to combat historic high numbers, reinstated the DARE program to build relationships with the community at a young age, prioritized providing Narcan trainings and free Narcan to fight the growing opioid crisis, launched a jail data dashboard for transparency inside the Adult Detention Center, and she continues to advocate for law enforcement with county officials.
Sheriff Witt has been in law enforcement for more than two decades. She started her career in 2000 as a detention deputy in Hennepin County. In 2004, she became a licensed peace officer and was hired by the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office. There, she worked many roles including bailiff, transport, school resource officer, detective, crisis negotiator, recruitment coordinator, diversity and inclusion coordinator, and more. She was the first woman in the agency’s history to become a captain. In 2019, Sheriff Witt returned to HCSO to take charge of the agency’s largest bureau, Adult Detention and Court Services, and was elected as Sheriff in 2022.
She holds undergraduate degrees in Chemical Dependency & Family Therapy and Police Science, and dual master’s degrees in Public Safety Administration and Management. She is an adjunct professor at Inver Hills Community College, teaching Juvenile Justice and American Corrections.
