Belonging in
Northeast Minnesota

3rd ANNUAL Equity SUMMIT | October 4, 2023

The 3rd Annual Equity Summit is an opportunity to engage around themes related to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and forge a more inclusive future in northeast Minnesota.

2023 Event Speakers

Jonathan Thunder, Visual Artist

Jonathan Thunder infuses his personal lens with real-time world experiences using a wide range of mediums. He is known for his surreal paintings, digitally animated films and installations in which he addresses subject matter of personal experience and social commentary. Jon is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Ojibwe, and makes his home and studio in Duluth, MN.

He has attended the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, NM and studied Visual Effects and Motion Graphics in Minneapolis, MN at the Art Institute International. His work has been featured in many states, regional, and national exhibitions, as well as in local and international publications. Thunder is the recipient of a 2020-21 Pollock – Krasner Foundation Award for his risk taking in painting. Since his first solo exhibit in 2004, he has won several awards for his short films in national and international competitions. His work is in the permanent collections of Museums and Universities.

Session(s): Keynote Presentation and Lyceum

Topic: Thunder will discuss inclusion in relation to his experiences in moving to this area about 10 years ago, and help us consider questions related to the place art and representation make in creating a welcoming community.

Elissa Hansen, Northspan Group, Inc. President & CEO

Elissa Hansen, Northspan President & CEO, leads the organization with more than 20 years of experience in business, community, organizational, and economic development across Minnesota and Wisconsin. She invests her time creatively advancing others' capabilities. In Elissa’s role at Northspan, she engages with and elevates every client by facilitating tough conversations and moving organizations forward with action-oriented strategic planning models. She works to create a setting for meaningful communications that respects diverse perspectives, creates joint resolve, and inspires individual and group action. Hansen believes in encouraging collaboration, thought leadership, and the ability to create positive change in our communities.

Session(s): President’s Welcome

Topic: Northspan’s purpose and a welcome to the summit

Practices For Inclusive Hiring and Retention

Topic: Helping participants gain experience in understanding how to use inclusive practices in their business or organization

Keith Turner, Co-founder, The Promise is You

Keith Turner is the Athletic Director for Hibbing High School and a Co-founder of The Promise is You. Has a graduate degree in education and has worked in higher education student support services for over 25 years. He has received his active shooter training and is a Clery Act and Title IX compliance officer. He has been an experienced collegiate-level coach for over 25 years and has a number of conference titles and several All-Conference and All American participants. As a coach, he believes one should only ask from their staff what one is willing to do themselves. A team is a family and will not always agree, but it’s critical to keep the best interest of the team and college first at all times.

Session(s): Lighting Round

Topic: Learn about The Promise is You

The Path Towards Equity for Your Business, Organization and Community group.

Topic: In this session we will discover the importance of equity and why sometimes it is so hard to achieve.

Panel Discussion: Inclusion for Families and Individuals

Topic: Panelist, impacts on Black community member in Northeast Minnesota

Carl Crawford, Co-founder, The Promise is You

Carl Crawford was selected by Mayor Emily Larson as Duluth’s Human Rights Officer in July 2016 after serving as Lake Superior College’s Intercultural Center Coordinator since 2007. As the Human Rights Officer, Crawford is charged with enforcing City and state human rights laws and works to ensure City services are accessible to all people without discrimination.

Session(s): Lighting Round

Topic: Learn about The Promise is You

The Path Towards Equity for Your Business, Organization and Community group.

Topic: In this session we will discover the importance of equity and why sometimes it is so hard to achieve.

Panel Discussion: Inclusion for Families and Individuals

Topic: Panelist, impacts on Black community member in Northeast Minnesota

Kelsey Rogers Kennedy, Cook County Higher Education (CCHE), Program Director-Associate Director

Kelsey Rogers Kennedy, Associate Director and Program Director at Cook County Higher Education (CCHE), places a high value on connections and partnerships in her role. Cook County Higher Education (CCHE) is a small nonprofit organization in Grand Marais, MN dedicated to providing accessible and diverse educational opportunities to the Cook County community. Kelsey actively engages in community events and meetings, attentively listening to community members, and gathering valuable insights to craft thoughtful, responsive, and timely programs that address the needs of those she serves

Session: Lighting Round

Topic: CCHE: Inclusion and Equity through Learning CCHE is a dedicated organization focused on inspiring, preparing, and empowering individuals to reach their educational, career, and personal goals, with far-reaching benefits for our community, organizations, and businesses. CCHE has taken and continues to take deliberate action, nurturing the growth and development of diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and equity within its organization and the broader community. You can find our DEIA actions at https://mycche.org/deia/

Frances Wittenberg, Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism, Northern Minnesota Chapter Leader

Frances Wittenberg is a proud mother, wife, veteran, and community leader. After serving over 21 years in the Air Force, Frances and her family decided to move to Minnesota from Oklahoma in August 2020. One of the reasons for moving is to provide her family the opportunity to receive the quality of education Minnesota is known to offer. She learned that although the school district had made some tough decisions in the past, Frances believes that she can contribute to the school district by offering her leadership experience and her diverse perspective of making those decisions involving our children's future through CARE: Communication, Accountability, Respect, and Equality for all.

Session: Lighting Round

Topic: To inform, empower and advocate for the community and bring awareness to adapt and over the divide throughout our country. Their mission: dedicated to advancing civil rights and liberties for all Americans, and promoting a common culture based on fairness, understanding, and humanity.

Kayla Swanson, Itasca Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), Operations and Outreach Manager

Born and raised in Taconite, enhancing and shining a light on the many assets of Itasca County has always been a passion of Kayla's. In 2013, Kayla graduated from Greenway High School and decided that she wanted to stay in Itasca County for just a while longer. She attended Itasca Community College, where she obtained her Associates of Arts degree in 2015. From ICC, she went on to claim a BBA from Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI and competed in collegiate softball. In 2018, she moved back home to be with her husband. They planted their roots in Coleraine and have been incredibly happy with this decision ever since.

In 2019, Kayla accepted the position as IEDC's Marketing Specialist. After two years of employment, Kayla earned a promotion to Operations & Outreach Manager in 2022. Kayla's strengths lie in organizational management, social media/marketing strategy, operational outreach and interpersonal communication. Kayla's favorite part of working at IEDC is the fun and professional "team" environment. She says that our organizational values coincide well with her own. She appreciates the opportunity to grow not only as a professional, but as a person through her time thus far at IEDC.

On her free time, Kayla loves to fish, hunt, and visit Minnesota Breweries. She is an Assistant Softball Coach at Itasca Community College. She loves diving into a great book, binging a new show, or getting "Mama" snuggles. Kayla feels incredibly blessed to be supported by her husband, Jace; her son, Blake; her entire family, and all her friends!

Session: Lighting Round

Topic: Current programs and initiatives from Itasca Economic Development Corporation

Jen Kilps Ph.D., Minnesota Multifaith Network (MnMN), Network Executive

Jen Kilps currently works as the Network Executive for the Minnesota Multifaith Network and serves on the Collegeville Institute Multi-Religious Fellows Advisory Board. She has spent the entirety of her career organizing faith communities and volunteers around issues of peace and social justice. Jen has worked for the Lutheran Office for Public Policy in WI, Lutheran Volunteer Corps, Minnesota Council of Churches Refugee Services Program and the national Church World Service Refugee Resettlement Program. Jen holds a doctorate in theology from the Centre for the Study of Religion and Politics at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. Her research focused on the topic of hospitality. She has taught World Religions and Anthropology of Religion. She is also an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) facilitator. Most recently Jen has trained as an End of Life Doula through the University of Vermont’s Medical School. She considers interfaith work her vocation.

Session: Lighting Round

Topic: Learn about Minnesota Multifaith Network and the work they are doing across the State.

Seraphia Gravelle, Voices for Ethnic and Multicultural Awareness (VEMA), Co-Executive Director

A Hispanic native of Central Texas, Seraphia moved to Minnesota in 1998 and now resides in Chisholm, MN, where she serves on the Chisholm Police Commission. Along with being active in her community, Seraphia also works towards seeing equity and inclusion on the Iron Range, where she and her family reside.

Session: Lighting Round

Topic: Who we are, who we represent, who we serve, what we’ve done, and what we want to see in the future.

Nathaniel Coward, Voices for Ethnic and Multicultural Awareness (VEMA), Co-Executive Director

Nathaniel Coward was born in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl and moved to Ely in ‘94. He lived briefly in St. Cloud and Minneapolis. Coward has lived on the range for 26 years and is a part of several organizations, boards, and others that deal with diversity, inclusion, and equity.

Session: Lighting Round

Topic: Who we are, who we represent, who we serve, what we’ve done, and what we want to see in the future.

Zomi Bloom, Wilderness Health, Telehealth Program Manager

Zomi Bloom serves as Telehealth Program Manager and is leading up efforts to improve access to care, starting with behavioral healthcare, through the use of telehealth in the rural areas of the Wilderness health network. Prior to her role with Wilderness Health, she worked in clinic management in several specialties including oncology, OB/GYN, family practice, occupational health, and urgent care-both in the Carolinas and in NE Minnesota. She also spent seven years with St. Luke's Hospital of Duluth in financial analysis and accounting management. Bloom has lived in several states on the east coast and now calls Duluth, MN home. She enjoys hiking, poetry, laughing at silly animal videos with her kids, and good coffee. She is active with the local poetry scene and enjoys supporting birthing parents as a doula. Bloom holds a bachelor's degree in Health Care Administration from Mary Baldwin University and a master's degree in Business Administration, Concentration in Healthcare Management from the University of Scranton. She has also earned certification as a Certified Medical Practice Executive through the Medical Group Management Association.

Session: Lighting Round

Topic: Digital Opportunity in Lake and Cook Counties: Findings from listening sessions and surveys

Tonia Villegas, St. Louis County, Financial Work/ Chair of BIPOC Leadership Team

B.A. in Individualized Studies, with a focus on education, communication and social work. I am a survivor of domestic abuse, a mom, advocate, business owner and Chicana. Fortunate to have a path that carried me from Hawaii to Germany and many places in between, culture and community are the doors to the world. I invite you to walk with me.

Session: Lighting Round

Topic: BELONGING: The Voice from Within

Miriam Kero, Hello Range, Project Manager

Miriam Kero is an independent consultant, working to add capacity to our community and economic development leaders. With over 25 years experience in non-profit, government, education and fortune 500 companies, Miriam is adept at taking a project from seed to harvest, communicating every step of the way. Listen. Plan. Grow.

Session: Lighting Round, Make the Iron Range Home!

Topic: "Hello Range!" is a Range wide marketing and retention effort designed to attract and keep residents on the Iron Range. We know the Iron Range is a great place to live. Our goal is to share the message and help feed our business and community needs for people.

Cassy Burr, Equity Committee of the Duluth Workforce Development Board, Co-Chair

My name is Cassy Burr. I am the co-chair of the Equity Committee of the Duluth Workforce Development Board. I joined the committee in the spring of 2020 when I was the manager of some workforce programs at Community Action Duluth, and I stayed on as a volunteer after I switched workplaces (to Lutheran Social Services) in the fall of 2021. My background is in Social Work and Sociology.

Session: Lighting Round, Duluth Workforce Development Board Equity Committee Tools and Initiatives

Topic: I will introduce the Equity Committee and what we do, discuss the Employer Action Guide (including a planned refresh of the Guide), and talk about our Employer Champions series of Lunch and Learns.

Memegwesiikwe-Diana Lawrey, Cultural Fluency Associates, LLP

Diana Lawrey is a licensed elementary teacher in Minnesota. She holds bachelor’s degrees from The College of St. Scholastica in Elementary Education and Ojibwe Language and Culture Education, as well as a Master of Education degree in Culturally Responsive Pedagogy. Ms. Lawrey has worked in education for 10 years in various capacities such as teaching, advocating for students of color, and program management. Her education experience includes working with students in elementary and secondary education, as well as higher education. Much of Ms. Lawrey’s educational career has focused on culturally responsive teaching and professional development to increase cultural competence, not only in teachers, but addressing systemic equity within the school district.

Session(s): IDI 101, An introduction to the Intercultural Development Model and Inventory

Topic: Provide both a conceptual and experiential grounding in the Intercultural Development Model

IDI Advanced, Practicing Intercultural Fluency

Topic: Provide experiential activities that allow participants to learn about their own edges and tendencies as relate to engaging across difference and practice more intercultural strategies.

Kevin Skwira Brown, Cultural Fluency Associates, LLP, Trainer/Consultant

Kevin is a founding partner and full-time trainer/consultant at Cultural Fluency Associates LLP. He has 10 years of direct social service experience, has taught at the collegiate level for over 20 years and continues to do grassroots multicultural community organizing. For the past 15 years he has developed, presented, and facilitated diversity, inclusion and cultural development work with individuals and organizations striving to live in line with their values and missions. Kevin engages participants with humility, respect, and authenticity in Intercultural Development and racial justice work. Clients include Colleges/Universities, City and County government, foundations, non-profits, schools, and religious organizations. His community work was highlighted by the Media Policy Center in the PBS special, Our Kids: Narrowing the Opportunity Gap which premiered in 2019.

Session(s): IDI 101, An introduction to the Intercultural Development Model and Inventory

Topic: Provide both a conceptual and experiential grounding in the Intercultural Development Model

IDI Advanced, Practicing Intercultural Fluency

Topic: Provide experiential activities that allow participants to learn about their own edges and tendencies as relate to engaging across difference and practice more intercultural strategies.

Kimberly Scanlon, Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging, Eldercare Development Partnership Program Developer

Kimberly Scanlon is a program developer at Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging under an initiative called Eldercare Development Partnership, or EDP. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from UW-Superior, majoring in Psychology and minoring in English. Kimberly worked in the mental health field focusing on human behavior, behavioral health, maternal wellness, and rehabilitative services prior to transferring her skills to the aging field. Kimberly is inspired by real stories and fueled by human connection. She is also a proud, self-proclaimed “recovering perfectionist”, a busy mom of two girls, avid crafter, and lover of coffee.

Session: Let’s Make Waves to End Racism Together

This interactive session will include a discussion about the multifaceted nature of ageism. We will invite attendees to reflect on how ageism presents itself and impacts their businesses, communities, and daily lives. Attendees will learn ways to champion an age-friendly Arrowhead Region that respects, honors, and celebrates individuals at every stage of life.

Mimi Stender, Duluth Aging Support, Founder

Mimi is the Founder of Duluth Aging Support, a nonprofit organization that works to enhance the lives of older adults and caregivers in the Northland through resources, outreach, awareness, advocacy, and collaborative partnerships. Mimi is passionate about bringing together organizations and individuals with a common mission to improve community support and the quality of life for community members, especially under-resourced community members. Currently, Mimi co-leads the Duluth Age-Friendly Initiative and the Arrowhead Changemakers – a Regional Age-Friendly Collaborative and serves on the Governor’s Council for an Age-Friendly Minnesota. Mimi is actively engaged professionally and in a volunteer capacity with more than a dozen organizations in the Northland. She is a long-time Duluth, MN resident and graduate of Colorado College, Colorado Springs, CO.

Session: Let’s Make Waves to End Racism Together

Topic: Ageism is one of the last socially acceptable prejudices, yet the impacts of ageism continue to have harmful consequences. Beyond perpetuating damaging stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination that divide our community, ageism also undermines our mental health, physical well-being, and fundamental human rights. This interactive session will include a discussion about the multifaceted nature of ageism. We will invite attendees to reflect on how ageism presents itself and impacts their businesses, communities, and daily lives. Attendees will learn ways to champion an age-friendly Arrowhead Region that respects, honors, and celebrates individuals at every stage of life.

Steph Koehne, Alight, Sponsor Program Lead

Steph Koehne is the Sponsor Program Lead at Alight, a local humanitarian non-profit organization. Steph is an experienced human-centered designer and project manager. Her previous roles at Alight include managing their community and staff engagement. Her background and education is in Strategic Communication and Justice and Peace Studies.

Session: Welcome Corps, Refugee Sponsorship Program

Topic: Community Sponsorship: The Power of Welcoming a Newcomer

In a rapidly changing world marked by migration and displacement, community sponsorship has emerged as a compelling solution to enhance the resettlement experience for those who have been displaced. This presentation will provide a comprehensive exploration of what community sponsorship is, why it matters, and its role in creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.

Ali Bilden Camps, Northspan Group, Inc., Consultant & NORTHFORCE Program Manager

Ali Bilden Camps joined Northspan in 2022 as a consultant and provides community, business, and organizational development services. She manages the NORTHFORCE program by connecting career-minded individuals with professional advancement opportunities and supporting our regional employers’ current and future workforce needs. Ali brings over 15 years of nonprofit management and community development experience including working with organizations and individuals across all sectors. She has roots in northern Wisconsin and has called northeast Minnesota home for almost 20 years.

Session: Practices For Inclusive Hiring and Retention

Topic: Helping participants gain experience in understanding how to use inclusive practices in their business or organization

Jenna Udenberg, Above & Beyond With U, President & Founder

Jenna Udenberg is a lifelong resident from the Northshore of Minnesota and is a former music educator of 19 years. She is now a disability advocate and accessibility educator. She has used a manual wheelchair since the age of 8 due to Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Jenna is a 2017 Blandin Foundation Community Leader and a 2020 Bush Fellow. Writing for the Lake County Press in her column, Local View from 4 foot 2, she inspires vulnerability and the sharing of lived experiences from the seated perspective. Jenna is the published author of Within My Spokes: A Tapestry of Pain, Growth & Freedom, and the founder and president of Above & Beyond with U, an accessibility focused nonprofit. In her free time you can find Jenna outdoors on paved trails or fishing with friends, playing board and card games, as well as coaching the Robo Dweebs, a LEGO robotics team.

Session: Panel Discussion: Inclusion for Families and Individuals

Topic: Panelist speaker

Andrea Jang, Duluth Mom, Owner

A lake girl at heart, Andrea is thrilled to be a Duluthian! She lives in the Hillside with her husband, daughter and rescue pup. As a bi-racial and multicultural family, they have hopes and dreams of visiting her husband’s family in South Korea someday soon. Tiny joys that make her heart happy include: doodling, searching for beach glass, Lake Superior, coffee with friends, fiber art, plants, a good vintage thrift find, music and great food & drinks. You will find her building community, connections and friendships in the northland as the owner of Duluth Mom and as a member of the Diversity Equity Inclusion and Justice committee at her daughter's school.

Session: Panel Discussion: Inclusion for Families and Individuals

Topic: Helping Families in the Northland Feel Welcomed and Included -challenges, efforts and promising changes

Jim Gottschald, St. Louis County, Director of HR & Administration

Experienced Human Resources Director with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. Skilled in Coaching, Deferred Compensation, Personnel Management, Employee Engagement, and Organizational Development. Strong human resources professional graduated from University of Minnesota-Duluth.

Session: Sponsor Welcome

Topic: Why inclusion matters and purpose in supporting the summit

Claire Peterlin, Minnesota North College, AspireNorth Program Director

Claire Peterlin serves as the AspireNorth Program Director for Minnesota North College. Her previous roles included building student-centered workforce systems such as NEXT Career Pathways for Itasca Area Schools and supporting the redesign of the Applied Learning Institute for Minnesota North College; coordinating the merger of the five colleges that now make up Minnesota North College; Regional Development Representative with Minnesota Power; and Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystems Development Manager for The PLUM Catalyst, a future-transportation and mobility strategy and innovation consulting firm. She holds a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Minnesota State University, Mankato's Iron Range Engineering program, a Master of Engineering from University of Minnesota, Duluth, and is completing her MBA in Leadership and Change from the College of St. Scholastica.

Session: Lighting Round

Topic: AspireNorth: Student-Centered, Equity-Focused Workforce Development

Wes Samuelson, LGBTQIA Community Member

Wes is a member of the LGBTQIA community who has worked to achieve equitable outcomes for those community members in the Northland.

Session: Panel Discussion: Inclusion for Families and Individuals

Topic: Panelist speaker

Mallory Thorne, Carlton County Restorative Justice, Social Worker

Mallory Thorne is a Restorative Justice Social worker with 9 years of experience in Social Work and Restorative Justice. She is an experienced presenter and trainer with a passion for working with communities and educators. She enjoys her time working with youth to walk alongside them as they overcome barriers and work to lead fulfilling lives. Mallory obtained her Master of Social Work in 2019 from The College of St. Scholastica. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, hiking, sitting with Lake Superior, and fostering dogs.

Session: Lighting Round

Topic: Learn about the efforts and initiatives of the Carlton County Restorative Justice Program

Sal Lee, Carlton County Restorative Justice, Specialist

With a listening heart, Sal has had the honor of serving youth and families through her work with restorative justice and grief support. Recognizing the importance of meeting the changing needs of families and community; she strives for ever evolving program development, growth and improvement. In her spare time, Sal enjoys tending the garden, walking the fence lines on her farm and hugging her grandson.

Session: Lighting Round

Topic: Learn about the efforts and initiatives of the Carlton County Restorative Justice Program

Brittni Abbett, Family Rise Together, Family Mentor and Outreach Coordinator

Family Rise Together is guided to provide safe environments for fathers to develop, contribute, invest and actively participate in the well-being of their children, family, and community. Their mission is to help strengthen family unity by engaging fathers in their children’s lives to establish family values, social roles, and participation in the community. Their vision is to develop and implement proven strategies for whole-family wellness.

Session: Lighting Round

Topic: I will be sharing information about our programs and the goals and dreams of the company.