Women investing in a better world
Harvard Kennedy School was just the start
You invested in Harvard Kennedy School's Women and Power program. You gained insight from the faculty and guest speakers. And you gained guidance from your classmates. But the learning and growing doesn’t end there. You’re just getting started. Join online conversations and in-person reunions. You’ll find it to be a worthwhile investment in yourself, in your classmates, and in a better world. Each alumnae-led reunion continues to speak to the multidimensional issues faced by women in positions of power. Programs are intentionally crafted to start conversations, to allow attendees to question the status quo, and to provoke thoughtful exploration of our positions of power.
This year, we’ll gather in Minneapolis, Minnesota September 10-13. Our theme: Lakes, Legacies & Leadership.
The Twin Cities program
The 2025 Alumnae Summit will bring 50-some of us together for three days of exploring what it means to be a woman in a position of power today.
Via moderated panels and inspired keynotes, we’ll study intentional leadership and purpose-driven decision making.
While our speakers are primarily Minnesota based, the topics are universally relevant.
We’ll hear from leaders in academia, industry, and the public sector.
10 speakers to whet your appetite
Hannah Riley Bowles, Women and Power, Harvard Kennedy School
Renee Alexander, CEO, Minnesota State Fair
Paula Forbes, Founder, The Finding Human Institute
Jen Callinana, WILL (Women Invested in Leadership and Learning), University of Minnesota
Jillian Hiscock, Owner, A Bar of Their Own
Suzanne Rivera, President, Macalester College
KD DeAcetis, Process Engineer, Takeda Pharmaceuticals as well as Thomas Burnett Leadership Program, University of Minnesota
Mary Pawlenty, Mediator/Arbitrator, Former First Lady of Minnesota, Former District Court Judge
Susan Singer, President, St. Olaf College and Harvard Women and Power Alumna
Justice Natalie Hudson, Chief Justice, Minnesota Supreme Court
In addition to traditional learning opportunities at the conference hotel (The Lofton Hotel, 601 North First Avenue, Minneapolis) we’ve built in time to network with other leaders and experience some of the region’s highlights. Among the excursions, we’ve scheduled a Minnesota Twins baseball game, George Floyd Square visit, Prince’s Paisley Park tour, and a Lake Minnetonka dinner cruise.
Our program "Lakes, Legacies, and Leadership" starts at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 10. It adjourns at noon on Saturday, September 13. We’ve packed every minute with valuable content, so plan to be with us the entire time. In fact, we’ll likely offer pre- and post-Summit excursions, so watch for reasons to elongate your trip.
The Twin Cities agenda at a glance
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September 10
Opening reception with alumnae-led programming starting at 5:00 p.m.
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September 11
Full day of moderated panels and inspired keynotes followed by a Lake Minnetonka dinner cruise.
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September 12
Keynote speakers followed by experiential learning at the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, George Floyd Square, Prince’s Paisley Park, and ending with a Minnesota Twins baseball game.
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September 13
Morning speakers including Justice Natalie Hudson, Chief Justice, Minnesota Supreme Court. Adjourning at noon.
Frequently asked questions
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Alumnae of the Harvard Kennedy School Women and Power program and the 2021 virtual version of the class call Women Leading Change are eligible to attend the summit.
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Only alumnae of the Harvard Kennedy School Women and Power program and the 2021 virtual version of the class called Women Leading Change are eligible to attend the summit. But plus-ones may certainly accompany you to the Twin Cities and connect with other similarly-situated individuals to fill their time while you participate in our program. As we get closer to the event, we will see if there is any space available in our planned activities for plus-ones, but if not, we will have recommendations for what they can do on their own or with other plus-ones.
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All of your meals, except lunch on Thursday, are included in your registration fee. Lunch on Thursday is “on your own.”
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Dietary needs can be accommodated; please let us know about any dietary restrictions you have. Email: hwpalumnisummit@gmail.com
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Business casual is recommended, and all are welcome to wear whatever they are most comfortable in; consider this an opportunity to wear clothes that represent your personal brand. We will take a group photo on Thursday.
Also, we will be doing quite a bit of walking: onto and on the boat for the Al & Alma’s Dinner Cruise, around the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and George Floyd Square, taking the tour at Paisley Park, and from the hotel to Target Field (two blocks) for the Twins game. Please wear comfortable and safe-to-walk in shoes. And pack a jacket or sweater. While it’s often the dog days of summer in Minnesota in September, it can also be chilly at night.
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No. Transportation will be arranged for our activities. Ride shares/taxis are available to and from the airport.
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Yes. Self-park starts at $23 a day (more if there is a special event scheduled) and valet parking is $54 a day.
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We are working to arrange pre- and post-event activities (Wednesday afternoon and Saturday afternoon). Activities under consideration include:Minnesota Children's Museum, the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Zoo, the Como Park Zoo & Conservatory, or Matt’s Bar and the 5-8 Club, who will always claim to be home to the famous Juicy Lucy!
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Minnesota is beautiful in September. You might want to explore the Itasca State Park, where the Mississippi River begins, or travel the Gunflint Trail or the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Lake Superior in Duluth is historic and beautiful, as is Gooseberry Falls State Park. Also to be considered are the Red Wing Shoe Company Museum, the Jolly Green Giant Museum, the International Wolf Center, and the Carlos Creek Winery. And don’t forget that Minnesota is the home of 10,000 lakes.
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The region is home to the University of Minnesota, Macalester College, Augsburg University, Hamline University, Minneapolis College, Concordia University, University of St. Thomas, St. Catherine University, Metropolitan State University, Bethel University, Century College, Gustavus Adolphus College, St. Olaf College, Carleton College, and others.
