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.
Twin Cities agenda at a glance
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Wednesday, September 10
Unless otherwise noted, all activities take place at The Lofton Hotel Minneapolis, 601 N 1st Ave Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403 USA. Registration opens at 4:30 p.m. And the alumnae-led reception starts at 5:00 p.m.
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Thursday, September 11
Full day of moderated panels and inspired keynotes. Group picture will be taken at 2:15 p.m. The day closes with a Lake Minnetonka dinner cruise.
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Friday, 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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Saturday, September 13
Morning speakers including Justice Natalie Hudson, Chief Justice, Minnesota Supreme Court. Adjourning at noon.
Twin Cities program
The 2025 Alumnae Summit will bring 30-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.
The talks…
Justice Natalie Hudson, Chief Justice, Minnesota Supreme Court, believes in showing up in the difficult times and advocating, inspiring and encouraging one another
Harvard Kennedy School’s own Hannah Riley Bowles is “Changing the Narrative on Women’s Leadership”
Mary Pawlenty – former judge and current mediator – talks about peacemaking in “Lessons Learned on Conflict Resolution”
Adaption scientist and climate leader, Jessica Hellmann’s talk: “A Grand Challenge for Scientists, Business Leaders, and Public and Private Land Stewards”
What are the Four Cs of Leadership? Deb Pierce, the first female FBI Deputy Assistant Director of the Criminal Division of the FBI tells us
With the help of three recent graduates, one HWP alumna spotlights the wins of the experimental Tom Burnett Leadership Program
What does it take to lead one of the largest events in the country? Renee Alexander talks about the Minnesota State Fair and mission-driven leadership
A panel of four college presidents discuss “U.S. Higher Education: Persisting through the Paradigm Shift”
Graco executive, Angela Wordell, talks about her journey from “Engineer to Empowered Leader”
North Star Therapy Animals’ Wendy Senior talks about her work lighting up rooms across Minnesota
What does it take for women athletes in college to succeed? Ask Jen Callinan of the University of Minnesota
Megan Peterson leads “Beyond the Binary” as Executive Director of Gender Justice Action
Founder of Ballet Co.Laboratory, Zoé Henrot embraces the philosophy of “Why not?” She talks of the collaborations and connections that help drive success
From the Finding Human Institute, Paula Forbes and Robin Francis guide us through “A Journey Through Discomfort, Allyship, and the Evolving Civil Rights Movement”
Jillian Hiscock, founder of A Bar of Their Own, is “Raising the Bar for Women’s Sports”
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, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, 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.
Twin Cities sponsors
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Many thanks to our generous Minnesota-area sponsors.
Bus transportation is sponsored by Keller, Woods & Thompson and Goetz & Eckland. Our breakfasts are sponsored by Eckland & Blando; Karen Cote, Esq.; and Dan Cavanaugh, CPA. A Frozen Magnolia has sponsored canvas bags and notebooks. Laura Booth, Esq. and Kelly Altman of Altman Fitness have covered coffee breaks.
And our welcome reception is sponsored by Thunder Bear Painting; Eminent Interior Design; The Davey Tree Company; Naros Law, PA; Heley Duncan & Melander; Bassford Remele; Ameriprise Financial; and PowerHouse Mediation.
Additional thanks to supporting organizations affiliated with alumnae. Eloquentia of Missouri has sponsored a lunch. And North Carolina’s EdNC is the event’s fiscal sponsor.
Each Women and Power reunion is planned and run by alumnae who volunteer their time and talent.
Frequently asked questions
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It’s better not to bring a bag, but you can bring one that is stadium acceptable, which means single compartment and maximum size of 16”x16”x 8”. These include purses, clutch purses, single-compartment tote bag. Backpacks, multi-compartment laptop bags, duffel bags or any bags over the size requirement are not allowed into the ballpark. Note that you will not have an opportunity to swap bags at the hotel — we will go directly from the afternoon outings to the ball park.
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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.
On Thursday we will take a group photo so this might be your dressiest day. That evening, we’ll be going on a dinner cruise. There will be time to change prior to departure.On Friday we will be walking a lot, around the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden and taking the tour at Paisley Park. We will also walk two blocks from the baseball field to the hotel. Please wear comfortable and safe-to-walk-in shoes and pack a jacket or sweater.
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Yes! It will be at 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, immediately following Hannah Riley Bowles’ talk.
Note that candid photos will also be taken throughout the Summit.
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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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Our dinner cruise will have a cash bar. And mixed drinks may be available at the baseball game for extra charge.
Cash tips would also be welcome if you feel generous toward our helpers.
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Our local representatives say that taking a cab or shared car service is best.
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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, and there are many wonderful ways to spend some time. Here are a few.
See the Mississippi River via Mississippi River
https://www.twincitiescruises.com/ or https://riverrides.com/
Attend a WNBA Minnesota Lynx Game:
Visit the Walker Art Center:
Go to First Avenue, which was featured in Prince’s Purple Rain and next door to our hotel:
Explore the Minneapolis Institute of Art: https://new.artsmia.org/
Check out the chain of Lakes Regional Park:
https://www.minneapolis.org/things-to-do/nature-outdoors/lakes/chain-of-lakes/
Visit the American Swedish Institute:
Go to the Mill City Museum
Visit the Minnehaha Falls and Regional Park:
https://www.exploreminnesota.com/profile/minnehaha-falls-minnehaha-park/1839
Go to the Guthrie Theatre:
Visit the Weisman Art Museum
Go to the Nicollet Mall:
https://www.minneapolis.org/neighborhoods/downtown/nicollet/
And for the famous Juicy Lucy go to Matt’s Bar (https://mattsbar.com/) or 5-8 Club (
Take in a St. Paul Saints Game:
Go to a Minnesota Loons soccer match:
Go on a Grand Avenue shopping spree:
https://www.visitsaintpaul.com/things-to-do/neighborhoods/grand-summit-avenue/
Check out the Rondo Neighborhood:
Visit the beautiful Minnesota State Capital:
Go to the Minnesota History Center:
Explore the Science Museum of Minnesota:
Go to the Cathedral of Saint Paul:
Visit the James J. Hill House:
Visit the Historic Fort Snelling:
See what’s happening at Ordway Center for the Performing Arts:
Mall of America is in Bloomington, which is close to the airport:
Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is in Chaska:
Stillwater is a quaint town on St. Croix River with great restaurants and shopping:
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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.
