
Spotlight on the Rochester Speakers
Join us | September 26, 2025
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Opening Keynote Speaker
Dr. Carolyn Colleen
Meet
We’re kicking off the day with a keynote that’s anything but ordinary! The Light Within: Turning Storms into Strength will not only uplift, but provide practical insights for your leadership journey.
A little bit about Carolyn…
Dr. Carolyn Colleen Bostrack, Ph.D., is an award-winning author, international speaker, executive leader, and humanitarian whose work inspires transformation and resilience. She is the founder of the FIERCE Foundation, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve personal and professional success.
Carolyn is the author of F.I.E.R.C.E: Transform Your Life in the Face of Adversity, 5 Minutes at a Time! and co-author of Academic and Educational Entrepreneurship, works that have impacted thousands globally. As a UN Delegate for the Commission on the Status of Women, Carolyn champions overcoming adversity and bridging divides through communication and leadership.
Join us to learn more!
Closing Keynote Panel: Beyond the Ceiling
As we close out the day, join us for an inspiring conversation with three trailblazing women who have shattered ceilings in their own unique ways. In this dynamic Q&A-style panel, they’ll share their experiences, insights, and hard-won lessons on breaking barriers and redefining what’s possible. Come ready to listen, learn, and leave empowered to forge your own path forward.
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Marlene Johnson
Marlene M. Johnson was Minnesota’s first woman lieutenant governor, serving in Governor Rudy Perpich’s administration from 1983 until 1991. She is cofounder of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners and the Minnesota Women’s Campaign Fund and was executive director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators for nearly two decades. She is now on the advisory board of Kakenya’s Dream, a board member of the Washington Office on Latin America, and a trustee of The Alexandria Trust. In 1988, she was awarded the Royal Order of the Polar Star by the Kingdom of Sweden. She lives in Washington, D.C.
Marlene has been a lifelong advocate for women in leadership in politics, business and the non-profit sector. At each stage of her career, she has also actively supported a variety of local, national and international non-profit organizations through board service, fundraising and general volunteer roles.
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Ceiling Shatterer!
We’ll be sharing soon who this final person on the panel will be!
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Brenda Radichel Quaye
Brenda Radichel Quaye is the owner of Venstar, LLC, one of only a handful of female-owned commercial real estate development firms in Minnesota. Established in 1999, Venstar specializes in owning, managing, and developing Class A real estate across the Minneapolis, Mankato, and Rochester markets. The company's portfolio encompasses over 200,000 square feet of commercial real estate and more than 15 acres of developable land. The firm is in the final planning stages of a $33M, 99 unit Workforce Housing project in downtown Rochester.
As a Board Member and Past President (2002) of Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women (MNCREW) she has advocated for decades for women in the commercial real estate industry. She has also served on the board of Kipp MN, The Edina Community Foundation and is currently a Trustee of the Women's Foundation of Minnesota.
Breakout Session Speakers
Join us for a transformative day where women from all walks of life come together to empower, inspire, and grow in a supportive community.
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Transformative Sessions
Gain actionable insights from experts and connect with other women facing similar leadership challenges.
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Safe, Supportive Space
Ask questions, share your journey, and learn from each other. This is your chance to learn in an open, non-competitive environment.
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Community Building
Build lasting relationships with like-minded women from across the state—together, we’re stronger.
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Wellness for Mind & Body
Start your day with yoga, enjoy meaningful networking, and wind down with a happy hour where connections grow beyond the event.