2026 MCEA Fall Conference: Full Schedule

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11:15am CDT

Gathering Support, Not Just Funds: Why Relationships Redefine Community Engagement

Wednesday October 21, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Not a professional fundraiser? Perfect - neither is John. But after 30+ years of “gathering support” for programs, projects, and people, he’s learned that successful fundraising has far less to do with titles and everything to do with relationships.

Through humor, real-life stories, and interactive elements, this session reframes fundraising as community-building with a purpose. Participants will explore why personal connections still outperform digital tactics and walk away with practical strategies they can immediately use to build trust, align with donor passions, and grow sustainable support.

Key Takeaways:

Build authentic partnerships rooted in trust and shared purpose
Understand donor perspectives and make more effective asks
Strengthen and sustain relationships beyond a single request

Speakers

John Double

Director of Community Education, Albert Lea Area Schools - Community Education

My teaching career started in the Lake Superior School District where I taught Physical Education, DAPE, and Driver Education for over a decade. I then entered Administration at the BOLD Public Schools before landing in the Albert Lea Area Schools. I've been in Albert Lea for... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Suite 104 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Leadership

11:15am CDT

I Need An Adult...Wait, That's Me: The Reality of Imposter Syndrome

Wednesday October 21, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT

Suite 102 - Lower Level

Emerging leaders often experience imposter syndrome, even when highly capable. While it can encourage growth, it may also have negative impacts if unrecognized. This training explores how imposter syndrome appears in leadership, including cultural influences, and ways to address it.

Key Takeaways:
1. Identify common signs and symptoms of imposter syndrome.
2. Examine how cultural identity and lived experiences influence the development and experience of imposter syndrome.
3. Explore strategies to proactively address imposter syndrome in oneself and support others experiencing it.

Speakers

Ashley Fabian Kimmell

Executive Director of Strategic Growth and Partnerships, Fernbrook Family Center

Ashley Fabian Kimmell (she/her/hers) is the Executive Director of Strategic Growth and Partnerships at Fernbrook Family Center and a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). With 10 years of experience in the mental health field, Ashley began her career as a behavioral aide... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm CDT
Suite 102 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Leadership

1:30pm CDT

Leading for the Future: How to Lead, Serve, and Build Flatter, More Humane Organizations

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Suite 101 - Lower Level

This 60-minute session invites Community Education leaders to examine how hierarchy, power, and decision-making shape organizational culture. Through reflection, discussion, and practical tools, participants will explore ways to build flatter, more humane systems rooted in shared leadership, psychological safety, meaningful participation, and community-informed decision-making.

Outcomes / Key Takeaways
Participants will:

Identify how hierarchy, power hoarding, urgency, and defensiveness can limit trust, participation, and organizational health.
Practice a simple systems-mapping reflection to identify one area where decision-making can become more participatory.
Leave with reflection tools and follow-up resources for building flatter, more humane Community Education systems.

Speakers

Courtney Green

Senior Programs Coordinator, Fridley Public Schools

Courtney Green is a community education professional, systems thinker, and emerging Black woman leader whose work is rooted in equity, racial justice, and human-centered systems change. With a background in social work and experience leading equity and justice work in North Carolina... Read More →

Stephen Keeler

Director of Community Education, Fridley Public Schools

Stephen Keeler (they/them) serves as the Director of Community Education for Fridley Public Schools and Co-chair of the MCEA Equity Committee. Stephen is a justice-centered Community Education leader whose work focuses on anti-racism, decolonized practice, disability justice, gender-inclusive... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Suite 101 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Leadership

1:30pm CDT

The Ripple Effect: Building Stronger Communities Through Connection, Kindness, and Leadership

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT

Suite 103 - Lower Level

Community education is built on connection. In this inspiring and practical session, Cindy Rowe explores how small acts of kindness, intentional leadership, and meaningful relationships create a ripple effect that strengthens teams, engages communities, and expands impact. Participants will discover how everyday interactions shape culture, build trust, and foster lasting connections from nest to network.

Learning Outcomes
• Identify simple leadership behaviors that strengthen trust, belonging, and connection.
• Apply practical strategies to create a more positive and engaged culture within teams and communities.
• Recognize how small, intentional actions can create a lasting ripple effect on the people and communities they serve.

Speakers

Cindy Rowe

Founder, Cindy Rowe, LLC

Cindy Rowe is an internationally recognized keynote speaker who helps organizations improve retention, engagement, and performance by turning culture into a measurable advantage.Named a Top 50 Women Speakers, Cindy brings a unique blend of real-world business experience and practical... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm CDT
Suite 103 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Leadership

2:45pm CDT

Executive Presence for All - PART 1

Wednesday October 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT

Suite 103 - Lower Level

Executive Presence for All focuses on the role presence plays in communicating competence and creating trust. It provides specific strategies for crafting a more confident and effective presence to meet the expectations of seniors, direct reports, peers, and customers/families.

Speakers

Sheila Neidert

Owner, SGN Professional Training

My greatest passion is helping people lead with confidence and purpose. I teach, coach, and mentor professionals and teams drawing on nearly two decades of experience across the the public and private sectors, including a decade with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). My career... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 2:45pm - 3:45pm CDT
Suite 103 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Leadership

4:00pm CDT

Everyone Wins, When We’re All on the Same Team! Nurturing family and community support for every student through Nested Civic Infrastructure

Wednesday October 21, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Suite 105 - Lower Level

Rochester Community Education, Cradle2Career, and public-school sites implement the Full-Service Community School strategy to strengthen communities. Rochester’s carefully nested strategic partnerships center children, families, and cultural communities by strengthening civic infrastructure and building new tables, stages, and even kitchens where everyone is essential to creating a Rochester where every student, family, and individual can thrive where they live.

identify reliable funding sources to increase resources and opportunities for everyone in your school-community
explore Minnesota’s Family and Community Engagement model to support schools
gather tangible examples of community-connected classroom learning, and out-of-school-time learning opportunities

Speakers

Jackie Blagsvedt

Family and Community Engagement Policy and Program Consultant, Minnesota Department of Education

Jackie Blagsvedt, she/her, MLIS, is an education policy and program consultant in the Minnesota Department of Education’s Office of Equity and Engagement in the Public Engagement Division. She is a white, single, working mom of two school-aged children and lives in St. Anthony Village... Read More →

Julie Ruzek

Executive Director, Cradle 2 Career

Julie Ruzek, M.Ed, Ed.S. is the Executive Director of the Cradle 2 Career in Rochester, MN. Cradle 2 Career is a community-wide initiative that works to improve educational outcomes for every child and young adult in Rochester by transforming the way partners work together. Julie... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Suite 105 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Leadership

4:00pm CDT

Executive Presence for All - PART 2

Wednesday October 21, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Suite 103 - Lower Level

Speakers

Sheila Neidert

Owner, SGN Professional Training

Wednesday October 21, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Suite 103 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Leadership

4:00pm CDT

From Moments to Movements: Unlocking the Storytelling Superstars on Your Staff

Wednesday October 21, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Suite 102 - Lower Level

There are great things happening in your programs, your events and your buildings every day — you just need a simple and easy way to capture and share them. Learn how the idea of "Positive Gossip" can empower your staff to recognize and share everyday moments that reflect the impact of your programs. You will come away with simple, practical strategies to turn those moments into authentic stories for social media, newsletters and beyond. Discover how a culture of shared storytelling can strengthen connections, build trust and amplify the value of your work across your community.

Speakers

John Casper

Communications Coordinator, Winona Area Public Schools

John Casper is the communications coordinator for Winona Area Public Schools and a former journalist who brings a practical, people-centered approach to school public relations. As a one-person communications department, he leads districtwide storytelling, family communications, media... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Suite 102 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Leadership

4:00pm CDT

Getting UnSTUCK: from Problem to Possibility

Wednesday October 21, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT

Suite 101 - Lower Level

Learn a simple, powerful method for getting “unstuck” in work or life through Solution Circles. In this collaborative session, participants follow a guided process to share challenges, spark rapid ideas, explore possibilities, and identify realistic next steps. Experience the impact of collective creativity, supportive accountability, and renewed momentum!

Practice a step-by-step facilitation method for helping yourself or others move from feeling stuck to identifying immediate, achievable actions.
Experience the impact of group creativity and positive accountability, gaining new insights and practical strategies for real-world challenges.

Speakers

Megan Hartman

Youth Programs Supervisor, Stillwater Community Education

Megan Hartman (she/her) is the Youth Programs Supervisor for Stillwater Area Public Schools, where she oversees school-age care programs and supports youth enrichment classes through Stillwater Community Education. Megan’s passion for working with young people began as a camp counselor... Read More →

Wednesday October 21, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm CDT
Suite 101 - Lower Level 30 Civic Center Dr SE, Rochester, MN 55904, USA

Leadership

11:15am CDT

11:15am CDT

1:30pm CDT

1:30pm CDT

2:45pm CDT

4:00pm CDT

4:00pm CDT

4:00pm CDT

4:00pm CDT

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