Events & Opportunities
Our mission is to provide and promote opportunities for the development of young nonprofit professionals, and events are a big part of achieving that goal! Find a range of events to meet your interests, and become a member now if you’d like to be updated about future programming.
May Member Meet-Up
Join us on May 28th at Urban Growler from 5-7 pm for a casual gathering to network, swap industry stories, and connect with like-minded young professionals. We look forward to seeing you there!
Date/Time: May 28th, 5:00 - 7:00pm
Location: Urban Growler (2325 Endicott Street, St. Paul). Free parking available.
Leadership Breakfast with Alissa Light
Looking to get to the next level in your nonprofit career? At YNPN Twin Cities' Leadership Breakfast series, nonprofit leaders will share with you exactly how they did it, what they learned and what they're looking for in a rising nonprofit leader.
Leadership Breakfast with Nonoko Sato
Looking to get to the next level in your nonprofit career? At YNPN Twin Cities' Leadership Breakfast series, nonprofit leaders will share with you exactly how they did it, what they learned and what they're looking for in a rising nonprofit leader.
February Member Meet-Up
Join us on February 13th at Utepils from 5-7 pm for a casual gathering to network, swap industry stories, and show some love for like-minded young professionals.
CCF Principles to Practice: Redefining Major Giving
If you’re wondering what Community Centric Fundraising (CCF) principles are and if you can raise enough money when you apply them, this session is for you. If you feel like you’re forced to choose between fundraising that feels right and fundraising that works, this session is for you.
Community Centric Fundraising is a movement of people practicing fundraising rooted in racial equity and social justice. Staiger|Vitelli and Associates founders Laura Vitelli and Sarah Staiger have been learning in this movement since 2017 and will offer an overview of the CCF principles and how they compare to traditional donor-centered fundraising principles. You’ll also receive an introduction to Values-Based Major Gifts, the system Sarah and Laura have used to raise more money in less time by applying Community Centric Fundraising principles to 1:1 fundraising. It’s major giving redefined, and you’ll leave with actionable tips you can put in practice right away.
YNPN events are free to attend! Register here.
December Member Meet-Up
Join us on December 13th at Dual Citizen Brewing from 5-7 pm for a casual gathering to network, swap industry stories, and meet some like-minded young professionals. It is ugly sweater optional! So, feel free to come wearing your worst (aka best) seasonal attire. We will also be raffling off a $25 gift certificate to a local, BIPOC-owned business to one lucky attendee. We look forward to seeing you there!
Date/Time: December 13th, 5:00 - 7:00pm
Location: Dual Citizen Brewing (725 Raymond Ave, St. Paul). Free parking available.
Register here: https://givebutter.com/h2skGc
Pathways to Nonprofit Leadership: Navigating Your Journey with Purpose
Join us for this virtual event with Kate King, a seasoned nonprofit professional with a winding career path and the Executive Director of Feline Rescue, for an inspiring presentation on navigating your career within the nonprofit sector.
Unsure how to translate your diverse background into the world of social change? Kate's presentation is tailor-made for individuals of all walks of life and backgrounds!
In this engaging session, you will:
Explore the nonprofit landscape
Uncover the path to nonprofit leadership
Acquire essential skills and qualities
Identify experiences and opportunities
Overcome common challenges
Leadership Breakfast with Lamah Bility
YNPN Leadership Breakfast with Lamah Bility
Looking to get to the next level in your nonprofit career? At YNPN Twin Cities' Leadership Breakfast series, nonprofit leaders will share with you exactly how they did it, what they learned and what they're looking for in a rising nonprofit leader.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/yfwkb4jh
About Lamah Bility:
Lamah Bility is an immigrant from Liberia, migrating to the United States at the age of 10. He is an entrepreneur, community leader, and the cofounder of Didomi, a reusable water bottle company that provides clean, safe water to those that need it most. He is also the Club Alumni & Youth Advocacy Manager at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.
YNPN September Social
Join us on September 29th at Utepils Brewing at 5-7 pm for a relaxing casual gathering to network, swap industry stories, and an opportunity to gain a new perspective or meet a new friend. We look forward to seeing you there!
Behind the CRM: Nonprofit Fundraisers Happy Hour
Calling all Twin Cities fundraisers! Join YNPN for a dedicated happy hour for fundraisers. We’ll network, discuss our favorite acronyms, and more. We hope to see you there.
Date/Time: July 18, 4:30-6:30 pm
Location: Number 12 Cider (614 N 5th St, Minneapolis, MN 55401)
RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/mr9uz9dz
Beat the System: Be a Student Loan Champ
Student loans can be daunting but with the right information, you can become a student loan champ and make consistent progress in reducing and eventually eliminating your loans. During this session you'll learn about:
Complex government student loan programs and payment plan options.
Different types of rules for different loans.
Loan forgiveness programs, including the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
Register for in person here: https://tinyurl.com/57tvezx8
Register for virtual here: https://tinyurl.com/bdzdj5d9
About LSS Financial Counseling:
At LSS Financial Counseling, we equip people to take control of their finances with tangible steps and personal guidance that are the key to confidence and success. Our goal is to provide helpful, nonjudgmental support to assist you on your journey to financial wellness. We believe people can overcome debt, build assets and achieve financial wellness.
About Our Speaker:
Kim Miller was drawn to LSS Financial Counseling in 2004 because of her passion for financial education and helping people manage their budgets. She graduated from Bethel University with a B.A. in business and finance. In her years as a financial counselor, Kim has worked for various non-profit agencies in different parts of the United States. She has listened to and worked with many wonderful people of all different backgrounds as they figured out their next steps to move their financial life forward.
Kim rejoined LSS Financial Counseling in 2020 after returning to Minnesota. As a Partner Relations Specialist, she enjoys working with our faith-based Financial Choice partners and local community-based financial institutions. Her goal is to provide financial wellness encouragement in a holistic manner.
When she lived in other states, Kim volunteered her time at summer camps for children and worked full time for a few years as a youth coordinator.
·This is a hybrid event! We will be hosting a virtual component over Zoom and an in-person component at the Carondelet Center in St. Paul. Please RSVP for whichever one you would like to attend at the relevant link above.
Leadership Breakfast with Alison Brown
Looking to get to the next level in your nonprofit career? At YNPN Twin Cities' Leadership Breakfast series, nonprofit leaders will share with you exactly how they did it, what they learned and what they're looking for in a rising nonprofit leader.
YNPN Social
Join us for our next member meet-up!
Come and gather with fellow Twin Cities nonprofit friends at The Trailhead (1221 Theodore Wirth Pkwy Minneapolis MN 55422). This is a low-key gathering to network, swap industry stories, and an opportunity to gain a new perspective or meet a new friend. We look forward to seeing you there!
How to find YNPN: we will be posted up in the space with a sign that says "YNPN" so you will know who your people are!
Leading Change and Prioritizing Care
Want to make a change within the workspace and your community but worried about overextending? Then RSVP to explore core concepts to establish and lead change with Anil Hurkadli on March 28, from 6-7pm virtually or in person! At this FREE opportunity, review how to establish a shared purpose with your coworkers and your community, and navigate adaptive leadership, liberatory consciousness, the 4 'I's of oppression, and forms of power.
About Anil
Anil Hurkadli (he/him/his) considers it his life's work to ensure people are equipped with the knowledge, skills, mindsets, and relationships necessary to thrive. Anil has had the privilege of doing that work across multiple sectors throughout his career and sees his commitment to educational, economic, and racial equity as deeply rooted in his family's immigration story.
Throughout his career, he has advised mayors, nonprofit leaders, corporate executives, and superintendents on how to achieve equity for their stakeholders. Prior to joining the Foundation, Anil applied his experience to national change efforts through the Aspen Institute’s Criminal Justice Reform Initiative and the Asian American and Pacific Islander Civic Engagement Fund. He was also a lecturer on the topics of management and leadership at the University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
Anil first joined the philanthropy sector as the Learning and Strategy Officer for the Thrivent Foundation, where he was responsible for ensuring equity in every foundation policy and practice led to equity in its strategic outcome areas of family-sustaining employment and financial health. Prior to that, Anil served as the executive director for Teach For America in Minnesota and the interim executive director for Minneapolis Public Schools’ Office of New Schools.
Anil has degrees from Northwestern University, the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management, and Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. He is a passionate advocate for students and works to improve opportunities for young people as a research fellow for the Kennedy School's Institutional Antiracism and Accountability Project and board member for the Coalition of Asian American Leaders, New Vision Foundation, World Savvy, and Achieve Twin Cities.
This is a hybrid event! We will be hosting a virtual component over Zoom and an in-person component at the Carondelet Center in St. Paul. Please RSVP for whichever one you would like to attend at the relevant link below.
October Member Meetup
Join us for another YNPN-TC member meetup! We will gather at La Dona Cerveceria on October 12 from 4:30-6:30p. Come on by to meet other young nonprofit professionals and have a great time!
The next day, we will also have space to meet at the MCN Fundraising Conference networking event. If you’re planning on going, just look for our sign!
Career Barriers & Boosters
What propels you toward your full career potential and what's getting in the way? Examine internal & external boosters & barriers. Get clear on what feeds and shrinks each of them. Create tactics to challenge or engage any of them when needed!
August Member Meet Up
Please join us for our summer member meetup on August 10th at Sociable Cider Werks!
Bring a friend and get to know your fellow young nonprofit professionals and YNPN board members at this casual networking event.
Building an Inclusive Workplace & Community
Dr. Artika R. Tyner will provide a pathway for young leaders to effect change through reflecting on and grappling with unconscious and implicit biases, encouraging honest discussions, and taking action to change organizational behavior for the better. She will introduce a practical framework for building the essential leadership competencies rooted in the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Competence in these areas manifests in healthy workplace relations, peak optimized performance, positive morale, and the betterment of society. Her Leadership Framework for Action™ provides four stages of learning:
Intrapersonal (engaging in self-discovery)
Interpersonal (building an authentic relationship with others)
Organizational (establishing strategic outcomes and promoting equity)
Societal (developing sustainable, durable solutions)
As you embark on a learning journey within each of these stages, you are making a commitment to serve as a leader who will make a difference in the world. The training will give you the tools to reimagine yourself as an innovator, builder, and change agent.
Dr. Artika R. Tyner is a passionate educator, award-winning author, sought after speaker, and advocate for justice. At the University of St. Thomas, Dr. Tyner serves as the founding director of the Center on Race, Leadership and Social Justice. She is committed to training students to serve as social engineers who create new inroads to justice and freedom.
Dr. Tyner received her B.A. from Hamline University (Major: English; Certificate: Conflict Studies). Due to her passion for advocating for social justice and educational policy reform, she decided to pursue graduate studies at the University of St. Thomas. She began her journey with law school since she recognized that the law is a language of power and therefore she sought to become well versed in the law.
Subsequently, Dr. Tyner earned a Master of Public Policy and Leadership in order to gain tools for effecting social change through policy reform efforts. Later, inspired by the legacy of W.E.B. Dubois, she obtained a Doctorate in Leadership. Her doctoral studies provided her with key tools for serving in her community and promoting social justice.
Thresholds of Change Event Info
Event Description:
This is a two part event! By RSVPing for this event, you will be signing up for both sessions.
Session 1: May 18, 5:30 – 7:30pm
Session 2: June 8, 5:30 – 7:30pm
The mission of the Threshold of Change Learning Experience is to create and foster a supportive atmosphere that embraces the benefits of vulnerability in the face of inevitable change. During this interactive, culturally responsive two-part training, participants will learn how to:
• Analyze and apply the stages of organizational change to personal career experiences.
• Reflect on personal reactions to organizational change.
• Create a sustainable action plan in response to the stages of organizational change.
• Develop individual performance
• Nurture innovation
• Create equitable spaces
This training will help to make the biggest of transitions to the smallest of changes seamless for you and your organization.
About Adrianne Gould:
Adrianne Gould has dedicated her life and work to being what she calls a “proponent of culture.” Born in Atlanta, Georgia to two Liberian-born parents, she embodies the true historical definition of “African-American” in a particularly resonant way as a first-generation American with Liberian roots. Growing up in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, Adrianne eventually stepped into her life’s calling of community education through working in the home health industry. The mother of one child, Princeton, Adrianne’s work at the Cultural Wellness Center of Minneapolis as an information and data coordinator exemplifies her special gifts for optimizing health care service by emphasizing the dissemination of information into knowledge and empowerment. Gould founded Msaada, LLC (which means “support” in Swahili) as a conduit for small home-health businesses to build a culture of success and compliance. Msaada’s primary strength is “making it plain”––breaking down the “language barriers” between cultures, building bridges between seemingly disparate entities, and embodying a ministry of sharing information to seamlessly forge those often-difficult cultural connections.
Addressing Conflict at Work – When Midwest Niceness Isn’t Enough
A necessary part of maintaining productive working relationships with coworkers and external stakeholders is knowing how to address conflict in the workplace. But addressing conflict is hard! Throw in the extra factor of workplace power dynamics and sadly small conflicts can quickly balloon into major issues if those involved are unaware, unwilling, or unable to engage. But by understanding what strategy you (or those you work with) normally take to approach conflict and how to navigate high emotion conflicts, workplace conflicts can feel less scary. All are welcome to this conversation to discuss challenges and best practices related to addressing workplace conflict.
Lisa Misch is the Director of Farmer Outreach and Technical Assistance at the Rural Advancement Foundation International-USA (RAFI-USA). She works remotely for the North Carolina organization whose mission is to challenge the root causes of unjust food systems, supporting and advocating for economically, racially, and ecologically just farm communities. Prior to joining RAFI-USA, Lisa served as the AmeriCorps VISTA Volunteer at the College of Menominee Nation in Keshena, WI. She holds a B.A. in Environmental Studies from St. Olaf College.
Nonprofit Jargon We Love to Hate: Authentic Communication in the Workplace
Tired of "deep dives," "circling back," and "touching base"? How can we communicate effectively and stay grounded, without an overreliance on professional jargon? Bring your biggest workplace language pet peeves, and join as we discuss how the language we use might create barriers to authentic connection and effective changemaking.
Brittany Deleon-Buckley, Meg Reid, Courtney Castleberry, and Amy Yoelin are members of YNPN Twin Cities' Membership Committee.
Brittany is a passionate curator of creating spaces where people feel like they belong by encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusion and is Senior Human Resources Generalist at Project for Pride in Living.
Meg is an MBA candidate at the Carlson School of Management with a passion for building effective and sustainable social impact organizations.
Courtney is a Twin Cities nonprofit professional passionate about education, equity, and dogs, and works as the Program Manager at createMPLS, a hands-on STEM and technology education organization.
Amy hails from Colorado, has most recently worked at Bet Shalom Congregation and Great River Greening, doing fundraising, communications, and copious amounts of CRM work, and also serves as one of YNPN-TC's Development Managers.
Where Do I Belong?: Working Across Sectors
As the lines blur between sectors, complicated feelings can arise. Whether you work for a nonprofit that feels almost “corporate”, a business that feels very nonprofity but (obviously) isn’t, the public sector, or anything in between, we’ll discuss our work identities and why you might sometimes feel like you don’t belong. Come and meet with others working to come to grips with their work identities. No conversation is off the table as we create this space to learn and grow together.
This Cafe Conversation will be led by Rob Muschler. Rob is an Associate at HMA Community Strategies, a consulting company that specializes in strategy development, capacity building, and evaluation for nonprofit and public sector organizations. He received his Masters of Public Administration from the University of Southern California and holds an undergraduate degree from St. Cloud State University. Rob is an avid cyclist/runner as well as a former board member of YNPN Los Angeles.
The Well-Being Effect
Many leaders in organizations across all industries understand the impact of health and wellness on their employee well-being and performance. Some researchers suggest that for many individuals, a positive workplace experience is the most essential and fundamental component of a happy and fulfilled life. There is data to suggest that by incorporating well-being practices into the workplace, organizations will benefit by better performance from the employee and the organization at large
This Cafe Conversation will be facilitated by Kristin Jonason. Kristin specializes in the area of Positive Psychology, the scientific study of well-being and human flourishing. She aims to integrate elements, research, and interventions from Positive Psychology into all our client engagements to increase their individual and organizational well-being. Kristin is an adventurous person who loves trying new things and is not afraid to stretch herself in out-of-the-box situations. Prior to joining the Prouty Project in 2016, Kristin spent two years in marketing and several years at a YMCA camp, eventually becoming Assistant Director. Kristin has her Masters in Applied Positive Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. in psychology from DePauw University. Kristin is a Licensed Practitioner of Insights Discovery.
Self Care in Times of a Global Pandemic
As an individual self care has been hard for me and I want to do better. I want to take care of myself and others too. Self care is a necessity for individuals and as communities we need self care to feel better from the global pandemic. This session will focus on discussions about why self care got harder in the pandemic and what can be done to get better. Self Care is self healing and healing is necessary. Working from home is a bit hard because people are isolated and not leaving their houses.
Oluwatobi Oluwagbemi sees herself as a brilliant light in every space. She loves community and making sure that people are seen and heard. Oluwatobi is known as Olu in the Twin Cities. She is a member of the Urban League Twin Cities Young Professionals and is also a board member for Young Nonprofits Professionals Network. She is a writer and advocate for young girls and women. Oluwatobi used to be on the Young Women's Cabinet appointed by Governor Mark Dayton. Oluwatobi is on a mission to drive agendas forward for young people in the Twin Cities and In Minnesota in general. She attended St. Cloud State University where she studied political science, international relations and Women Studies. Oluwatobi loves to try new food and she loves to dance. You can reach out to Oluwatobi with opportunities that are focused on making sure there is black women's representation in politics. Oluwatobi has worked for the state and campaigns in the past.
Let's Talk Fundraising
The fundraising profession and the way we fundraise continues to change. Let's discuss new trends, fundraising resources, and the burning questions you have from work. This is a great way to meet others working in fundraising and to get advice on fundraising topics.
Alyssa Whalon works at the Science Museum of Minnesota as a Mid-Level Giving Specialist. In this role she leads engagement strategies for mid-level donors and builds relationships with new and current donors. Previously, she worked as Engagement Strategist at YWCA Minneapolis. She is a board member for YNPN-TC and is co-chair for the Programming Committee. Alyssa is originally from Kansas City, MO and has a cat named Darwin. In her free time enjoys DIY projects, listening to music and watching HGTV.
Virtual Leadership Breakfast with Quentin Moore
About the Leadership Breakfast Series:
Looking to get to the next level in your nonprofit career? At YNPN Twin Cities' Leadership Breakfast series, nonprofit leaders will share with you exactly how they did it, what they learned and what they're looking for in a rising nonprofit leader.
A little bit about Quentin Moore, Vice President of Advancement at Ascension Catholic Academy:
From the Penumbra Theater in St. Paul, where he developed his fundraising expertise, to his time with the YMCA of the North, to serving as the Director of Development at Project for Pride in Living, Quentin Moore has spent close to a decade in the non-profit sector driving fundraising results for organizations. Hailing from North Minneapolis, Quentin and his two younger siblings all graduated from Ascension Catholic School and then attended and graduated from DeLaSalle High School.
He crossed the Mississippi River to get his degree from the University of Saint Thomas. With the exception of being with his family, his lovely wife Janae and new baby Charlotte, Quentin loves nothing more than spending his day developing fundraising strategies and working with volunteers and major donors on meaningful gifts that fulfill their personal values and meet their philanthropic goals. He currently serves on the board of Association of Fundraising Professionals – (AFP-MN) and is the Vice-President of its Resource Development Committee. He also serves as a Vice-Chair for the Aquatennial Ambassador Organization, and he serves as a mentor with SAFEMN. Quentin spent the last two and a half years serving on the Ascension Catholic Academy board of directors and its Advancement Committee before beginning his tenure as Vice President of Advancement for the organization.
What you need to know:
The virtual leadership breakfast will be held through Zoom, confirmed guests will receive meeting link from facilitator.
Virtual Leadership Breakfast with Andrea Satter
About the Leadership Breakfast Series:
Looking to get to the next level in your nonprofit career? At YNPN Twin Cities' Leadership Breakfast series, nonprofit leaders will share with you exactly how they did it, what they learned and what they're looking for in a rising nonprofit leader.
A little bit about Andrea Satter, MN Executive Director at World Savvy:
Andrea Satter is the Minnesota Executive Director for World Savvy where she oversees the organization’s growth strategy in the Minnesota region, expanding program and fundraising partnerships, and collaborates with the rest of World Savvy’s Leadership Team to drive organizational strategy, reach collective goals and build a values-based culture. Prior to joining World Savvy, Andrea served as the Director of Development at the American Craft Council.
With two decades of experience in relationship management, sales, recruiting, and fundraising, Andrea’s strengths lie in strategic outreach, relationship building, and establishing partnerships in the business community. She is a successful project leader, facilitator, trainer, public speaker, event planner, and community collaborator with diverse audiences. Andrea’s commitment to equity and inclusion lead to deepened opportunity for building long-term connections.
What you need to know:
The virtual leadership breakfast will be held through Zoom, confirmed guests will receive meeting link from facilitator.
August Member Meet-up: Picnic & Lawn Games!
Join us for afternoon snacks and lawn games... in person at the picnic shelter at Hidden Falls Park! Giant Jenga, cornhole, lawn golf? Swing by and find out!
Sign up here: https://bit.ly/3AFaCdg
Virtual Leadership Breakfast with Erikka Ryan
About the Leadership Breakfast Series:
Looking to get to the next level in your nonprofit career? At YNPN Twin Cities' Leadership Breakfast series, nonprofit leaders will share with you exactly how they did it, what they learned and what they're looking for in a rising nonprofit leader.
A little bit about Erikka Ryan, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Minnesota State, Ramsey County and Hennepin County Bar Associations:
Erikka Ryan is a proud double graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato, most recently where she earned her master's degree in Counseling and Education 2019. Her main education, research, career, and citizen focuses have been closing education and career gaps with historically marginalized groups and advancing racial equity through holistic and intentional support. Erikka has worked as a TRIO Upward Bound advisor with Dakota County Technical College, doing 1:1 personal and career coaching for low-income, students of color, and recently became Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Minnesota State, Ramsey County, and Hennepin County Bar Associations in January, where she is supporting equity efforts in the Minnesota legal communities.
Erikka and her husband recently bought their first home in North Minneapolis and love exploring and supporting small restaurants, businesses, and coffee shops throughout the metro in their free time.
What you need to know:
The virtual leadership breakfast will be held through Zoom, confirmed guests will receive meeting link from facilitator.