We are beyond excited to welcome Margaret Mitchell, the dynamic CEO of YWCA USA, as the keynote speaker for the 2024 Women's Leadership Conference in Mankato!

Margaret is a visionary leader with a proven track record of creating impactful strategies and fostering growth within organizations. As the CEO of YWCA USA, she has prioritized empowering Local YWCA Associations by promoting resource sharing, providing tailored development opportunities, and addressing the unique needs of diverse communities across the country. Before her national role, Margaret made significant strides as the President & CEO of YWCA Greater Cleveland, where she led efforts to declare racism a public health crisis and transformed services for women and children experiencing homelessness.

This year's conference theme is inspired by Margaret's own powerful words: 'Now, more than ever, we need every voice raised and every person engaged to build the movement that will finally deliver on the promise of equality for all.' Her leadership and dedication to equity make her the perfect speaker to inspire us as we come together to lead the way for a more just and inclusive future.

Claire Wilson has served as Executive Director of the Loppet Foundation since December of 2020.  The Loppet Foundation lives out it's mission of connecting people to the outdoors through experiences that grow community by centering equity in all of it's  year-round events and programming. Prior to serving as Executive Director at the Loppet, Claire spent over 20 years in leadership roles within state government and various non-profits. This included serving as the Deputy Commissioner of Policy at the Minnesota Department of Human Services where she oversaw many of the state's major policies  to support Minnesotans health and wellbeing. She was  excited to spearhead the effort to bring the first cross-country skiing world cup in 20 years to US soil in February 2024 and loves cross-country skiing, playing outside and supporting other women in their professional adventures and leadership journeys.