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Friday, November 15
 

8:15am CST

Registration
Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:30am CST
Wilder Foundation - Rondo Dining Room
2024.ConnectUP.Mini Summit Program pdf
Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:30am CST
Wilder Foundation - Rondo Dining Room 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA

8:15am CST

Breakfast
Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:30am CST
Wilder Foundation - Rondo Dining Room
Enjoy a delicious breakfast by ConnectUP! Alum, Melanie C. Lewis and Perfect Piece Sweets Co.

MENU
- Sweet Potato Sour Cream Coffee Cake
- Gluten-Free Muffins
- Vegan Pop Tarts
- Buttered Croissants
- Fresh Fruit
- Coffee
- Water
- Juice
Friday November 15, 2024 8:15am - 9:30am CST
Wilder Foundation - Rondo Dining Room 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
  Break/Meal

9:00am CST

Welcome + Opening Remarks
Friday November 15, 2024 9:00am - 9:20am CST
Wilder Foundation - Combined Auditorium A/B
Feedback Survey
Speakers
avatar for Y. Elaine Rasmussen

Y. Elaine Rasmussen

Founder/CEO, ConnectUP! Institute
Driven by the mission to mainstream impact investing and democratizing access to capital Y. Elaine Rasmussen founded ConnectUP! Institute. Grounded in her work as a mediator, a communications and finance professional, Rasmussen has extensive experience in building transformational... Read More →
avatar for Taj Ruler

Taj Ruler

Emcee
Hello! My name is Taj Ruler. My friends have described me as being curious, strangers have told me I'm hilarious, and Beyonce has told me I'm flawless.I have been a freelance artist for the past twelve years. You may have seen me perform at The Brave New workshop in Minneapolis or... Read More →
Friday November 15, 2024 9:00am - 9:20am CST
Wilder Foundation - Combined Auditorium A/B 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA

9:20am CST

Why A.I. Panel
Friday November 15, 2024 9:20am - 9:50am CST
Wilder Foundation - Combined Auditorium A/B
Feedback Survey
Join Y. Elaine Rasmussen, Jasmine Russell, and La Juana Whitmore in a dynamic panel as they explore how A.I. is revolutionizing small businesses. Discover why embracing A.I. is crucial for staying competitive in today's market, and learn about the potential risks of falling behind if you don’t adapt.  
Speakers
avatar for Jasmine Russell

Jasmine Russell

CEO/Co-Founder, Monicat Data
Creative. Writer. Entrepreneur. M.B.A, Kelley School of Business, Marketing, Indiana University. B.A., Psychology, Purdue University.Co-founder and CEO of Monicat Data “The Business Behind Creativity”. She holds 13 years of strategic and creative expertise within: R&D, mark... Read More →
avatar for Y. Elaine Rasmussen

Y. Elaine Rasmussen

Founder/CEO, ConnectUP! Institute
Driven by the mission to mainstream impact investing and democratizing access to capital Y. Elaine Rasmussen founded ConnectUP! Institute. Grounded in her work as a mediator, a communications and finance professional, Rasmussen has extensive experience in building transformational... Read More →
avatar for La Juana Whitmore

La Juana Whitmore

Business Strategist, La Juana Whitmore Consulting
La Juana is a Business Strategist and Accredited Small Business Consultant® who is passionate about helping businesses launch and grow! In addition to a 19-year career with Target in business analysis, architecture, and strategy consulting, she has advised hundreds of small firms... Read More →
Friday November 15, 2024 9:20am - 9:50am CST
Wilder Foundation - Combined Auditorium A/B 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
  Panel

10:00am CST

Leveling the Playing Field: How Gen A.I. Empowers Small Businesses to Innovate Like the Big Corporations
Friday November 15, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Wilder Foundation - Frogtown Room
Feedback Survey
In this session, we'll explore how recent developments in generative A.I. are democratizing innovation, enabling solo entrepreneurs and small businesses to implement industry-leading practices that were once out of reach due to resource limitations. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, this session will equip you with tips on how to innovate like the big corporate players and high-growth startups while maintaining your unique small business edge.
Speakers
avatar for Justin Kaster

Justin Kaster

Co-Founder, FutureNorth
Justin is a seasoned innovator and advisor with over 25 years of experience driving growth across corporate, startup, and investment landscapes. His passion lies in developing new products, businesses, and experiences that positively impact people's lives. Throughout his career, Justin... Read More →
Friday November 15, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Wilder Foundation - Frogtown Room 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
  Session

10:00am CST

Reclaim Your Time With A.I.
Friday November 15, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Wilder Foundation - Auditorium C
Feedback Survey
Are you a small business owner or entrepreneur juggling too many tasks with limited resources? This session is designed just for you! "Reclaim Your Time with AI" will explore how AI can be your secret weapon to streamline operations and amplify your impact. Discover practical ways to freshen up your brand messaging, save time on email management, develop new programs, and conduct research to stay ahead of the curve. Whether you're new to AI or looking to maximize its potential, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to optimize your time and elevate your business growth.
Speakers
avatar for Angel Even

Angel Even

CEO/Founder, Led by TRUTH
Angel Even is the Founder & CEO of Led by TRUTH, an organization that sprouted from an idea where diversity is celebrated, amplified, felt & seen by creating a cocoon of melanated support for Founders to be mentored by those who reflect their lived experience. By being focused on... Read More →
HANDOUT Reclaim Your Time with AI pdf
PRESENTATION Reclaim Your Time With A.I. pdf
Friday November 15, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Wilder Foundation - Auditorium C 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
  Session

10:00am CST

Uncapping A.I. in the Beverage & CPG Industries
Friday November 15, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Wilder Foundation - Combined Auditorium A/B
Feedback Survey
Join Vee Washington, CEO of Vanlice Lemonade, for an engaging and insightful look into how AI is transforming both the beverage and CPG industries—and how its influence extends well beyond business. Vee will share real-world strategies for integrating AI to optimize product development, streamline supply chains, and personalize marketing, all of which have been key to scaling his premium lemonade brand. But it doesn’t stop there—AI is just as powerful in our daily lives.
This session will also explore how AI can be used at home, whether it’s generating creative meal ideas for your family, managing your busy schedule, or even preserving treasured recipes. Whether you’re a business owner aiming to stay competitive or someone looking for practical ways to simplify everyday tasks, this session will provide you with actionable insights to harness AI for success in both work and life. Learn how AI can help you not only grow your business but also make life at home easier and more enjoyable.
Speakers
avatar for Vee Washington

Vee Washington

Founder & CEO, Vanlice Lemonade
Vee Washington is the visionary founder and CEO of Vanlice Lemonade, a company known for crafting the world’s best premium lemonade. Under Vee’s leadership, Vanlice Lemonade has become a pioneer in using AI to not only grow the business but also revolutionize the beverage industry... Read More →
Friday November 15, 2024 10:00am - 11:00am CST
Wilder Foundation - Combined Auditorium A/B 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
  Session

11:00am CST

Snack Break
Friday November 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:15am CST
Wilder Foundation - Rondo Dining Room
Charcuterie catered by The Fig and Beyond.
Friday November 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:15am CST
Wilder Foundation - Rondo Dining Room 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
  Break/Meal

11:15am CST

A.I. Essentials for Small Business Fundraising and Grant Writing
Friday November 15, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Auditorium C
Feedback Survey
Small business owners wear ALL the hats. We are not just busy, we are BUSY. And when it comes to fundraising, we don’t have time to waste. This presentation will upskill you in using A.I. tools to get a jump start on fundraising and grant writing–so you can get back to doing what you love–building your business.
Speakers
avatar for Joanna Drew

Joanna Drew

Founder, Hilo Consulting
Joanna Drew is an independent fundraising consultant with ten years of experience. Working to increase the fundraising capacity of US-based nonprofits, international NGOs, and community-led projects, she manages all facets of the fundraising process. Her fundraising work includes... Read More →
Friday November 15, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Auditorium C 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
  Session

11:15am CST

Optimizing Workflow Efficiency with A.I.: Transforming Manufacturing and Other Industries
Friday November 15, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Frogtown Room
Feedback Survey
In this session, we’ll explore how A.I., particularly computer vision and generative A.I., are revolutionizing businesses across industries. We’ll dive into real-world examples of how AI is improving manufacturing processes, reducing costs, and boosting productivity. You’ll learn how A.I.-powered tools can automate tasks, improve decision-making, and drive innovation in your company. Whether you're a business leader or a tech enthusiast, this session will showcase practical ways that CDS Vision is helping businesses integrate AI solutions to stay competitive and prepared for the future.
Speakers
avatar for Dhatri Chennavajula

Dhatri Chennavajula

CEO/Founder, CDS Vision
Dhatri Chennavajula is the CEO and Founder of CDS Vision, a company focused on driving innovation through cutting-edge AI solutions. With over 6 years of experience in computer vision, machine learning, and generative AI, and 9 years of experience in software engineering and development... Read More →
CDS Vision Flyer pdf
Friday November 15, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Frogtown Room 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
  Session

11:15am CST

PR and A.I.
Friday November 15, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Combined Auditorium A/B
Feedback Survey
Curious how AI can make PR a breeze? Join Maggie Winter from MK Consulting for a beginner-friendly session to learn how A.I. can help you whip up story ideas, write copy, craft media pitches, and even tackle your social media. No tech know-how required—just come ready to see how A.I. can lighten the load as your PR assistant!  
Speakers
avatar for Maggie Winter

Maggie Winter

Owner, MK Consulting
Maggie works with a wide range of small businesses. Since 2020, the owner of MK Consulting, Maggie Winter, has made it her mission to focus on businesses that are owned by black, Indigenous, and people of color, assisting them in their PR strategy to get noticed and increase their... Read More →
PR with AI Prepared By Maggie Winter pdf
Friday November 15, 2024 11:15am - 12:15pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Combined Auditorium A/B 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
  Session

12:00pm CST

Lunch
Friday November 15, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Rondo Dining Room
Lunch catered by Trickster Tacos.
Friday November 15, 2024 12:00pm - 1:00pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Rondo Dining Room 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
  Break/Meal

12:15pm CST

Keynote Address: Evolving a Service-Based Business with Artificial Intelligence
Friday November 15, 2024 12:15pm - 12:45pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Combined Auditorium A/B
Feedback Survey
Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) is rapidly transforming the landscape of service-based industries, from healthcare and finance to customer service and retail. In this keynote, LaKisha Greenwade will explore how A.I. can revolutionize operational efficiency, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new business opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable insights on leveraging A.I. for automating tasks, personalizing services, and making data-driven decisions. This session is essential for business leaders looking to stay competitive in an A.I.-driven future.
Join us to discover how A.I. can catalyze innovation and growth in your service-based business!
Speakers
avatar for LaKisha Greenwade

LaKisha Greenwade

Founder, Wearable Tech Ventures
LaKisha Greenwade is a global innovation leader best known as the Founder and CEO of Wearable Tech Ventures, an ecosystem dedicated to the development and promotion of wearable technology with a focus on nontraditional founders. In addition, she is the Senior Coach at Lucki Fit coaching... Read More →
Friday November 15, 2024 12:15pm - 12:45pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Combined Auditorium A/B 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
  Keynote

1:00pm CST

Table Talks
Friday November 15, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Rondo Dining Room
Feedback Survey
Attendees can get the conversation started by proposing a topic on a table card or jumping into an existing discussion on a subject that sparks their interest. It’s a casual, engaging space to share ideas and explore new perspectives in a relaxed setting.
Friday November 15, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Rondo Dining Room 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
  Open Discussion

1:00pm CST

Legal, Ethical, and Practical Use of Artificial Intelligence Tools for Entrepreneurs
Friday November 15, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Combined Auditorium A/B
Feedback Survey
This session will equip you with the knowledge and practical skills to leverage A.I. in your business, making ethical decisions while maximizing your business potential with AI tools. The session will delve into practical, hands-on demonstrations of A.I. tools tailored to entrepreneurs, providing actionable insights and real-time applications to enhance business operations.  
Speakers
avatar for Julie Rea

Julie Rea

Associate General Counsel Privacy, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence, Allianz Life
Julie is a corporate and regulatory compliance attorney with a specialization in global data privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and risk management who advises on the intersection between law and cutting-edge technology. In her role advising on data privacy, cybersecurity... Read More →
avatar for Brian Owusu Mensah

Brian Owusu Mensah

Allianz Life
Brian Owusu Mensah has been with Allianz Life for 13 years in various roles. He is currently a compliance specialist on the Privacy Operations team. Brian leverages his deep institutional knowledge and relationships and is a valued utility player who creates operational reporting... Read More →
Ethical and Practical AI Session Materials pdf
ConnectUP A.I. Mini Summit Presentation pdf
Friday November 15, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Combined Auditorium A/B 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
  Session

1:00pm CST

Solopreneur's Guide To Having An A.I. Team
Friday November 15, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Frogtown Room
Feedback Survey
What if A.I. could wear some of your many business hats? From content creation to customer service, discover how A.I. can work FOR your business that amplifies — not replaces — your unique voice. Ideal for solopreneurs ready to make MORE impact (while working LESS hours). Join Dianne Shelton of Passion Breakthrough for an engaging session to train your own A.I.-powered team.
Speakers
avatar for Dianne Shelton

Dianne Shelton

Business Coach & Systems Strategist, Founder, Passion Breakthrough
Dianne Shelton is the founder of Passion Breakthrough. She is passionate about sharing her journey to adapt in order to achieve more success, like moving halfway across the globe from the Philippines to Minnesota, breaking glass ceilings, and growing her own business to best serve... Read More →
AI Powered Team Worksheet Created with Love by @PassionBreakthrough pdf
AI Powered Team for Solopreneurs 2024 @PassionBreakthrough pdf
Friday November 15, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Frogtown Room 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
  Session

1:00pm CST

Using A.I. To Get Capital Ready
Friday November 15, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Auditorium C
Feedback Survey
In this session, we will focus on how to harness AI tools to get your small business capital ready. We'll discuss the due diligence of capital readiness; what it entails, how long it takes, and why it's crucial for your access to capital. You'll also learn to identify the gaps in your business that require your focus to successfully navigate the due diligence process and how you can leverage AI tools to close the gaps.
Speakers
avatar for Y. Elaine Rasmussen

Y. Elaine Rasmussen

Founder/CEO, ConnectUP! Institute
Driven by the mission to mainstream impact investing and democratizing access to capital Y. Elaine Rasmussen founded ConnectUP! Institute. Grounded in her work as a mediator, a communications and finance professional, Rasmussen has extensive experience in building transformational... Read More →
Friday November 15, 2024 1:00pm - 2:30pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Auditorium C 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
  Session

2:45pm CST

Keynote Address: Your A.I. Mindset
Friday November 15, 2024 2:45pm - 3:15pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Combined Auditorium A/B
Feedback Survey
Since the whirlwind following the launch of ChatGPT and the accelerated release of competitor platforms like Gemini, Copilot, and Claude, almost every sector has been inundated with tools and tips for making the most of this growing array of technologies. Even though small businesses and nonprofits are in an excellent position to get outsized value from these platforms, many will not reach such gains due to an unexpected pitfall: failing to adopt the working mindset and management style needed to see A.I. for the game-changing helper that it can be.
Speakers
avatar for Taqee Khaled

Taqee Khaled

Co-Founder/COO, Imagine Deliver
Taqee Khaled is the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Imagine Deliver, an award-winning Twin Cities-based strategy, insights, and design firm focused on rebuilding a world for everyone. With over 20 years of experience across healthcare, technology, philanthropy, and public... Read More →
Friday November 15, 2024 2:45pm - 3:15pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Combined Auditorium A/B 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
  Keynote

3:15pm CST

Closing Remarks
Friday November 15, 2024 3:15pm - 3:30pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Combined Auditorium A/B
Feedback Survey
Speakers
avatar for Y. Elaine Rasmussen

Y. Elaine Rasmussen

Founder/CEO, ConnectUP! Institute
Driven by the mission to mainstream impact investing and democratizing access to capital Y. Elaine Rasmussen founded ConnectUP! Institute. Grounded in her work as a mediator, a communications and finance professional, Rasmussen has extensive experience in building transformational... Read More →
Friday November 15, 2024 3:15pm - 3:30pm CST
Wilder Foundation - Combined Auditorium A/B 451 Lexington Pkwy N, St Paul, MN 55104, USA
 
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Friday, November 15
Wilder Foundation - Auditorium C
Wilder Foundation - Combined Auditorium A/B
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