12:00PM The Heat is On (Workshop)

This session  is focused on how to develop the self-awareness and emotional intelligence to influence both superiors and peers and how to find opportunities to lead and bring ideas to fruition in our personal and professional lives. Our intention is not only to discuss leadership tactics for the workplace but discuss how we can take these skills into all the communities in which we participate.

Tom Basquill is the Youth Engagement Manager for HandsOn Twin Cities, the premier organization for finding volunteer opportunities and resources in the Twin Cities.  He develops ways to increase civic engagement among youth by bringing together schools, youth groups, and nonprofit organizations. A graduate of the University of St. Thomas, Tom spent time as an AmeriCorps Volunteer working with urban youth in Philadelphia, PA and Oakland, CA.  Tom also lived in Rome, Italy where he volunteered as a technology consultant. He is a participant in the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits’ 2010 Nonprofit Leadership Institute, and has been a member of YNPN-Twin Cities since March 2007.

Leah Lundquist is currently pursuing a Masters in Public Policy at the University of Minnesota’s Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. Her prior experience includes work in both foundations and nonprofits including positions as an Associate Program Officer at the Northwest Area Foundation, a Program Associate for the Kellogg Action Lab (a program that built the capacity of grantees of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation) and a Member Programs Fellow at the Women’s Funding Network. She holds a B.A. in biology and English from Luther College.

Adaobi Okolue is the Marketing and Outreach Consultant for ISEEK, an organization that provides Minnesotans career, education and job information through a unique collaboration of state agencies. There she’s charged with leading ISEEK’s marketing communication and partnership development efforts for underrepresented communities, nonprofit and funding organizations. Prior to that, she held a number of marketing communication roles with various organizations including Page Education Foundation, Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, International Association of Business Communicators (IABC-MN), and Best Buy Co., Inc. Beyond the isolated cubicle walls, Adaobi is a driven advocate for the personal development of youth and communities of color, in particular African and African-American communities and youth. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Strategic Communications-Public Relations and African/African-American Studies from the University of Minnesota.

Kelly Rowan is the outreach and resource manager with the Charities Review Council, managing individual and institutional fund development for the Council, as well as the intern and volunteer programs. Kelly volunteers with a variety of progressive causes, enjoys tennis, hiking, and camping with her husband and two children, and holds a B.A. in political science from the College of St. Benedict. Kelly is looking forward to working with others interested in fun and valuable networking and professional development opportunities to improve our sector and our communities.