# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Empowered '26: Connections
- **Event Start and End Date**: Thu, 16 Apr, 2026 at 09:00 am – Thu, 16 Apr, 2026 at 05:00 pm (-05:00)
- **Event Description**: Two Sessions • Two Campuses
Empowered ’26 Connections brings together students, community members, and industry professionals for a collaborative learning experience focused on leadership, confidence, and career readiness. Open to all, the event intentionally centers and elevates female and gender-expansive individuals pursuing technical and workforce pathways.

Participants will engage in interactive sessions designed to build communication and leadership skills, strengthen professional networks, and gain strategies for success beyond technical training. Men are encouraged to participate as collaborators and allies, contributing to inclusive conversations and stronger workplace cultures.

REGISTER FOR THIS FREE EVENT: https://www.clcmn.edu/empowered/


TWO FREE SESSIONS:
Staples Campus-  Common Area
9 am -12 pm
Keynote:  Lisa Bjerga, President and CEO of Lakewood Health System
Featuring: Riaz Patel’s ConnectEffect, a transformative entertainment experience paired with engaging roundtable conversations

Brainerd Campus – Gymnasium
2 pm-5 pm
Keynote:  Cindy Clough, Executive Director of Just for Kix and Head Coach Brainerd Warrior Dance Team “The Kixters”
Featuring: Riaz Patel’s ConnectEffect, a transformative entertainment experience paired with engaging roundtable conversations
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/brainerd/empowered-26-connections/200029901732543
- **Event Categories**: workshops, health-wellness
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 45

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Brainerd
- **state**: MN
- **country**: United States
- **location**: 501 W College Dr, Brainerd, MN, United States, Minnesota 56401
- **lat**: 46.34569
- **long**: -94.21539
- **full address**: 501 W College Dr, Brainerd, MN, United States, Minnesota 56401

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Empowered '26: Connections
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events3/banners/df3e14efdd28da417b351eae6e2d7e07786f0da597d0da480d75d1e4244d7c45-rimg-w1200-h506-dc013018-gmir?v=1775487760

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Empowered '26: Connections being held?
  - **A:** Empowered '26: Connections takes place on Thu, 16 Apr, 2026 at 09:00 am to Thu, 16 Apr, 2026 at 05:00 pm at 501 W College Dr, Brainerd, MN, United States, Minnesota 56401.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Empowered '26: Connections?
  - **A:** Empowered '26: Connections is organized by Central Lakes College.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Empowered '26: Connections is ideal for curious learners, students, and skill-builders looking to gain hands-on knowledge and practical expertise in a focused, interactive setting. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Brainerd, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. If Empowered '26: Connections sounds like your kind of event, don't wait - spots fill up fast.

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