Speakers

Sarah is a skilled designer with a background in graphic design and marketing, earning her bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth. She has held roles as a Creative Coordinator at Glensheen Mansion and a Communications Specialist at Swenson College of Science & Engineering, gaining experience in visual storytelling and brand communication. Now working as a Graphic and Multimedia Designer at University of Minnesota Printing Services, Sarah collaborates with University departments to create visually compelling designs that align with the University's brand. Her diverse background in communication, marketing, and graphic design helps her craft designs that connect with audiences.

Kelly is an experienced content strategist with a diverse background spanning over 12 years in both higher education and web services. As a passionate advocate for content strategy and accessibility, she not only develops and leads a variety of OHR projects that elevate user engagement, she also leads the Web and Email Digital Coordinator Community of Practice for all UMN campuses.

Sari Brouwer has been with McNamara Alumni Center for ten years overseeing its dynamic event business as sales manager. She answers RFPs from a wide array of clients​, provides leadership to the day-to-day operations and strategic growth, ​and oversees the event revenue and operating budgets. Sari most enjoys serving McNamara's University partners to produce impactful events. She earned a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies and a Japanese Studies minor from Gustavus Adolphus College -- skills put to good use to interpret the developing language skills of her chatty toddler and navigating mountain trails with her three kids and husband.

Following a brief stint as a general assignment reporter at a small daily newspaper, Nicole feels fortunate to have spent the last two decades telling inspiring stories about the researchers, students, and donors at the U through various roles at the University of Minnesota Foundation. She has presented at the U of M Communicators Forum conference and elsewhere about ethical storytelling, a close relative of inclusive language.

Crystal is an Administrative Assistant at the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, School of Social Work, where she supports MSW and BSW Child Welfare scholars in achieving their post-graduation goals. She is also recognized as a valuable resource in her unit, bringing extensive experience in event planning, from timeline development to navigating event logistics. Crystal has been with the University of Minnesota for 15 years and a member of the Event Circle for 10 years. Outside of work, she is a proud mom of two and enjoys spending time in nature, both with her children and solo.

Kristie Gaalswyk-Pomerenke is a web editor for University of Minnesota Extension, focusing on 4-H Youth Development content for the state. She is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with degrees in strategic communications and theater, and has worked in marketing and communications for several Twin Cities arts organizations. She spent eight years as an Extension 4-H Youth Development educator, developing curriculum and programs to foster youth identity and belonging, before returning to her first passion, communications.

Chris Gade is Vice President for Communications at the University of Minnesota. Gade leads the central University Marketing Communications teams responsible for bringing awareness and understanding of and inspiring engagement in the University of Minnesota System’s contributions to local communities, the state and the world. He works with University of Minnesota leaders to strengthen the University’s communications, marketing and branding, while also elevating its reputation as one of America’s leading research universities. Gade is responsible for the development and implementation of comprehensive and aligned strategies and clearly defining system wide priorities and messages. Gade serves as a member of President Cunningham’s cabinet and executive team. 

Chris has nearly 35 years of experience in public affairs, with over 32 years at Mayo Clinic. During his time at Mayo Clinic, Chris helped shape the organization’s strategy in a variety of settings. He served as Mayo Clinic’s Chief Public Affairs Officer, leading teams responsible for Mayo Clinic’s earned, owned and social media; staff engagement; practice, research and development communications; reputation management; community engagement; government relations; and thought leadership strategies. 

At Mayo Clinic, Gade led the establishment of the Mayo Clinic Executive Office. The team provided principal support for the President/CEO and other executive leadership and their visibility with key stakeholders inside and outside of Mayo Clinic. He was instrumental in bringing to fruition The Mayo Clinic, a two-hour documentary presented by Ken Burns which aired nationwide on PBS. 

Gade retired from Mayo Clinic in 2021 to become vice president for marketing and engagement at Rush University Medical Center (RUSH), an academic medical center based in Chicago. At RUSH he led the 60-person marketing communications department, while implementing comprehensive strategy in marketing, external and internal communications, digital and community engagement. Additionally, Gade oversaw updates top RUSH’s executive visibility and crisis communications plans. 

Chris and his wife Marne are the proud parents of a son, Mitchel and daughter, Meredith. In their spare time, they enjoy time together as a family, hiking, gardening and are sports enthusiasts. 

Chris received his Masters of Public Affairs from the University of Minnesota, Humphrey School of Public Affairs and his undergraduate degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He is a member of the Luther College Board of Regents and served as a member of the Minnesota Super Bowl LII Host Committee Advisory Board.

Presented by Presidential Sponsor: MP Uptown

Britani has been with the University of Minnesota Foundation for just over three years. Her favorite aspect of her role is the opportunity to collaborate with diverse departments and areas across the University system to create meaningful and engaging events. She is proud to have been a part of UMF's inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council and grateful for the opportunity to be a voice for fostering a more inclusive and equitable community.

Lissa is the Event and Administrative Manager at the Masonic Cancer Center where she oversees event logistics and protocols, coordinating large-scale public engagement events and academic research and clinical conferences. Lissa earned her Bachelor's degree from Winona State University and achieved the Certified Meeting Professional designation in 2021. She has helped lead the Event Circle since 2020, fostering networking and promoting event supplier diversity across the university. She proudly received the STAR Award from the Office of Supplier Diversity in 2024. In her free time, Lissa enjoys traveling, reading, listening to podcasts, and spending time with her family and cats.

JoAnne Makela is the lead web editor and content strategist for University of Minnesota Extension. She collaborates with Extension educators to produce useful and usable web content that helps the people of the State of Minnesota grow tomatoes in their backyards, grow corn to feed the world, safely prepare and package lettuce for farmers' markets, and figure out whether to keep or kill a whole lot of insects. She’s been at the U since 2005 and is a past Communicators Forum board president.

Matt brings a distinctive blend of experience and insight to digital storytelling. Having honed his behind-the-camera skills while in front of it as a TV host on network television, Matt possesses a unique perspective on production that few can match. He understands the nuances of storytelling from both sides, ensuring a seamless and authentic narrative process. Matt’s commitment to finding the most genuine way to tell a story is at the core of his production philosophy, driving him to deliver content that resonates deeply with audiences.

Find Matt Online

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Katie serves as the Assistant Director of Conference Services and Communications Marketing within Housing & Residential Life. In this role, she oversees and manages the summer conference and events program, coordinates University-wide multi-facility conference/event contracts, and provides leadership to the HRL Communications Marketing team. She is responsible for managing an annual budget of approximately $3 million, developing and executing both short- and long-term strategic initiatives. Katie holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting & Information Networking Management from the University of Minnesota, Crookston, and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership in Student Affairs from the University of St. Thomas. Outside of work, she enjoys running, spending time outdoors, and being with her family.

Nicole Radotich serves as the alumni relations officer for the School of Nursing. With over 12 years of experience working at the University of Minnesota, she has been responsible for large-scale event planning, volunteer management, hosting conferences, budgeting, purchasing, data management, and communication efforts. She enjoys collaborating with various contributors – alumni, donors, students, faculty, staff, and community members – to make events awesome! Nicole earned a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and English from Gustavus Adolphus College and a master’s degree in library and information science from St. Catherine University. She lives in Bloomington with her spouse and children.

Dr. Erika Salina is a sought-after speaker and trusted advisor to leaders worldwide. As CEO of WorkingSmarts, she brings the latest insights from neuroscience and organizational science to life, helping teams lead smarter and create healthier, high-performing workplaces. With experience spanning global consulting firms, start-ups, and over 75 Fortune 500 clients, Erika is known for her engaging, practical approach that sparks real change. A celebrated author and dynamic presenter, she inspires audiences across industries to rethink how they work, lead, and grow.

Find Dr. Salina Online

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• LinkedIn

Lisa has been working in higher education for 18 years, primarily in information architecture, user experiences, and web services. She is enthusiastic about collaboration and accessibility, which serves her well as a project manager and digital strategist for a range of University Marketing Communications projects.

Keelia Silvis, MPH (she/her) is an addiction neuroscientist turned public health professional who serves as the Manager of Communications for the Center for Antiracism Research for Health Equity (CARHE, pronounced "care"). She leverages her rigorous scientific background, her connections to Minnesotan community advocates, and her passion for creating change in her professional life and personal advocacy.

Charles Trường (he/him) is a first generation Vietnamese American dedicated to developing and promoting culturally tailored, equitable communications. He currently serves as the Internal Communications and Antiracism Strategist at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH), where he manages the school’s internal communications portfolio and leads messaging for SPH’s Strategic Plan for Antiracism. Charles is a UMN graduate student pursuing an MA in strategic communications with a minor in race, indigeneity, disability, gender, and sexuality. He has received numerous recognitions for his work promoting DEI and public health.