2025 CI Summit: Capital Readiness Inside + Out: Full Schedule

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12:00pm CDT

REGISTRATION & CHECK-IN

Thursday April 10, 2025 12:00pm - 4:30pm CDT

Rondo Dining Room

Thursday April 10, 2025 12:00pm - 4:30pm CDT
Rondo Dining Room

General Session

1:00pm CDT

BLESSING & OPENING REMARKS

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:00pm - 1:20pm CDT

Auditorium A/B

Speakers

Y. Elaine Rasmussen

Founder/CEO, ConnectUP! Institute

Y. Elaine Rasmussen is a B-Corp social entrepreneur mainstreaming impact investing and democratizing access to capital by and for Black and Brown womxn. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Rasmussen has lived in St.Paul for the past 16 years. In 2015 Elaine founded Social Impact Strategies... Read More →

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:00pm - 1:20pm CDT
Auditorium A/B

General Session

1:20pm CDT

KEYNOTE: Get Ready, Stay Ready: How to ConnectUP!

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:20pm - 1:40pm CDT

Auditorium A/B

Want to know how to make the most of your ConnectUP! experience? Learn from our esteemed alumni. They'll tell you tips on how to get what you need out of ConnectUP!

Speakers

Y. Elaine Rasmussen

Founder/CEO, ConnectUP! Institute

Thursday April 10, 2025 1:20pm - 1:40pm CDT
Auditorium A/B

General Session

Audience Ecosystem Partners, Entrepreneurs, Investors

2:00pm CDT

Network is Net Worth: Make and Grow Connections

Thursday April 10, 2025 2:00pm - 3:10pm CDT

Summit-University

We are shifting away from networking and toward connections. In this session, we will explore the difference between networking and connection, the benefits of building genuine relationships, how to create meaningful connections today, and how to nurture them over time.

Speakers

Marcus Styles

Business Connector, Heyven

I am a Business Connector and Brand Creator based in Minneapolis. My journey began with independently crafting branding for a variety of local businesses—from hairstylists to mortgage advisors—helping them establish a strong visual and strategic identity.In 2020, I expanded my... Read More →

Thursday April 10, 2025 2:00pm - 3:10pm CDT
Summit-University

General Session

Audience Ecosystem Partners, Entrepreneurs, Investors

2:00pm CDT

Unlock Your Mind to Accelerate Business Growth

Thursday April 10, 2025 2:00pm - 3:10pm CDT

Auditorium C

What’s the #1 thought holding you back right now?
Success isn’t just about strategy—it’s about mindset. Are you leading from Fear—doubt, pressure, and survival? Or are you stepping into Soul Power—clarity, alignment, and purpose?
In this powerful session, Tess Vergara, creator of Soul Powered Leaders, will help you break free from fear-driven limitations and realign with the unshakable power of your soul.
You’ll walk away with a champion’s mindset, ready to lead your business with courage, authenticity, and unstoppable momentum.
Come ready to challenge your thinking and step into your next level of leadership—it all begins with the mind. Powered by Soul.

Speakers

Tess Vergara

Soul Powered Executive Coach, Soul Powered Leaders

Tess Vergara is the creator of Soul Powered Executive Coaching, helping executives and changemakers resolve the inner conflicts between mind and heart, soul and ego. She guides leaders toward unshakable confidence and a rock-solid foundation so they can fully step into Soul-Powered... Read More →

Thursday April 10, 2025 2:00pm - 3:10pm CDT
Auditorium C

General Session