Celebrating Women in Sports: Entrepreneurs Who Lead The Way
The Circle Community hosted their second event in the Key Leader Luncheon series on 4/29/26. Photography by: Rachel Moscatelli, Linli Studio
What happens when you gather 25 Key Leaders in the Twin Cities who are champions of women in business?
The Circle Community recently gathered women leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, and changemakers for another powerful Key Leader Luncheon for an afternoon centered around conversation, connection, and the growing momentum behind women’s sports in Minnesota.
On a sunny afternoon in April, JNK Art Partners hosted 25 key leaders at Gallery 366—a space curated to inspire creativity, collaboration, and embodiment of the many ways women show up.
As Minnesota continues to establish itself as a hub for women’s sports, the conversations throughout the event reflected both the excitement of this moment and the importance of the foundation being built behind the scenes. Topics of discussion included:
How women leading in the sports industry are rewriting the business playbook and advancing opportunity across sectors.
How values-driven corporate and small business partnerships can shape the future and create mutual impact.
Why advancing pay equity and greater visibility for women athletes at every stage of their career is so vital through the vehicles of NIL, and entrepreneurship.
How women leaders are joining forces on the eve of the 2026 Special Olympics in the Twin Cities.
Kelsey Joson, InControl | Jessica Poole, Jessica Poole Communications Collective | Dani Foxhoven Young, Archive Agency“As someone who sits on a lot of panels, this room was really different. As I was speaking, the crowd of women looking back at me, I could feel they were not only receiving what I was saying, but that they were so proud of me and cheering me on!”
Guests reflected on the atmosphere of the event itself—the energy in the room, the relationships being formed, and the intentionality behind the experience.
“This conversation was so valuable as Minnesota continues to build itself as a hub for women’s sports. When building anything, that foundation is so important both in creating and maintaining. The luncheon was a reminder of people that have been invested for years and continue to be. Excited for the role women will continue to play in growing MN sports!”
“I LOVED the event! The presenters were intriguing and the space had a great vibe. Thank you for the invite." —Carol
“Wonderful event today! Loved the conversation angles and perspective of the speakers you brought together. —Kerstin
Partnerships made this event possible.
Thank you to our venue sponsor Jen Nash Kochevar of JNK Art Partners for hosting us at Gallery 366. Experience multi-dimensional works of art that amplify the power, beauty, and impact women create.
Thank you to food sponsor Lindsay Pohlad, Owner and Meghan Walsh, General Manager of The Grocer’s Table, a market, cafe & wine/cocktail bar nestled in the heart of downtown Wayzata on Lake Minnetonka.
Thank you to food sponsor Kowalski’s owner Mary Anne Kowalski and CEO Kris Kowalski Christiansen who recognize the powerful role women play in shaping both business and community.
And a big thank-you to our photography sponsor, Rachel Moscatelli of Linli Studio. Hire Rachel for: Event Photography, Documentary-Style Shorts, Impact Photography, Interviews & Testimonials.
Join Us
If you’re someone who values reinvesting back into our local economy via female-led businesses, and paying it forward with your time, strategic connections, and finances, you’re invited to join us…
Stay Connected: Receive our Monthly Impact Email to hear how TCC is impacting women entrepreneurs and professionals leading in their spheres of influence.
Donate: Let’s create the future of women in business together through investing our resources of time, connections, dollars.
Co-host an event with us: We would love to bring the unique Key Leader Luncheon event format to your context to keep bridging the gaps between Philanthropy, Business, and Government sectors in Minnesota.