Professional & Leadership Development
ACTION Summit
People First
Building Workplaces Where Employees Thrive
Today’s workforce is evolving, and successful organizations are evolving with it. From changing employee expectations and new workplace laws to growing conversations around mental health, belonging, and workplace culture, employers face both challenges and opportunities as they work to attract and retain talent.
Join us for the 2026 Action Summit, where business leaders, HR professionals, and workplace champions will explore what it takes to create workplaces where employees and organizations can thrive. Through expert-led sessions and meaningful discussion, attendees will gain insights into today’s most pressing workforce issues, learn how to navigate complex workplace situations, and discover ways to foster cultures where people feel valued, connected, and supported.
When employees thrive, businesses thrive. This year’s summit will provide actionable tools, real-world perspectives, and fresh ideas to help organizations strengthen employee engagement, improve retention, and build resilient teams for the future. Whether you lead a small business, manage a growing team, or shape organizational culture, you’ll leave with practical solutions you can put into action immediately.
SAVE THE DATE:
October 29th, 2026
7:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Scouting America Office
2026 Agenda Coming Soon
2025 AGENDA
8:00 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. – Welcome & Introductions, A Word from Sponsors
8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. – Inclusive Leadership in Politicized Times: Staying Grounded – Shannon Watson, Majority in the Middle
9:20 a.m. – 10:20 a.m. – Legal & Practical: How to Stay Compliant and Competitive – Betsey Lund Ross, Revermann Lund Ross
10:20 a.m. – 10:35 a.m. – Break
10:35 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. – Gen Z Unfiltered: A Panel on Reaching, Recruiting and Retaining the Next Generation – Moderated by Ruthanne Kim, St. Cloud State University
11:35 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – “BE”longing Fatigue: Pushing Forward in Resistant Environments – Jason Woods, St. Cloud State University
2025 SESSIONS
Inclusive Leadership in Politicized Times: Staying Grounded
Shannon Watson, Majority in the Middle
In an era where inclusion is both a value and a lightning rod, how do leaders stay grounded? Shannon Watson offers a timely and practical roadmap for navigating political, and cultural complexities of DEI work in 2026 and beyond. This session explores the paradoxes of protection, the shifting winds of public sentiment, and the principles that help leaders lead with clarity, courage, and consistency. Because in politicized times, inclusive leadership isn’t a risk—it’s a responsibility.
Legal & Practical: How to Stay Compliant and Competitive
Betsey Lund Ross, Revermann Lund Ross
Diversity remains a vital part of building strong, innovative, and successful workplaces. At the same time, recent federal actions have signaled a shift in how DEI efforts—especially in hiring, promotion, and evaluation—are being scrutinized under anti-discrimination laws. This session will explore how employers can continue to champion diversity in meaningful, legally sound ways that withstand evolving federal guidance. Attendees will learn how to align inclusive workplace values with current legal expectations.
Gen Z Unfiltered: A Panel on Reaching, Recruiting and Retaining the Next Generation
Moderated by Ruthanne Kim, St. Cloud State University
“BE”longing Fatigue: Pushing Forward in Resistant Environments
Jason Woods, St. Cloud State University
2025 SPEAKERS
Shannon Watson (she/her), Majority in the Middle
Shannon has more than 20 years of experience in policy, public affairs, and electoral politics, with roles at Casper Corcoran, Medical Alley Association, St. Paul Area Chamber, U.S. Bank, the Minnesota Senate, and the National Conference of State Legislatures. She has advised candidates and worked on campaigns across the political spectrum in Kansas, Colorado, and Minnesota. A frequent op-ed writer and speaker, she presents on topics such as bridging political divides and building bipartisan advocacy. Shannon is a Humphrey Policy Fellow, a 2022 MYALP cohort member, and has been recognized as an #MNCivicLeader and a MinneInno 50 On Fire honoree. She holds degrees from Wichita State University and the University of Minnesota-Duluth and lives in Minneapolis.
Betsey Lund Ross (she/her), Reverman Lund Ross (rlr)
Betsey Lund Ross is a dedicated attorney with a passion for advocating on behalf of her clients. She brings a wealth of experience in business and employment law, and estate planning, guiding clients through complex legal matters with clarity and compassion. Betsey is known for her meticulous attention to detail and her commitment to achieving favorable outcomes. She earned her J.D. from Mitchell Hamline School of Law and is a member of the Minnesota State and Stearns-Benton Bar Associations. Outside the office, Betsey enjoys volunteering in the community and spending time with her family.
Dr. Ruthanne Kim (she/her), St. Cloud State University
Dr. Ruthanne Kim is a Professor of Community Anti-Racism Education at St. Cloud State University. An interdisciplinary scholar and award-winning educator, her work focuses on feminist philosophy, critical race feminism, and decolonial theory. Dr. Kim holds a PhD from Vrije Universiteit and has published on topics including creolization, environmental justice, and kinship. She is known for her engaging teaching, community workshops, and advocacy for equity and inclusion.
Dr. Jason Woods (he/him), St. Cloud State University
Dr. Jason Woods is the Vice President for Strategic Enrollment Management at St. Cloud State University, with over 24 years of experience in higher education. He specializes in recruitment, retention, and leadership development, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prior to SCSU, Dr. Woods held leadership roles at various institutions and co-founded the Intercultural Allies for Higher Education.
SPONSORSHIP
Sponsorship of the ACTION Summit shows a commitment to building inclusion in the workplace and the business community. This year, event sponsorship is available for partner organizations at three levels.
ADVOCATE – $1,000 (only 5 available)
Everything in Partner, plus:
- Event Tickets: 4 tickets to the summit
- Booth Space: Opportunity to set up a booth outside at the summit to share business information and engage with attendees.
- Speaking Opportunity: 3 minutes to speak about their organization during the summit.
- Marketing: Logo on event program and welcome signage
PARTNER – $500
Everything in Supporter, plus:
- Marketing Materials: Logo included on website, table signs and in email blasts to over 2,500 member representatives.
- Giveaways: Opportunity to give away door prizes or promotional items to attendees
- Speaking Opportunity: 90 seconds to speak about their organization during the summit.
SUPPORTER – $250
- Signage: Logo on signage at event day-of
- Online Promotion: Social media recognition surrounding the ACTION Summit promotions.
- Event Tickets: 2 tickets to the summit
