Date: Thursday, April 9th, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Mayo Clinic Square | MN Timberwolves & Lynx Practice Facility Court
Join WISE Twin Cities in partnership with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx for an energizing evening dedicated to strengthening financial acumen and elevating your professional impact. Designed for women in early career through mid-level management roles, this year’s WISE Financial Fitness program speaks to those navigating expanding responsibilities, leading teams, or influencing budgets—whether or not they directly oversee one. The event consistently attracts a strong network of financial professionals, creating a dynamic environment for both technical insight and cross-industry learning.
Hosted on the practice court at Mayo Clinic Square, the evening will combine expert-led conversation with intentional networking. Attendees will gain strategic frameworks and practical tools that can be applied immediately, helping them better understand financial operations and communicate their impact with confidence.
This year’s programming will explore how to demonstrate value through budget storytelling, advocate effectively for resources, and approach professional budgeting with clarity and strategy. Panelists will discuss revenue and ticketing dynamics, league-level influences on budgeting, and techniques for contributing meaningfully to financial decisions. Whether you’re shaping a budget or influencing one, you’ll leave equipped to strengthen your financial literacy and lead with greater confidence.
Timeline:
- 5:30 PM - Check in and networking
- 6:00 PM - Panel Begins
- 7:00 PM - Panel Ends, networking continues
- 7:30 PM - Event ends
Featured Panelists:
Bailey Alto
Senior Director of Marketing, MN Timberwolves & Lynx
Bailey is currently the Senior Director of Marketing for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx. In her role, she oversees the strategy and execution of key tentpoles across the brands, including uniform launch campaigns, All-Star voting, and playoffs, and she is a firm believer that this year will be her chance to bring a Finals Championship parade to life. In previous roles, Bailey led brand experience strategy for Old El Paso at General Mills and worked in media for both Carmichael Lynch and Compass Point Media.
Sondra Ciesielski
Senior Director of Community Impact, MN Timberwolves & Lynx
Sondra Ciesielski is the Senior Director of Community Impact for the Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx, where she leads the organization’s community impact and the Minnesota Fastbreak Foundation strategy. In this role, she oversees the community impact portfolio and programs, including Wolves & Lynx player engagement, strategic partnerships, and philanthropic and charitable giving initiatives.
Sondra is committed to fostering authentic, community-centered programs and advancing efforts that reflect the diverse communities across the state. She also serves on the NBA Foundation Advisory Committee and is a board member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Twin Cities.
Grace Conner
Director of Premium Services, MN Timberwolves & Lynx
Grace Conner is the Director of Premium Services for the Minnesota Timberwolves, where she oversees Suite Lease renewals and premium-level activations at Target Center. She leads the strategy and execution of premium guest experiences, including managing the Premium Game Night Assistants who support all premium spaces on game nights. Grace is dedicated to delivering exceptional service, fostering strong client relationships, and elevating the premium experience for Timberwolves partners and guests.
Featured Moderator:
Bianca Dawkins
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Senior Manager, MN Timberwolves & Lynx
Bianca Dawkins is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Senior Manager at the Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx, where she is committed to driving meaningful change through inclusive leadership. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Bianca has a passion for building inclusive communities, particularly within the sports industry. With a background shaped by resilience and a commitment to empowering others, she works to ensure that DEI initiatives are not just a priority but a strategic business advantage.
Parking, Directions, Entry:
Guests are responsible for their own parking. Parking is available in the Mayo Clinic Square Parking Garage (34 N 7th St, Minneapolis, MN 55403), with additional street parking nearby and in the neighboring ABC Ramps.
Enter the building on street level or the skyway level. Follow wayfinding signage to the elevators and take to level 3 to check-in at the registration table.
Registration:
This event is free for WISE TC members and $10 for non-members. Registration will close at midnight on Monday, April 6th.
To RSVP for this event, make sure to login using your WISE member login. Non-members please login as a guest to register or sign up for a membership. This event is complementary for all to attend. Contact WISE Twin Cities with any questions at info@wisetwincities.org.