Emcee:

Lea B. Olsen

Lea is a game analyst for the Minnesota Lynx and a television sideline reporter for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Bally Sports North. She also covers Minnesota state high school basketball tournaments. As a motivational speaker, Lea challenges athletes, coaches, and business professionals to rethink winning at all costs. Lea founded Rethink the Win in 2015 to help preserve a healthy environment for athletes to thrive in. She was also named to the 2023 Twin Cities Business 100 list.

Lea played basketball for the University of Minnesota before launching her sports journalism career and is the only Minnesotan to sit on the Board for Bell Bank. 

Keynote Speaker: 

Anne Doepner

Anne is the Senior Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the Minnesota Vikings, where she works every day to create a culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging. She is the first full time person dedicated to Diversity & Inclusion working for an NFL team. In her previous role as the Director of Football Administration for the Minnesota Vikings, Anne negotiated NFL player contracts and was responsible for matters of salary cap compliance. At the time of her transition into D&I she was one of only two women across the NFL working as a contract negotiator. She has received many honors for her work, including being named to the Sports Business Journal’s 2023 All In class, included as one of Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal’s 2020 Women In Business, and has been featured on NBC Sports in an “On Her Turf” segment. (available for viewing here). Anne founded the Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter of Women In Sports & Events (WISE) in 2017 and currently serves the chapter in the capacity of Chairwoman. Anne lives in St. Paul, MN with her husband, Aaron, and her children Alice (12) and James (10).

2023 Executive of the Year:

Wendy Blackshaw

President & CEO, Minnesota Sports & Events

Honoree Highlight Video

Known as a strategic alliance visionary and dynamic leader, Wendy Blackshaw has served as the President and CEO of Minnesota Sports and Events, the regional sports commission, since its inception in 2019. Wendy is a fearless leader who has built MNSE from the ground up. Her unwavering vision and deep passion for her home state of Minnesota have brought world-class events to the state, driving hundreds of millions of dollars in economic impact for the regional economy, enhancing the state’s reputation and creating community initiatives that leave a lasting social impact.

Wendy is passionate about where she works and lives. An active participant in the Twin Cities community, she has been active on numerous boards throughout her career including the Executive Board of Special Olympics USA Games 2026; MNSE Executive Board; Mpls Vision 2035 Board; University of Minnesota Medical Discovery Team on Addiction Philanthropic Advisory Council; University of Minnesota Alumni Association Board; the Emily Program Foundation; and Alive ‘n Kickin’. Wendy was honored to be recognized as a University of Minnesota College of Liberal Arts Alumni of Distinction and a Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal 40 Under 40 Award winner, among numerous other marketing awards.

2023 Changemaker of the Year: 

Erika Binger

Founding Director, V3 Sports

Honoree Highlight Video

Erika’s commitment to equality and access to opportunities for all is what led her to establish V3 Sports. An athlete, Erika worked at the Jack Cornelius Boys & Girls Club in Minneapolis where she was the first female Athletic Director, developing and growing female sports programming while also strengthening and growing male sports programming. While biking the length of the Mississippi River to raise funds for B&GC, she was encouraged to try triathlon, subsequently earning many national and world titles. She earned her USA Triathlon Coaching Certification and launched V3 Sports to bring the sport of triathlon to underrepresented Minneapolis youth. She has dual masters degrees in Organizational Leadership and Biomechanics of Exercise and Nutrition and has been recognized extensively for her community work. V3 reflects her selfless commitment to urban youth; she knows God placed this vision in her heart and is excited for V3 Sports to expand via the V3 Center.

2023 Emerging Professional of the Year:

Kara Gerke

Marketing & Communication Manager, ASM Global/Target Center

Honoree Highlight Video

Kara Gerke is currently the Marketing and Communications Manager at Target Center in Minneapolis. Her areas of focus are local media and promoter relationships as well as social media, digital marketing, partnerships, and venue branding. Kara’s professional career began in 2021 working as an Event Manager in Grand Forks, North Dakota following collegiate internships at Wells Fargo Arena and Iowa Events Center in Des Moines, Iowa State University Athletic Department and Lake Shore Country Club in Chicago. Kara has successfully marketed events like Justin Bieber, Zach Bryan, Roger Waters, 2023 Big Ten Women’s Basketball Tournament, Disney on Ice, and more. In the summer of 2023, Kara was recognized by ASM Global as a ‘Rising Star’ in the live events and entertainment industry. When she isn’t marketing or attending live events, she enjoys a good charcuterie board and a glass of red wine, going on walks when the Minnesota weather cooperates and spending time with her family.