Calling all women entrepreneurs - if you’re balancing leadership, systemic obstacles to growth alongside caring for family, you won’t want to miss this conversation!
NAWBO-MN is proud to invite you to: An evening with Marlene M. Johnson, facilitated by Karen Desnick
This event will feature lessons and stories of resilience, love, and personal growth, as depicted in the memoir, Rise to the Challenge, woven in with the origin story of NAWBO itself as told by two life-long friends.
You’ll have the opportunity to meet Marlene, a co-founder of Minnesota NAWBO. She was Minnesota's first woman Lieutenant Governor, a trailblazer in both business and politics. Marlene will share insights from her remarkable journey, from founding a small business to creating impactful organizations that uplift women in leadership. Marlene’s life has been dedicated to empowering others to rise to the challenge.
Our host for the evening, Karen Desnick, a successful entrepreneur and founding member of NAWBO, brings her own story of resilience and innovation. Karen's journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and leadership in the face of challenges.
Together, Marlene and Karen will discuss the early motivation behind starting the NAWBO chapter in Minnesota and the challenges that came with it, including the need to advocate for women in the business and political realms. They’ll explore how Marlene transitioned from business leadership to a political role, the opportunities that shaped her path, and the lessons she’s learned about leadership in various forms—from business to politics to advocacy.
Whether you're a:
This evening promises to be a powerful discussion on leadership, resilience, and creating change in our community!!
Space is limited. This event will sell out. Sign up now.
Author, "Rise to the Challenge: A Memoir of Politics, Leadership & Love"
Founder of a small business in 1970, founder of the MN Chapter of NAWBO, founder of the MN Women's
Campaign Fund (now Women Winning), Minnesota's first woman Lieutenant Governor (1983-1991); CEO of NAFSA: Assn of International Educators (1998-2007): author: "Rise to the Challenge: A Memoir of Politics, Leadership & Love"
Karen and her husband Leslie own Metropolitan Picture Framing, now run by their son Alex, marking three generations in the business. Originally started by Karen's parents as FRAMEYOURSELF in 1972, they expanded after moving from New York City in 1974. Following Karen's mother's passing, they closed three retail stores and opened new ones in better locations. To adapt to an oversaturated market in the 1990s, they focused on fine art exhibition frames and began manufacturing contemporary moulding. They launched a website in 1998, receiving their first order from New York City, and now sell frames nationwide to various clients. Karen is a founding member of NAWBO and Women Winning, supporting pro-choice candidates and the arts.
Refund Policy: A full refund is available if the cancellation request is made more than ten days before the event. No refunds are available for cancellations made within ten days of the event. Contact us at [email protected] for any questions.
