Leading Courageously for Racial Equity Conference
The Department of Educational Leadership at Minnesota State University, Mankato, is committed to positively impacting students of color. Our annual conference, “Leading Courageously for Racial Equity,” (LCRE) is designed to advance educational equity with sessions that inspire and empower by sharing evidence-based practices and engaging in courageous conversations about race and equity.
Each year, nationally recognized leaders share their insights, experiences, and strategies to elevate education for all students. The LCRE conference brings together educational leaders, teachers, and graduate students from several districts across the state and beyond, representing urban, suburban, and rural communities.
February 26, 2026--12th Annual Conference
Bridging Boldly: Equity Across Boundaries and Leading with Purpose
Date: Thursday, February 26th, 2026
Time: 7:45 AM - 4:00 PM CST* (*Approximate. Final schedule TBD)
Location:7700 France Ave. S. Edina, MN 55435
Registration fee: $300/per person (includes continental breakfast & lunch)
Schedule:
- 7:30 AM - 8:30 AM Registration
- 8:30 AM Keynote Panel Presentation
2026 Keynote Panel
Our 12th annual conference will feature a panel of four exemplary local education leaders:
- Quennel Cooper, Assistant Superintendent, Louis Park Public Schools
- Salma Hussein, Principal, Gideon Pond Elementary, Burnsville
- Additional panelists to be announced soon.
Details regarding the 2026 conference panelists and session presenters coming soon—stay tuned!
Contact Us
Contact the LCRE Conference committee:
About the Department of Educational Leadership
Led by our department chair, Dr. Natalie Rasmussen, the Department of Educational Leadership is dedicated to developing and enhancing the capacity of leaders who will eliminate predictable racial disparities through project-based learning and learner-centered programming in our Master of Science, Specialist, and Doctorate graduate degrees.
Our College of Education is a community engaged in anti-racist, anti-oppressive practices striving to advance social justice and equitable outcomes leading to measurable growth. Our values aim to:
- Empower Learners: We establish environments that stimulate intellectual curiosity, promote advocacy for changing unjust power structures, and advance equity, inclusion, and belonging.
- Foster Collaboration: We work collectively with internal and external partners to achieve mutually shared outcomes.
- Promote Reflective Practice: We advocate for personal and programmatic development through the process of reflection, revision, and/or refinement.
- Respect Diversity: We form a community that values varied perspectives that contribute to anti-oppressive change.
