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), advances educational equity through sessions that inspire and empower by sharing evidence-based practices and engaging in courageous conversations about race and equity.
Each year, exemplary 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 25, 2027--13th Annual Conference
Brave Spaces, Bold Leadership: Transforming Systems for Racial Equity
Date: Thursday, February 25th, 2027
Time: 7:45 AM - 4:00 PM CST
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 Presentation
- Morning Breakout Sessions
- Lunch & Affinity Group Sessions
- Afternoon Breakout Sessions
- Wrap-Up Gathering
Conference Registration opens November 1, 2026
2027 Keynote Speaker: Edwin Torres DeSantiago
Our 2027 keynote speaker, scholar-practitioner Edwin Torres DeSantiago, is a nationally recognized public affairs strategist and CEO of Voyageurs Public Affairs. As the first undocumented immigrant and DACA recipient to pursue a Ph.D. in Public Policy at the University of Minnesota, his expertise in coalition building and systemic equity helps educational leaders deconstruct institutional barriers and champion inclusive learning environments for immigrant and marginalized students. Combining his powerful personal story with actionable guidance for driving systemic change, Edwin Torres DeSantiago will equip educational leaders with fresh ideas for dismantling institutional barriers and fostering equitable success for every student.
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.
