Changemakers Twin Cities is a cross-sector leadership program that brings together civic, business, and community leaders with diverse perspectives, helping to build a fuller picture of the challenges and solutions for K-12 education in the Twin Cities.
Where Civic Leadership Meets Educational Equity
Every thriving city with strong educational outcomes has one thing in common: deeply engaged leaders that demand a school system that effectively prepares all students for the future.
Investments in students today have a direct correlation on what the future can and should be.
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FAQ
What can I expect from a typical session?
Sessions will feature visits to schools, conversations with local and national education experts, and hone in on what makes education challenging in the Twin Cities.
Cohort 3 Dates: 2026-2027
- Oct 9 – Kickoff Breakfast
- Nov 6, Session One – Framing the Challenge: Equity & Opportunity in Education
- Dec 4, Session Two – Literacy as a Lever for Justice
- Jan 15, Session Three – The Opportunity Myth: Why Expectations Matter & High Quality Instructional Material
- Feb 21-22 – Learning Trip (location TBD)
- March 12, Session Four – Who has the Power? School Models, Governance & Equity
- April 16 – Session Five – Budgets, Trade-offs and Community Voice
- April 22 – Happy Hour
- May 14, Session Six – Turning Learning into Leadership
- June 4, Session Seven – Don’t Just Talk About It, Be About It: Moving Action
What do Changemakers commit to?
Changemakers Twin Cities meets for seven half day sessions on Friday mornings over the year (as well as a welcome breakfast). They also have the opportunity to take a best practice trip to another city to learn about how they are effectively tackling issues of education equity. We ask that all participants commit to missing no more than two (core) sessions. Because this program is for working professionals, readings and pre-work are limited.
Will Changemakers have a fee associated with it?
Changemakers Twin Cities is completely free to participants. While participants may choose to incur costs throughout the program (for preference in parking or food options), the goal of the program is to be completely cost neutral for all participants.
What does the work look like after the program?
Changemakers Twin Cities is not a prescriptive program, with a specific outcome in mind for participants, nor are fellows expected to complete a final project. To successfully complete the fellowship, we ask all Changemakers to identify one way that they may take a larger role in the educational ecosystem.
Interested in participating in our next cohort?
Changemakers Twin Cities is by invitation only.
2026-2027
Cohort 3 Schedule
- Oct 9 – Kickoff Breakfast
- Nov 6, Session One – Framing the Challenge: Equity & Opportunity in Education
- Dec 4, Session Two – Literacy as a Lever for Justice
- Jan 15, Session Three – The Opportunity Myth: Why Expectations Matter & High Quality Instructional Material
- Feb 21-22 – Learning Trip (location TBD)
- March 12, Session Four – Who has the Power? School Models, Governance & Equity
- April 16, Session Five – Budgets, Trade-offs and Community Voice
- April 22 – Happy Hour
- May 14, Session Six – Turning Learning into Leadership
- June 4, Session Seven – Don’t Just Talk About It, Be About It: Moving Action
“Our team at The Mind Trust had the pleasure of hosting Great MN Schools and its inaugural Changemakers cohort in Indianapolis. Throughout the visit, we were thoroughly impressed by the Changemakers’ breadth of experience, skills, and commitment to high-quality educational access for all students. Their thoughtful questions and insights helped fuel new ideas and perspectives amongst our team at The Mind Trust to help enhance our approach going forward.We know firsthand how powerful civic engagement across sectors can be in creating real change for kids. GMS’ Changemakers represent a powerful way to bring that civic engagement to life in the Minneapolis area.”
– Martin Green, The Mind Trust
Changemakers Twin Cities
Out-of-State Best Practice Visit
The Changemakers Twin Cities out-of-state best practice visit offers participants an immersive look at how another city has tackled systemic education challenges through innovation and cross-sector collaboration. It’s both a time for deep learning and meaningful fellowship with fellow cohort members.
Throughout the day, participants will engage with civic leaders, nonprofit and district partners, and school operators to explore strategies that have driven real improvements for students historically underserved by the system. The agenda includes school visits, conversations with education and city leaders, and space to reflect on how lessons learned might inform work in the Twin Cities. Expect a fast-paced, insight-rich experience designed to spark ideas, deepen relationships, and inspire action. The schedule asks you to leave on a Sunday morning/afternoon, and return Monday evening.
Meet our Changemakers
United by a belief that a quality education system is imperative to a thriving Twin Cities, this group engaged deeply in their learning journey, and committed to tackle the challenges together.
2025-2026 Cohort
Whitney-Lehr Koening
President and Publisher
Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Maggie McCracken
Senior Director of Engagement for Philanthropic Services
The Minneapolis Foundation
2024-2025 Cohort
José Daniel Pacas, PhD
Director of Data Leadership and Investment at the Constellation Lab
The Constellation Fund
Dr. Laurelle Myhra
Director of Mino Bimaadiziwin Wellness Clinic
Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians
Pahoua Y. Hoffman
Senior Vice President of Government & Community Relations
HealthPartners
Together, we’re showing that education is a solvable issue and we have the power to co-create a system that works for all students.
Beyond the Program: Driving Real Change
Participation doesn’t end once the program ends.
Alumni are continuing to push for educational equity through meaningful, ongoing actions.
Citizens League
