2025 TeamWomen Empower Gala

Empower Gala

NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | 5-8PM

THE METROPOLITAN | GOLDEN VALLEY

See you there!

The 2025 Empower Gala is your chance to support TeamWomen in our mission to inspire women and girls to rise together through leadership development, mentoring, and youth empowerment.

During the event, you’ll hear powerful stories from a panel of speakers who will share how being part of our community has transformed their lives both personally and professionally. Additionally, our sponsors and partners will showcase their commitment to creating positive change, one woman and one girl at a time.

For those eager to make an even greater impact, we offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities. We are also seeking donations for our auction! If you’re interested in contributing, please fill out this form. Thank you for your support!

Attendees will enjoy a fabulous silent & live auction!

Our 2024 Silent Auction is filled with unique gifts and exciting experiences for you to treat yourself or to gift to a loved one! All funds raised support TeamWomen’s mission. We’re breaking down barriers, fostering confidence, and building networks that enable women to thrive at every age and stage of their career!

Here are the steps to bid in the live auction:

1. Head to this link: https://aesbid.com/EMPOWER24/#page=1

2. View and bid on silent auction through AES, an online bidding software. You can even set up a max bid!

3. The system will text you if you get outbid and will remind you before the auction closes.

The Schedule

5pm: Social Hour & Silent Auction

6pm: Program Begins + Live Auction

7:30pm Silent Auction Closes | More Social Hour

8pm Program Ends

Meet Our Special Guests

Lea B. Olsen

Emcee

Since playing basketball for the University of Minnesota, where she studied journalism and mass communication, Lea has worked for NBCSN, ESPN’s national WNBA coverage, and currently is a game analyst for the Minnesota Lynx and a television sideline reporter for the Minnesota Timberwolves on Bally Sports North.

Lea has also broadcast both the boys and girls 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.

Rylie Behr

Auctioneer

Rylie is a rising star in the auction industry and is the Chief Brand Ambassador & Auctioneer for Behr Benefits. Having a background in theater and entertainment, she knows how to dazzle audiences of all sizes all over the U.S. Rylie intertwines wit, humor, and show “woman” ship to every auction and event. With her dynamic personality, Rylie is able to adapt and accommodate a variety of audiences and nonprofit clients.

Rylie’s extensive theater and acting background elevates her in the auction industry. It allows her to quickly acclimate, improv, and adapt when needed. She has starred in films across the U.S. and even traveled to Canada. She is known for winning Best New Actress in 2013 at The Wild Rose Film Festival and for receiving an award for up-and-coming spokesperson from the Epilepsy Foundation. She has a knack for engaging audiences and making a room come alive like she’s done on the big screen since age 9.

Tracy Watts

Empower Leadership Academy Attendee | Singer

When Tracy attended one of our recent Empower Leadership Academies, she shared her incredible voice with the group.

We knew immediately that she had to be part of our Empower Gala! This young leader will grace us with a special performance that showcases the talent and confidence we’re building in the next generation.

Tracy represents exactly why we do this work: empowering young girls to step into their gifts and share them with the world.

Meet Our Speakers

Carrie Johansson

Customer Service Manager Shippers Supply, Inc.

Carrie has spent nearly 20 years helping teams succeed, fostering collaboration, and building lasting relationships. Passionate about empowering others, she creates environments where people can thrive and achieve their best.

A proud member of a military family—her husband has served in the Army National Guard for 28 years—and a devoted mom to two teenagers, Carrie draws inspiration from her family every day.

When she faced an unexpected layoff in February, she turned to TeamWomen for support during one of her most challenging times. What she discovered was a community that rallied around her, keeping her spirits high throughout her job search process. Six months later, she landed a new role and now joyfully shares her TeamWomen story of how the network became her lifeline during transition.

Carrie is dedicated to connecting people, driving results, and sharing her story to inspire and uplift others who may be facing their own career challenges. Her experience exemplifies the power of community support and the strength that comes from leaning into relationships during difficult seasons.

Anaya Twum

Project Manager, IT PMO | 3M

Anaya is a mom, entrepreneur, philanthropist, IT professional, and creative who is deeply passionate about women empowerment and lifelong learning. As a women nonprofit leader and encourager, she dedicates her time to uplifting others and creating opportunities for women to thrive. Her bold mission is to help at least 50 women in Africa graduate from college, a vision that reflects her commitment to driving generational change.

Angel Twum

Empower Leadership Academy Attendee | 12 Years Old

Angel is a curious and creative 12-year-old who never stops exploring new things. Whether she’s learning a new stitch on her sewing machine or testing out a brand-new dessert recipe, Angel puts her heart into everything she does. (She baked so many treats this summer, her family officially put her in charge of Thanksgiving desserts!)

She’s also an avid reader, a world traveler, and a big fan of history and culture. This year alone, she explored the streets of Brussels, Paris, and London—and came home full of stories and inspiration. Angel dreams big and plans to be the CEO of her own company one day.

LIVE AUCTION ITEMS

Our live auction features once-in-a-lifetime experiences! From exclusive adventures to VIP access, these experiences create memories that last forever – while supporting our mission to empower women and girls. Get ready to raise your paddle for something extraordinary.

Timberwolves Lexus Club Seats

A pair (2) of Lexus Club Timberwolves seats located DIRECTLY behind the Wolves bench. Includes dining options in the Lexus club and all the shenanigans that are part of sitting that close to the bench.

Latin Experience: Dinner for 4 at Crasqui Restaurant

This experience includes dinner for 4 at Crasqui Restaurant with a curated 3-course menu by Chef Soleil Ramirez!

Soleil joined us for our International Women’s Day Luncheon earlier this year, where she shared her remarkable journey of rebuilding her life after fleeing Venezuela to opening the Midwest’s only Venezuelan fine-dining restaurant. So you’ll definitely get a great meal, but maybe you’ll also get a few great stories along the way! What an inspiration to dream big!

Wellness Winter Getaway for Four at Wild Rice Retreat

Escape to the shores of Lake Superior with this unforgettable two-night wellness getaway for four at the award-winning Wild Rice Retreat in Bayfield, Wisconsin.

Your group will stay in the stunning Treehaus lodging, featuring 4 private guest suites- each with its own en-suite bathroom, cozy fireplace, and floor-to-ceiling forest views. Includes 3 daily chef-prepared meals and more!

Redemption Window:
Available November 15 – March 15, valid through March 15, 2027. (Blackout dates may apply for holidays or special events. Subject to availability.)

Automate to Accellerate – The #1 AI Training In The World

Transform your entire business model for exponential growth! Automate to Accelerate (A2A) is the AI-Powered Business Transformation Experience where, step by step, we build smarter, AI-driven systems together over 10 weeks. This isn’t off-the-shelf automation—it’s the invisible edge that has helped 1000+ businesses break through growth ceilings, remove bottlenecks, and create a business that grows with them, not because of their constant input.

In-Home Charcuterie Class for 10

Enjoy learning how to create a delicious and unique charcuterie board!

Host Tammie Follett will come to your home and spend up to 2 hours sharing fun tips on cheese and meat selections, decorative options, and themes for charcuterie boards. Food and wine provided. In Twin Cities area, 10 people, expiration – 6 months.

Afternoon Pontoon Ride on Lake Minnetonka

Invite 5 of your gal pals to enjoy a summer afternoon in the sun on the lake! We will provide the beverages and snacks, just show up with your towel and swim suit. The date will be determined with the purchaser.

Percussion Playground at the Women’s Drum Center

Enjoy 2.5-3 hours of fun with this Percussion Playground for you and up to 15 of your friends on a Friday or Saturday at the Women’s Drum Center in Saint Paul, MN.

Date to be mutually agreed upon between winner and the Women’s Drum Center.

Radiant Renewal: MOXI Laser Series + Luxe Healing Post-Care Kit

This exclusive package includes three treatments designed to refresh and renew your complexion, targeting early signs of aging, sun damage and uneven texture with minimal downtime.
Paired with a luxurious healing post-care kit, this offering ensures your skin is pampered every step of the way. Curated with medical-grade skincare essentials, the kit supports optimal healing, enhances results and leaves your skin glowing, hydrated and beautifully restored.

Pickleball Party at Accredited Investors

Accredited Investors has 2 pickleball courts where you can host a party or work gathering. We will provide food, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. We also have a bocce court that can be used and a nice patio to hang out on.

Mall of America Family Four Pack + More

Mall of America® Donation

• 4 Unlimited Ride Wristbands to Nickelodeon Universe®
• 4 Passes to Moose Mountain Adventure Golf or Rock of Ages Blacklight Mini Golf
• 4 Passes to Crayola Experience
• 4 Passes to SEA LIFE Aquarium
• Mall of America® Coupon Book
• Mall of America® Adult T-Shirt
• Mall of America® Youth T-Shirt
• Mall of America® Cup
• Mall of America® Children’s Cup
• Mall of America® Reusable Bag
• Mall of America® Hat
• Mall of America® Plush
• Nickelodeon® Activity Book
• Nickelodeon® Toy
• Nickelodeon® Toy

3 Night Stay at Surfside Master Suite in Tofte, MN on Lake Superior

The Surfside master suite is for guests seeking relaxation and top-of-the-line accommodations enjoy amazing views from the coastal, contemporary townhomes at Surfside on Lake Superior.

Timberwolves Tickets (4 tickets) Midcourt

AMAZING seats to the Timberwolves game! You and 3 guests (4 tickets total) will be in all the action and cheer on our MN Timberwolves. You can pick one of the following games (only 1 game, but we are giving you an option).