TeamWomen Hosts Empower Leadership Academy in Partnership with Stearns Bank and the YWCA Minneapolis

Minneapolis, MN – February 18, 2025—TeamWomen is excited to announce its upcoming Empower Leadership Academy, hosted in collaboration with Stearns Bank and the YWCA Minneapolis. The free Leadership Academy will be held on Friday, February 28th, at the YWCA Minneapolis Campus2121 E Lake St, Minneapolis, MN 55407. The event will equip young women (ages 10 to 18) with essential leadership skills, confidence-building strategies, and tools for success in their academic and professional journeys.

Designed for future female leaders, the Empower Leadership Academy will provide hands-on training in key areas such as self-awareness, resilience, communication, and goal setting. Through interactive exercises, personal assessments, and public speaking opportunities, participants will be confident to embrace leadership roles in their schools, families, communities, and beyond.

“Empowering young women with the skills and confidence to lead is at the core of our mission,” said Katy Burke, Executive Director of TeamWomen. “Through our partnership with Stearns Bank and the YWCA Minneapolis, we are expanding access to leadership development and ensuring that more young women can reach their full potential. Through the support of Stearns Bank, this academy is open to the public and free to attend.”

Stearns Bank and the YWCA Minneapolis are dedicated to fostering community impact and championing initiatives that support the growth and advancement of women and girls. By joining forces with TeamWomen, these organizations reinforce their commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders.

“We’re honored to be partnering with TeamWomen and YWCA to host this innovative Leadership Academy and help build the next generation of women leaders that can make a difference for years to come,” said Rene Knippel, Senior Brand Marketing Manager at Stearns Bank. “As a majority women-owned financial services institution, we know first-hand the outcomes and successes that are unlocked when you empower and encourage women—from all backgrounds and experiences—to live up to their full potential and follow their passions. We know this Leadership Academy will help many young women and girls thrive personally and professionally.”

Young women interested in attending or learning more about the upcoming Leadership Academy can use the link here

About TeamWomen
TeamWomen is a nonprofit organization that empowers women and girls by fostering inner confidence and providing essential leadership tools. Through mentorship, networking, and leadership development programs, TeamWomen supports women at every stage of their professional and personal journeys.

About Stearns Bank
Stearns Bank National Association is a majority women-owned and governed financial services institution committed to empowering people, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and local communities to reach their full financial potential. As a privately held, employee-owned entity, Stearns Bank offers a wide array of national products and services including consumer and small business banking, affordable housing financing, USDA and SBA lending, and equipment and small business financing. Headquartered in Minnesota, the well-capitalized institution has branch locations in Minnesota, Florida, and Arizona. Guided by a commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace, Stearns Bank is regularly recognized as one of the nation’s highest performing banks and ‘Best Banks to Work For’ by American Banker. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. Learn more at www.StearnsBank.com.

About YWCA
The YWCA is a leading nonprofit organization focused on eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Katy Burke
Executive Director
katy@teamwomenmn.org
612-508-8813