Join us for an insightful panel discussion where three fabulous executive women - Margaret Anderson Kelliher, Monica Engel and Shawntera Hardy - pull back the curtain on the often-complex world of negotiations. Our panelists will share candid stories of their toughest and most triumphant deals, revealing the critical lessons learned and the actionable strategies that transformed their approach. They will also share insights on how they successfully determine and understand personal worth, while challenging common negotiation mindsets.  Every attendee – regardless of their career stage – will uncover invaluable nuggets for immediate application. 

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to learn from the experiences of three trailblazing executive women!  The event is open to women and men, members and non-members. 

 Format:  

• Registration / Networking: 5-5:30pm

• Programming: 5:30 - 5:40pm (welcome/intros); 5:40-6:40pm (panel); 6:40-7pm (Q&A)

• Networking / Wrap-up: 7-7:30pm

More about our panelists:

Shawntera Hardy serves as the CEO of Amethyst Advisory Group (AAG), an award-winning consulting firm that provides services in the areas of crisis management, government relations, and economic development. With over two decades of experience, AAG is widely respected for its expertise in helping clients accelerate agency in disruption. By providing strategic counsel and capacity, AAG supports clients in solving some of the most complex organizational and community issues. Shawntera co-founded three other ventures: Plural, a venture-backed SaaS company building legislative intelligence tools for discovering, analyzing, and tracking bills in state legislatures and Congress; Certified Access, a supplier development company that helps small businesses obtain and benefit from certification; and Fearless Commerce, a company providing services to amplify and accelerate businesses owned by Black Women. Previously, Shawntera served as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. In this role, she led a team of close to 1,300 employees and was responsible for an annual budget of over $1.3 billion. As a former Deputy Chief of Staff for Governor Mark Dayton, she was responsible for crisis and emergency management for the state of Minnesota. As a former government relations manager at HealthPartners, Shawntera was the lead lobbyist providing advice on the role health systems can play in improving the quality of life for all Minnesotans. Shawntera holds a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree from the State University of New York – Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning.

Margaret Anderson Kelliher was appointed City Operations Officer for the City of Minneapolis by Mayor Jacob Frey and confirmed by the City Council in 2024. She oversees key departments including Civil Rights, Public Works, and 17 departments across Internal Services, Communications and Engagement, and Development, Health, and Livability.Previously, she served as Minnesota’s Commissioner of Transportation, advancing safety, climate resilience, and equity in the state’s transportation system. She also led the Minnesota Technology Association, chaired Governor Dayton’s Broadband Task Force, and launched a paid internship program connecting students and small businesses with opportunities in technology and science.Margaret served in the Minnesota House of Representatives for twelve years, becoming the first woman Speaker of the House. She championed renewable energy, transportation infrastructure, and the Legacy Amendment for conservation and clean water.Raised on a southern Minnesota farm, she holds a master’s from Harvard Kennedy School of Government and lives in Minneapolis with her husband.

Monica Engel is a mission-driven board director and advisor, whose distinguished career has spanned over 35 years in the Commercial and Government healthcare markets. As a healthcare executive, Engel consistently delivered exceptional business results with a customer-centric approach, addressing many complex challenges and identifying transformative opportunities within the healthcare industry. During her most recent role as a member of the executive leadership team at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota, Engel was a Senior Vice President, President of Government Markets, and CEO, Blue Plus where she oversaw the organization’s government health program operations, including Medicare, Medicaid, the Federal Employee Plan, and Individual market segments. Her leadership was marked by successful P and L management, a commitment to sustainable growth, evidenced by industry-leading Star ratings, quality management practices, proactive product lifecycle management, and unwavering program compliance and operational oversight. Since leaving Blue Cross, Engel leaves behind a legacy of fostering company growth, achieving outstanding operating results, and pioneering innovative changes to enhance healthcare services. She is currently staying actively engaged through advisory and board opportunities where health care innovation is occurring and transformation is needed as well as taking time for family and friends, reflection and renewal.

This event is open to both members and non-members. Tickets are complimentary for members and $35 for non-members.