FEW St. Cloud upcoming events

June FEW Meeting | Leading Together: Fostering a Supportive Community of Women Leaders (June 10, 2026)

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Featuring Alison Medeck, Executive Director of The Economic Alliance.

In this sessions, we'll learn about networking myths/truths and Alison's networking framework.

She holds a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and brings 16+ years of experience in education and counseling, with a strong foundation in communication, training, coaching, and program design. Alison's got an impressively wide-range of experience—including small business ownership, grant administration, stakeholder engagement, and professional development.

A Brainerd Lakes Area native, Alison enjoys lake life with her family, traveling, and being involved in her community. She and her husband, Greg, live in the area with their three kids.

Check out Alison's personal video invitation to FEW!

Thank you to our June meeting sponsor, Audio Video Extremes.

If you have questions or need to update your registration, please contact us at stcloudfew@gmail.com.

A FEW Good Friends + Alpacas = The Perfect Night (June 23, 2026)

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 22:00:00 GMT

July FEW Meeting | Awaken Your Authenticity - The Power of Being Real Panel (July 08, 2026)

Wed, 08 Jul 2026 16:30:00 GMT

This Past Presidents Panel honors the women whose leadership has shaped FEW’s mission and strengthened its community. By sharing their journeys, challenges, and defining moments, these former presidents illuminate how collective commitment and authentic leadership have carried FEW forward—and how that spirit continues to guide its future.

Patti Gartland – 1997 FEW President

Patti served as the President of the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation from 2013 to 2023, Gartland also served as the Sartell, Minnesota city administrator for nearly 12 years. During her tenure, the city experienced a more than 65 percent increase in population growth and development activity totaling nearly a half billion dollars.

Gartland has also served on the boards of the MN Land Trust and the Coalition of Greater MN Cities. She is also past chair of the St. Cloud Area Wastewater Advisory Commission and is a past board member and chair for the United Way of Central Minnesota.

Gartland is a lifelong resident of the greater St. Cloud community. She is a graduate of St. Cloud State University (SCSU).

Patti Gartland was appointed to the Metropolitan Airports Commission on March 26, 2014 by Gov. Dayton, and reappointed in January 2018. She received a third-term reappointment by Gov. Walz in January 2022.

Kathleen Bernick – 1988 FEW President

Kathleen worked in finance and accounting for several different firms in the St. Cloud, in both the for profit and non-profit fields.

Besides FEW, she has served on several boards and committees, including Women’s Fund, Catholic Charities, St. Cloud Planning Commission, Anna Marie’s Alliance, United Way, Imagination Library Progressive Dinner. Additional volunteer activities include Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, and Friends of the Library. She is currently retired and loving it! Kathleen spends time reading, solving puzzles (or trying to), traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Kristin Hannon – 2024 FEW President

After more than 20 years in banking, Kristin decided spreadsheets were great—but purpose was better. So she made a bold pivot into the nonprofit world and now serves as the Advancement Director at Big Brothers Big Sisters, where she puts her financial savvy, people skills, and big‑picture energy to work for a mission that truly matters.

Kristin is a relationship‑driven fundraiser who believes generosity grows through great conversations—and she’s very good at starting those. She leads strategic fundraising efforts, builds strong donor partnerships, and helps create the systems that keep Big Brothers Big Sisters growing and thriving. Known for her kind heart, sassy confidence, and unstoppable go‑getter mentality, Kristin brings equal parts strategy and sparkle to everything she does.

When she’s not changing the world one conversation at a time, you’ll find her chatting with just about anyone, curled up with a book and her dogs, tackling a house project with her husband, or soaking up lake time with her kids. She’s passionate about people, bold ideas, and making things happen.

Thank you to our July meeting sponsor, Creative Planning.

If you have questions or need to update your registration, please contact us at stcloudfew@gmail.com.

August FEW Meeting | Power Within: The African Gourd as a Vessel of Women’s Leadership, Strength, and Empowerment (August 12, 2026)

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Featuring Dr. Njeri Clement, Director of Cultural Fluency, Equity and Inclusion at St. Cloud Technical and Community College

In this role, Dr. Clement provides strategic leadership for SCTCC’s Multicultural Center and serves as a catalyst for fostering a more inclusive campus environment. She brings a strong track record in program development, assessment, and the implementation of innovative strategies that promote equity, inclusion, and institutional accountability. A visionary leader, Dr. Clement is recognized for her ability to build strong community partnerships, develop key coalitions, and cultivate relationships rooted in shared purpose and commitment to justice.

Dr. Clement holds a bachelor’s degree in Gender and Women’s Studies and a master’s degree in Social Responsibility from St. Cloud State University. She also earned a Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration (M.P.N.A.) from Metropolitan State University and a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies from Johnson University in Tennessee.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Clement is deeply engaged in the St. Cloud community. She serves in multiple roles, including adjunct professor, women’s advocate, board member, global speaker, and trainer.

If you have questions or need to update your registration, please contact us at stcloudfew@gmail.com.

September FEW Meeting | Building Partnerships Between Law Enforcement and Businesses (September 09, 2026)

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Featuring St. Cloud Police Chief, Jeff Oxton

Jeff Oxton has been employed as a licensed Peace Officer with the City of St. Cloud since October 1995. Oxton presently serves as the Chief of Police to which he was appointed in December 2022. Chief Oxton holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of North Dakota, a master’s degree in criminal justice from St. Cloud State University and has completed the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety School of Police Staff and Command. Chief Oxton was raised in St. Cloud and graduated from St. Cloud Apollo High School.

Jeff will inform us on topics such as: public safety facts, trends, challenges, and myths currently in our community.

Thank you to our September meeting sponsor, Midwest Business Finance Corporation.

If you have questions or need to update your registration, please contact us at stcloudfew@gmail.com.

October FEW Meeting | Embracing Your Authenticity at Every Age (October 14, 2026)

Wed, 14 Oct 2026 16:30:00 GMT

Featuring Grandma Marcy Grams

Grandma Marcy Grams radiates warmth and humor through her storytelling for women of all ages -- young women who may feel trapped in the throes of life, middle-aged women who are hanging on to youthfulness, and mature women who may need a bit of encouragement to keep living!

Grandma Marcy is living life to the fullest and sharing insightful, life-wisdom in a real, yet humble and humorous way. Grandma Marcy is a D-list actress since 2000, former fitness instructor, jack-of-no-trade, and a minister, married forty+ years, mother of four, and a grandmother of ten! Let’s laugh, learn and live.

Check out Marcy's personal invitation to FEW!

Thank you to our October meeting sponsor, Alliance Imaging.

If you have questions or need to update your registration, please contact us at stcloudfew@gmail.com.

November FEW Meeting | Crafting Connections: Annual Networking Meeting (November 11, 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Crafting Connections: Annual Networking Meeting

We'll talk a little business then get to know each other better through a low-key, low-pressure networking activity.

Thank you to our November meeting sponsor, Catholic Charities.

If you have questions or need to update your registration, please contact us at stcloudfew@gmail.com.