Annual Conference – Keynotes

Day 1 Keynote: Georgia Fort | Thursday, October 29, 2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.

The Power of Truth: Leading Through Uncertainty

Award-winning independent journalist Georgia Fort has spent nearly two decades in media. She reports from the front lines of race, power, justice, and American life. Her coverage of Operation Metro Surge reached more than 40 million people worldwide. She is now at the center of one of the most consequential press freedom cases in modern American history.

The Minnesota native draws from her reporting, her experience being targeted by the federal government, and her work building the Center for Broadcast Journalism and acquiring Power 104.7 FM to advance representation in media.

Her keynote is an invitation to nonprofit leaders to confront inequity, protect truth, and change the systems causing harm in their communities.

Day 1 Keynote speaker for MCN's 2026 Annual Conference, Georgia Fort.

Day 2 Keynote: Ashley Fairbanks | Friday, October 30, 8:45 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Opening our second day of the conference with energy and passion, we’re excited to be joined by artist, organizer, and writer Ashley Fairbanks as Day 2 Keynote.

Ashley will discuss her work creating Stand With Minnesota in response to Operation Metro Surge, as well as her perspective on mutual aid and community partnerships.

Day 2 Keynote speaker Ashley Fairbanks

Don’t miss your chance to hear these highly anticipated speakers of the conference, and be part of the conversations that will shape what’s next for Minnesota’s nonprofit community.

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