Save the Date

Saturday, March 20, 2027

Name: Celebrating the Sistas® Gala
Start: 2027-03-20T18:00:00-06:00
End: 2027-03-20T23:00:00-06:00
Location: Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot

Renaissance Minneapolis Hotel, The Depot

Celebrating the Infinite Impact of Our Sistas

Watch 2026 Highlights

Presented by

Inside the Experience.

Celebrating the Sistas transports guests to an "Oscar-Style" awards ceremony from the moment they step foot inside the depot.

Signature cocktails, elaborate decor, sponsor photos, and the best networking in the Twin Cities.

The Main Program revolves around the women we celebrate, and is infused with world-class entertainment throughout.

DJ C-Suite returns to the decks to get the dance floor packed, and the networking atmosphere absolutely popping.

March 20, 2027

Doors at 4:30 PM · The Depot

Relive the Night

The Unforgettable Highlights From the 2026 Celebrating the Sistas Awards Ceremony

What they are saying

Voices from the Stage

As you bring in talent, they're here to drive results, but balance that with respect, learning, development, hearing them, and seeing them. Remember, you're also developing them into what they will become for the future.

Cheryl Bethune

2026 Celebrating the Sistas Honoree
Chief HR Officer, Bio-Techne

Celebrating 4 Years of Impact

On Saturday, March 20th, we celebrate our 5th anniversary. The stories of triumph and success showcase the very best of Minnesota, and send a loud message that Minnesota is indeed a place where we can all live, work, play, and prosper.

2026

From left to right:

Patricia Correa, Nicole James Gilchrist, Sarah Bellamy, Barbara Butts Williams, Sharon Smith-Akinsanya, Cheryl Bethune, Aretha Green-Rupert, Dr. Lisa M. Archer

2025

From left to right:

Lea B. Olsen, Dr. Lisa Saul, Renee Dotson, Kim Nelson, Sharon Smith-Akinsanya, Ravyn Miller, Irene Quarshie, Anne Sempowski Ward

2024

From left to right:

Olivia Jefferson, Dr. Stephanie Burrage, Tonya Allen, Laysha Ward, Sharon Smith-Akinsanya, Gail Peterson, Kelly Baker, Nawal Noor

2023

From left to right:

Renay Dossman, Michelle Miller, Amelia Hardy, Kathryn J. Coleman, Simone Hardeman-Jones, Dr. Rachel Hardeman, Caroline Njau, Dorothy Bridges, Kristie Lazenberry, Kiera Fernandez, Bisi Onile-Ere, Drinal Foster, Andrea Jenkins, Tiffani Daniels, Kathie Eiland-Madison

World‑Class
Entertainment

Every year, Celebrating the Sistas brings world-class performance into the room through award-winning artists, musicians, dancers, actors, and creative professionals who make the night unforgettable.

Watch 2026 Highlights

Theatrical Tribute

Jamecia Bennett

feat. Austene Van

Excerpt from Marie and Rosetta

2026 AWARD HONOREES

Barbara Butts Williams

Author, Board Member, and Retired Executive

The Quiet Storm Award

Barbara Butts Williams, PhD, is an author, independent board director, and accomplished corporate, academic, and community leader. Known for her strategic insight and innovative thinking, she has helped organizations navigate transformation, talent development, and growth.

Kiera Fernandez

Executive VP – Chief Community & Stakeholder Engagement Officer, Target

Greg Cunningham

Senior Executive VP, Chief Community Impact & Inclusion Officer, U.S. Bank

Rod Young

CEO, Delta Dental of Minnesota

Chris Galvin

Chair & CEO, Andersen Corporation

Anne Sempowski Ward

Chairwoman of the Board, CURiO Brands

Tim Welsh

President, CCC Intelligent Solutions

Celebrating Sista Ripples

#SistaRipples represent the infinite impact each woman has had in their own sectors, teaching all of us that we can change the world for the better if we choose to.

We thank each of the women we celebrate for starting their own ripple effects that will be felt for generations to come.