Theme: Pattern

Join us for an evening dedicated to exploring Ideas Worth Spreading with six speakers, a classical dance company and a renowned percussionist. Prior to the program, enjoy food, drink and activities with fellow attendees at The Regency, then cross the street to the historic Paramount Theatre for the program.

The Paramount Theater
913 West St. Germain St.
St. Cloud, Minnesota, 56301
United States

Anisa Hagi-Mohamed

Educator, artist and author

Somali-American educator. Artist. Author. Community leader. Business owner. Mother. Anisa’s transformative journey began when she was born two years before the civil war in Somalia. After fleeing and spending a few years in a refugee camp, Anisa’s family immigrated to the United States when she was 5. Anisa went on to earn bachelor’s and master’s degrees in linguistics. Her journey continues to inspire and empower communities as she fosters healing and understanding through the power of language. She has authored two books, advocated for Autism awareness and acceptance, and developed bilingual affirmation cards. She has earned awards and recognition from BRAVE Foundation, Star Tribune, MPR, and Minnesota Women's Press, among others.

Patty Wetterling

Child Advocate, Speaker and Author

Patty was a stay-at-home mother of four children when her world was rocked by the abduction of her 11-year-old son, Jacob, on October 22, 1989. With a shattered heart, Patty began studying child abduction and sexual exploitation. The more she learned, the more she needed to share. Her advocacy led to passing Federal legislation requiring sex offenders to register addresses with law enforcement. Patty served on the board for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for 22 years and consulted for the US Department of Justice’s Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. Though her hopes have grown and changed, Patty believes there are more good people than bad, and she is committed to fighting for a world where children have the right to grow up safe and follow their dreams. Patty never gave up, and Jacob’s Hope is very much alive in the hearts of all who shared in her journey.

R. Kyle Martin

Orthopedic Surgeon

Kyle is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at CentraCare M Physicians Orthopedics sub-specializing in sports medicine. He also serves as team physician for the St. Cloud State University Huskies. Kyle is actively engaged in research on the clinical translation of artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve patient outcomes. He loves the combination of immediate gratification from performing surgery on an injured individual along with the long-term fulfilment watching them return to sport and life following rehabilitation. Originally from Winnipeg, Canada, he has visited more than 35 countries. Kyle is a PADI certified Advanced Open Water Diver, and his main interests are cycling, time with family, and pretending he’s still an athlete.

Stroia Dance Studios

Director, Dancer, Stroia Dance Studios

Alicia Le has been a part of Stroia for over 25 years. Alicia's primary training was under the instruction and direction of Carlos Cornel Stroia; Alicia has had additional training from Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy. Alicia is a graduate from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Bio-Medical Science and Pre-Physical Therapy. Her education has played an important role in her instruction, as this aids in understanding correct alignment, proper muscle building, and injury prevention. Alicia has been teaching at Stroia for over 15 years and is excited to expand her journey as owner and director.

Terry Vermillion

Musician, Professor of Music, St. Cloud State University

Terry Vermillion started his career at the crossroads of improvised music and classical European art music. He has a lifelong fascination with exploring a balance of compositional formality and improvisation. He is a much sought-after percussionist and performs in multiple groups across a wide range of styles. His contributions have led to numerous professional awards for his teaching and his musical performances.

Tim Bornholdt

Chief Technology Officer, Bionic Giant

Tim is the chief technology officer of Bionic Giant. A lifelong nerd, he made his first website in third grade and programmed his first graphing calculator in sixth grade. After college, he co-founded a mobile software consultancy where he architected and developed apps used by millions of people for organizations such as Great Clips, Sanford Health, and Little Free Library. He also helped launch several successful Minnesota-based startups, including TurnSignl, VSI Labs, and Kwikly. Tim's passion is helping people understand how cutting-edge technology works. His recent area of interest is artificial intelligence. Tim also loves hanging out with his gorgeous wife, his cheeky 7-year-old daughter, and his goofy 4-year-old son.

Tracy Hodel

Public Services Director, City of St. Cloud, MN

Providing innovative, high quality, cost-effective public services to the City of St. Cloud’s residents and customers is a key driver for Tracy’s current role as public services director for the City of St. Cloud. She has been with the City of St. Cloud for over 22 years, was born and raised here, and received her bachelor’s degree in biology locally. In recent years, the City of St. Cloud has taken a national and global leadership role in its sustainability efforts due to City staff’s efforts. Tracy is leading this initiative and advocates for being big and bold with ideas, being brave enough to implement them and never underestimating the impact of small actions. Taking action is a critical key to learning and success.

Zach Fritz

Program Director, Les Voyageurs

Zach’s love for the outdoors started at age four on family trips canoe camping in the Boundary Waters. He continued these annual trips until 2013 when he became involved with a local nonprofit, Les Voyageurs Inc., which seeks to expand the horizons and leadership of young adults through wilderness experiences. These trips, ranging from 30 to 50+ days, travel to remote areas of Canada. Zach has been a program participant and guide and has served as the program director since 2019. He has a bachelor's degree in environmental studies and a passion for introducing people to the outdoors and to the personal development/leadership components that come from these experiences. In the summer of 2024, Zach will be embarking on a 4,400-kilometer, 4-month canoe expedition from northern Minnesota to the Arctic Ocean with a fellow adventurer.