RISING
ICONS
What do you do with a growing network of innovators, investors and journalists? Create opportunity. We celebrate bold leaders building brands and driving change every day. Nominate an ICON to be featured or meet them below.
RISING ICONS is brought to you in partnership with:
Rising ICON #46: Athena M. Adkins
Athena M. Adkins is president and founder of BetterWorld Partners, an anti-racism consulting firm for organizational change and capacity.
Rising ICON #45: Nina Axelson
Nina Axelson is the president and founder of Grid Catalyst, an organization at the forefront of energy and cleantech in Minnesota.
Rising ICON #44: Jhaelynn Elam
Jhaelynn Elam is a social innovator solving for Black wealth and connection as the founder of The B Suite and Sizije Trave.
Rising ICON #43: Grayson Cobb Denzer
Grayson Cobb Denzer is the sales and partnership manager for digital marketing agency, Br8kthru Consulting.
Rising ICON #42: Sue Harnett
Sue Harnett, the trailblazing Founder & CEO of Rewriting the Code, is on a mission to transform the landscape of the technology industry by building the largest global community for college and early-career women in tech.
Rising ICON #41: Dr. Chris Brooks
Dr. Chris Brooks, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of the Brown Venture Group, is a visionary economic theologian who is redefining the global economy to foster the flourishing of all people, particularly those of color.
Rising ICON #40: Jamie Millard
Jamie Millard, renowned for her expertise in building communities and fostering meaningful connections, stands at the forefront of narrative strategy and design systems at Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies.
Rising ICON #39: Billy Mzenga
Billy Mzenga, as the visionary Director of the Institute for Social Innovation at the University of St. Thomas, is reshaping the landscape of entrepreneurship education by focusing on solutions to the world's biggest challenges.
Rising ICON #38: Karl O. Benson
Karl Benson, President of the Zeta Nu Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., is pioneering change and building a brighter future for Black men in the Twin Cities.
Rising ICON #37: Jonathan Banks
Jonathan Banks, President of NCXT, is pioneering a transformative approach in management consulting, focusing on engaging people, driving change, and creating Our Best World®.
Rising ICON #36: Kelsey Lindell
Kelsey Lindell, Founder & CEO of Misfit Media, is leading an Inclusion Revolution in marketing and media, advocating for the authentic representation of disabled people.
Rising ICON #35: Heide Olson
Heide Olson is the visionary Founder & CEO of All in One Accounting dba Veracity Pros and Accountinuity where she’s transforming financial landscapes for entrepreneurs and nonprofits.
Rising ICON #34: Mana Moini
Mana Moini, Founder and Host of HUMANATY, is igniting a movement of kindness and community through meaningful dialogue.
Rising ICON #33: Jen Lindahl
Jen Lindahl, Founder & CEO of WIRED and a pivotal figure at Echo Search Group, is redefining how female professionals and entrepreneurs connect, grow, and contribute to their communities.
Rising ICON #32: Brittany Bell
Brittany Bell, CEO & President of Gametime Hero, is revolutionizing how adults find community through sports and hobbies.
Rising ICON #31: NeTia Bauman
NeTia Bauman, CEO & President of Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, is a pioneering force in economic development, championing the integration of entrepreneurship-led strategies to revitalize Central Minnesota's economy.
Rising ICON #30: Delson Saintal
Delson Saintal, Owner of Xperience Barbers and aspiring Fargo City Commissioner, is a testament to the power of hard work and the courage to chase dreams.
Rising ICON #29: Gia Vitali
Gia Vitali is Vice President of Engagement & External Affairs at Collaboration.Ai where she blends human ingenuity with AI to tackle global challenges.
Rising ICON #28: Brad Fletcher
Brad Fletcher is founder and CEO of Nestar Energy, the tidal energy system startup.
Rising ICON #27: Jenna Myrland
Jenna Myrland, owner of J. Myrland Workshop, crafts transformative spaces with a focus on authenticity and connection, empowering small businesses through interior design.