NSA-MN JUNE 2026 Newsletter
From Your President, Jasmine Brett Stringer, MAPP
Dear NSA-Minnesota Members,
As I write my final newsletter message as your President, I find myself reflecting on one word that has defined this extraordinary year, responsible.
Earlier this spring, a trusted mentor asked me to describe my presidency in one word. After much thought, that was the word that came to mind.
Responsible.
Responsible to our board.
Responsible to our members.
Responsible to this chapter and its future.
In NSA, we often say, “The President serves the Board. The Board serves the Chapter.The Chapter serves our members and community;” and that philosophy has guided every decision we made this year.
When we selected our theme, “Connect. Grow. Thrive.” we knew it couldn't simply become three words on a banner. It had to become the standard by which we measured our work.
Looking back, I believe this board answered those questions beautifully.
Together we established a consistent cadence of monthly programming, strengthened our registration and operational processes, welcomed a new chapter administrator and financial institution, expanded networking opportunities, and continued building a chapter that serves both seasoned professionals and emerging speakers.
We had six CPAE Hall of Fame speakers to Minnesota speak to our chapter, we hosted a Deep Dive with Mark Scharenbroich, a virtual masterclass with Joel Weldon, weekly Speaker Boost sessions, a Summer Social, launched NSA-MN Impact Partners, had record breaking participation in the Speakers Academy, the highest level of registrations for our end-of-year gala and created opportunities for members to learn, connect, and build relationships throughout the year.
We also celebrated one another this year by acknowledging shared wins and good news because success is always sweeter when it's celebrated together.
This year we also celebrated tremendous accomplishments from our members, including three new CSPs, participation at INFLUENCE and THRIVE, chapter members participating in the Million Dollar Speakers Group, and fostered meaningful connections with our friends at NSA Wisconsin during a joint social at INFLUENCE 2025.
The board intentionally worked to cultivate a chapter where generosity, encouragement, collaboration, and relationships mattered just as much as great presentations. Strong associations aren't built by events alone, but they are built by people who genuinely want one another to succeed.
Serving as your President has truly been the fulfillment of a dream with responsibility.
Thank you for trusting me with the opportunity to lead this remarkable chapter. A heartfelt thank you to our members, volunteers, guest speakers and our board!
Thank you to every member who attended a program, introduced yourself to someone new, shared a resource, volunteered your time, celebrated another member's success, or simply showed up.
You are what makes NSA-Minnesota exceptional.
It has been one of the greatest honors of my professional life to serve you.
As I pass the gavel, I do so with tremendous confidence in the future of this chapter, keep connecting, keep growing, and keep thriving.
With gratitude,
Jasmine Brett Stringer
President, 2025–2026
National Speakers Association Minnesota Chapter
Congratulations to Our 2025-2026 Award Winners
One of the highlights of our annual Speaker Gala is recognizing members whose leadership, generosity, and professional excellence elevate our chapter and our profession.
Congratulations to our 2025–2026 Award Recipients!
Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr. Cindra Kamphoff, CSP
Recognizing a career of extraordinary impact, leadership, and service to the speaking profession.
NSA-MN Hall of Fame
James Robilotta, CSP
Honoring a speaker whose lasting contributions have strengthened our chapter and inspired our members.
The Mark LeBlanc Award
Jonathan Lokhorst, CSP
Presented to a member who exemplifies servant leadership, generosity, and a commitment to helping others succeed.
Chapter Member of the Year
Michelle Doerr
For exceptional service, leadership, and commitment to our chapter throughout the year.
Next Level Award
Dr. Dave Webb
Recognizing outstanding growth, leadership, and professional achievement.
Volunteer of the Year
Lena Scullard
For giving generously of her time, talent, and heart in service to NSA-Minnesota.
Newcomer Impact Award
Ann Vote
Celebrating a new member who has quickly become an engaged and valued contributor to our community.
Speaker Academy Award
Dr. Gabriel Warren
Recognizing excellence, dedication, and growth through Speaker Academy.
Check out our Awards Gala Photos HERE
Congratulations to each of our recipients! Thank you for making our chapter stronger through your leadership, generosity, and commitment to excellence.
Welcoming New Leaders & Thanking Those Who Served
As one leadership team concludes its service, another begins. Please join us in welcoming our newest members of the NSA-Minnesota Board of Directors:
- Jimmy Zugschwert
- Laura Best
We are grateful for your willingness to serve and invest your leadership in the future of our chapter.
We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to three outstanding board members whose service concludes this year:
- Jason Hunt
- Jan Lehman, CSP, CPAE
- Dr. Dave Webb
Thank you for your countless hours of volunteer leadership, thoughtful counsel, and unwavering commitment to helping our members connect, grow, and thrive.
Volunteer leadership is one of the greatest gifts we can give our professional community, and NSA-Minnesota is stronger because of each of you.
Every month we send out a newsletter to our current membership and mailing list. These newsletters include updates, events, and some inspiring content for our professional speakers, trainers, coaches, and consultants. Enjoy these newsletters from the current and previous year.
