Behind every strong conference agenda is a thoughtful process. This behind-the-scenes look at the Minnesota Cancer Summit 2026 shares how the breakout session agenda was built, using clear criteria, structured review, and facilitation, to reflect Cancer Plan priorities, equity, and real-world impact.

The Minnesota Cancer Summit 2026 was designed to do more than convene. It was intentionally structured to launch implementation of the Minnesota Cancer Plan. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how thoughtful process, facilitation, and agenda design can move a field from conversation to action.

The CLARA method gives public health leaders, facilitators, and community organizers a grounded way to stay connected and curious in difficult conversations, especially in polarized times.

What does capacity building look like for a special service district? Freya + Co shares lessons from supporting the Towerside Maintenance District, strengthening governance, systems, and operational clarity as the district grows.

In unsettled times, leadership often rewards urgency. But real systems change requires patience, trust, and staying power. A Field Notes reflection on why now is the time for the long game.

What does a holistic approach to organizational change actually look like? Reflections from Freya + Co on governance, facilitation, evaluation, and learning across complex systems.

What did this year reveal about working in complex systems? Reflections from Freya + Co on patterns, surprises, and what held steady across public health, HCBS, evaluation, and coalition work.

What level of collaboration does your coalition really need? The Himmelman Hierarchy provides a grounded way to clarify expectations, honor different levels of engagement, and support healthier partnerships.

Change is accelerating faster than most of our systems can handle. Freya + Co founder Liz Moe shares how leaders can stay grounded—by holding on to their principles, cultivating adaptability, and valuing relationships over arrival.

Teams often struggle with a simple but important question: How do we invite participation? Younger professionals tend to prefer group emails, while older colleagues favor personal outreach. Underneath this difference is a deeper set of values—about respect, efficiency, and how connection is built. Here’s how to work better across generations and strengthen collaboration.

In 2017, I found myself saying “yes” to more and more freelance projects. I was helping nonprofits navigate strategy, supporting funders with evaluation frameworks, advising on board development, communications, and occasionally working with for-profit clients doing mission-adjacent work.

This week’s Minnesota Partners in Public Health Conference in Brainerd was a master class in what it means to lead with purpose under pressure.

I want to work with smart people, who are good at what they do, working together towards a cause they believe in. Sometimes I find these people by instinct, and recognition.

At Freya + Co, building community isn’t just a value, it’s the work itself. I started this company to help organizations strengthen their capacity to address complex issues that affect health and well-being in Minnesota and beyond. Every day, we see reminders that our systems, social, environmental, and economic, are interconnected. When one part falters, the impact ripples outward.