SpeakersLive in the NOW, with Focus on the FUTURE
Gaelynn Lea
Classically trained violinist and songwriter Gaelynn Lea has been bewitching scores of fans with her haunting original songs and experimental takes on traditional fiddle music. Her work most recently won NPR Music’s 2016 Tiny Desk Contest, a competition drawing submissions of original songs from more than 6,000 musicians across the country.
Gaelynn also does speaking engagements about disability, finding inner freedom, and the power of music. Gaelynn has a congenital disability called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, or Brittle Bones Disease. In recent years, she has used her music as a platform to advocate for people with disabilities and to promote positive social change.
Asha Shoffner
Changing the Landscape of Environmental Education – Moving Beyond Engagement to Empowerment
Keynote Speaker Saturday, Oct. 5.
Asha (pronouns: she/her/hers) is a queer woman of color and first generation immigrant who has called Saint Paul home for over 30 years. She is an environmental and outdoor educator, innovator, adventurer, proud auntie, and the founder of Fiwygin Outdoors and ASHA consulting. When not working, Asha can be found running local trails, riding her bike, playing guitar, hanging out with her three nephews, dismantling oppressive systems, and eating as much protein as she can.