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Women Leading the Way returns to Aitkin County on April 22; preregistration required

Coffee with the County Local Voices · April 9, 2026

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Summary

Katrina Ruts, human resources manager at American Pete Technology, says the second annual Women Leading the Way event will be April 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 40 Club Convention Center, offering a panel, keynote and proceeds for BioGirls; tickets require preregistration at www.wltwmn.org.

Katrina Ruts, human resources manager at American Pete Technology (APT) and a volunteer community leader, said the second annual Women Leading the Way event will be held April 22 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the 40 Club Convention Center in Aitkin County. "Women Leading the Way is an event we created ... to connect, reflect, and to build confidence," Ruts said.

The event is designed for women of all ages, Ruts said, citing last year's attendance by elementary- through college-age students, mothers with daughters and retired participants. "It was a really cool event for everyone to get together," she said, adding that confident women "will speak up, they will take action, and they'll get results."

Ruts told the program host that the idea grew after she attended a leadership event in the Twin Cities in 2024 and proposed a local version to APT CEO Brad Piper. She said Piper and APT provided organizational support. "He gave me a simple answer and just said, how can I help?" Ruts said.

The day's agenda will begin with a welcome and a 45-minute panel discussion featuring four local women leaders, followed by a provided lunch and an hourlong keynote. Ruts identified panelists and returning speakers including Jill Kasper, Deb Gruber, Emily Killinen and Jamie Westerman, and said Christy Huber will deliver the keynote on "finding yourself again." Ruts also said a former Duluth newscaster will return as emcee.

Ruts said CRMC is a major sponsor and that the event supports BioGirls, a youth program founded in Fargo with a chapter in Crosby. "We send the proceeds to BioGirls," she said, naming Hannah Wessner as the Crosby chapter director who spoke at last year's event.

Organizers ask that attendees preregister at www.wltwmn.org; Ruts emphasized there will be no on-site ticket sales. The website also lists sponsorship opportunities and speaker bios.

Ruts framed the event as part of a broader effort to build confidence and community engagement. "Investing in yourself is not selfish. It's powerful," she said. The host closed by thanking Ruts and APT for their community work and inviting her back after the event to discuss outcomes.

The program provided no additional budgetary totals or attendance limits; those details were not specified on the recording.