One leader. 26 questions. A daily unconventional profile of leaders on the rise.
RISING ICONS
What do you do with a growing network of innovators, journalists, leaders and media professionals? Create opportunity. In 2023, we asked our friends to introduce us to incredible people leading change and their nominations resulted in this series of leadership profiles. Now we celebrate 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 the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
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.
Rising ICON #26: Angel Uddin
Angel Uddin, at the forefront of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion at the University of Minnesota, is dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers and championing inclusivity.
Rising ICON #25: Nikki Jean
Nikki Jean is the Director of Social Responsibility at Rhymesayers Entertainment where she leverages the power of music to foster community, resilience, and change.
Rising ICON #24: Pooja Shailendra
Pooja Shailendra is partner at The Cake, a talent agency supporting excellent underrepresented candidates.
Rising ICON #23: Constantina Watters
Constantina Watters the founder and CEO of strategic branding and creative agency, Sproute Creative.
Rising ICON #22: Peter Pisano
Peter Pisano is principal at integrative design and creative studio Manifold Public Design.
Rising ICON #21: Maria Vittone
Maria Vittone is the Nontraditional Careers Advisor to students seeking degrees at North Hennepin Community College.
Rising ICON #20: Brad Larmie
Brad Larmie is the executive director at University Enterprise Laboratories, the nonprofit biotech incubator and wet lab.
Rising ICON #19: Ra’eesa Motala
Ra’eesa Motala is the president of Evoke Partners, the commercial real estate firm built on the intersection of technology and energy innovation.
Rising ICON #18: Aaron Eggert
Aaron Eggert is the founder and chief vision officer at Coalition9, a high-impact leadership development community.
Rising ICON #17: Mickayla Rosard
Mickayla Rosard is partner at Groove Capital, the early stage investment fund building the next generation of angel investors.
Rising ICON #16: Luis Argueta Jr.
Luis Argueta Jr. is the Director of Communications and Public Affairs for state agency, the Minnesota Council on Latino Affairs.
Rising ICON #15: Dr. Artika R. Tyner
Dr. Artika R. Tyner is an attorney, author, educator and equal rights activist and founder of Planting People Growing Justice, a leadership institute for social change.
Rising ICON #14: Jeff Lin
Jeff Lin is the founder and CEO of digital experience agency, Bust Out, and video subscription tech platform, Pennant.
Rising ICON #13: Chuck Peters
Chuck Peters is the founder of Ambit Media Company, the platform that connects main street to quality news in Minnesota.
Rising ICON #12: Julia Lashay Israel
Julia Lashay Israel is Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at real estate franchise giant, Keller Williams Realty, Inc.
Rising ICON #11: Laura Best
Laura Best is the founder and CEO of Passion Collective, a community that helps professionals to create meaningful life and work.