Re-cap: Pitchfest 2019
Pitchfest 2019 Images by Amy Anderson Photography
In an effort to lift up MSP’s change-makers, Power of 100 MSP hosted its second Pitchfest on November 6, 2019 for a sold-out crowd of 100 women, trans folks, and non-binary friends engaged in work as entrepreneurs, activists, philanthropists and awesome humans to better themselves and our community. We gathered at PAIKKA in St. Paul (we see you St. Paul) with a goal to donate $10,000 to a community organization that embodies the type of change we want to see in MSP.
We heard from three phenoms: ⚡Gabriella Anaïs Deal-Márquez of Voices for Racial Justice, ⚡Alissa Light of Family Tree Clinic, and ⚡Felicia Philibert of Women for Political Change. The finalist nonprofit organizations were selected from a dozen nominations because they most aligned with Power of 100 MSP’s vision to support social change that is community-led, intersectional and builds personal power.
Guests enjoyed natural wine from Small Lot Minnesota and appetizers from Food Gallery Catering at a social hour in the very dreamy Pink Room at Paikka, followed by a program emceed by Tygra T. Slarii. All the while, Lauren and Ashley Mary of Curiosity Studio challenged us to turn the world upside down with some polaroid fun & games in their custom-designed photo booth.
Each finalist was introduced by the special human who nominated them for the opportunity to speak on the Pitchfest stage. Each speaker spoke for five minutes about their mission + work. After the third and final pitch, we participated in a Q&A moderated by Tygra. While votes were tallied, and the suspense grew, Tygra performed and it was everything.
After the winner was announced, each guest grabbed their smart phone or checkbook to donate $100 to the night’s big winner: Women for Political Change! All proceeds raised will benefit Women for Political Change to holistically invest in the leadership and political power of young women and trans & non-binary folks in Minnesota. Boom!
Cheers to the peeps who made Pitchfest possible!
Pitchfest could not happen without support from our sponsors. We are grateful for their love and support and DARE YOU to find a more crush-worthy group of MSP businesses. With thanks to Amy Anderson Photography, Bang Bang Salon, Cake Plus-Size Retail, Clockwork, The Coven, Curiosity Studio, Emily Mauter Co. Food Gallery Catering, KP Inspires, Leveled Leader, Liz's Macarons, PAIKKA, Rose & Co. Design, & Small Lot MN.
Special thanks to the 10 amazing humans who purchased community funded tickets to make space for new voices and ideas in this philanthropic endeavor. This support allowed 10 amazing humans to eat, drink, and vote for their favorite speaker.
Can you even handle this volunteer squad? Thank you to the BEST: Larisa Arnold, Artiera Evans, Kendal Bergman, Kelsey Hunt, Ally Fujii, Emily Mauter, Erin McHenry, Amber Baker, Anna Racer, Kprecia Ambers, Shor Salkas, Maddie Hagar, Karli Thorstenson, Ella Daniels, and Gabby Keys.
StAY CLOSE!
Learn more about Voices for Racial Justice & their work to invest in collective cultural strategies for healing and building power through organizing and training: (1) Give now to support Voices for Racial Justice (2) Follow for upcoming events at @Voices4RJ on Twitter (3) Tell your fam about @vfrjmn!
Learn more about Family Tree Clinic & help them shorten their waitlist for high-quality, individualized, affordable and affirming health care and sex education: (1) Give now to support Family Tree Clinic (2) Sign up to volunteer (3) Tell your friendzies about @familytreeclinic!
Learn more about Women for Political Change & join a movement to build leadership and political power of young women and trans & non-binary folks: (1) Give now to support Women for Political Change (2) Join their board of directors (3) Tell your pals about @mnwfpc!
About us
Pitchfest is organized by Power of 100 MSP, a social impact collective for awesome women, trans folks + non-binary friends in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Started in 2018, we create fun, simple activations for everyday change-makers who want to learn from and support inspired community leaders. This year's planning committee includes: Kprecia Ambers, Ella Daniels, Kelsey Hunt, Emily Mauter and Karli Thorstenson. To learn more, visit: powerof100msp.com or follow us on the gram at @powerof100msp.
Save the Date
The FeMNist Day Showcase is ⚡Friday, March 7⚡. Join Still Kickin, The Coven, Power of 100 MSP, and Nora McInerny for FeMNist Day events to empower and inspire women in the Twin Cities. For deets, visit femnistday.com.
