2025 MNIHAS Nonprofit Leadership Conference

CONFERENCE THEME

“Collaboration and Partnership: Strengthening networks to achieve collective goals.”

The nonprofit sector serves as a cornerstone for community development, advocacy, and service delivery. Organizations led by the East African diaspora and New Americans play a pivotal role in addressing pressing social, economic, and cultural challenges. However, fostering leadership, driving innovation, and promoting collaboration within this sector has become increasingly urgent.

The 2025 Nonprofit Leadership Conference, hosted by the Minnesota Institute of Horn of Africa Studies, aims to provide a dynamic platform for nonprofit leaders and innovators—primarily from East African communities—to come together, exchange ideas, share best practices, and establish meaningful partnerships. The goal is to strengthen the nonprofit ecosystem and enhance its capacity to deliver impactful services.

This conference is particularly timely given the rising demand for nonprofit services and the growing emphasis on equity and inclusion in the sector. By convening at Augsburg University in Minneapolis—a hub for diverse communities and nonprofit innovation—the event will leverage local expertise and global perspectives to address the unique challenges and opportunities nonprofit organizations face today.

The 2025 Nonprofit Leadership Conference will:

Promote Collaboration: Foster connections between nonprofit organizations, private sector partners, government agencies, and community stakeholders.
Elevate Voices: Provide a platform for underrepresented groups, including East African and Somali leaders, to share their experiences and insights.
Build Capacity: Offer workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities to strengthen the capacity of nonprofits to achieve their missions