BestPrep’s Educational Forum with Angelique Kidjo will kick off the organization’s 40th anniversary year at the Minneapolis Convention Center on November 10 with 3M and EY confirmed as the event’s platinum sponsors. The Forum, which brings in national and international speakers to address topics of current issues, has a history of bringing together business leaders, educators and students to hear such speakers as noted journalist and author Thomas Friedman, CNN talk show host Fareed Zakaria and former US Senator and presidential candidate Bill Bradley.
The tradition continues with Angelique Kidjo, celebrated educational activist and Grammy award winner, providing the event’s keynote address “Education is the Key to Economic Empowerment”. Following her address, CEO of General Mills Ken Powell will join Ms. Kidjo on stage for a dialogue on educational issues including the achievement gap and career readiness. The Forum will conclude with a performance by Ms. Kidjo accompanied by the Macalester College Student African Ensemble conducted by Sowah Mensah. BestPrep is honored to have WCCO news anchor Jason DeRusha emcee the program.
The evening program will also recognize four of BestPrep’s founding members: 3M, Cargill, Ecolab and General Mills for providing 40 years of financial and volunteer support.
The event is rapidly filling up. Currently 64 tables of 10 are confirmed through sponsorships and table sales. For more information on sponsorships, tables or individual tickets visit the BestPrep the event website to learn more.