2025 Lifeworks Disability Inclusion Breakfast

Event Details

• About the Disability Inclusion Breakfast

  Friday, September 26, 2025 | 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
  American Swedish Institute
  2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis

  The Lifeworks Disability Inclusion Breakfast is our annual gathering for business leaders, community members, and self-advocates to learn how they can be a part of making disability inclusion the standard in our communities.

  This year, our panel will explore Accessibility in Action: Real Stories of Disability-Inclusive Change, digging into what it takes to create a truly accessible environment, and what changes when you do create one. Our panelists will share how they’ve moved beyond compliance to create workplaces that are truly inclusive of people with disabilities.

  The event includes:

  • Opening remarks from Gertrude Matemba-Mutasa, President and CEO of Lifeworks
  • Panel discussion moderated by Keeri Tramm, Director of Disability Initiatives at Lifeworks
  • Table conversations and reflections for attendees
  • Breakfast and networking

• Tickets and Registration

  The event is SOLD OUT! But you can join the waitlist if tickets open up – click the link below!

  The Lifeworks Disability Inclusion Breakfast is free to attend, with a voluntary $25 ticket for those who wish to support the Lifeworks mission.

  All registrations include breakfast and beverages including gluten free and vegan options.

  Registration is required – click the link below to save your spot!

  Get Tickets Here

• Meet Our Panelists

  Our panel discussion features leaders from businesses that have embraced disability inclusion not as a checkbox, but as a core value. They will share authentic stories that show what changes when accessibility is made a priority.

  Sara Ernst, Airport Foundation MSP

  Sara oversees volunteer operations for Airport Foundation MSP and provides strategy and direction for volunteer program development. Sara has over 20 years of experience in volunteer management, program operations, community partnerships, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to joining the Airport Foundation MSP, Sara was in local youth social enterprise. Most recently, as Associate Director with Cookie Cart, she oversaw the organization’s youth program, bakery operations, and volunteers at both their Minneapolis and Saint Paul locations.

  Leah Henrikson, Securian Financial

  Leah Henrikson is the Director of Human Resources at Securian Financial Group, where she leads recruiting and HR operations. Leah brings a unique blend of strategic HR leadership and lived experience in disability advocacy—grounded in compassion, resilience, and a deep commitment to inclusion. Outside of her corporate role, Leah is a passionate advocate for disability rights and early childhood health. She recently spearheaded the passage of the Vivian Act in Minnesota, inspired by her daughter’s diagnosis with congenital CMV. Leah’s advocacy led to Minnesota becoming the first state to implement universal newborn screening for CMV.

  Erin Trapp, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota

  Erin is a collaborative force at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, where she works across multiple partnered relationships to drive business-oriented goals and long-term success. She thrives on transforming everyday challenges into milestone moments, bringing creativity and resilience to the table. As an Associate Resource Group leader, Erin champions inclusion and cultural relativism, believing deeply in the power of acceptance to shape stronger communities. Outside of work, Erin is a warm-weather enthusiast who loves to travel, explore new cultures, and soak up the sunshine whenever possible.

• Frequently Asked Questions

  Where is the 2025 Lifeworks Disability Inclusion Breakfast?

  We’re excited to host the 2025 Disability Inclusion Breakfast at the American Swedish Institute in Larson Hall, located at 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55407.

  Where should I park?

  Free parking is available in the American Swedish Institute’s surface parking lot located at 27th Street and Park Avenue. Accessible parking spaces are located on the east side of the lot. When the lot is full, unmetered street parking is available on most blocks surrounding the American Swedish Institute.

  What is the breakfast menu?

  We will serve a breakfast buffet with sliced fruit and berries, banana bread (vegan), spinach and feta frittata, root vegetable hash (vegan), and turkey sausage, plus coffee, decaf coffee, assorted hot tea, orange juice, and water.

  If you have any dietary accommodations, please include them during registration, or email marketing@lifeworks.org.

  What accommodations will be available at the event?

  Lifeworks is committed to creating an accessible event for all, including designated quiet room, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter during the program, live captioning (CART) services, and accessible entrances and restrooms. If you need additional accommodations, please let us know when you register or please contact us at marketing@lifeworks.org.

  Who should attend the event?

  Everyone is welcome to attend the Disability Inclusion Breakfast, especially HR leaders, people managers, DEIA professionals, and business decision-makers who want to make their workplaces more inclusive of people with disabilities. If you believe accessibility should be more than a checkbox, and that disability inclusion should be the standard, this event is for you.

• Accessibility Guide

  At Lifeworks, we put access front and center as we plan for the Disability Inclusion Breakfast. We provide an accessibility guide so that everyone can make an informed decision before attending the Disability Inclusion Breakfast.

  Below is the guide we have created that cover accommodations and barriers at the event, photos and descriptions for event spaces, parking and transportation, and a detailed program schedule so you know what to expect throughout the event.

  This guide is not comprehensive, but we hope the information can help you plan for a safe and accessible morning. We recognize that there may be further questions or needs not included in this guide that we still need to address. Please contact us at marketing@lifeworks.org with any questions or concerns.

  Accessibility Guide