Women Entrepreneurs Network

Corvus North Women Entrepreneurs Network

Invest in yourself and your business

This quarterly series is for women entrepreneurs and the people who support them. We feature the most interesting leading speakers presenting on issues impacting women business owners. We build in ample time for you to network with and learn from your peers. Held over lunch or happy hour, we meet in unique locations that are easy to find and fun to explore.

Corvus North President Jennifer Halcrow built the network as a way of thanking the remarkable women entrepreneurs who helped her business succeed -- operating at a profit from its inception. Jennifer knew that if she could help more women connect to share ideas and advice, they would experience success, too. The network is designed as a break-even venture to make it affordable for women start-ups to attend.

Meet Our Speakers

Wendy Nelson

President, Carlson Family Foundation
January 28, 2020, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Upper 90 Club, Allianz Field

Wendy Nelson’s extensive experience in business, non-profits and athletics brings a unique combination of leadership expertise to the organizations she leads and supports. Nelson serves as Chair of the Carlson Family Foundation, a foundation that supports the charitable goals of the family and Carlson, the family-owned company that owns Carlson Wagonlit Travel, the world’s largest travel management company. Nelson also holds board positions for Carlson and Carlson Holdings. She is driven to engage, serve and lead organizations that value and create equity, access and opportunity. Join for lunch and conversation at the home of the Minnesota United FC, where Wendy is an investor.

Dayna Frank

President and CEO, First Avenue Productions
April 28, 2020, 5:00 - 6:30 pm
Minnesota History Center

First Avenue Productions is Minnesota’s leading independently-owned and operated concert venue and promoter. Dayna has expanded the business beyond its star-adorned walls to include the Fine Line, the Turf Club, the Palace Theatre, and most recently the Fitzgerald Theater. Dayna is a strong advocate for the LGBTQ community and is a firm believer in community-building through live music. Join us for good conversation, tasty food and drink, and a tour of First Avenue: Stories of Minnesota's Mainroom on exhibit at the Minnesota History Center.

Kristin Tombers

Owner/Operator, Clancey's Meats
September 15, 2020, 4:30 - 6:00 pm
Westminster Hall

A Minnesota native, Kristin left an advertising career in Los Angeles in the early '90s and moved away from corporate life. With a B.A. in Journalism and work history ranging from construction, to snowplow truck driving and seafood sales, she bought an existing meat shop and transformed it. Interested in supplying fresh, local foods to her customers, she built an old-fashioned meat market that focuses on the butchery of humanely- and sustainably-raised whole animals and brings together her passions for great food, the politics of food, and the importance of local sourcing. Join us for tasty made treats from Kristin's farm suppliers -- including yummy vegetarian options -- in the beautiful garden at Westminster.

Jean Taylor

Chair of Star Tribune Media Company, LLC
November 10, 2020, 5:30 - 7:00 pm
The Museum of Russian Art

The Star Tribune is the #1 media company in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and the state of Minnesota. With over 150 years of public service to Minnesotans, Star Tribune is now transforming to a majority digital business model. Jean is passionate about helping leaders succeed. Her primary professional work is in engaged governance, representing ownership of businesses through ensuring long-term vision, aligning vision and operations, and supporting leadership teams in achieving their vision. During her tenure, the organization employed over 15,000 people, was organized as approximately 100 small and mid-sized companies, and had locations in six countries as well as 21 U.S. states. Join us for happy hour at the magical Museum of Russian Art for some pre-holiday cheer featuring a luscious buffet from Quince Catering along with sparkling and tasty seasonal drinks.