Erika Binger is a longtime community volunteer, mentor and McKnight Foundation board member whose roots go to the founders of 3M Co. Satin Taylor is a performance-improvement consultant at Allina Health and college graduate who met Binger as a youth. They are drivers in an upcoming youth-business-community summit at the Minnesota History Center.
Q: Erika, what is Youthprise and the youth summit that will run Thursday through Saturday?
A: Youthprise works to increase the awareness and importance of youth development through capacity building, public policy advocacy, research, evaluation and youth engagement. Youthprise [is an] expert on out-of-school time and a one-stop shop for funders, educators, community organizations, etc. It shares ways to improve program quality … and fill in the gaps. The summit is for seventh- to 12th-graders and will focus on technology to spark youth entrepreneurship, address racial disparities and inspire change. There will be hands-on innovation activities, community building as well as a keynote by Coco & Breezy, [started by] recognized Minnesota youth entrepreneurs.
Q: What is your background and your role at the McKnight Foundation?
A: I have spent most of my career in the nonprofit sector, whether volunteering in programs, serving on boards, as an adviser or staff. It was my time as an athletic director at the Jack C. Cornelius Boys & Girls Club [in north Minneapolis] that led me to fully realize what I enjoy most, working with youth. I have been blessed to be on the McKnight Foundation board. We have learned about issues of significance in our community and been able to make a difference.
Q: How is business and technology integrated into the upcoming youth summit?
A: Much of the economic driver in our country seems increasingly reliant upon the success of small businesses. I see this mentality in the youth I work with. They are more inclined to be entrepreneurial and think about what they can do to establish their own business than to work in somebody else's company. This summit will provide youth insight and skills. It will teach hands-on learning experiences. We expect over 300 Twin Cities-area youths.
Q: Do you have evidence that Youthprise is working?