Women Unite the Cities

Overview

Join Verna Volker, from the Navajo Nation, for an evening learning about her journey from a newbie runner to a marathoner to an ultra-marathoner. Along the way, her journey exposed the lack of representation for Native women in the sport, so she founded Native Women Run, whose mission is to feature more Native (Indigenous) women in the running community on and off the reservation.

Carrie Tollefson will be hosting this engaging conversation. Originally from Dawson, Minnesota, Carrie represented the US in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens and has transformed her passion for sports into a powerful platform for inspiration and education. Carrie is not only a celebrated athlete but also works as a broadcaster, podcast host, emcee, dynamic speaker, coach, and advocate for healthy living.

Carrie will bring out Verna’s stories of resiliency, balancing motherhood and training, healing, and finding support in community in a manner that highlights her unique circumstances as well as the commonalities that unite all women. This program is a collaborative effort of the Minnesota Historical Society and Twin Cities In Motion.

Come early to explore the Girlhood (it’s complicated) exhibit. Free Minnesota History Center admission and parking is available every Thursday from 4-8 pm. The reception will be held at 6:30 pm and the conversation will begin at 7:30 pm. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact engagement@mnhs.org.