Megan Forgrave has a unique role that is part event producer, part program officer and part communications expert, which all ladders into creating opportunities that inspire, equip and connect people to lead more effectively. She leads event strategy and production for the Bush Foundation, a private foundation that invests in great ideas and the people who power them in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and the 23 Native nations that share the same geography. Key aspects of her work include producing bushCONNECT, which is now a biennial event for more than 1,000 leaders and changemakers, as well as managing scholarship opportunities to national events and a cross-foundation event sponsorship grant program, in addition to other communications projects.

The Bush Foundation has worked with its partner, Events by Lady K, for more than five years to create events that go above and beyond to ensure all attendees feel at home and can dive into their time and work together. From setting the tone to designing actual prayer spaces, nursing rooms and menus that meet as many dietary restrictions as possible – and still taste good! – we have developed strategies and tools that place an equity lens on event planning.