Weekly News & Event Invitations
In this issue:
100 Rural Women Podcast Episode 17
September Book Group
MN Primary is next Tuesday, August 11th
Farmfest - Candidate Panels and More...
Project Optimist Article - Women Farmers
Podcast - Featuring Anna Wasescha
🎙️ Welcome to 100 Rural Women and Their Stories — Episode #17
In this episode of 100 Rural Women & Their Stories, Anna Wasescha, President and CEO of West Central Initiative, reflects on the experiences and lessons that shaped her leadership journey—from Catholic school nuns and her rural roots to leading one of Minnesota’s rural regional foundations dedicated to strengthening communities.
✨ Anna shares why lifelong learning, civic engagement, and meaningful relationships are more important than ever in a rapidly changing world. She recalls stories from her childhood, her work in higher education, community foundations, prisoner education, and international travel, all of which have shaped her perspective on leadership, hope, and our shared humanity.
Know a woman whose story should be shared? We’d love to hear from you at teresa@100ruralwomen.org.
New episodes drop every Wednesday.
🎧 Tune in and be inspired
Book Group
📚 Join Us for the September Book Group!
We hope you all had a wonderful summer! As we head into fall, we’d love to have you join us for our September Book Group.
September Book Selection:
Tough Love: My Story of the Things Worth Fighting For
By Susan E. Rice
In this New York Times bestselling memoir, former National Security Advisor to President Barack Obama and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Susan E. Rice reflects on pivotal moments from her remarkable career on the front lines of American diplomacy and foreign policy. With honesty and insight, she shares the challenges, lessons, and convictions that shaped her leadership journey.
📅 Book Group Discussion
Tuesday, September 9
🕖 7:00 p.m. CT
💻 Via Zoom
Whether you’ve read every page or are just getting started, we welcome you to join the conversation. We look forward to reconnecting after the summer and sharing an engaging discussion together!
Morning Connections
Thursdays@8:30 a.m. CT
☕ Join Us for Morning Connections
Looking for a simple way to connect with other women each week? Morning Connections is an informal Zoom gathering filled with light conversation, encouragement, and community.
Bring your coffee or tea, breakfast, children, pets, or even your work. There’s no agenda beyond taking a few moments to connect with others. A host will facilitate the conversation, making it easy to join in—whether you’re a regular or attending for the first time.
We’d love to have you join us!
📅 Every Thursday Morning
🕣 8:30–9:00 a.m. CT
💻 Via Zoom
Come as you are—we look forward to connecting with you!
FARMFEST
Today is the final day of Minnesota Farmfest!
If you can’t make it to Farmfest in person, you can still be part of the conversation by watching the livestreams from wherever you are.
This year’s forums feature debates and discussions with candidates for Minnesota’s 1st, 2nd, 6th, 7th, and 8th Congressional Districts, as well as candidates for U.S. Senate and Governor. You’ll also find presentations from national leaders, agriculture experts, and industry innovators covering the issues shaping the future of rural communities and agriculture.
Watch the livestreams, explore today’s schedule, and learn more about the event on the official Farmfest website:
Whether you’re a farmer, business owner, community leader, or simply interested in the future of rural Minnesota, Farmfest offers valuable conversations and insights you won’t want to miss.
Civic Engagement
MN Primary next week: Tuesday, August 11th!
Be sure to get out and vote in Minnesota’s Primary Election!
There are many important contested races on the ballot this year, and every vote matters. Rural women bring valuable perspectives, leadership, and lived experience to our communities—and it’s essential that our voices are heard and represented at every level of government.
Whether you vote early or on Election Day, take a few minutes to make your voice count. Democracy is strongest when we all participate.
Minnesota Primary Election Day is Tuesday, August 11. Early voting is available through August 10. Learn more, check your registration, find your polling place, or view your sample ballot at the Minnesota Secretary of State’s voter information website.
Elected Officials
Let your voice be heard—Share your experiences and suggestions with MN elected officials! Your voice can guide them to make better informed decisions to represent all of their constituents and create stronger communities that thrive for everyone!
Civic Engagement Resources:
In the last Issue:
Check out: Our Civic Resources Page LINK
Women Farmers
Sharing from our Friends at Project Optimist
By Nora Hertel on Aug 2, 2026
Face of the farm: How women are changing the field.
2026 is the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Here’s what that looks like in Minnesota.
100 Rural Women creates connections and inspires leadership. We see a future where more rural women lead positive change for themselves, their families, communities, the nation and the world. We are committed to building leadership through networks, mentorship, education, and civic engagement. Our 501(c) 3 non-profit organization is non-partisan.