Spring Conference 2022

About the Speakers

Linda Shell DNP, MA, RN, is a motivational speaker, advanced practice nurse, author, consultant, and educator with a passion for developing leaders and delivering quality care to older adults. Dr. Shell has served on various boards including LeadingAge of MN and MN Gerontological Society. Dr. Shell has been instrumental in the development and delivery of numerous leadership programs across the country and facilitates Leadership Academy for LeadingAge MN, one of the largest and most successful leadership programs in the country. She serves as adjunct professor of nursing at Bethel University in St. Paul. She is co-author, with her spouse Bill Shell, of the SurTHRIVELeadership platform and online video series. She presents at many local, state, and national conferences and is known for her

Jane Graupman is the Executive Director of the International Institute of Minnesota, a nonprofit organization that makes “full membership in American life” accessible to immigrants and refugees in Minnesota. Through refugee services, immigration assistance, English-language education, and employment services, the Institute brings motivated hard working New Americans into our community and workforce. During her 29 years with the Institute, the organization has tripled the number of high quality programs and services offered. She has been instrumental in creating nationally recognized education and workforce training programs that help New Americans maximize their talents. Under her leadership, the Institute has prepared more than 2600 immigrants for careers in health care. Graduates of its Nursing Assistant program have a 94 percent job retention rate at one year. The Institute works with 75 employer partners, and supports college-bound English language learners earn advanced degrees in healthcare.

Under Jane’s leadership, the Institute has been recognized by being:

• Awarded the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Resettlement Programs Office, Innovation Award (2018)
• Featured in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Training and Employment Notice regarding best practices for Workforce Training Programs (2017)
• Featured in the University of Minnesota’s alumni magazine (2018)
• Featured in the Aspen Institute’s report “Working Together to Strengthen America’s Immigrant Workforce” (2016)
• Featured in the National Skills Coalition’s report “Upskilling the New American Workforce” (2016)
• Awarded the Greater Twin Cities United Way’s Best Community Impact award (2014)

Jane can be reached at jgraupman@iimn.org, or 651-647-0191.