Monday, March 16, 2020
9:30 – 10:30 HEALTH Presidents’ Hall
Exploring Microbiome Similarities and Differences
across Species
Speaker: Dr. Tonya Ward, Director of Data Science
and Bioinformatics, CoreBiome
Our gastrointestinal microbiome is home to billions of
bacteria—viral and fungal microbes that help facilitate our
digestion, aid in protecting us from infections, and
generally keep us well. Many of our microbiome
community members harbor the ability to both help and
harm us. Maintaining a diverse and beneficial community
can be difficult given changes in our diets and exposure to
antibiotics. Ward will describe how antibiotics can change
our microbiomes, how probiotics can help modify our
microbiome, and what this might mean to our health. We
will focus on examples in experimental models, agricultural
animals, and humans.
Karen Kaverman
10:45 – 11:45 WOMEN’S VOICES Presidents’ Hall
ERA 2020
Speaker: Betty Folliard, Founder of ERA Minnesota
Folliard will speak of her years in the Minnesota
government and her efforts to get the ERA amendment
passed decades after it was introduced into Congress in
1923. Virginia has become the 38th state to ratify. Folliard
will provide up-to-the-moment information on the ensuing
lawsuits both for and against voiding the 1979 arbitrary
deadline and on current efforts to finally ratify the ERA.
11:45 – Noon ANNOUNCEMENTS
12:00 – 1:15 LUNCHEON

Headlines Fellowships Room
House Management Committee Association Room
Marketing Committee Minneapolis Room

1:15 – 2:15 THE ARTS Presidents’ Hall
The Joy of Singing Together
Speaker: G. Phillip Shoultz III, Associate Conductor and
Director of Learning and Engagement, Vocal
Essence
Known for his innovative teaching and ability to inspire
singers of all ages, Shoultz enjoys a multifaceted career as
conductor, educator, singer, and speaker. He shares the
concert podium with founding artistic director and mentor,
Philip Brunelle, and serves as leader for education
programs. In addition to his work with Vocal Essence,
serves as director of music, worship, and the arts for Good
Samaritan United Methodist Church in Edina.