Each year at our Civic Celebration, we gather Minnesotans from diverse backgrounds, political parties, and ideologies for an evening to appreciate what makes us unique: an enduring civic culture, innovative leadership, and a commitment to public service.

At the upcoming 2024 Civic Celebration, we continue this tradition, and you are invited! Join us and hundreds of your fellow Minnesotans — a diverse array of civic leaders, policy thinkers, and community builders — for an evening to celebrate the people and ideas that make our state unique, and to recognize our honorees, Cyndi Lesher and Laysha Ward!

2024 Civic Celebration
March 21, 2024
Reception 5:30pm | Program: 6:30pm
Quincy Hall
1325 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis

2024 Honorees

We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Civic Celebration honorees and recognize the leadership, community engagement, emphasis on inclusivity, and significant impact of two outstanding Minnesota leaders: Cyndi Lesher, retired president and CEO of Northern States Power Company (now Xcel Energy), and Laysha Ward, strategic advisor at Target.

With their civic-minded leadership, unique perspectives, and attention to the communities around them, both honorees have woven their professional careers and volunteer service together to make a positive impact.

Join us on March 21, 2024 to celebrate Cyndi Lesher and Laysha Ward and honor their lasting impact on Minnesota!

Click their photos to learn more about our honorees.

Civic Changemaker Award

Citizens League is excited to announce a new award in 2024, to be presented at this year’s Civic Celebration!

The Civic Changemaker Award will recognize an emerging leader who is making a difference in their communities and enhancing Minnesota’s civic culture in positive ways. We put out a call for community members to nominate their colleagues and friends between January 23 to February 16, seeking nominations for those who demonstrate unique or creative ways to engage in their community and embody the Citizens League values and approach, including inspiring Minnesotans, convening conversations, and implementing innovative and effective policy solutions that improve lives in our state.

Join us at the Civic Celebration to find out who will be awarded our first Civic Changemaker Award!

Tickets and Tables Now Available!

  • Premier Ticket: $175 – Includes premier seating at event; heavy appetizers; and complimentary drinks
  • Individual Ticket: $100  Includes reserved seating at event; heavy appetizers; cash bar
  • Student Ticket: $20 – Includes heavy appetizers; cash bar
  • Donate a ticket: $100

Questions or concerns? Please contact us at [email protected].

Citizens League
400 Robert St N, Suite 1820
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 293-0575