Photo credit: John Kaul
Join us for a powerful and personal evening with Marlene M. Johnson, Minnesota’s trailblazing first female lieutenant governor, as she shares insights from her inspiring new memoir, Rise to the Challenge.
From 1983 to 1991, Johnson stood at the forefront of Minnesota politics and culture—hosting world leaders like Mikhail Gorbachev, connecting with grassroots communities across the state, and paving the way for future generations of women in leadership. But her story doesn’t stop there.
In this engaging conversation with longtime political journalist Lori Sturdevant, Johnson reflects on how her Minnesota upbringing shaped her resilience—from her time in office, to her post-political career in national leadership, to her deeply personal role as a medical advocate for her husband. With honesty and grace, she shares how she leaned on mentors, resources, and her own inner strength at every turn.
Free and open to the public – RSVPs appreciated through the registration link
Books will be available for purchase at the event
Come be inspired by a legacy of service, leadership, and heart—and discover the extraordinary life of a true Minnesota pioneer.
About the Book & the Author
Johnson served in Governor Rudy Perpich's administration from 1983 to1991, an exciting period in Minnesota politics when women became increasingly involved in government. It was also a time when Perpich and Johnson advocated for the arts, making landmarks such as the pedestrian bridge at the Walker Sculpture Garden a reality. They moved Minnesota out of the "flyover" designation by inviting, then hosting, President Mikhail Gorbachev of the Soviet Union when he wanted to visit cities beyond Washington D.C.
After transitioning out of politics, Johnson worked as executive director and CEO of an organization to support international educators, co-founded several organizations to support women in business and women in politics. During this time, a friendship developed into love and Johnson married Peter Frankel. Frankel was a Swedish citizen, and together they had careers working internationally. After Frankel suffered a head injury, their lives changed dramatically and Johnson found herself being her husband's medical advocate. In this situation, like all the others in Johnson's life, she rose to the challenge.