Central Lakes College was well-represented today at a race equity summit titled “Leading Toward Race Equity and Excellence in Education” held at the Initiative Foundation, Little Falls. Mary Sam, CLC director of intercultural services, diversity, and tribal relations, facilitated the event for about 60 area business, education, and community leaders from Brainerd, Mille Lacs, Long Prairie and beyond. Brenda Casselius, state commissioner of education attended. President Larry Lundblad of CLC was a panelist for a portion of the event titled “What will it take to close the gap in our region?” The concluding portion led by Kathy Gaalswyk, president of the Initiative Foundation, was “Check List — What does Promising to Act look like? Commitment to act, support, and lead.” Other officials presenting were Jennifer Godinez and Carlos Mariani Rosa of the Minnesota Minority Education Partnership; and Dr. Kathy Annette, president of the Blandin Foundation. Attending from CLC were Rebecca Best, Charles Black Lance, Beth Adams, Mary DeVahl, Suzanne Karsnia, and Sue Austin. Local politicians and candidates attending were Democrats Rep. John Ward and Taylor Stevenson.