A Conversation with Marlene Johnson

Author of "Rise to the Challenge"

Join us for a conversation with Marlene Johnson, moderated by Gina Shelton.

Marking a milestone for women in state government, Marlene M. Johnson became Minnesota's first woman lieutenant governor under Rudy Perpich's gubernatorial administration in January 1983. That same year, she met her husband, Peter, and their deeply loving relationship profoundly sustained her for twenty-seven years. A story of learning and leadership in politics, business, and public service, Rise to the Challenge is a moving portrayal of spirit, perseverance, and grace in the face of daunting personal challenges, supported by unwavering faith in the public good.

Marlene M. Johnson was Minnesota’s first woman lieutenant governor, serving in Governor Rudy Perpich’s administration from 1983 until 1991. She is cofounder of the Minnesota Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners and the Minnesota Women’s Campaign Fund and was executive director and CEO of NAFSA: Association of International Educators for nearly two decades. She is now on the advisory board of Kakenya’s Dream, a board member of the Washington Office on Latin America, and a trustee of The Alexandria Trust. In 1988, she was awarded the Royal Order of the Polar Star by the Kingdom of Sweden. She lives in Washington, D.C.

Gina Holland Shelton is a former national reporter for The Associated Press, where she covered the U.S. Supreme Court for five years during her 17-year career. Shelton joined the University of Arkansas in 2013 and has taught courses in media law, government and media, news reporting, and editing. Shelton serves as the campus adviser to the Society of Professional Journalists and is president of the Northwest Arkansas Professional SPJ chapter. Earlier this year she was named interim director of the U of A Center for Media Ethics and Literacy.

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