In July, the Minneconsin Delegation, composed of 26 students from Minnesota, 14 from Wisconsin, and 6 adult advisors, attended the YMCA Conference on National Affairs (CONA), a national youth leadership and development conference hosted at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, NC.
Over the course the week, our delegates dove into policy discission and debate and formed relationships with peers from across the country. They represented Minnesota and Wisconsin with pride every step of the way.
Ask any delegate what makes this conference special, and you'll hear one consistent theme: the people.
"CONA has been one of the most impactful experiences I've had. The Blue Ridge Spirit truly defines 'the people make the place.' It's a place for open discussion and sharing ideas with a unique group of young people that you can't find anywhere else." - Ella
"Being on the mountain is unlike anything else. It is truly one of the most fulfilling, inspiring, and wonderful experiences I've had." - Naia
"CONA was a wonderful experience to share with delegates from across the nation! It was so great to meet and talk about issues that impact other states." - Rowan
We're incredibly proud of how our delegates showed up, engaged, and led this year. A few standout moments:
- Ayden Ruppel and McCoy Weitz served as our media delegates, producing incredible coverage throughout the week.
- Audrey Jenkins and Sofie Olhoft were recognized as WI/MN Distinguished Delegates.
- Maitreya Reeder and Henry Brick had their proposals advance to General Assembly — a distinction earned by just the top 5% of the conference.
- Ella Palm, Leo Smith, Sofie Olhoft, and Audrey Jenkins served as committee chairs for Committee A and Committee B.
- Caleb Schwahn was selected as an Alternate Presiding Officer for the 2027 YMCA Conference on National Affairs.
From late-night debates to new friendships forged across state lines, the 2026 Minneconsin delegation embodied what CONA is all about: showing up, engaging fully, and leading with purpose. Congratulations to every member of this year's delegation on a week well spent on the mountain.