The Collective: Fueled by Courage

Description

The Collective is a NEW Brainerd Lakes Chamber program bringing professional women together. Through the program's quarterly events, women will have opportunities to learn, connect, and challenge themselves while growing alongside one another.

Join us on September 30 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM at Brainerd International Raceway for the Launch Event: Fueled by Courage! Hear stories from the women leading in a male-dominated industry, experience the track, and connect with professional women in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

Whether the road is familiar or uncertain, we all face turns we didn’t expect. Discover the courage to face every turn one lap at a time.

All are welcome. You do not need to be a Chamber Member to Attend.

Chamber Members: $40, Non-Chamber Members $55

Speakers - Meet The Women of BIR

Kristi Copham, Owner

My husband and I had just finished building our dream home in Forest Lake, Minnesota. I was 34 years old, pregnant with my second child, and we were on our second failed attempt to open a road-course country club–style track not far from home. We then found out BIR was for sale, and it didn’t take long for my gearhead husband to do everything possible to make moving to Brainerd, Minnesota, seem like a good idea.

That was 20 years ago! Time flies when you’re having fun, right? I would never have sought this out as my lifelong career, but I have no regrets about where life has taken me.

My husband passed in 2018, and I have been leading BIR for eight years. There have been many hurdles to overcome to get BIR where it is today. One driving force for me to continue moving forward was my son, Ayden. At 14 years old, he asked if he could take an old Crown Vic cop car and try drifting it. I said, “Sure—if you can learn to drift that car, I will buy you an actual drift car!” Well, he did exactly that.

Today, he is running in Pro Spec with Formula Drift and competing professionally across the country. Because of drifting and the racing community, we have spent more time together than we otherwise would have and taken countless memorable trips together.

Racing is a family sport. It’s about the memories. The future of BIR looks brighter than ever with the team I have been slowly building. I couldn’t be prouder of them as they prove again and again what we are truly capable of accomplishing.

Sara Walker, General Manager

I came into motorsports nearly 20 years ago without a grand plan, but I have always wanted to understand how all the pieces come together. Since the start of my adult career, I have worked across administration, competition, customer relations, live event production, partnerships, technology and logistics. I spent nearly 18 years with NHRA before coming to Brainerd International Raceway to learn the part of motorsports I had never fully experienced: track life.

At BIR, I’m working to connect business development, marketing and motorsports operations while helping shape what comes next for the facility. In an industry where women are still often outnumbered, I have learned that not knowing everything is not a weakness. Asking the right questions and understanding how one decision affects everything else is one of my greatest strengths. It balances well with Stephanie’s deep knowledge of BIR and the logistics that make this place tick. I’m excited to bring those strengths together and build what comes next.

Stephanie Petersen, Operations Director

I’ve been part of the Brainerd International Raceway team for 13 years, although motorsports was never part of the original plan. Fresh out of college, I was looking to build a career in ticketing and entertainment—a field I had been working in since I was 15. A chance connection through my brother led to an interview at BIR, a move to Brainerd two weeks later, and ultimately a career I never expected but now can’t imagine without.

After growing through several roles at BIR, I recently stepped into the role of Operations Director, overseeing facility maintenance, improvements, event preparation, and the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the 600-acre facility running.

As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, I’ve learned the importance of asking questions, challenging the “we’ve always done it this way” mentality, and looking for smarter and more efficient ways to get things done. My career has been a reminder that sometimes the best paths are the ones you never planned on taking.

Alexa Larson, Ticketing Manager

I moved to the Brainerd area in 2021 after hearing about a job opening at Brainerd International Raceway through a family member. In true BIR fashion, I was interviewed by Kristi at her house, sitting in her kitchen. I walked into that interview incredibly nervous and walked out feeling like this was exactly where I wanted to be.

I didn’t come from a racing family, nor did I ever have my sights set on managing ticketing at a racetrack. I started at BIR as the Assistant Ticketing Manager. As I took on more responsibilities, I eventually found myself being told I was getting promoted. So, I guess I didn’t really have a choice! And honestly, I wouldn’t have said no if they had given me one. What started as a job opportunity quickly became a career I didn’t know I was looking for.

Since joining BIR, I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside an incredible team that has trusted and encouraged me along the way. As I step into this new role, I’m looking forward to continuing to learn, taking on whatever comes my way, and being part of a team that works hard, has fun, and makes some pretty great things happen. I hope to continue bringing a willingness to jump in, learn, and contribute wherever I’m needed.

Schedule

1:00 – 1:10 PM | Check-In + Informal networking
1:10 – 1:20 PM | Welcome
1:20 – 1:50 PM | Speakers: Women of BIR
1:50 – 2:05 PM | Road Course Fun: Parade Laps
2:05 – 2:50 PM | Road Course Fun: Hot Laps
2:55 – 3:00PM | Event Closing

Road Course Fun

Parade Laps

Bring your own car and get ready for tires meeting the track! Follow trained instructors as they lead you three laps around the road course using your own vehicle on the actual BIR track and experience the thrill of being on the same track where the racing action happens. (Participation optional)

*Parking - those who want to take their vehicles for a parade lap should park their vehicles along the guardrail next to the school facility building.

Hot Laps

For those wanting a little more thrill, we've got something sure to test your courage. Up to nine lucky attendees will have opportunity to hop into a BIR owned cars to ride along with professional drivers at top racing speeds. There will be three rounds at 15 minutes each and three cars staggered on the course.

When registering to attend, select your interest in taking part in a parade lap or hot lap.

Spectating

Those interested in spectating over road course fun can still get in the action by watching from the fence or tower. Informal networking is also welcome during this time.

The Collective Experience
Being a part of The Collective community, you will experience...

• Courage | Try something new at quarterly events
• Confidence | Discover what you’re capable of and leave feeling ready for what’s next.
• Connection | Build genuine relationships with women who “get it” and want to see you succeed.
• Solidarity | You’re not in this alone. Find women who understand the journey.
• Authenticity | Hear real stories, honest experiences, and perspectives you can relate to.
• Empowerment | Gain practical leadership tools and ideas you can put into action.
  
  

About The Collective

The Collective is a Brainerd Lakes Chamber program that draws on the collective strength of professional women. Our purpose is to build courage, confidence and connection—advancing women’s leadership and supporting the success of Lakes Area businesses and organizations.