Hubbard Alum Named Keynote Speaker for UMN's Arts, Sciences and Engineering Graduate Student Commencement

Ethelind Kaba serves as the executive director of the Ann Bancroft Foundation, overseeing their efforts to make life-changing opportunities available to early childhood and adolescent girls in Minnesota.
Smiling woman with black braids on white background.

 

The University of Minnesota has named Hubbard School alum Ethelind Kaba as the keynote speaker for its 2025 Arts, Sciences and Engineering Graduate Commencement ceremony.

"Perhaps some things shouldn’t be admitted in a press release — like the fact that I have cried every time I think about delivering the 2025 commencement address," Kaba said. "Tears of pride and disbelief for a journey that has been anything but traditional. I earned my bachelor’s degree at 35, my master’s in Strategic Communication at 41, and now, at 45, I have the incredible privilege of standing before graduates to share what I’ve learned." 

"One day, when you least expect it, you’ll find yourself in a moment that proves just how far you’ve come." — Ethelind Kaba

Kaba serves as the executive director of the St. Paul-based Ann Bancroft Foundation, overseeing the organization's efforts to make life-changing opportunities available to early childhood and adolescent girls in Minnesota. She is responsible for strategic direction, shepherding high-impact awareness campaigns, maintaining strong community partnerships, expanding the reach of the foundation, managing its financial operations and working closely with the organization's board of directors and staff to raise the annual budget. She earned a master’s degree in strategic communication at Hubbard.

The commencement, to be held on May 8 on campus, will recognize master’s, doctoral and post-baccalaureate certificate students in the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Science and Engineering.

"I never imagined this moment for myself," she said, "but perhaps that’s the lesson: To trust the journey, stay focused and disciplined, build a strong support network and understand that success isn’t about timing, but perseverance. One day, when you least expect it, you’ll find yourself in a moment that proves just how far you’ve come."

Leading with purpose

Before joining the Bancroft Foundation, Kaba was vice president of external affairs at the Center for Economic Inclusion, the nation’s first organization dedicated exclusively to advancing economic inclusion across all sectors in a major metropolitan area. In her role, she led strategic communications, storytelling, marketing and brand management, as well as fund development initiatives to support the organization efforts to build a racially equitable and inclusive economy.

Passionate about advancing equity, human dignity and potential, Kaba founded The Stargirl Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering teen and tween girls, for which she was named a 2014 Changemaker by the Minnesota Women’s Press.

"I earned my bachelor’s degree at 35, my master’s in Strategic Communication at 41, and now, at 45, I have the incredible privilege of standing before graduates to share what I’ve learned."  — Ethelind Kaba

Kaba offers her experience and talents to several organizational committees and boards, including The Jeremiah Program, a nationwide organization dedicated to transforming the lives of low-income single mothers and their children; Augsburg University, a private university known for its commitment to an intentional experience for all students; and Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, which advocates for affordable housing.

A multidisciplinary storyteller, Kaba has worked with local Twin Cities emerging artists, designers, and small business entrepreneurs to build engaged audiences. In all her work, she strives to spark in others the same curiosity about the human condition that motivates her.

Education and recognition

Kaba’s formal educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in legal studies from Hamline University, a master’s degree in strategic communication from the Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication and a policy fellowship from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. In 2022, Kaba was selected to represent the Twin Cities region in Harvard Business School’s Young American Leaders Program.

Kaba has been published in several publications and invited to speak to corporate and nonprofit organizations nationwide on economic mobility, removing barriers for women and girls to thrive, advancing workplace belonging and breaking generational cycles of poverty. In 2024, Kaba was included on the Twin Cities Business 100 List and also recognized as one of 50 Black Leaders to know in Minnesota.

An immigrant from Ghana, Kaba lives in Edina with her family, where she is still trying to figure out how to fall in love with road trips.

Commencement 2025

The University of Minnesota's commencement activities span the first two full weeks of May 2025. Schools, departments and groups within the university host their own gatherings throughout the commencement period, including:

  • Arts, Sciences, and Engineering graduate commencement ceremony: Open to master’s, doctoral, and post-baccalaureate certificate students in the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Science and Engineering, including those from the Hubbard School
  • College of Liberal Arts undergraduate commencement ceremony: Open to undergraduates in CLA departments and schools, including Hubbard School