Renee Rongen

Renee' Rongen will be presenting at the 2012 South Dakota Governor's Conference on Tourism on January 18, 2012 in Pierre, SD. She will be delivering her keynote, "NEWS FLASH! You are the Customer Service!"

For additional information, please visit the event website.

Call Out For Submissions 

Renee’ Rongen, international speaker and author is launching her new book with a working title: What is the Spirit of a Woman? 

She and her publisher are now accepting short stories, descriptions, quips and quotes on what you believe to be the Spirit of a Woman. 

Reneé Rongen, a published author and internationally known Keynote Speaker is currently accepting stories from women and men for her new book describing the Spirit of a Woman.  This book will be an inspirational gift book and artists will provide illustrations to your words. 

Please provide short stories (400 words or less) and or descriptions of what you believe to be the Spirit of a Woman.  Descriptions, stories, quips, and quotes must be original, unpublished thoughts. The more descriptive your submission, the more likely it will be chosen for inclusion in the book.  Your examples can be poignant, profound and/or funny.

For more information and to submit your story... please click on the submission form.

Renee' Rongen keynoted the 14th Annual Building Hope Event on Monday, June 20, 2011 in Minot, ND. The event is the annual fundraiser for the critical care needs for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of patients at the Trinity CancerCare Center. Immediately following, she keynoted the Minot Rotary Club monthly meeting. The words of hope could not have come at a better time... just prior to announcements that the city of Minot, ND would be reach record flood levels and evacuate 11,000 residents. Below are comments from event attendees.

“Oh my goodness, I have never in my life laughed as hard as I did today at the Trinity Cancer Fundraiser.  You were exactly what this community needed with all we have been through.  I felt rejuvenated and my cup was running over with joy in my heart.  The men and women of Minot love you and we would love to have you back!”
-Event Attendee

"I am a Rotarian in Minot, ND and attended the noon meeting on Monday.  Thanks for your great words of encouragement on Monday. Little did we know how much we would need that encouragement; what a coincidence. Within 4 short hours, Minot would receive word of the impending flood that would dwarf all previous records, a flood that was never supposed to come again.

Someone put you here in Minot and I thank him for that. I carry my Pay It Forward card in my pocket as a reminder that the hope and goodness of the world comes from the hearts of men (and women). Thanks again"

"The most important things in life aren't things at all."

"Coincidences are God's way of staying anonymous."
-D. Rubbelke, Event Attendee 

Please read the related article from the Minot Daily News.

Renee' Rongen will be a keynote speaker at the 2011 National Spirit of Women Conference in Scottsdale, AZ on Friday, July 13-15, 2011. The event is titled The New Architecture of Women's Health - Building Strength and Opportunity with Spirit. Renee' will be delivering the keynote Who is the Architect of your Life at the Rise and Shine Breakfast where the 2011 Spirit of Women National Awards will be given to a group of very deserving recipients.

Renee' Rongen was the keynote speaker at four seperate Principal Financial Group locations across Iowa and Washington. Below are testimonials from employees about Renee's presentation.

"We really enjoyed Renee's presentation yesterday.  It has us all buzzing in how we can capture her message and keep it alive in the workplace!"
-Attendee

"Renee' was SO wonderful. Thanks for all your help in setting this up for our company. She reminds me of the awesome ladies that I saw at Women Of Faith."
-Attendee

"Renee', we loved, loved having you here! Thanks so much for coming to Spokane and for your heartwarming and laughter filled sharing of stories. I received emails from employees thanking us for having you come and many who told me in person.  Wishing you much happiness! Thanks again!"
-Attendee

"Thank you Renee'!  It was a wonderful presentation and employees around the office are still talking about your message.  I'm seeing a lot of smiles and a few "Milk" references for the weekend."
-Attendee

Renee' Rongen spoke to the hundreds of individuals running for a cause this weekend in Fargo, ND. The Go Far Charity event was held on Monday, May 16, 2011 at the Fargodome. The Go Far Charity team has teamed up with a variety of worthy charities to help raise money.

In 2010, there were 10 charities that made up the Go Far Charity Team, with 246 members raising $113,000. This year there are 29 charities. To learn more, please visit the website.

Here are some comments from attendees:

"On behalf of the Ronald McDonald House, I wanted to thank you for speaking at the Charity banquet last night! Your message was phenomenal! You truly did make me laugh, cry, and laugh again."
-Erica Johnsrud

"Thank you to our runners who attended the Go Far Charity Dinner last night! And, a special thank you to Renee' Rongen and Michelle Turnberg for sharing your time and talents with us! Good luck to all Fargo Marathon runners and walkers!"
-American Heart Association ND/NorthWestern MN

Renee' Rongen will be the keynote at the Minnesota State College and Universities Front Line Conference on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at the Alexandria Technical College in Alexandria, MN. The theme for the conference is "You're Not In This Alone."

The Dayton Area Chapter of PAHCOM is hosting their 2011 Seminar on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at the National Composite Center in Kettering, OH. Renee' Rongen will be the closing keynote at the event and send the attendees out with a terrific message!

For further information, click here.

NorthBay Healthcare, Fairfield, CA is hosting their 8th Annual Women's Health Conference on Saturday, April 16th at the NorthBay Healthcare Administration Center.

The fun-filled and educational day for women will feature a variety of workshops focusing on women's health. This day of health information, fun and motivation includes a keynote presentation by award-winning humorist and author, Renee' Rongen. The day also includes continental breakfast and lunch, as well as the NorthBay Guild Market, highlighting affordable and stylish accessories, perfect for any occasion.

Pre-registration is required and closes on April 14. Space is limited for this popular event, so make sure to register early to reserve a seat for your preferred workshops.

For more information, please visit the website.

Renee' Rongen will be the opening keynote at the University Staff Development Conference at California State University in Chico on Monday, April 11, 2011. The conference will consist of two keynote presentations and a series of many concurrent workshops from participants to choose from. The theme this year is "Leadership" and the workshops will focus on leadership of self, leadership of others and leadership of the office. CEU credits are provided.

For more information, please visit the event website. A full schedule of events is provided.

The Aberdeen Area Women's Expo was held on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at the Ramada Convention Center in Aberdeen, SD. The day featured keynote speaker, Renee' Rongen, along with vendors, educational seminars, wine and beer sampling and a style show.

Here are comments from event organizers and attendees.

“Reneé Rongen’s address - Life’s Your Legacy . . . Live It! was absolutely a huge hit with all of the women in attendance. I would recommend Reneé Rongen for any event with the ultimate goal of having a truly meaningful impact on participants.  Many of the women said they were absolutely inspired by Renee’s message and would love to hear it again!  She literally does have the audience laughing hysterically one minute and crying the next.  She has a very heartfelt message that truly resonated with every woman (of any age) in that room!

Reneé and Shannon were very professional and great to work with throughout the planning process. They were both very invested in our event from start to finish!

The staff members at Sanford Clinic Aberdeen, as well as our community partners, were truly honored to work with Reneé.  If you have any questions or if we can be of any further assistance please let me know.
-Julie Stevenson, Sanford Clinic Aberdeen, Public Relations/Marketing Manager

“Reneé, I just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed your talk today! I still can’t believe my friend’s husband texted her to “smile more” while you were talking about smiling! That’s just “not him”!! After going through losing my Mom and my grandparents (her parents) all in 17 months I could really relate to you today. It was tough and is still just a little over a year ago that I lost my Mom and miss her every day. Thanks again for your message – loved it!”
-Event Attendee

“Reneé thank you for taking time away from your family and speaking to us in Aberdeen, SD yesterday. What an inspiration you are. Your speech was very personal for me. I have spent 11 years of my life with a joy taker and I have always had a large heart and been a joy giver. You lose sight of that when you spend so many years unhappy. Loved listening to you yesterday. Thanks for all the laughter sure made me glad to take the 200 mile journey for a moms day out.”
-Event Attendee

“I enjoyed your Legacy talk in Aberdeen, and couldn't agree more that a simple smile can totally change someone's day. Thanks for a great morning spent with friends.”
-Event Attendee

“Good Morning Renee! Just wanted to drop a quick note to say you did a great job on Saturday!  Your speech was amazing and it touched me dearly.  I have been blessed to have met you!! Thanks again for the appetizers and drink on Friday night.  You are such an inspiration and a wonderful person!  Thanks again for everything!  Have a wonderful day and week!  God Bless!”
-Event Attendee

Renee' Rongen is teaming up with Lake Agassiz Regional Library and presenting "Life's Your Legacy... LIVE IT!" All events are sponsored by a Legacy Grant through the Minnesota State Libraries. The events are open to the public, so if Renee' is in your area... come out for a night of laughs and insights on living a purposeful, productive and profitable life.

Join us for one of Reneé’s amazing and FREE presentations.
Tuesday, March 8 at 7 p.m. at Breckenridge High School
Monday, April 4 at 7 p.m. at Ada-Borup High School
Tuesday, April 5 at 7 p.m. at Fosston Library Theatre
Wednesday, April 20 at 7 p.m. at Detroit Lakes Library
Thursday, April 21 at 7 p.m. at Moorhead Library

Programming is sponsored by Lake Agassiz Regional Library and supported in part with money from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage fund.

For more information, please visit the event website.

The Women and Girls Wellness and Lifestyle Expo was a fabulous day dedicated to women and girls. The Expo was held on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at the Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids, MN. This Expo was a fun day that was both educational and inspirational…and free so that all women and girls could attend.

The Grand Itasca Clinic & Hospital and Grand Itasca Foundation is the Stage Sponsor, which allowed this free event to bring in high-quality keynote speakers. This year the attendees were treated to two keynote speakers, including Renee’ Rongen and twelve breakout sessions. Best of all, it’s was free! An amazing group of sponsors were on hand  and without them, this wonderful event could not be offered at no cost. The event featured more than 75 booths, with something for every woman and girl in attendance.

Some comments from attendees...

“Renee’, YOU WERE THE BEST! I haven’t laughed that hard and teared up a second too. Your Show was second to none! Best Speaker we have ever had!!!!!”
-Anna, Event Attendee

“We loved how you personalized your message just for us and drew people into your talk. That is a real gift to be so extemporaneous and we loved it!”
-Sarah, Event Attendee

“Renee’, I brought my 13-year-old daughter with reluctantly by her and you made her day. The words you said to those young gals that you brought down to the front will never be forgotten. You are so awesome with so many age groups. You have a message about self worth that every teenage girl in America should hear. I know you travel all over, but you should think about it! They need to hear what you have to Say!!!! I can honestly say you were the very best speaker I have ever heard. The girls thought the comedian was OK, but you were funnier than she was with a way bigger impact! Keep making a difference!!!!!! Thank you from a mom that you touched.”
-Marsha, mom of Kate, Event Attendees

"Mrs. Rongen, Thank you from me and my friend! I am Katira and I got to sit up by you when you spoke today. Your show was the best I ever saw. We went with my mom, and my friend Abby and I loved it. You are so funny! I will never forget to smile. I wish you could come to my school and talk. You would be awesome. I feel happy after listening to you.”
-Tasha, Event Attendee

"Renee’, I am so impressed with you and how you mingled and stayed and signed books, gave them away to the girls and asked them to Pay It Forward. Most speakers come and go, they do not stay for the day. You were fabulous and I am very impressed!”
-K., Event Attendee

Renee' Rongen kicked off the Women, Wisdom and Wine Monthly Discussion lecture series at the Hopkins Center for the Arts on Wednesday, January 19, 2011.

This event was open to the public and drew a fantastic crowd!

Here are some comments from the event organizer and attendees.

“Renee' what can I say? YOU were the highlight, as I knew you would be, kicking off the new Minneapolis twin cities Women, Wisdom and Wine series. I just cannot thank you enough for all you did. You and your assistant Shannon went the extra mile to make sure this truly was a success. So many came just because you were the headline. I knew from the get go if I could secure you as our first speaker that it would be a homerun and it was! Your insight and your absolutely hysterical stories made each of us feel as though we walked in your shoes, or more that you walked in ours. I loved also how you have the ability to interact on the spot and pull people in. The women loved your extemporaneous way of making it so personable. Bravo and kudos to you. If you ever, ever need a recommendation, please, please have them call me first! YOU, my new friend, are the very best! So grateful to be in your circle and you in mine! I have already recommended you to three other women and three women from the event have called today to get your contact information for their events. I'm not surprised! You go girl. You are doing exactly what you are called to do!”
-Claudia Ryan - President, Clover 3 Consulting

“I heard a wonderful speaker last night 'Renee Rongen'. If you ever get a chance to hear her speak, you will laugh, you may tear up for a moment, you will be incredibly inspired and motivated, and did I say you would laugh hard. She is the greatest story teller and so very funny all at the same time. I was bent over in stitches and my sides ached. I could so relate and see myself in her stories. I think every woman can! And you will be encouraged to 'live your legacy'. Thanks Renee, you do make a difference.”
-Ann B. - VP - Business Systems - from facebook post

“Thanks Women, Wisdom and Wine...The best treat I have given myself in a long time. I signed up for the whole series because of only one reason… the first keynote speaker! RENEE RONGEN! I had heard about her from so many other women that had seen her at women's events. She was all that I expected and sooooooo much more. She is hilarious! I was bent over laughing with tears running down my eyes. I haven't laughed that hard in five years. Her stories were absolutely hysterical! I also left with a powerful message of living my legacy! Wow, I don't know the last speaker that made me laugh hard and gave me a message to take home. I think hmmm NEVER! If you ever get a chance to see her in your city. whatever the investment, she is worth it and more!
-Catherine T. M – Attendee

“What a wonderful start to your lecture series. I haven't been able to stop thinking of my personal legacy and what I want to do with my life. Renee had a way of drawing each woman in the audience into her fantastic stories. One minute laughing and the next riveted at the end of my seat and hanging on her every word. She was amazing and really inspired me to get out on the limb and take some risks. Absolutely amazing she was! As luck would have it, I had a passenger on my flight home from Amsterdam yesterday, who has put me in touch w/ an organization that does mission trips. I have wanted to do one for some time now, and have never just taken that step, but this time after hearing Renee speak about legacy, I think I will. The Lord works in strange ways! Anyway, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the event.”
-Attendee

Life’s Your Legacy…LIVE IT! with Reneé Rongen in Crookston October 11

Reneé Rongen will share legacy lifters with masterfully told stories of life and the lessons learned along the way on Monday, October 11 at 7 p.m. in Kiehle Auditorium at the U of M in Crookston.

A recent program attendee described Reneé as a combination of “Oprah, Lilli Tomlin and Mother Teresa.” You’ll beg her to stop, but yearn for more. It’s that side ache pain that’s good for the soul.

Learn what is to be treasured in this lifetime and how to pass that on to future generations. Life’s Your Legacy is about taking risks, using and sharing your unique gifts, laughing at yourself, celebrating the wisdom of aging and living a life of contentment and abundant joy.

Crookston native and Spokesperson for the “Pay It Forward” program, Reneé Rongen is a wise and witty mom, award winning entrepreneur, author and friend to many. From board rooms to 5th grade class rooms to packing convention centers, she is the International Speaker who has inspired thousands of individuals to “Live Life From the Inside Out.” To learn more, visit Reneé Rongen’s website.

This event is free and open to all. For further information, click for the event promotion.

Programming is sponsored by Lake Agassiz Regional Library and supported in part or in whole with money from the Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage fund.

For more information on this and other programs, please call 218-281-4522 or visit your library at 110 N. Ash. Information is also available online at www.larl.org. Crookston Library is a branch of Lake Agassiz Regional Library.

Renee' Rongen will be the keynote speaker at the Virgina Regional Medical Center 12th Annual Women's Wellness Day. The event will be held Saturday, February 27, 2010 from 8 AM to 1 PM at the Virginia Regional Medical Center in Virginia, MN. This event is open to the public.

During the day, everyone will attend the keynote presentation. Afterwards, there will be two time periods where you can choose one topic from a selection of three breakout sessions.

The $25 fee for this Saturday program includes a light breakfast, keynote presentation, lunch, numerous informational presentations, a complimentary attendance gift, and the opportunity to win door prizes.

To pre-register (required), call 218-749-9415 by February 22. Have your two breakout selections ready when you call and then mail the $25 registration fee to Sharon Haavisto, Virginia Regional Medical Center, 901 Ninth Street North, Virginia, MN 55792. Checks can be made payable to the VRMC Foundation. Register early; space is limited.

"I am going to talk about internal wellness," Rongen says. "About making yourself over internally."

The evening will be loaded with fun including… dinner, health screenings, spa treatments, inspiring speakers, wine tasting, fashion show, shopping and more. Don’t miss this inspirational evening!

For more event information, please visit the St. Vincent Healthcare website. 

To read entire article, please visit the Billings Gazette website.

Renee’ has hit the ground running with her fall speaking schedule, where she will be speaking at 30 events before the end of the year. The following events are open to the public, please follow the website links below for ticket or event information. If you have any other questions, please contact Shannon Indovina at Shannon@reneerongen.com or at 952-461-1442.

St. Vincent Healthcare Spirit Girls’ Night Out – Billings, MT

Shirley’s BRAdway Show to Benefit Cancer Research Comedy Show

Johnson Memorial Health Services Fall Women’s Event – Dawson, MN

Piedmont Hospital Girls’ Night Out – Atlanta, GA

Genesis Healthcare System Girls’ Night Out – Zanesville, OH

Saratoga Hospital “Just For Women” Event – Saratoga Springs, NY

A fabulous night of fun and laughter to benefit cancer research will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2009. The evening will begin at 7 p.m. at the Northland Inn with social hour. Hors d'oeuvres will be served and a cash bar will be available. Reneé Wall Rongen will serve as the program emcee, with a comedy show, “Big Divas, Big Laughs, Big Fun” at 8:30 p.m. The show features three Twin Cities stand-up comedians, Jodie Maruska, Rox Tarrant and Brenda Elsagher. Elsagher, a colon cancer survivor, will have copies of her books "If the Battle is Over, Why am I Still in Uniform?" “I'd Like to Buy a Bowel Please” and “Bedpan Banter” on hand and autograph them. Pat Erickson from Fertile will also be taking photographs of those who wish to purchase them.

Tickets for the event are $25 per person and will be for sale starting Tuesday, Sept. 1. A limited number are available, so it's best to get them early. They can be purchased at RiverView Gift Shop, Eagle Drug, Montague’s Flower Shop or by calling Lori Ingeman at (218) 281-7907.

Click here for further information.

Renee' Rongen & Associates, in conjunction with their web design team have been working hard at creating a new look for the existing website. The goal was to make the site more user friendly.

We hope you will find the navigation system easy to use and that we have accomplished our goal. Additionally, we have added all of Renee’s c.lizzys signature copper gift items, DVD’s and books that are sold at events across the country. They are available at my new online store. 

The new web design also features a blog where you can check in to see where Renee' has been, where she is going and what is on her mind. As with all technology, you may encounter a glitch or two in the beginning and if so, we would encourage you to email Shannon, our Speaker Services Coordinator at shannon@reneerongen.com so we can remedy the situation. Happy Web Surfing on www.reneerongen.com.

Bedpan Banter is a great book for healthcare professionals, patients and caregivers. The stories inside will make you laugh and lift you up. We all know someone who’s faced a medical issue... often times that someone is us. After the initial shock, we often find ourselves doing what we need to do physically, but we’re not sure how to cope mentally or emotionally. Bedpan Banter offers stories from across North America about people who found humor or inspiration in the medical issue that impacted their lives. Some stories are a few paragraphs, while others are a few pages. All of them are heartfelt and worth reading.

Author, Renee Rongen has two outstanding stories contributed that add to the richness of Bedpan Banter. Do yourself a favor and take a break—or give a break to someone else, with Bedpan Banter. Order Your copy today at my new Online Store. 

The Pay It Forward Foundation is pleased to announce that Renee´ Wall Rongen, Inspirational and Humorous Keynote Speaker will join Catherine Ryan Hyde as an additional speaking resource and Spokesperson for the Pay It Forward Foundation.

Please see the full press release on the Pay It Forward Foundation's website.

Renee' Rongen was the keynote speaker at a day of Fun, Laughter, Dance and More! The Kettering/Sycamore Medical Centers hosted a Day of Dance for Health event on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at the Washington Township Recreation Center - Rec West, Washington Township, OH.

In addition to hearing keynote speaker, Renee' Rongen, the day was filled with dance lessons, gifts, chair massages, refreshments and health screenings. The entire event is free.

The Day of Dance for Health is a national event in over 60 cities and brought to you by your local Spirit of Women Hospital. Spirit of Women is a coalition of hospitals and health care providers across the United States that ascribe to the highest standards of excellence in women's health, education and community outreach.

Renee' Rongen is a member of the elite Spirit of Women Speakers Bureau.

One of Renee's goals has always been to reach more people through mediums other than platform speaking. That goal has been realized as she kicks off her own radio program in 2009.

The program is LIFEtalk and is heard on AM1100 The Flag. She would encourage all of you to listen in and as always send your feedback to renee@reneerongen.com to let her know how they are doing and what you want to talk about.

"I had the privilege of listening to your inaugural kick off radio show LIFEtalk in early January. I loved it and you are so on target with what women want to listen to. The best part is that it is so fun to hear you and Tracy banter back and forth about what is going on in your own lives. You are so real, it as if I was sitting in your living room and you in mine. Your wit and humor combined with your desire to always make the world a better place is something we have been waiting for in talk radio."

LIFEtalk is conversation style radio with guests brought in via phone or in studio. Renee' will be hosting the show with her very dear friend of 30 years, Tracy Tollefson. The on air dialogue is somewhat similar to discussions over coffee with friends. No topic is off-limits! Relationships, careers, aging parents, parenting, marriage, finances, organized living, children, spirituality, healthcare are among a few of the topics we will be discussing.

The program is easy to listen to, with hosts that women and the men who want to understand women better will love! LIFEtalk is funny, engaging and a place to make women's voice's known. It is softer than straight politics and heavier than fluff. It is entertainment with a message that resonates with the soul and calls women to action.

Tune into 1100 The Flag on Saturday mornings at 9-10 AM to listen to Renee' and Tracy. You can also listen to LIFEtalk via Podcast at any time, simply go to the above link, scroll down and click on podcast under Renee' and Tracy's picture. Then click on the orange RSS icon under their picture. Choose which week you would like to listen to.

Grab a cup of Java and join Tracy and Renee' on Saturday mornings. They promise you will laugh a little and learn a lot about topics that are relevant to your lives.

The 2008 Women's Showcase in Fargo, ND, featured two dynamic speakers. Renee' Rongen will give her "Life's Your Legacy... LIVE IT!" keynote, followed by Jo Frost, star of ABC's reality show "SuperNanny."

The event is hosted by Forum Communications and drew thousands of women. The Showcase took place on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at the FargoDome. For information, please visit http://www.fmwomensshowcase.com/.

Women of all ages enjoyed an evening of spa treatments, wine, music, chocolate, health screenings, prizes and more. Nationally recognized humorist, Renee' Rongen, inspired the crowd to live your best life now. Here are some of the comments from attendees and organizers.

"You are a gift! What an amazing keynote! Your humorous approach to life's experiences had our guests laughing until they cried. Like magic, you bring together humor and a poignant message that will left our ladies thinking about their Legacy and Purpose. Thank you for "making" our event an evening that many will take with them for years to come.

You and Shannon made the reservation process seamless. In this busy world, you don't know how much that is appreciated. (actually, I know you do). I greatly appreciated your flexibility in working with our timeframes in the event. Mingling in the crowd and networking with our guests. Your "go with the flow" attitude took the pressure off of my team so we could focus on "the experience" were would be providing to our guests. You made them feel so comfortable that they were talking with you from the crowd during your keynote. I couldn't believe how engaging you were. One of our reviews stated, "the BEST Spirit of Women event yet, you out did yourself this year Spirit of Women." You are going to be hard to match. Thank you so much for all you did to make our event a memorable one. You by far exceeded my expectations. I will be recommending you to our HR department to come back for Nurses Week." - Christy O'Connor, Regional Coordinator, Spirit of Women Marketing and Strategic Planning, St. Vincent Healthcare

"Thank you Renee', for inspiring and entertaining! It felt good to get those laughs out!" -Attendee

"Last evening at the Spirit of Women gathering, you not only got my attention and focus regarding my very own Legacy in life, but I too needed wings to fly out of that place as I laughed so hard!!!! My stomach truly hurt and I was beginning to think I needed to have some sort of surgical procedure to bring my bladder back up to it its original God-given destination." -Attendee

St. Vincent's Hospital is a Spirit of Women Hospital. Spirit of Women is about inspiring women to make positive choices in their lives; choices that impact mind, body and spirit. Women who make enlightened decisions about their health choose St. Vincent Healthcare for their complete women-focused health programs and state-of-the-art technologies to support them. Along with great healthcare resources, members of Spirit of Women enjoy a variety of other benefits including retail discounts and free educational opportunities.

"Between the imagining and the doing, between magic and everyday day life, lies the spirit of women..."

The U.S. Women's Open Mother/Daughter Day featured Renee' Rongen as the keynote speaker for the approximately 100 women in attendance. The event, which was sponsored by RBC Wealth Management, was held on June 23, 2008 at the Interlachen Country Club in Edina, MN.

Renee' Rongen received a perfect 100 score from The Bemidji Press on a follow-up survey conducted by Nationally Speaking. Renee' delivered her signature keynote Life's Your Legacy... LIVE IT! to an impressive crowd at the Bemidji Pioneer’s first Women’s Expo.

By Gail Gabrielson, The Forum Published Saturday, September 25, 2004

Grandy's Quilt: A Gift for All Seasons by Renee Rongen published by Expert Publishing Inc., Andover, Minn. 54 pages; $19.95

Although it looks like a picture book for children, "Grandy's Quilt: A Gift for All Seasons," would be a poor choice for a young child with a short attention span. Instead it would be an ideal gift for a quilter or any woman who has an emotional tie to an older relative.

Grandy's Quilt is about a woman who inherits her grandmother's quilt and isn't quite sure what to do with it. Year after year, Catherine takes it out of the attic and tells her children about her grandmother. One year she decides to have the quilt restored, but after consulting with a couple of quilters, she realizes that it's past that point. Catherine's next solution is one that might give others inspiration - she has the quilt transformed into smaller pieces that are presented to family members at Christmas.

She finds Mrs. Olsen, a Scandinavian seamstress who agrees to do the sewing that Catherine cannot. The two women form a fast friendship over the project, finding a bond in the fabric pieces. "'Believe it or not, I made two shirts from that same fabric,'" Mrs. Olsen tells Catherine. " 'And this one,' she chuckled, pointing to the canary yellow and bright green flowers, 'I made doll clothes from this fabric. It must have been a common, inexpensive material in its day.'"

A sentimental story that is sure to evoke tears among readers, Grandy's Quilt talks about family memories and one way to share them.

Quilters would be especially prone to the charm of the story because they recognize the work involved in a pieced quilt from another era. They know how many stitches by hand such a task would require and the love put into the gift of a quilt. Even today, women gather to quilt. Some quilts made by church groups are given to charities and end up as gifts to people far across the ocean. Other quilts are given by the church women to new families in the congregation or students going off to college. Those quilts may not be stitched by hand, but the fellowship that surrounds the construction makes a quilt a special gift.

Grandy's Quilt is an equally appropriate gift, written by Minnesota speaker and storyteller Renee' Rongen and illustrated by St. Paul artist Mary J. Maguire. The collaboration is a good one - one particular watercolor of one of the children being caressed by the quilt nearly jumps off the page with beauty and poignancy. Rongen's memories of the grandmother are told with great detail and fondness. The watercolors decorate the pages with equal detail and appeal.

Readers are cautioned to get a tissue before opening Grandy's Gift and don't bother reading it to an antsy 3-year-old child.

The 1st Annual South Dakota Women's Lifestyle Conference featured nationally recognized, inspirational, motivational and informative speakers together for one day in a powerful conference that made the attendees think, laugh and cry, but most importantly, provide solutions to everyday issues. "A spa for your mind and a pep rally for your heart".

This exciting transformational event was held Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24, 2009 at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel and Convention Center in Pierre, SD. The event will be returning in 2010. Please tell your friends, sisters, mothers, daughters, bosses and associates to put it on their schedule as a MUST ATTEND date.

For more information, please visit their website at: http://www.womenslifestyleconference.com/.

The Northern Plains Conference on Aging and Disability was held September 23-25, 2008 at the Ramada Plaza Suites in Fargo, ND. This Conference was a preeminent event designed to bring together elders, the general public and professionals who share a common interest in the graying of the Nothern Plains. It focused on trends, policy, technology and self-determination. The theme this past year was borrowed from Renee's tagline and most-requeste keynote... Life's Your Legacy... Live It! The event will feature a number of speakers, break-out sessions and exhibits.

For further information, please visit their website at www.northernplainsconference.com.

By MEGAN FEDDERSEN Fairmont Sentinel Staff Writer FAIRMONT

If laughter is as good for the heart as it is for the soul, then more than 200 women did their hearts a favor Saturday while attending the Fairmont Medical Center's 2005 Women's Seminar: "ReTreat Yourself, Renew Your Feminine Spirit."

The event was held at Bethel Evangelical Free Church in Fairmont. Speakers shared amusing anecdotes and cracked light-hearted jokes about men while educating women on their most serious health risk, heart disease.

"We've all heard we have beat heart disease, but we haven't," said Mayo Clinic cardiologist Sharonne Hayes. "Most of the gains have come from men." In addition to Hayes, the speakers included family practitioner Steven Parnell, physical therapist Shelley Busche, both of Fairmont; nutritionist, dietician and consultant Ingrid (Levik) Gangestad, formerly of Truman; and motivational speaker Renee Rongen.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer for women, far above breast cancer, but surveys show the vast majority of women are unaware, said Hayes. Thus began the national Heart Truth campaign and along with it the symbol of the red dress since "heart disease doesn't care what you wear," explained Hayes. "Real men wear red dresses," she added, meaning a tie, a pin or a bit of red can be enough show of support for men to help spread the message about women and heart disease.

Partly to blame for the toll heart disease has taken on women is lack of education. For years, women were not included in clinical studies, and only recently have tests been developed to diagnose women's specific symptoms, Hayes said.

As Parnell pointed out, there are about 70 different things that can cause chest pains, but with a good doctor and advanced technology, diagnosis is becoming easier. Though the health industry is catching up to meet women's needs, Hayes advised women to assume the primary responsibility for their health -- not to become their own doctor, but rather to learn about the risks, know the warning signs and have a plan. Not all of the risks can be controlled, such as family history, age and gender, but many can, Gangestad told the crowd. Smoking, weight, blood pressure and cholesterol, exercise and diet are all things women can control, said Gangestad. Empower yourself and your kitchen, she encouraged, by focusing on the great foods you can eat, like fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

She went on to speak about the ways women can take charge of their heart health by developing a habit of substituting healthy ingredients whenever possible in the kitchen. Some of the key ways to gain control of your diet is to read the labels, avoid partially hydrogenated oil (also known as transaturated fats) and limit high fat animal products, Gangestad said.

For her part, Busche pushed the importance of consistent exercise, giving a brief demonstration on ways women can exercise throughout the day, such as bun squeezes and abdominal sits. Take the long way around, by using stairs rather the elevator or parking farther away on a nice day, Busche encouraged. Exercise while driving, doing housework, standing in line and watching television -- things you need to do anyway, so just add a little more to it, she said. "You don't need a lot of equipment or time ... Just be consistent and be good to yourself," she said.

Though the topic was serious, the laughter continued throughout the day, with Rongen completing the event with a presentation on living your legacy. She had the audience in tears, gasping for breath as they held their sides in pain. In short, she was hilarious -- but her stories were for more than mere amusement as each one shared a lesson life. Simplify, laugh at yourself, and give from your heart, she encouraged. Though she is no health expert, her bits of wisdom coincided with the knowledge shared by fellow speakers.

By simplifying, stress is cut from the diet of life, and stress is known to increase the risk of heart disease, as Hayes explained. If each mistake is an opportunity to laugh at oneself, then 15 minutes per day of laughter should be easy to come by for most people, and studies show that that's all the time it takes for laughter to benefit the heart.

If time-outs, stickers, and threats aren't making a dent in your child's bad behavior, it's time to switch your tactics. Here are new strategies that will inspire cooperation -- and common mistakes to avoid. 

The Annual "Women's Day Out" sponsored by Immanuel St. Joseph's in Mankato, MN was highlighted by Renee' delivering her signature keynote, Life's Your Legacy... LIVE IT!

The February 2003 issue of Better Homes & Gardens article "Three Types of Adoption," features Renee and Tom Rongen's open adoption story.

The Mitchell Chamber of Commerce hosted their Annual DakotaFest Women's Brunch at the Corn Palace. Following is a rave review from one of the event's organizers.

"Wow, from the moment we met, it was like a "friend come home!" Have heard nothing but great things from women that attended our DakotaFest Women's Brunch! Many of them related and were touched by your message and the humorous way you shared your life's stories. You have a way of bringing everyone in. Your book Grandy's Quilt was truly food for the soul. We each were like quilting squares, all different shapes, colors and sizes, and your message as like the thread that wove us together into this huge quilt of life. Thanks again for making our event so incredibly successful!!!!"
-Karen Jorgenson - Assistant Director - Mitchell Area Chamber of Commerce

Renee' Rongen spoke at a two-day Adoption Workshop on The Changing Face of Adoption. This event was held in Des Moines, IA.

The program consisted of Adoption: A Family Experience, an informative session for prospective and current adoptive parents on the adoption process and benefits of open adoption. Renee's Signature Keynote, Life's Your Legacy... Live It!, an afternoon of prayer, fellowship and celebration, along with the session, The Changing Face of Adoption: A New Beginning, that explains more about Catholic Charities pregnancy counseling and adoption programs.