DAMA-MN Monthly Newsletter — February 2026

📣 DAMA‑MN Monthly Newsletter — February 2026

Turning the corner on winter, and looking ahead to a year of learning, connection, and data leadership.

A Message from the DAMA‑MN Board of Directors

As Minnesotans, we know winter has a way of testing our resilience—and this year certainly delivered. After weeks of subzero mornings, icy commutes, and the annual ritual of negotiating with our cars (“please start… just this once”), we’ve finally turned the corner. The days are stretching a little longer, the sun is lingering a bit later, and there’s a quiet optimism that comes with knowing we’ve made it past the coldest stretch of the season.

This time of year naturally invites reflection and intention‑setting. Many of us are thinking about how we want to grow—professionally, personally, and as contributors to a rapidly evolving data landscape. Whether your goals include earning a certification, deepening your governance practice, sharpening your architecture skills, or simply carving out time to learn something new, we encourage you to invest in yourself. Growth in our profession rarely happens by accident; it’s the result of deliberate curiosity and consistent practice.

And of course, we can’t talk about growth without acknowledging the accelerating influence of artificial intelligence. AI is no longer a distant concept—it’s woven into our homes, our workplaces, our decision‑making, and increasingly, our expectations of what “good” data management looks like. As practitioners, we’re navigating a world where models depend on trustworthy data, governance frameworks must adapt to new risks, and interoperability across systems, teams, and technologies is more essential than ever.

“Interoperability ensures that data can be shared and used across systems, processes, and organizational boundaries.”
— DAMA‑DMBOK2

Interoperability isn’t just a technical aspiration—it’s a metaphor for how our community works. Think of DAMA‑MN as a well‑designed data ecosystem: each member brings unique structures, schemas, and strengths, but when we connect, collaborate, and share knowledge, we create something far more powerful than any single node could achieve alone.

Here’s to longer days, warmer months ahead, and a year filled with meaningful growth.

— The DAMA‑MN Board of Directors

📅 February Chapter Meeting

Robert S. Seiner

Featuring Robert S. Seiner — Accelerating Data Governance

Robert S. Seiner reframes governance as a business accelerator—especially in an AI‑driven world where trust and transparency fuel speed. Drawing from The Data Catalyst³ (Cubed), he shows how change management, data fluency, and small, visible wins can ignite adoption across the organization. Bob also unveils the Data Compass, a visual guide for locating your organization’s current state and charting the fastest path to value.

Date: February 18, 2026
Registration: https://www.dama-mn.org/event-6411126

🎓 CDMP® Fundamentals Study Group — Winter/Spring 2026

DAMA‑Minnesota is pleased to offer a CDMP® Fundamentals Study Group to support data professionals preparing for the Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP) exam.

This guided study group follows the DAMA‑DMBOK® v2 and revised editions and is structured around the CDMP Fundamentals exam blueprint. Sessions are facilitated by experienced practitioners and CDMP credential holders and are designed to help participants focus on the knowledge areas most heavily weighted on the exam.

Who Should Attend

  • First‑time CDMP candidates
  • Practicing data management professionals seeking a structured refresher
  • DAMA members from Minnesota and partner chapters preparing for the May exam

Cost

Free for DAMA members
$25 for non‑members (reciprocity applies)

Questions? Contact study-group@dama-mn.org

Registration: https://www.dama-mn.org/event-6480419/Registration

⭐ Featured Workshop

🏫 In‑Person Data Governance Workshop

Meena Howland

Led by Meena (Meenu) Howland

Join author and data strategy executive Meenu Howland for a full‑day, hands‑on workshop where you’ll uncover how to connect data, process, and business capabilities through her Organizational Relationship Architecture (ORA + ORG) — the practical model featured in her book Unlinked. This is not a new framework, but a new way of working with the frameworks you already use.

Data management frameworks, process frameworks, and governance frameworks all promise alignment — yet most organizations still struggle to make them work together. In this immersive workshop, Meenu reveals the hidden structure that links strategy, data, and delivery, giving participants a shared language and actionable tools to improve trust, quality, and efficiency across the enterprise.

Who Should Attend

  • Data governance leaders
  • Enterprise and business architects
  • Process and operations professionals
  • AI and analytics leaders
  • Change management practitioners

You’ll Learn How To

  • Identify structural misalignments between data, process, and capability models
  • Map business capabilities through data and process lifecycles
  • Redefine ownership and stewardship using lifecycle‑based governance
  • Apply the four governance outcomes — Clarity, Trust, Efficiency, and Risk Reduction — to real business scenarios
  • Design change strategies that embed adoption rather than resistance

About the Facilitator

Meenu Howland is the Founder and CEO of Neuronova Consulting and author of Unlinked. She brings over 16 years of experience leading enterprise data and governance strategy across industries, bridging business architecture, AI alignment, and organizational design. Meenu serves as an Advisory Board Member for TheAssociation.AI and has presented at industry events including DGIQ, EDW, and AIGOV.

Included with Registration (Over $300 Value)

  • A free digital copy of Unlinked
  • Multi‑template pack and Quick Start Alignment Workbook
  • A 30‑minute one‑on‑one Q&A session with Meenu after the workshop

Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026 — 9:00am–4:30pm

Registration: https://www.dama-mn.org/event-6455534/Registration

Questions? Contact info@dama-mn.org

❄️ Winter Social at OMNI Brewery

Thank you to everyone who joined us at OMNI Brewery in Maple Grove! Here are a few moments from the evening:

OMNI Brewery Social Photo 1 OMNI Brewery Social Photo 2
📅 Save the Date

🎓 Data Career Fair — April 16, 2026

DAMA‑MN is partnering with the University of St. Thomas to host a dynamic Data Career Fair connecting students, early‑career professionals, and employers across Minnesota’s data and analytics ecosystem.

This event is designed to showcase career pathways in data governance, analytics, engineering, AI, and related disciplines—while giving employers access to emerging talent and future leaders.

Opportunities for Employers & Sponsors

  • Host a recruiting table
  • Promote internships and early‑career roles
  • Showcase your organization’s data capabilities
  • Engage with students and professionals exploring data careers

Stay tuned: Registration details for employers and attendees will be announced soon.

Location: University of St. Thomas
Date: April 16, 2026

🙋‍♀️🙋‍♂️ Your Voice, Your Impact — Volunteer With DAMA‑MN

DAMA‑MN is growing, and we’re seeking passionate members to help shape the chapter’s future, strengthen our programs, and expand our impact across Minnesota’s data community.

Open Board Positions

  • Director of Operations — chapter coordination, process improvement, and operational excellence

    • The Director of Operations keeps the chapter running smoothly behind the scenes — owning our core systems, pulling engagement data, and giving every committee the insights they need to shine.

Volunteer Roles

  • Website Development & Digital Experience
  • Communications (Newsletter, Social Media)
  • Mentorship Program Developer
  • Data Career Fair Support
  • Strategic Relations Committee Member
  • Member Services Committee Member

Volunteering is a great way to build connections, grow your skills, and make a meaningful impact in Minnesota’s data community.

Contact:
president@dama-mn.org
info@dama-mn.org

🤝 Thank You to Our Sponsors

Glean Logo Immuta Logo DataBahn Logo EASL Logo Turnberry Logo

A Note from the President

As we step into a new year of learning, connection, and community, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every member, volunteer, partner, and friend who has helped make DAMA‑MN the vibrant, generous, and forward‑thinking chapter it is today.

Your energy fuels our programs. Your curiosity strengthens our profession. And your willingness to show up — for each other, for our events, for our shared mission — is what makes this community truly special.

I also want to acknowledge the incredible support we receive through the DAMA‑International Reciprocity Program. This spirit of collaboration across chapters is powerful, and it reminds us that we’re part of something bigger — a global network of data professionals committed to elevating our craft.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for giving your time, your ideas, your leadership, and your heart to DAMA‑MN.

And as always, I invite you to stay connected, explore upcoming programs, and discover new ways to get involved at:
www.dama-mn.org

With gratitude,
Terry Baresh
President, DAMA‑Minnesota

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