Speaker: Prairiewoods

Prairiewoods Franciscan Spirituality Center is a retreat and conference center focused on ecology, spirituality and holistic health. It is nestled in a natural setting of 70 acres of prairie and woodland in Hiawatha, Iowa. Prairiewoods is a nonprofit that was founded in 1996 by Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration—a Catholic, Franciscan organization—but is open to people of all faiths and cultures. Learn more at www.Prairiewoods.org.

Leslie Wright, Prairiewoods’ director, has a certificate in spirituality and community, a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in human development. She has worked as a buyer, business analyst, grantmaker and nonprofit consultant, as well as serving as adjunct faculty at Mt. Mercy University. Since the early 2000s, Prairiewoods and its programs have shaped her spiritual journey and offered sanctuary. Leslie loves to garden; spend time with her husband, Jason, and kids, Grant, Casey and son-in-law, Scott; and herd her