Alumni: Join us for this invite-only experience:
Alumni Rites of Passage:
Own Your Story
July 7-12, 2025 Santa Fe, USA Led by: Kari Cardinale, Mary Hofstedt, DL Landes
Go Deeper. Live Your Truth. (And Help Shape the Future of MEA.)
Are you looking for a powerful way to step more fully into who you are — and be witnessed in the process?
This July, a select group of alumni will gather at Rising Circle Ranch for a one-of-a-kind experience that will take you deeper into wisdom and purpose – while inviting you to participate in the filming of a documentary that captures the soul of MEA.
If MEA has changed your life and you're ready for another transformation, this is your invitation to show up and be seen as you embark on the next chapter of your journey.
Return Not Only to Reflect – But to Create and Contribute
This five-day alumni event is more than a workshop. It’s a collaborative, immersive experience that will transform you from the inside out.
You’ll rejoin with other MEA alumni who are ready to go deeper into where you are in this moment, who you want to be, and how you want to thrive in the months to come.
Not only will you enjoy magical time on the ranch with a supportive community and the breathtaking landscape as a potent teacher – you’ll also be a part of something bigger:
Helping us tell the story of MEA and bring the power of midlife reinvention to the world.
As a thank you, not only will you enjoy special perks throughout the week – including a private room and horseback rides – you’ll also get to attend the film crew’s wrap party at Chip’s house on our final day together.
What you’ll gain
Through a series of powerful experiential activities led by Santa Fe Facilitator Lead Mary Hofstedt and MEA Partner Kari Cardinale you will:
This is a rare opportunity to fully step into your purpose in the company of other inspired alumni – while participating in a groundbreaking documentary and bringing MEA’s magic to a much larger audience.
Plus, you’ll enjoy these incredible perks
To say thank you for allowing us to film you as part of this important documentary, we would love to offer you these additional bonus perks at no extra charge:
Rest Assured: Your Intimate Moments Will Remain Private
As someone who has already experienced the impact of MEA, you know how personal and intimate our sessions can be. Although there will be cameras in the classroom, rest assured that no audio will be recorded during our Circle or workshop sessions so that you’re able to get as deep and vulnerable as you need to be.
Also know that the documentary filmmakers will also participate in our daily Circle and workshop sessions right alongside you, so that they too can experience the growth and transformation that comes from doing the work.
It’s going to be a powerful, collaborative experience of co-creation. If you have ever wished you could help bring the magic of MEA to others – this is your chance.Meet your faculty
Kari Cardinale
MEA Partner & Chief Content Officer
Kari is the Chief Content Officer at MEA and a trailblazer in the longevity space, online community-building, and transformational learning.
Since joining MEA in 2018, she’s launched a 59-chapter global alumni network and designed MEA’s acclaimed digital campus, hosting thousands of learners in immersive online programs and shaping our content throughout MEA.
With nearly 30 years of experience, Kari has worked with hundreds of thought leaders worldwide, developed MEA’s original content, and trained our facilitation teams both online and on-campus.
She’s produced two global summits on aging and caregiving innovation, contributed to Huffington Post and PBS’s This Emotional Life, and co-authored the Amazon #1 bestseller Embracing Your Authentic Self.
Kari’s superpower? Turning bold ideas into life-changing experiences.
Mary Hofstedt
MEA Facilitator Lead for Santa Fe
Mary Hofstedt is an experienced nonprofit leader and educator who strives to advance a more hopeful, caring, and connected world.
Her passion for youth and community development led her to work with Challenge Success, spearhead a coalition of youth and adult partners to develop a community arts center, and serve for over a decade within Stanford University’s John W. Gardner Center.
Mary recently wrapped up a mid-career break to reflect on purpose, study Spanish, travel, and volunteer with whale shark research and conservation.
She serves as a Senior Associate with Heartwise Learning and is thrilled to be based back in Santa Fe after a 22-year stint in the Bay Area.
This workshop is for you if...
You are an MEA alumni who has integrated the magic of MEA and sense your life is ready for more
You’re ready to go deeper into the MEA experience and elevate the skills you need to thrive in midlife and for many years to come
You want to create an inspired vision for your life that goes beyond career and finance goals to deliver rich experiences that feed your soul
You’re eager to deepen your connections with people who share your passions and enrich your life with their presence
You’re ready to take inspired action to make your vision a reality and ensure that the months to come are full of magical moments & memories
You’re excited to participate in the filming of a documentary that will help share the message and magic of MEA with the world
Santa Fe, USA
Rising Circle Ranch
An upscale regenerative ranch featuring traditional Pueblo architecture and spanning nearly 2,600 acres of wildlife, hiking trails in the arroyo, with ancient petroglyphs, and awe-inspiring beauty. Close to historic Santa Fe, an artisan’s mecca.
Meet the MEA Facilitators Who
Will Support You on Your Journey
In addition to the powerful sessions conducted by Kari and Mary, you will be guided through the core MEA curriculum by our seasoned facilitators:
Daniel “DL” Landes
Before joining MEA, Daniel “DL” Landes spent decades as a restauranteur, author, and publisher. As the owner of multiple restaurants in Denver, CO – and then a hostel in Mexico – he dedicated himself to creating environments where people could work out their humanity while eating and drinking (which is why he fits in so well at MEA).
Now relocated to Santa Fe, DL says that “living in the Galisteo Basin impresses a unique and humbling perspective. Under the expansive, enchanted New Mexican sky I can feel so small and so big. I made a career of kicking up dust; living in the storm until the storm lived in me. When the dust settled two guideposts appeared: Spend more nights under the stars; provide a service.”
You will appreciate his dedication to creating memorable experiences during your time in Santa Fe.
Step Forward with Purpose. Be Seen in Your Strength.
This is your invitation to return to MEA not just to reflect – but to deepen and expand.
You’ll reconnect with what matters most and step into your next chapter with clarity, courage, and the most incredible community beside you.
(And yes, the food will be as delicious as always.)
You know how amazing our made-from-scratch meals are. Chef Krista will be delighted to prepare you delicious breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks that sate your body, mind, and soul. You can focus on creating your inspired 2025 vision and honing your midlife thriving skills while our dedicated hospitality team caters to your every need. As you no doubt remember, at MEA, we believe that thriving is delicious.
Your Workshop Includes
As always, everything is included with the price of your room in this all-inclusive experience designed to support you as you embark on your next exciting chapter and shape your ideal future.
Special “thank you!” tuition for alumni: $2,500
Ready to start your journey?
Alumni Rites of Passage: Own Your Story
July 7-12, 2025 Santa Fe, USA Led by: Kari Cardinale, Mary Hofstedt, DL Landes
Step into your next chapter with confidence and ease, knowing that every detail of your experience is being taken care of by our world-class faculty and hospitality team.
Starting at
$2,500 per person
Leslie Bartlett
Still deciding or have questions?
Connect with Leslie Bartlett, VP of Alumni
Leslie is also an MEA alumni who can offer genuine insights into our programs. She's passionate about helping you find the right fit to make your next chapter the best one.