2018 CLASS
Tasha Barrett Realtor Park Co. Realtors
Which leadership lessons do you hope to share with your coworkers and teammates? One of the first things I learned about myself in the program is that I’m a harmonious person with strong execution skills. Relating this to my work in real estate, I am able to bring a deal together by negotiating in a nonconfrontational way and doing so in an efficient manner. I’ve learned that focusing on developing one’s strengths is as, if not more, important than improving upon one’s weaknesses.
Emily Finley Sales Rustic Oaks
What unique perspectives do women bring to the table? Women, in general, impress me. Their ability to recognize the talents of others, their understanding of how others are motivated, and their capacity to lead with their hearts are admirable. Daily, women are charismatically juggling their job(s), children, family relationships, leadership roles, philanthropy, faith, social lives, social expectations, work competition, health and wellness, personal struggles and all the wild things life throws at us.
Merideth Bell Teri Winkelman Workforce Planning & Sourcing Specialist Essentia Health
Emily Carrow Operations Supervisor Benefit Services Discovery Benefits
Discovery Benefits is known for its employeecentered culture. From your perspective, why is this important? What makes Discovery unique is that the core values of leadership, integrity, open communication, continuous learning and teamwork are on display every day. We invest in developing leaders at every level. The culture is fun, and it’s unique compared to any other company I’ve worked at. Having an employeecentered culture is what keeps employees actively engaged. When employees are actively engaged, they are willing to go above and beyond to provide the best experience possible for anyone who works with us. Culture is a big reason for the company’s success.
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MARCH 2018
Workforce development is a top priority in our community right now. What challenges do you face when working toward meeting the needs of our current and future workforce? In times like these, it’s crucial for employers to be creative in strategizing ways that will bring value to their employee’s work-life balance. Whether that’s offering flexible schedules, the ability to work remotely, or offering incentives for picking up shifts, the value will look different to each company and employee. It can be challenging to think outside the box when it comes to employee retention, but it’s extremely important to keep our workforce in North Dakota while attracting new talent to the area.
Safety Coordinator & BIM Engineer Sun Electric
How has being a woman in engineering changed? How has it stayed the same? Engineering is still a maledominant profession, however, as more specialized engineering fields emerge, women may find these new opportunities more appealing and with less of the typical stereotypes attached. Engineers don’t sit behind computers or crunch numbers all day; they utilize computer modeling and virtual reality in design and interact with customers across the globe. I’m passionate about promoting engineering as a prospective career option for women at a young age. Employers are interested in hiring women engineers as they are typically strategically minded, multi-tasking turnaround experts, and they possess strong organization and communication skills.