Fargo INC! March 2021

March 2021

MEET THE

TLC STAFF

Madi Dunkirk Describe yourself in a single sentence.

I am a creative and caring individual What is your favorite thing about working for TLC Cleaning?

Helping people.

Why do you love cleaning?

I love giving the gift of a clean home.

Describe the most memorable job you’ve done as a cleaning tech?

A cancer patient was so grateful for my help. I spent my lunch hour with her and she made me soup and thanked me for helping her. It was something I’ll never forget.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy camping and spending time with family.

Who inspires you most at TLC Cleaning and why?

Iris is an awesome manager. She is understanding and helpful.

When you were young, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was young, I wanted to be an astronaut or a zookeeper when I grew up.

What advice would you give for maintaining a clean home?

Prioritize your time and energy when cleaning.

Tell us the most wild thing that has happened to you?

There’s too many stories to tell. I’ve made so many hilarious and fun memories since I started at TLC Cleaning.

If you had to pick one thing you learned working at TLC Cleaning, what would it be?

Since starting at TLC Cleaning, I have learned all about the importance of leadership and teamwork.

GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE

Serving Grand Forks, Detroit Lakes & Fargo Areas

www.tlccleaningexperts.com OR CALL

701-412-3298

GO ONLIN

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FOR A INSTAN FREE T QUOT E!

// MARCH 2021

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Sponsored Content: How To Break Out Of Your Creative Rut

28

Sponsored Content: Bremer's Remodeled Fargo Branch Represents Its Modern Community Focus

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Sponsored Content: RJ Energy Solutions Is Using Heat Transfer To Save Businesses Money

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Sponsored Conent: Downtown Fargo is a Retailers's Paradise

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21 Women Making A Positive Impact In 2021

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Danielle Paulus

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Kelly Edwards

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Emily Flanagan

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Brianne Hoffman

58

Julie Spina

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JoVal Wettlaufer

63

Susie Carlson

64

Kimberly Peterson

66

Tamar Elias

68

Liz Johnson

70

Beth Slette

72

Jodi Duncan

74

Caryn Olson

76

Laura Oster-Aaland

78

Fowzia Adde

80

Christie Lewandoski

82

Tracy Jorde

84

Laura Ness Owens

86

Andi Burkhart

88

Christina Lindseth

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Gloria Doescher

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Meet The 2021 She Overcomes Cohort

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Ladyboss of the Month: Ellie Maher

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10 Questions With John Machacek: BogoBrush

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Women In Stem

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701 Eateries The New Dining Experience Coming To Town

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Academic Insight: Hidden Gems in the Organization

MARCH 2021

FEATURES

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All our stories in one place

Business events calendar

Read all the past issues

Extra video content

E d i t o r ’s n o t e

208

I

n the following spread of this magazine, you will see comments from The Nice Center at NDSU's Program Manager Kodee Furst talking about how the United States is 208 years away from closing the gender equity gap at the current pace of progress. When Furst submitted her monthly comments to me, I was shocked and had to find out where she got the information from.

have faced a global pandemic that has devastated many, but perhaps affected women most of all. With closings of childcare facilities across the country and remote learning taking place during the majority of the pandemic, many women have had to face challenges in their careers while having to juggle childcare and work. Others had to step away from their vocations altogether.

After calling her, I found out that the number comes from a World Economic Forum study... done in 2019. Since that study has been conducted, we

And while the rolling out of vaccines has allowed us to take a collective sigh of relief while looking towards the light at the end of the tunnel, I

worry that the progress towards gender equity will be stunted while we tackle "bigger" issues that are really not bigger at all.

As a lifelong North Dakotan, I have always believed that the majority of people in this state have an exceptional moral compass.

My request to those with the power to make a difference is to reflect on what is rewarded in your company culture and to

take the steps necessary to ensure that work works for everyone. Prove me right and do what needs to be done to close the gap as soon as possible because there really shouldn't even be a gap in the first place.

Brady Drake Fargo INC! Editor

Brady Drake, Fargo INC! Editor

fargoinc@spotlightmediafargo.com

EDITORIAL BOARD

President

President & CEO

United Way of Cass-Clay

Dakota Business Lending

March is a special month where we pause to celebrate the tremendous volunteers and donors who come together to make our community a better place for all of us. In this issue, we have the honor of highlighting 21 incredible women who are making an impact in 2021, not only as individuals but together in their collective efforts as United Way volunteers and advocates. I hope their perspectives and insight will inspire you to take action and volunteer. We also celebrate all of our community advocates at our LIVE UNITED Awards & Annual Meeting virtual event taking place on March 25 - all are welcome to join us! Learn more about how you can get involved, or register for this year's event at unitedwaycassclay.org.

In his book “The Infinite Game”, Simon Sinek talks about having a “infinite” mindset for your business that looks beyond reaching a certain goal (or goals) and focuses on the legacy your business will leave as well as its longterm plan to get there.

He explained that while this mindset involves a multitude of “finite games”, or short-term goals, we cannot lose sight of what lies beyond those goals and what will happen when they are reached. The book provided great insight for our team to reflect on and helped us think about where our ultimate focus lies and what our vision is for the future.

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If you haven’t already, I would encourage anyone to pick up Simon Sinek’s book and take the time to reflect on your mindset – in your career, in your family, and in your life. You may find that it will shift (or maybe even confirm) your perspective on what it means to work and to lead, both professionally and personally, and provide a great discussion for you and your team as you look at what lies ahead.

Acquisitions/Communication

Moore Holding Company

Fargo Kiwanis presented its 2021 Community Champions for Kids Awards to Robin Nelson and the United Way of Cass-Clay.

Robin is a long-time Fargo school board member and leads Boys and Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley. Both roles give her an opportunity to make a difference in thousands of children’s lives.

The United Way of CassClay is an unwavering advocate for our region’s children, fighting hunger and homelessness, and preparing children to learn.

Highlights from the presentation to these two worthy recipients were included in the recent Fargo Kiwanis Virtual Pancake Karnival. Check it out at FargoPancakes.com.

Communications and Marketing Officer

FM Area Foundation

Scholarship applications are now open for the 2021-2022 academic year. The FM Area Foundation manages more than 50 scholarship funds available to students in our area. These funds have been created by generous individuals, families and businesses to provide financial assistance for students pursuing higher education and training. You can visit areafoundation. org/scholarships to see our full listing of scholarship opportunities and for information on how to apply.

SHANNON FULL President and CEO

FMWF Chamber of Commerce

As the month of March marks Women’s History Month, I am excited to celebrate the role of women in the workplace.

And while February was Black History Month, I am reminded that diversity and inclusion – in every aspect – can build communities and shape successful workplaces.

One of my personal core values has been instilled in me by my own mentors: the power of investing in others. I believe in empowerment, and that the best thing you can do for someone is to not only believe in them, but have the courage to invest in them.

I share this with you because I know one of the greatest assets of a chamber is our ability to bring people together and invest in our future. We already have some great programs like Women Connect, Leadership FMWF and the Young Professionals Network that leans into professional and personal development. I am excited to announce that in the future, our team will lean even more into spaces that will push the status quo, will create even deeper connections and allow for greater impact on people’s lives.

To help accomplish this, I challenge you to get involved with us. Let’s experience unimaginable results together.

Please reach out if this has piqued your interest at all.

Director of Ecosystem

Emerging Prairie

Every night, I'll look down at my threemonth old daughter and wonder where she'll go in life and what kind of person she'll be. All the books say that children are always watching and learn from their environment.

Looking through this issue always reminds me of how many amazing women are in our community and I can only hope that my daughter watches and learns from them.

Founder and Director

The Executives Club of Fargo - Moorhead

Are you happy?

Maybe the question is too simple or too personal to give a detailed answer.

Try it anyway. It’s a powerful question.

Our biggest moments of clarity come when we’re asked powerful questions.

At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?

How come you’re not doing more of that?

What are more committed to, dreaming it or doing it?

Powerful questions give us the opportunity to challenge ourselves and our ideals.

Are you ready to make some changes?

At The Executives’ Club of Fargo Moorhead, our purpose is simple: Bringing business leaders together for extraordinary conversations.

KODEE FURST

Chief Innovation Officer

Program Manager

Greater FM Economic Development Corporation

Recently the EDC has been increasing its efforts to make sure ND companies are maintaining their primarysector certification.

In order to qualify for programs like the Automation Tax Credit, BND’s PACE loan or ND New Jobs, a company must maintain certification by the state as a primary-sector business.

A primary-sector business exports a majority of their goods and services outside of ND, bringing new wealth to the state. A primarysector company can do their work anywhere in the world and are not tied to a geographic location. And we’re here to help those that choose to be here.

If you are a primary sector company and would like more information on programs, please contact our office.

The Nice Center

208.

That’s the number of years it will take for women to achieve equality in the United States if we continue at the current pace. A number like that is hard to wrap my head around. There isn’t a perfect solution to accelerate progress, but we can do better. We can start by believing the data.

As we look to a postpandemic world, I’m hopeful.

Hopeful that leadership will emerge stronger and with a deeper commitment to understanding what is getting in the way of progress. Hopeful that we’ll see more female founders take the hard leap of building their own company. Hopeful that policy will evolve to be more reflective and inclusive of today’s workforce.

Hopeful that investment will be increased in organizations that have been deeply committed to this work for decades.

Our mission at The Nice Center is grounded in equity.

We believe entrepreneurship is a path to a more equitable world. We don’t have all of the answers, but we’re always open to connecting with others who are as committed as we are to refusing to believe 208 is acceptable.

BETHLEHEM GRONNEBERG Founder

uCodeGirl

She was referred to as “the girl who loved to count”. She graduated from college as a mathematician at age 18. Her intense curiosity in math and her exceptional talent has landed her a job as a “computer” in NASA during the early years of the U.S. space program.

She was the first African-American woman to help NASA put an astronaut into orbit around Earth. She studied how to use geometry to calculate the trajectory of space travel. In 1969, she helped calculate the trajectory for the Apollo 11 flight to the Moon.

Her story was the main anchor in the movie Hidden Figures.

Today I like to honor Dr. Katherine Johnson, a scientist, who not only broke but obliterated the seemingly insurmountable race and gender barriers along the way. She lived to be 101 years old.

Her message, “never give up on your dreams!”

Inspiring more young women to pursue careers in STEM starts with sharing the stories of pioneering women.

FARGOINC.COM

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Financial Wellness in the Workplace: EMPOWERING EMPLOYEES AND OWNERS As more and more business owners offer retirement and health care benefits to their employees, the question is: What else can I do? This isn’t purely altruistic; while employers do want to help employees live well, benefits are also critical to a company’s success.

85% of Americans are nervous about their financial lives, and 65% lose sleep over money. This spills into the workplace, where people spend an average of three work hours per week on personal financial matters.

The next generation of benefits packages address overall “financial wellness,” which teaches employees to manage debt, save for emergencies, and prepare for the future. Initiate a financial wellness program to:

Attract, engage, and retain employees with enhanced benefits In a competitive employment marketplace, a financial wellness program stands out. A complete wellness program goes beyond traditional benefits. Personalized, live advice from a trained advisor is a valued benefit that can make a job offer stand out. With financial wellness served by their employer, employees are also more likely to remain loyal, reducing turnover. Smart programs also keep employees engaged and incentivized to continue improving their financial wellness, helping them retire comfortably and on-time – which is good for both employee and employer.

Relieve financial stress to improve the bottom line

More than 50% or Americans can’t come up with $500 in an emergency, and 40% have credit card debt they can’t pay off. That’s stressful! Financial wellness programs teach people to set goals and make a habit of building emergency savings and managing debt. Starting automatic transfers and repayment plans relieves stress and makes things better step-by-step. Insurance also relieves the stress of recovery if something does go wrong. Relieving stress can improve employee health and reduce employer health care costs.

It can also improve productivity, with less time lost and employees who are more focused on work.

800.279.3200

Simplify everyone’s life with easy-to-use online tools

Education, support, and online tools let employees take more control. Believe it or not, the one benefit employees probably want most is education. A financial wellness program serves it in a way they can understand. Even better, they can use online tools to improve their wellness without a lot of employer interaction. Employees learn from and engage with financial experts instead of using their employer as an intermediary, adding a sense of confidentiality and saving employer time. They get a personalized assessment and help in the areas where they need it most, whether that’s retirement, debt management, or credit help.

Keep employees on top of financial wellness with regular check-ups

Financial wellness is NOT set-it-and-forget-it. Needs change over time. At one point employees may need coaching on how to best use their benefits, and at another point they may need financial consulting on personal debt and savings, all with live support from real advisors. Changes can be employee-initiated when they need them, or many employers proactively offer regular one-on-one checkups or group seminars hosted by a financial wellness provider. This ensures all the benefits of financial wellness aren’t lost over time.

Comprehensive financial wellness can’t be achieved overnight, and like physical fitness, it isn’t always easy.

But with new offerings like the MY ALERUS Financial Wellness program, employers can help fill the gap many American workers experience, and reap the benefits of a less stressed, more secure workforce.

The information contained herein is general in nature, is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Alerus does not provide legal or tax advice. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation.

Sources: bankrate.com, creditcards.com, workplaceoptions.com

ALERUS.COM

MARCH 2021 Volume 6 Issue 3

Fargo INC! is published 12 times a year and is available at area businesses and online at FargoInc.com.

Publisher EDITORIAL Editorial Team Lead Editor

Mike Dragosavich Drago@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Nolan Schmidt Brady Drake fargoinc@spotlightmediafargo.com

Graphic Designer

Kim Cowles

Creative Strategist

Josiah Kopp

Contributors

INTERACTIVE Business Development Manager Videographers

Paul Smith, Shontarius D. Aikens, John Machacek, Bethlehem Gonneberg, Ladyboss Midwest Nick Schommer nickschommer@spotlightmediafargo.com Tommy Uhlir

Business Development Associate

Kellen Feeney

Digital Marketing Lead

Emma Bonnet

Graphic Designer

Ben Buchanan

ADVERTISING VP of Business Development Sales Representative Senior Leader of Digital Solutions

Client Relations

Paul Hoefer Paul@SpotlightMediaFargo.com Al Anderson Brady Sprague

clientrelations@spotlightmediafargo.com

Client Relations Manager

Jenny Johnson

Client Relations Strategist

Cora Sather

Marketing Designer ADMINISTRATION VP of Human Resources Account Strategist DISTRIBUTION Delivery

Christy German Colleen Dreyer Cassie Wiste John Stuber

Fargo INC! is published by Spotlight LLC, Copyright 2020 Fargo INC! & FargoInc.com. All rights reserved.

No parts of this magazine may be reproduced or distributed without written permission of Fargo INC!, and Spotlight LLC, is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to or reliance on such information. Spotlight LLC, accepts no liability for the accuracy of statements made by the advertisers.

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They have always felt like a partner and not just a law firm we call when we need something.”

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CHECK OUT SPOTLIGHT MEDIA'S OTHER PUBLICATIONS

We all strive to feel and look our best.

How we feel is one of the fundamental principles of health and wellness.

Oftentimes, we take our health and well-being for granted, but it is perhaps the most important facet of a happy life.

Whether it is eating right or exercising, getting motivated to be healthy can sometimes be a struggle. This month, we are here to meet you where you are at in your health and fitness journey. Whether you are beginning, continuing or returning to a healthy lifestyle, we have the stories and resources for you.

One thing that often goes unnoticed in collegiate athletics is the relationships forged off of the court. Season after season, student-athletes from across the country converge on Fargo looking for athletic and academic success. However, these studentathletes are also creating friendships and relationships that go beyond the field of competition. Regardless of background or hometown, there is a connective tissue between all of these student-athletes. That tissue is being a Bison at North Dakota State and lifelong bonds are being built because of it. The best way to illustrate that? Meaningful conversation between teammates and friends.

Coming Soon!

Look for us in April.

Coming Soon!

Look for us in April.

SPONSORED CONTENT

How to Break Out of Your Creative Rut

By Jack Yakowicz he superlatives about the past year are unending. We’ve seen anxieties at an all-time high and productivity being challenged as job loss, health issues, and overall fatigue have characterized the pandemic.

Navigating these turbulent times has been especially taxing on the creative community.

According to WeTransfer’s Ideas Report, ~55% of people surveyed noted they have had the same or fewer creative ideas than normal during the pandemic. On the American Advertising Federation of North Dakota Board, we’ve heard much of the same from our members. We’re all feeling worn out, less engaged, and suffering through some creative blocks.

To liven up the spirits of our members, we brought in Matthew Emerzian (from Every Monday Matters) to speak to our group in mid-January. Matthew’s mission is to inspire more good in the world by sharing his story

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of internal battles with mental health and how he’s been able to rebuild. His speech on the importance of emotional intelligence, particularly in relation to the lives of creatives, inspired the creation of this article.

Tip #1: Practice Routine One of the key pillars of emotional intelligence that Matthew focused on was selfmanagement. This refers to one’s ability to identify their emotions, take control of their actions and control their impulses. As it relates to creativity, one of the best ways to practice this skill is to build positive routines.

According to the European Journal of Social Psychology, it takes 66 days for new behavior to become automatic. Building a solid routine is an important step when it comes to breaking out of your creative rut. Some ideas to consider that implement creativity into your routine would be journaling, meditating, or sketching. Whatever your creative field or

interest is, dedicate time to that every day and you’ll find ways to escape the ruts that can plague you.

Robert Henri once said, “The object isn't to make art, it's to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable.” Building positive habits and a routine that works for you will help transform your creative endeavors into daily practices.

Tip #2: Find Collaborators Creative ruts can be more common when you’re isolated in your endeavors. If you find creatives with similar interests as yours, you can effectively build a sense of community and a braintrust to discuss ideas with.

Another pillar of emotional intelligence that Matthew discussed was “relationship skills.”

As humans, we have an innate need for relationships with others. In the creative world,

it’s no different. Finding others with whom you can share ideas, work through creative problems, and come to innovative solutions can help you break out of the creative blocks you experience.

86% of employees and executives cite lack of collaboration as a reason for workplace failures (via Salesforce). This signals the importance of idea sharing in increased productivity and success for creatives. If you’ve been looking for a group to share your ideas with, look no further than our AAF-ND membership. We’d love to lend a hand of support in brainstorming creative ideas or providing guidance to help stave off your creative rut.

Tip #3: Listen to Your Needs When you’re feeling a lack of creative productivity, pressing yourself doesn’t do anyone favors. This brings us to another pillar of EQ that Matthew discussed: “self-

awareness.” Self-awareness refers to your ability to understand your emotions and beliefs, and make a connection between those beliefs and your actions.

In the creative process, it’s fundamentally important to be aware of your needs and adjust accordingly. If your mind needs rest, let it. If you know your process requires more time, prioritize appropriately. Being in tune with your own emotional needs as it relates to your creative endeavors will help you plan out projects correctly and cater to your creative process the way you need.

To improve your ability to understand your creative process, consider charting out examples of the times you’ve felt most productive. Perhaps it was a project that had great results or a creative piece you were particularly proud of. How did you get started?

How much time did it take? What kind of feedback did you seek along the way? Use this as a template for building out your ideal

creative process and budget enough time for mental breaks as you need.

Since the dawn of time, creativity has served the value of providing light to our worlds, and it’s important that you continue to prioritize the creative ambitions that make up your world. Whether it’s designing murals, solving complex business problems, or improving your culinary skill - we all employ principles of creativity in our lives. Making sure that you’re taking care of your mental health and allowing your creativity to flourish is an important practice in self-preservation. We’d love to have you join our creative circle by attending an AAF-ND Event. Visit here to learn more about how you can get involved!

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SPONSORED CONTENT

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MARCH 2021

Bremer’s Remodeled Fargo Branch Represents Its Modern, Community Focus Photos by Josiah Kopp

Two years ago, Bremer Bank started rethinking how it could best meet the changing needs of its customers and communities. A renewed focus on the bank’s digital capabilities and physical branch design emerged, with a special emphasis placed on reimagining how it could best serve customers in its community.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

If a more private area is still needed, there are a number of breakout rooms throughout the bank where clients can discuss their needs with a Bremer team member.

To the left of the reception area lies a Bremer coffee bar offering free, local coffee from Fargo-area businesses that rotates a new local brand to taste every two weeks. Comfortable chairs and workspaces designed for all visitors to use run parallel to the welcoming reception area.

“This is a space we want people to feel comfortable coming to hunker down for a while," said Burkhart, North Dakota Region Consumer Banking Manager. "We want this to be a place for people in the community, not just our customers.

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The freshly remodeled Fargo location is the first Bremer branch to benefit from this innovative new design, and its customer-focused update is evident the moment you step through the door. Partner tables have replaced the traditional teller lines in the bright and inviting reception area and full-service community space is open for local organizations to use at no cost. The redesign allows Bremer to live out its purpose of cultivating thriving communities.

“Our goal is to remove any perceptions that a bank is stale and impersonal," said Andi Burkhart, Consumer Banking Manager. “This new design allows us to be welcoming and collaborative while still being professional and confidential when needed.”

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Streamlined technology and upgraded monitors are seamlessly equipped throughout the entire building. Each room is screen-sharing capable and features a full speaker system, making the spaces valuable resources for the Fargo community to access, gather and collaborate.

That streamlined technology can also be found in the Lee Frigen training room, a state of the art and spacious are where all desks are easily moveable, allowing for greater customization of the space to meet a gathering's specific needs.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

By Brady Drake 34

MARCH 2021

Photos by Josiah Kopp

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SPONSORED CONTENT

f a cooler or freezer fails, restaurant owners are left scrambling, trying to find a cold place to store the food that is salvageable while also making sure no spoiled food makes it into the mouths of customers.

This is the exact palpitation causing but all too familiar situation that RJ Energy Solutions was trying to prevent when they originally stepped in the door of Herd and Horns. And while they have been able to prevent it thanks to the implementation of predictive diagnostics which will allow the owners to be alerted when one of the cooling devices is about to go out before it actually happens, RJ Energy Solutions was able to make a much bigger impact on the businesses bottom line.

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When RJ Energy Solutions President Russell Schell began working to implement the predictive diagnostics systems at Herd and Horns, he noticed that there was a lot of excess heat that sits above the kitchen ceiling. This is pretty normal for restaurant kitchens, however, the 110 degree Fahrenheit temperature of the area did raise Schell's eyebrows.

During this testing phase, Schell also noticed that there were a number of rooms around the establishment that were colder than normal, including a bathroom that required an abnormal amount of heating. Herd and Horns also has a water heater that used to bring in 40-degree water, leaving Schell thinking about how the company could better utilize its resources.

In order to address the problem and allow for Herd and Horns to more efficiently use its resources, Schell came up with a plan to transfer the heat from above the kitchen into the cold bathroom as well as the water heater. Since the implementation of the heat transfer system, Herd and Horns has had to use much less energy for the water heater and haven't had to heat the bathroom at all. Per month, this has saved Herd and Horns approximately $935.

What's more, the project provided real-life experience to local students. Schell partnered with students from North Dakota State's Mechanical Engineering department in order to implement the heat transfer system.

"I knew it was going to work," said Schell. "I just didn't know it was going to work as well as it does."

Herds and Horns will see an ROI on the implementation of the system in just 12 months, companies located in Minnesota would theoretically

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SPONSORED CONTENT

A predictive diagnostics sensor used by RJ Energy Solutions.

see a return even faster because of rebates that are available for energy savings projects. Along with the rebates it is highly likely that there will soon be a carbon tax credit for businesses that take the measures to lower their release of carbons.

"Pretty much every restaurant kitchen is a hot spot," said Schell.

"Almost every one of them could use us as well. Herd and Horns actually has a smaller kitchen. Typically with those bigger kitchens, you'll get even more heat and have more of an opportunity for savings."

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To learn more, visit rjenergysolutions.com

SPONSORED CONTENT

Downtown Fargo is a Retailer's Paradise

By Danyel Moe, Marketing Coordinator at Kilbourne Group

D

Downtown Fargo has seen immense growth over the last decade, and there’s even more to come for this fast-growing neighborhood. Over 1,000 apartment units have been added in the last five years and roughly 600 are set to come online in the next two years. Companies are choosing the central business district to increase their brand awareness, recruit talent, and work collaboratively with their neighbors. Visitors from all over come to downtown Fargo for the 45 retailers, 41 restaurants, 22 bars and breweries, and 10 coffee shops, all within blocks of each other. The demand for unique retailers has never been stronger in downtown Fargo.

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DAN FRANCIS PHOTOGRAPHY

M. SCHLEIF PHOTOGRAPHY

We love the energy, creativity, and excitement that comes from downtown. It is truly a destination for the region, and we love being a key part of it.”

-Dan Hurder, Boiler Room

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M. SCHLEIF PHOTOGRAPHY

I love being a part of the thriving downtown community. Downtown is a great showcase for all that Fargo has to offer and has been such a great boost to my business."

-Sue Rusch, Stabo Scandinavian Imports

Walkability With 5,000 residents and 18,000 employees, downtown Fargo is far from a sleepy urban center.

For downtown retailers, brand visibility and foot traffic are key ingredients for success, and with a central Walk Score® of 94, downtown Fargo is one of the most accessible neighborhoods in North Dakota.

“Since downtown is so walkable, most visitors make a whole afternoon out of it. People downtown are more likely to try something new because it’s easy and convenient to quickly pop into a store to check it out. The large glass storefronts are specifically designed with retailers in mind. They are inviting and allow businesses to get creative.”

Sense of Place The draw of Fargo’s urban center goes beyond the businesses that make up this community. In fact, the inviting nature of our downtown starts with an unexpected aspect of design: ratios.

“By bringing the storefronts closer to the streets and maintaining stretches of inviting, multi-story buildings, pedestrians see more building than open space and horizon. This creates a sense of enclosure, and our brains are naturally attracted to the feelings of protection and comfort this creates,” says Mike Zimney, Senior Development Project Manager at Kilbourne Group. “This kind of placemaking is seen in the best streets, plazas, and city centers around the world.”

The ratio of street width to building height creates the foundations for a space that people intuitively want to be, harkening back to thousands of years of successful human design. Our sense of place is then enhanced by design elements like blooming planters and flower beds, lamp posts adorned with seasonal decor, and outdoor seating for local restaurants.

-Claire, KCR Commercial Realtor

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SPONSORED CONTENT M. SCHLEIF PHOTOGRAPHY

Sense of place is something that is easy to recognize when you have it, and it’s just as obvious when you don’t."

-Mike Zimney, Senior Development Project Manager at Kilbourne Group

M. SCHLEIF PHOTOGRAPHY

Sense of Community What makes downtown Fargo isn’t just about its places, though. It’s also about the people who inhabit them. Our downtown has all the hallmarks of an urban center, but this closely knit community gives it a distinct small-town twist.

When we talk to downtown Fargo business owners, there’s a consistent message of support and collaboration. Downtown Fargo doesn’t just offer places to be, it offers places to belong, which is why the businesses here have clientele that come back day after day to support them.

Downtown is a barometer to any city's culture.

We love being a part of a community where being different and unique is valued."

-Breezee Hennings, Wild Terra

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Downtown Fargo is also home to a wide array of events, including the Downtown Fargo Street Fair, Frostival, Folkways Night Bazaar, Christkindlmarkt, TEDxFargo, and the Downtown Community Partnership Holiday Lights and St. Patrick’s Day parades.

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Being in the company of so many other amazing businesses is our favorite part of being downtown.

It's amazing to collaborate and be a destination together in the city for locals and visitors to find us as they wander around and experience what we all have to offer and make the city unique and independent."

-Ashley, Unglued Market

M. SCHLEIF PHOTOGRAPHY

Fargo Broadway Square With the recent 2020 addition of Broadway Square, our downtown can expect more area visitors and tourists to become patrons of the neighborhood. The Square has over 200 events slated for 2021 alone and will also host the Red River Market, which drives over 100,000 people to Fargo’s urban core each year. Outside of programming, Broadway Square’s green space will be available for visitors to hang out, grab lunch, and meet with friends.

Parking For those that commute to our downtown to shop, dine, and play, parking has never been more convenient. Since 2017, more than 1,100 parking spaces have been added to the neighborhood, spread throughout the downtown area to ensure that, no matter where you’re headed, parking is easy to find. The City of Fargo has also maintained free street parking for our urban center, and parking lots and ramps remain a cost-effective option for downtown visitors.

“We’re going to look at this ‘pre’ and ‘post’ era of before and after Broadway Square,” said Zimney during a recent talk for CreativeMornings. “That’s how big of an impact it’s going to have on this area.”

Beautiful Spaces Choose from preserved historic retail locations at Loudon, Hancock, or Loretta, or opt for a new mixed-use project for a more modern feel. Several projects are also set to open between now and 2022, including Block 9, Mercantile, Kesler, and The Landing at 1001 NP.

Jasper Hotel Downtown Fargo’s network of hotel rooms is also set to expand with the opening of Jasper Hotel in Spring 2021 as part of the Block 9 project. Inspired by Fargo’s father of hospitality, Jasper Hotel is comprised of 125 guestrooms carefully curated with our city’s history, art, architecture, and culture in mind as well as Rosewild, a restaurant specializing in reimagined Midwestern cuisine.

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Downtown Fargo has a wonderful historic past, a vibrant present, and an amazing future ahead!"

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Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action. These actions shape and mold the present into a future of which we can all be proud.”

– Helen Dyer

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Imagine, for a moment, how many people you think you have influenced in your life.

Sociologists estimate the average person will influence up to 80,000 people throughout the course of their lifetime. It is incredible to imagine how many people we knowingly and unknowingly influence.

Volunteering is how we can be intentional about our impact and maximize our ability to positively influence the lives of those around us.

Volunteers are the activators of our community. As they become more involved and give their time, their influence and impact multiply quickly. United Way of CassClay’s purpose is to bring people together to create the change that makes our community stronger. Last year, even with the challenges of the pandemic, United Way engaged over 2,000 volunteers. With their leadership and effort, volunteers packed and distributed over 6,000 backpacks full of school supplies for local students in need, delivered hundreds of food boxes to senior citizens, gathered hundreds of items for Home for Good baskets to help over 125 families transitioning out of homelessness, and created hundreds of literacy kits to assist in teaching local

children the joy of reading. These are just a few of the ways these volunteers helped lift local families out of poverty.

It is an honor to be able to highlight the impact that these 21 incredible women are making in 2021, not only as individuals but also collectively, as they partner with our United Way to serve our community. Each leader is making a difference by engaging her specific talent in a unique and important way to find innovative solutions to community challenges, to rally others in inspiring ways and to use her voice to advocate for those in need.

The intent in having these remarkable leaders share their “why” is not only to share our gratitude for these women and their dedication to serving others, but also to encourage others across our community to reach out to us if they are inspired to get involved and give back. Volunteering is a powerful way to deepen your connection with your coworkers, friends and neighbors, and a valuable way to gain new skills that will help you grow in your career and create a lasting connection to this community. I hope you will learn more about the ways you can get involved at unitedwaycassclay.org.

ss-Clay United Way of Ca

President & CEO FARGOINC.COM

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COO,Roers

• United Way Volunteer and Investor • Volunteer on the United Way Board of Trustees • 2019 United Way Volunteer Campaign Chair • Women UNITED Leadership Team Volunteer and Chair

‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?

A lesson that I have learned is to assume positive intent whenever possible. Most often with the world moving at lightning speed, we are quick to tell ourselves a story of what has happened or why someone is reacting a certain way. By using the idea of “assume positive intent” it steers you away from negativity, gossip, or anger. I have learned that using this technique, going directly to the person, and asking questions or finding out the "why" of what happens helps to solve many issues.

• United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program Alumna and Volunteer

I would guess if you asked my team members they would say I use this phrase often to help all of us (including me) remember that often when someone is upset or acting in a negative way, it is not about us and it’s more about that person and something they may be going through.

• United Way Community Investment Review Panel Volunteer

‣ You have described yourself as an activator– tell us about that mindset.

I love putting solutions into action. I enjoy looking at a

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problem or opportunity and finding solutions to put into action. Often, we get paralyzed by thinking about the “what ifs”. I try to focus on the “why nots” or “what is the worst thing that would happen if we try this route”?

Most often it works out or we fail forward and try another route. Because I also believe there is no shame in failing, you are just presented with another opportunity to succeed.

I often use the activator mindset when finding ways to get my family involved in getting involved and giving back. We talk about the issues in our community and discuss ways we can get involved as a family to help solve those issues. Packing backpacks with food for students to take home on the weekends may seem like a small effort, but it shows my children that they can make a huge impact on someone’s life.

‣ What advice do you have for women trying to grow and build their careers?

Work hard, build relationships, and find ways to add value. Often, people believe that they can’t make

a difference unless they get promoted or have a certain title. In reality, we should all have the mindset that wherever we are in our career, we are looked at as a leader and have the ability to make a positive impact.

Building relationships at your workplace and in the community help you create confidence and have resources that can help you on your career path. Looking back, I have been lucky to create relationships in the construction and property management industries that have helped educate and mentor me. When COVID-19 materialized in 2020, it was incredibly helpful to have a group of individuals in the same industry to connect with and share best practices as we worked through the pandemic together.

‣ You and your family recently served as the 2019 Volunteer Campaign Chairs.

Tell us about your experience and your “why” to saying yes to this volunteer role.

Having our whole family be involved as the United Way Volunteer Campaign Chairs

in 2019 was an opportunity we will never forget. At first, I was very hesitant being very busy in my professional career, raising three kiddos at home, and the fact that I wasn’t sure I could make that big of an impact. When we discussed the concept of my husband and I doing it as a team United Way was 100% on board. Both Kenny and I have a “Serving I Live” mentality and we make our financial and time giving decisions as a team.

Once we said yes, we didn’t look back! Kenny and I spent more time together and we got to “walk the talk” in front of our kids showing them that giving back is an important part of our values.

Helping our community raise over 5 million dollars to support our neighbors in Cass and Clay counties was a true blessing. Our kids still talk about all the events and activities they participated in and were a part of.

ficer, Mortgage Loan Of Trust l Bank & First Internationa

• United Way Volunteer and Investor • United Way Emerging Leader and Emerging Leaders Committee Chair • United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator

‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?

I can’t think of one lesson that resonates more than another however the ability to have empathy has really helped me view the world in a different way. I’ve gained the ability to see why others think the way that they do as well as their reasons why they do certain things and how they became the person that they are today.

This has greatly improved my relationships that I have with my friends, family and colleagues.

‣ What has helped you be successful in your career?

Throughout my banking career, the ability to effectively communicate to my peers and customers has always been a top priority. I also believe that my success has been made possible by the discipline that I have and the ability to stay grounded in the workplace. I hold myself to high standards to ensure I give my customers, as well as my colleagues, the

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service that they deserve and always ensure they can count on me to help.

‣ Your company was a key player in helping to build the new United Way building - why did First International Bank & Trust invest in this project?

As a Community Bank, First International Bank & Trust truly values the relationships that we have within our communities as well as ensuring that they thrive.

We have always strongly felt that the work United Way does specifically in Cass County greatly impacts the people in our community and we love being able to help support them in any way that we can. One of our main values, “Leave Your Mark on Your Communities”, strongly encourages employees to be involved in any way they can to leave an impact on their community through volunteering.

‣ How has being a United Way Emerging Leader volunteer impacted your professional life?

I have been fortunate to surround myself with

individuals I was able to connect with through United Way; who not only have the same professional values as me but also feel passionate about being involved in our community through volunteerism and activism.

As part of the Emerging Leaders Committee, I have been able to help collaborate with United Way and our committee on the content for our Emerging Leaders events.

It has been extremely rewarding to collaborate with local speakers to create the content that would most impact the Emerging Leaders.

‣ How do programs like Emerging Leaders impact the success of our business community?

The Emerging Leaders program allows individuals throughout the Fargo, Moorhead, West Fargo area to network with others similar to them both personally and professionally. I have been fortunate to make some wonderful connections professionally as well as personally with individuals who have become friends throughout my time as

an Emerging Leader. We have the same values and share the desire to help our community thrive for the next generation. As a mom, I am always looking for ways to help make our community a better place for my children to grow up in and being able to contribute directly to our community through the Emerging Leaders program has made that possible.

As the Emerging Leaders Committee Chair for 2021, I am thrilled to see what this year brings for our program especially with the new United Way building where we will be able to bring people together in new ways and do even more for our community!

and Consultant h ac Co t en nd pe Inde

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• United Way Volunteer and Advocate • United Way Tocqueville Investor • Women UNITED Leadership Team volunteer ‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it? Feel free to share an example, story or anecdote.

One of the most important lessons I have learned in life is, ‘Believe you belong and you will.' I often find myself stepping back to look at my life thinking, 'is this really mine? How did I possibly get here?' The truth is, when I look back at the things I am most proud of, I usually didn’t have a clue what I was doing going in.

In the early days of my career, I remember sitting in meetings hearing acronyms and sneak writing them down in my notebook so I could research them later to find out what the heck people were talking about.

Quite honestly, I was not skilled, experienced or qualified enough to be in most of my roles but was committed to learning what I had to in order to rise to the occasion. I remember so clearly the first time I wrote a real marketing plan, made my first “big pitch” to a room of executives, or went on my first solo client visit. They were all things I had no business doing, but I did the work to make sure I was prepared – quite honestly, I was probably driven by the fear of someone finding out I didn’t belong.

Before I knew it, the firsts were behind me and those things that once seemed like a farce became second nature. That is usually the time my sights get set on a new challenge and I find myself doing it all over again.

I don’t think I ever felt the gravity of lack of qualifications more than when the hospital just let us take our new baby home! After all, we were in our early 20’s, had only been married for a few years, had very little life experience… what did we know about being parents? I remember my husband setting the car seat down in the middle of the living room and thinking “Oh my…what do we do now? Do we take him out even though he is sleeping? Can we hold him, or do we have to put him in the crib?”

We appreciate the fact that all donations made to United Way are invested locally. This empowers the team to identify and prioritize programs that can have the greatest impact based on the specific needs facing OUR community. United Way realizes that no one organization can solve all of the problems facing a community – so they work with organizations already doing great work to innovate the way people, organizations, and systems work together.

Somehow, I guess we figured it out because 22 years and 3 kids later we have a college graduate, a college freshman and a 7th grader whom we couldn’t be prouder of. We “winged it” through potty training, picking the right school to send them to, dealing with broken curfews and everything else in between.

Giving people the chance to be successful on their own is something my husband and I believe carries great power. We also understand that due to many circumstances this isn’t as easy for everyone as it was for us. Some people need more help along the way. By focusing on programs that reduce homelessness/hunger, prepare children to succeed, help people be independent and lift people out of poverty, United Way is well positioned to get many on the path to personal independence and success.

At some point I realized this “fake it till you make it” approach is not unique to me.

And although daunting at times, it is not necessarily a bad thing. “Imposter” feelings are similar to what so many feel in our professional and personal lives as moms, spouses, teenagers, executives. What I began to realize is that it didn’t matter if I was interacting with business leaders at some of the top financial institutions in the country or fellow moms navigating through toddler to teenage challenges - we are all just humans trying to figure things out along the way.

We don’t take it for granted that the FargoMoorhead community has given us so many incredible opportunities. We will always place a priority on doing what we can to ensure others have the same opportunities.

I work hard to remind myself of this when new challenges arise – which they always will. Nobody is expected to know all the answers. If we accept new opportunities and work hard, we can use these feelings as an exciting driver to get us out of our comfort zones and continue to grow.

‣ You and your husband are United Way investors - why?

We love Fargo! It is our home – where we raised our family and built our life. We have been so blessed and can think of no better mission to get behind than that of the United Way where we wholeheartedly trust in the people and believe in the programs.

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Senior Manager ofation, Internal Communic on Wanzek Constructi • United Way Volunteer and Investor • United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator • United Way Emerging Leader • United Way Community Investment Review Panel Volunteer ‣ What has helped you be successful in your career?

I have always made it a priority to find a mentor in any role I have held. Every workplace offers a different dynamic. The people, the work, the industry, there is always something new to learn from someone who has been there longer than me. I have learned why it’s important to give back to our community from one mentor, ways to improve my management style from others and how to lead from any area of the business from yet another mentor. For me, success comes from listening, building

relationships and being open to change.

‣ What advice do you have for women trying to build their professional careers?

Don’t be competitive, just do your job well. I am very competitive by nature, but I have found that in my career it can get in my way. When you work to outshine someone else, it often means putting someone else down in an effort to rise above. When you think about it like that, it’s not really someone you want to be.

Everyone is working towards a common goal and that is what equals success. Spread positivity and provide support in the workplace by working together rather than working to be better than someone else.

‣ How has your community involvement impacted your career?

Because I have been involved with United Way for nearly a decade now, it has helped me offer creative ways to spread their message into my company’s United Way campaigns. As a Marketing and Communications professional, it has been an enjoyable experience year over year to be involved in United Way

campaigns and share their goals with employees. Not only has United Way provided a number of network opportunities for my career, it has also helped me with philanthropic and employee engagement skills.

Getting employees involved in the annual campaign is no easy feat, but I enjoy the challenge and use lessons learned from this campaign in other areas of employee engagement at Wanzek. Meaning, if we got their attention in this area of the United Way campaign, how can we apply that to other initiatives at Wanzek to further engagement.

‣ What are some ways you have helped shape the corporate culture at Wanzek that other businesses could emulate?

Wanzek is a giving group of individuals with a strong familytype culture. The number one way we engaged employees in this year’s campaign was to offer a fun and uplifting campaign. Wanzek typically has several in-person events and socials throughout the year, however, due to COVID-19, our workforce has seen the majority of the year’s events go virtual. This campaign had to shine! Employees needed an

event to bring them together (virtually), spark some excitement and change things up from a challenging year. So, what better way than to offer that during our campaign and raise money in the process? We identified a strong committee this year who were dedicated to United Way and put 110% into the campaign events. Our workplace is one that likes to have fun, so we knew we could push the boundaries a bit with our Midwest-themed, virtual campaign. By inviting Myles Montplaisir, the You Betcha Guy, into our kickoff event, it was curiosity that grabbed employees’ attention on day one. From there, our leadership participated in a series of events challenging our workforce to give.

From “Put Chad in Plaid,” to “Pay to Pie the Safety Guys,” as well as a Meat Raffle, online auction and sales from plaid trucker hats, our employees responded in true Wanzek fashion, going above and beyond! We set a goal of $50,000 for our 50 years in business and we crushed that goal, raising almost $71,000!

Team Wanzek truly showcased The Wanzek Way, giving back to our community when they needed it the most. I was proud to have helped raise this amount of money for United Way while boosting company morale in the process.

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MD, Primary Care Family Medicine Doctor, Sanford Health

• United Way Investor and Advocate

‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?

Perseverance was a lesson instilled in me at an early age. My father had polio as an infant and walked with a limp. At 55, he had a massive stroke. The mental challenges caused by the stroke coupled with polio's prior physical implications resulted in a diagnosis he would never walk again. His determination to not accept defeat was an inspiring lesson that encouraged me to enroll in college as an older-than-average student and become a physician. My father persevered his entire life and never let what most people would have considered a handicap slow him down.

He lived his life to the fullest regardless of the obstacles.

Witnessing his triumph to walk again successfully was a motivation for my medical career. It also reminds me to keep going even when life is not always easy, and there are bumps in the road.

‣ What advice do you have for women trying to build their professional careers?

Building a career as a physician is a little different than many

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other careers. However, I know it is universal to be someone you would want to work with and support your coworkers. As women, we need to project confidence, accept challenges requiring us to be resilient, pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and be fearless to start over. Accept all feedback and use it to evolve into a better person, coworker, and leader. Create a personal brand and find your focus.

These things may change as your career changes, but always remember you are a strong woman and move forward with confidence and compassion.

‣ From your perspective, how does United Way's work impact the health care sector and business sector?

United Way impacts health care by decreasing homelessness.

Homelessness has a significant impact on a person's health. Living on the street or in a car can lead to inadequate food therefore inadequate nutrition, causing numerous health issues.

This may also mean they are not able to afford critical

medications. There is also a higher incidence of mental health and addiction issues for the homeless population.

Decreasing homelessness is a foundational step to improve the business sector as well. Most employers require an address to get a job. If a person doesn't have a home, they cannot get a good night's sleep or maintain their hygiene. The issue of jobs has an impact on workforce development discussed in our final question.

‣ Being a leader in the health care industry during the pandemic, what is some reflection you want to share with those who aren't on the front lines?

While working through the pandemic, I found that working as a team was the best way to meet this challenge. Everyone working and supporting each other was the best way to navigate through this new challenge for all of us. None of us had been through anything like this before. Staying calm and informed by medical experts was the best way I could support my team.

Using the leaders at Sanford and the CDC as my source of information and avoiding extraneous information.

Using the leaders at Sanford and the CDC as my source of information, I was able to meet my patients' needs as best I could during this time, all while making it a priority to keep them, myself, and my staff safe and healthy.

Blue Wellness Advisor, of North Cross Blue Shield Dakota

• United Way Volunteer and Investor • United Way Campaign Cabinet Volunteer • United Way Emerging Leader • United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator

‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?

I have learned that being involved in United Way is a true blessing to so many individuals in our community.

Every year my BCBSND coworkers and I volunteer for the Day of Caring and some years the houses we are supposed to clean are already mostly clean because all the individual wants is a conversation so it warms my heart to be a part of something greater and to see their smile is priceless.

‣ What advice do you have for women trying to build their professional careers?

My advice would be to get involved by volunteering in our community. Through United Way, there are opportunities such as Emerging Leaders where you can make so many connections with amazing individuals who provide advice and leadership that can only help your own

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professional journey. Those connections can also turn into lifelong friendships like they have for me.

‣ You have been a key player in building the workplace culture at Blue Cross Blue Shield - what are some tips for companies looking to build their culture?

It has been an honor to be a part of our employee's committee called BlueSquad at BCBSND. BCBSND listens to our employees on what they would like to see in our programs and services which changes the landscape. Our employees are always coming up with new ideas on how to give back and it continues to inspire me to be better and want better for everyone around me. There needs to be a balance of work and fun and I believe there is always something more we can be doing for our employees so they can be their best and feel cared for.

‣ What are the benefits of a corporate volunteer program?

Having a corporate volunteer program provides our employees with the opportunity to make a difference in our communities across the state. We know how important it is for our employees to become engaged and socially interact with one another for their own well-being.

United Way has so many different opportunities and we are always excited each year to find out what we get to do next.

‣ How was being involved in your community impacted your career?

I grew up in a family that made it a priority to give back to the community we lived in and it has always been ingrained in me to seek out where I can make an impact. When I started at BCBSND I was so excited

to know that I would have many opportunities to give back through volunteering and being a part of our employees' committee.

I have gained so much knowledge and leadership skills by taking part in the different United Way events that are provided.

Volunteering has made me realize what is important and that you can make an impact wherever you go.

NDSCS/TrainND SE Training Manager,

• United Way Volunteer and Investor • United Way Campaign Cabinet Volunteer • United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator • United Way Emerging Leader ‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?

My ‘a-ha! Moment’ was choosing United Way of CassClay to be what I wanted to get involved in. With life being busy working and raising my young kids, I knew I wanted to volunteer, but also wanted it to be something I’m passionate about. I knew United Way was an incredible organization and appreciated its mission in serving not only the F-M area but also the surrounding communities.

I live in rural Cass county and serve on the Northern Cass School Board, so their mission in and outside the FM area

made it a perfect fit! I’ve seen it impact our learners and families firsthand from the School Supply Drive to counseling services provided onsite at our school. I’m proud to be a part of United Way.

‣ You have been a United Way volunteer for many years - how has your volunteer experience impacted your career?

Being a United Way volunteer has been incredibly rewarding.

I’ve been fortunate to work with a dedicated and inspiring group of people from United Way staff to its many volunteers. Working towards common goals that supports and lifts those who are in need in our community, is powerful. It takes all of us to make a difference and going in the same direction to achieve United Way’s Bold Goals. The impact this has had on my career is not only the amazing people I have met but the leadership opportunities it has brought me. Volunteering has provided me with relationships that have also helped move my career forward. I tell my kids to never underestimate meeting new people and cultivating relationships as your paths may continue to cross.

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search LLC COO, Lillestol Re 64

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• United Way Volunteer and Investor • United Way 35 Under 35 Women's Leadership Program Alumna and Volunteer • United Way Women UNITED Leadership Team Volunteer • United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator

‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?

Take a deep breath, wait a little while and think before you speak or respond to a stressful situation. I’ve learned it the hard way by not doing just that. It’s easy to quickly respond in heated conversation whether in person or via email with something you’ll regret saying later. I know it took several situations for me to learn this lesson, as well as just plain aging, maturity and professionalism. I’m not perfect and I slip up sometimes, but I am definitely better than I was 10 years ago. If I was given the same situation now versus then… I know I’d handle it better and with much more maturity and that is growth!

‣ How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?

You know that meme that describes a little girl as not being bossy, but “having leadership skills”? That’s me 100%. Luckily my parents handled my “leadership skills” in a way that developed versus squashed them since I was a child and let me be a family “leader” – or the “family manager” as my brother has lovingly deemed me.

I’m very organized, love planning things,

love my calendar and hate the unknown.

Being mentally and physically prepared for anything we have on the agenda is the only way for me to be confident and secure.

United Way has given me great experiences to develop leadership and management skills as well through my participation in the 35 Under 35 program and the Women’s United Leadership Team. They have definitely made me step outside my comfort zone on many occasions, which although hard, I encourage everyone to do every once in a while. It’s uncomfortable and not at all my forte, but I can honestly say that I’ve learned from each of those experiences and brought something positive out of it.

been more relevant. After careful consideration by the pharmaceutical sponsor, Lillestol Research was chosen to be part of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine trial. We were the only site in the Midwest to be chosen. The opportunity was tremendous and exciting. The outpouring of extremely positive support from our community to this project was also humbling. While we are cognizant that opinions differ on the vaccine, the truth remains that the only way to develop a vaccine is through clinical research and, of course, the willingness of individuals to step up and raise their hand to be a part of that research. Our phones were ringing off the hook with enthusiasm for ‣ How do you maintain a successful weeks. We’ve never been busier than we are right now. Our team was incredible putting family-owned business and a successful family knowing they are in extra hours and extreme dedication to something we knew could literally change so intertwined? the world. We have learned a lot through this trial; far too much to put on paper. We A lot of people ask this question, actually. feel incredibly proud and blessed to be a part The Lillestol family is big and very connected of the trial and truly knowing that we are both professionally and personally. We do made a difference – for future generations. spend a lot of time together! Thankfully, we get along very well and enjoy each other’s company. Over the years of working in a family business, you learn to respect each other’s different roles and positions within the business. The positions and involvement of family members have evolved and changed over time, but the transitions have been successful. The key is to keep the communication open and transparent on all levels. We want nothing more than happiness and satisfaction in both work and family life for each family member. Outside of work, we’ve also committed to not talk about work all that often. We do still talk work sometimes, of course, but generally we want the focus on family time to be just that.

‣ Lillestol Research was among several facilities across the nation involved in the federal government's COVID-19 vaccination plans, what did your company learn from this experience?

As a clinic fully dedicated to clinical research, our work starting in 2020 has never

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rategies,U.S.Bank St d au Fr se ri rp Ente 66

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• United Way Volunteer and Investor • United Way 35 Under 35 Women's Leadership Program Alumna and Volunteer ‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?

I have learned the importance of failing forward and the value of coming up for air.

In life, one must step out of their comfort zone and take risks in order to grow. Often, this comes with mixed emotions and increases the chance of miscues. So many people have a fear of failure; but if we take fear off the table, we open the space to learn instead. Fearing failure only leads to more failure or stagnation. We must embrace disappointment as a means of changing outcomes the next time. Not only do outcomes change, but growth also becomes tangible. Some of life’s greatest lessons come from the most unlikely places, failure being one of those places. It is our relationship with failure that needs a shift.

Fail forward, and it becomes a stepping stone to success.

Additionally, I have learned the importance of “coming up for air” and the ability to intentionally turn off our busy minds. Being turned off allows us the time for rest and reflection. Often in these “off” moments we find our inspiration, develop new ideas and solutions, or finally have the chance to examine a situation from a more holistic point of view.

‣ How has your experience with the 35 Under 35 program shaped who you are as a professional?

The program provided the opportunity to surround myself with a remarkable group of successful, intelligent and competent

women. The synergy alone is invaluable.

The program also inspired me to take a deeper look into myself and to embrace my strengths. The agenda stretched me, introduced me to new topics, and provided me tools to refine my own skills. The program also highlights ways we can serve and give back to our community.

The unique experiences females face and overall views on leadership are dynamic, always changing. The program does a fantastic job of generating current and relevant topics for discussion and exploration. In fact, the last session I attended before the pandemic disrupted all our lives, Dr. Faith Ngunjiri facilitated one of the most eye-opening discussions about race that I have ever encountered.

Fast-forward a few months and similar discussions are transpiring across America and within all our institutions.

At another session, we were asked to come up with a visual representation of leadership.

As a result of the question, I remembered a James Keller quote, “a candle does not dim by lighting other candles.” The program has served as a candle within our community for over a decade. The number of candles lit by this program is immeasurable and has become its legacy. That is why the program continues to grow in size and influence. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this program, serve my community and meet so many astonishing women.

space is limited.

Ask for what you want.

Many women think recognition is the product of hard work. They believe acknowledgment and rewards will be organic. Though this can be true, being honest and direct about professional goals can be a game changer.

Don’t wait to get noticed. Invest in your own careers by initiating conversations with management about performance and expectations. Make sure your understanding of professional enhancement aligns with leadership in order to facilitate growth, progress, and recompense. Navigate opportunities intentionally, not indirectly.

Find a mentor. So many associate mentorship with someone older, more experienced. Don’t narrow the field, thus the value of mentorship. One might benefit from a younger mentor, as they may be more adept in technology or less bound by ineffective tradition. The important thing is to find someone willing to provide constructive feedback, someone willing to invest time in your growth, someone who is enthusiastic about sharing the skills and knowledge you wish to acquire. Above all, never stop learning and asking questions.

‣ What advice do you have for women trying to build their professional careers?

Get comfortable taking up space. This does not come naturally to most females who have been socialized to participate in the shadows. Women often worry about being perceived as too unconventional or too aggressive. Women need to get past these obstacles and take ownership of their value, and the competence they bring to the table.

Exposure is important in breaking down cultural bias. Intelligent and capable women must get comfortable taking up space, especially in those organizations where

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Smiles Dentistry ng vi Sa , ns io at Director of Oper

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• United Way Volunteer and Investor • United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator • United Way 35 Under 35 Women's Leadership Program Alumna and Volunteer • United Way Women UNITED Leadership Team Volunteer

‣ How did your experience in the United Way 35 Under 35 program influence your career journey?

My career journey really changed after completing the UW’s 35 Under 35 program.

The program was one of the confidence builders that led me to leave my corporate job of over 10 years and focus on the family business (Saving Smiles Dentistry).

I was trying to juggle working full-time as a manager in the accounting world while supporting the growth of the dental practice after hours. Ultimately something had to give. The experience and now having less to juggle has also given me the opportunity to stay involved with United Way through the Women UNITED Leadership Team and their annual Women UNITED Golf Scramble.

‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?

After surviving 2020, I’ve learned to not be surprised by anything. My first year after leaving the corporate world included figuring out the "how to" for both keeping a dental office alive and helping pivot the

annual Women UNITED Golf Scramble to be "COVID-friendly" from the co-chair position.

They both came with some long days and hard decisions. Amazon didn’t have a guide for this one!

Also, to find the good in the situation you’re in. Whether it's personal or professional, it makes it much easier to navigate.

‣ Why and how do you make philanthropy a priority as a small, family-owned business?

Both my husband and I believe in the importance of giving back to our community and we encourage our team to share the same passion by getting involved. Outside of the donated dental care we provide, our team members are given 8 hours of paid time to volunteer throughout the Fargo/West Fargo/Moorhead community each year. We try to coordinate regular opportunities for team members to volunteer at and we also look to our team for input in choosing the organizations and causes we support. An example of this includes 2020 being our first year of many to come hosting a United Way team fundraising campaign. We had fun daily events throughout the week and our team surpassed our fundraising goals!

It was a great way to get our whole team involved in giving back, while having fun right at our office!

At the very least, we’re having meetings and discussions at our home versus being somewhere else away from our family.

‣ How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?

My time in the corporate world gave me a lot of consulting experience with clients on what didn’t work for them or what not to do. This experience has been invaluable in how I try to lead. I try to put myself in team members' shoes and understand the effects of decisions on them as well as the team as a whole before decisions are made.

‣ How do you maintain a successful family-owned business and a successful family knowing they are so intertwined?

This is tricky, as they are completely intertwined. Both our family and the business are 24/7 responsibilities and most of the important business decisions happen right at our kitchen island when our whole family is home. However, this is balanced with the office being closed on nights and weekends and the fact that it requires limited travel. We are fortunate to have most of that time dedicated to our family.

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Superintendent, Schools West Fargo Public • United Way Volunteer and Investor • United Way Advocate and Community Partner • United Way Emerging Leader ‣ How do you see United Way as a partner for our education system and business community?

The longer I am in education, the more importance I place on the value of community collaboration. The school cannot solve today’s problems alone. One example of a community partnership began in the fall of 2018.

United Way partnered with West Fargo Public Schools and the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties to provide new pre-K opportunities for children at the Lodoen Kindergarten Center. Because

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of United Way’s investment, scholarships for low-income working families are available to ensure that they can access high-quality early learning opportunities for their children. Early results are showing that 97% of children are developmentally on track with literacy skills and 87% are on track with socialemotional and cognitive skills, demonstrating they are more prepared to enter kindergarten ready to succeed. It’s necessary for our school districts to have partners like United Way who have the willingness and resources to open doors for our students and families.

‣ From your perspective, why is our business community and education codependent on one another?

Our district created the Profile of a Graduate (POG), which outlines eight essential skills that all WFPS graduates are expected to have attained prior to graduation: collaboration, compassion, resilience, responsibility, reflection, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.

The development of these

skills is critical to our district mission of preparing today’s learners for tomorrow’s world.

Students need the opportunity to practice these dispositions in authentic ways; that is where our business community comes in.

Our business community expects the district to send them employees that have the skills and dispositions to fill their job needs and serve our communities, and we need help from the businesses to provide authentic learning experiences so our students can practice and develop these skills. The business community needs us and we need them.

‣ What are ways our business community can complement and help the goals of our school district?

During the years of No Child Left Behind, districts were forced to adhere to an accountability system that focused on proficiency, attendance, and graduation rates. The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015 requires states to measure so much more. North Dakota stakeholders have adopted the framework of choice ready as an indicator to measure school growth in high schools. We are tasked with preparing students to be prepared for two of three areas upon graduation: post-secondary ready, career ready, and/or military ready. This concept focuses on the accumulation of academic growth and gains, in combination with specific indicators of school success for postsecondary, workforce, and military readiness. The Choice Ready framework is inclusive of all students and helps students identify career clusters and related skills which prepare and enhance success in

multiple areas beyond high school.

The state's mission statement is: “All students will graduate choice ready with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions to be successful.” With that as our end goal, our district needs the help of all community stakeholders. Students need opportunities to not only show competency on essential skills, but to also engage in community service hours, completed work-based learning experiences, and to show competency in 21st century skills. By partnering with community businesses, we can have opportunities for business leaders to come into our schools and share their knowledge and expertise, as well as to provide internships and shadows for students to take part in outside of the school.

‣ What is something you wish the business community knew about the community or your school district?

I think it is human nature to think the generations that come after us have it easier than we did. Therefore, the first thing I want the community to know is that our schools have high accountability and high rigor, and today’s learners have higher expectations than ever before. The rigor of our guaranteed and viable curriculum far exceeds the rigor of the curriculum many of us had when we went to school. Kindergartners are expected to read books by the end of the year. Fourth graders are expected to take math assessments on computers that many adults would fail. The rigor of our proficiency scales and the high level of accountability placed upon students and educators is higher than it has ever been. The world is

experiencing exponential advancements in technology that require our learners to prepare for jobs that do not even exist today.

Our educators are being asked to do more than they have ever been expected to do, and they are stepping up to the challenges.

Second, our students are dealing with mental health issues at a higher rate than when we were growing up. Meeting the social-emotional needs of our students is critical because if they are not mentally healthy, it is very difficult to learn. Because of United Way, the district has a program that provides social-emotional training in school for parents, students, and teachers in partnership with community mental health professionals.

WFPS middle and high school students have access to onsite mental health therapy that reduces barriers and minimizes lost class time. This is all made possible by United Way and the people that give to the organization.

Third, I want the community to know we have children in poverty who are hungry.

Last spring, 2,312 children received food on the weekends and during summer when school was not in session. This was made possible by United Way and the Great Plains Food Bank, whose child hunger programs get nutritious food into the hands of children, oftentimes when other food resources are not available.

The School Supply Drive, School Pantry Program, and Summer Lunch Program – all of which serve students of West Fargo Public Schools - would not have been possible without United Way.

Group President, Flint

• United Way Volunteer and Investor • 2021 United Way Volunteer Campaign Chair • United Way Emerging Leader ‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?

When you make difficult choices, you will be judged. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, there will be people who disagree with your decisions, who will try and tear you apart. You have to be mindful of where criticism is coming from and who you are listening to. I was taught this lesson early on in my career, but it didn’t sink in until decades later. The CEO of the company I worked for quoted Teddy Roosevelt frequently.

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“It is not the critic who counts, not the man/woman who points out how the strong man/woman stumbles, or the doer of deeds could have done them better…” Over the years, I understand and appreciate this quote more and have learned what it means in the context of how people treat others.

It is easy to be paralyzed by criticism. It is difficult to not internalize what people might be saying about you. I try to consider what grains of truth may be in the story being told and determine, what, if anything, I can do differently. I also try very hard not to dwell on criticism or make it worse by exaggerating the story in my own mind. In reality, no one is harder on me then, well, me. I can hear ten good things about something I’ve done, and one criticism and I’ll focus on the criticism. I think that is very common. Rather than negative feedback bringing you down, ask yourself how you can do better and then let it go.

‣ What do you think is the biggest issue/ challenge/priority for women in the workplace?

2021 is setting a new standard for women in the workplace. Regardless of your political view, having a female Vice President has shattered a ceiling that I did not expect to see in my lifetime. Having more women leaders in true leadership positions in businesses, on boards of directors, running for office brings new perspective to old ways of thinking. If women can spend more time and energy lifting each other up, believing in one another and supporting each other, there is nothing we cannot accomplish.

Additionally, men and women working together creates an unstoppable force. The reality is men and women think differently and behave differently. We need to work on building on our strengths and diminishing our weaknesses. Part of that is self-awareness. For women, we need to take a

step back and ask ourselves “how am I contributing to this issue? What ideas and solutions am I bringing to the table? Where can I make a difference?” And most importantly “what are the negativities that I need to let go?”

There is a study that women won’t apply for a position unless they feel they are 100% qualified.

Men will apply if they feel they are 60% qualified.

We, as women, have been taught to underestimate our abilities and our value.

Being confident should not be seen as being arrogant and being assertive should not be seen as too aggressive. We have to stop doing that to each other and ourselves.

‣ What advice do you have for women looking to build their professional careers?

Stop being a victim. If you want something, go after it. If you want to change something, work at

changing it. Invest time and hustle into getting what you want. Complaining and feeling sorry for yourself isn’t going to help you advance. Same with attacking others. There will always be people who are gunning for you. Rise above it and find your way through it.

Find your people. I am very fortunate to have an amazing network of friends. Many of them I met through business relationships.

We talk openly about the challenges we face and we work hard to support each other. One of my favorite quotes is, “You can always tell who the strong women are. They are the ones you see building each other up instead of tearing each other down.” Be the woman who is building up other women.

Event & Social Media Leader, SCHEELS

• United Way Volunteer and Investor • United Way 35 Under 35 Women's Leadership Program Alumna and Volunteer • United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator • United Way Community Investment Review Panel Volunteer

‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?

One of my favorite learning moments happened in college when I was interning in the Athletic Department at NDSU. We had a media timeout during a basketball game that didn’t go as smoothly as it should have and afterward, in a fairly spicy conversation about preparedness, my intern advisor said these words that have really stuck with me, “In marketing, no one knows what you’re doing until you do it wrong. So don’t screw it up.” Those words are a regular motivator to make sure I’m always prepared and thinking several steps ahead. I’ve taught that to everyone I’ve trained in every role I’ve had since.

‣ What has helped you be successful in your career?

I credit my accomplishments to my work ethic. I was a farm kid and I watched my dad and brothers work hard every day. I didn’t always understand why, but I knew it was important to work hard. It was and still is one of my goals to be the hardest worker on whatever team I was on. I’m thankful that I have learned that lesson

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young and I hope that my dad and brothers know how grateful I am to have learned that from them.

The other critical piece is relationship building both personally and professionally. There’s nothing more important than forming relationships whether that’s vendor partners, friendships or relationships with community members. Life is easier and way more fun when you have a strong network!

‣ What advice do you have for women trying to build their professional careers?

Hustle. Network. Persist.

Look for opportunity, but don’t be an opportunist.

And find yourself a great group of girlfriends! Women are competitive. The right circle of friends is so important. A dear friend shared this quote in group chat today and it couldn't be more fitting: Having the right circle of women around you is honestly the biggest life upgrade. Ladies - learn that as early as you possibly can!

‣ You have been a United Way volunteer for many years - how has your volunteer experience impacted your career?

My first experience with United Way was when I was asked to run our SCHEELS Employee Campaign.

The crew at United Way made it so easy to get involved and to learn about opportunities to make a difference in our community and the experiences and programming that they offered to young professionals. I was honored to be selected for the 2013 United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program. What I was hoping to gain from the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program was a broader network and polish my skill set to help me to continue to grow as a leader.

What I actually gained was a deeper and more personal experience that made me want to be a bigger part of what SCHEELS was doing to support our community.

I’m forever grateful that the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program was the catalyst to the most rewarding part of

my position, supporting the community.

‣ Why is giving back important to you?

Simply put, giving makes you feel good! I feel fortunate that I am in a position to be able to give and invest in others and in our community. I’m even more grateful to work for a company that values giving at the core of its culture.

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• United Way Volunteer and Investor • United Way Campaign Cabinet Volunteer • United Way Emerging Leader ‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?

Early in my career, I worked very methodically, focusing on one project at a time and I would get stressed when unexpected interruptions would come up that pulled me away from the task at hand. Achiever is my number one strength on the Gallup StrengthFinder assessment and so I feel particularly good when I’m crossing things off my list and not so good when it seems I’m not getting anything accomplished. When I had a day that was full of interruptions and I felt like I didn’t accomplish anything I would come home at night and express to my husband that “I just felt like I was spinning my wheels.” His response was “well, now you got that out of the way.”

This has been helpful to me so many times over the years in keeping things in perspective. There will be days of great productivity and other days of wheel spinning, but wheel spinning is an important part of the process of work. Sometimes the wheel spinning occurs because I just need to rest. Other times it occurs due to competing priorities that need my attention – questions from my team, a pressing matter for my supervisor, an unhappy student or parent.

The big lesson is that priorities are relative and need constant re-evaluation. And that productivity is not always about crossing things off my list. Often it is about attending to relationships, listening to people and simply being present.

‣ What advice do you have for women trying to build their professional careers?

My biggest piece of advice is “bloom where you are planted.” Traditional career guidance is often focused on setting your career goals for the next 10-20 years and striving for the next promotion or steppingstone. That may work for some people. I have focused on contributing in the best way that I can in the place I am at the time. I keep my eyes open for opportunity, but I focus on the job at hand and how I can make the biggest impact in the here and now.

Blooming where you are planted does not mean being stagnant – flowers need water and fertilizer and sun to bloom. It means working hard to learn and develop as a leader. It means striving to be the best you can be at your job and contribute to your organization in creative and meaningful ways. It means building relationships with others inside and outside your organization who share your enthusiasm for good work.

In my experience, that kind of dedication is noticed and will lead to advancement.

‣ NDSU is a tremendous asset for our business community - how could our business community complement and collaborate with the university?

NDSU compliments and collaborates with the local and regional business community in many ways.

Many of the examples we think about are concrete such as the location of the College of Business in downtown Fargo and the business incubator in the NDSU Research and Tech Park. There are also many academic collaborations such as senior design projects in engineering where students are paired with a local business working to solve a real problem.

This provides students with hands on experience and local businesses with access to innovative thinking and expertise. NDSU’s Innovation Challenge, an idea competition

for students to develop ideas that may become businesses, partners with the local business community and has resulted in several new startup companies that contribute to the vibrancy of the region.

NDSU also contributes as a business itself.

As the second largest employer in the FM area, we have the opportunity to be great community partners for organizations such as United Way of Cass-Clay. Our annual employee campaign is an important way we can unite around a common cause to make our community more vibrant.

‣ Workforce development continues to be a leading topic for our business community - how can we all be part of the solution?

NDSU is an integral partner in meeting workforce needs of our community and region. We know that a high percentage of our out of state students take their first jobs in North Dakota and many choose to stay and build their careers here. It is critical that NDSU remains a destination of choice for students in North Dakota and the region so that we can continue to provide highly educated students to meet the workforce needs. We need the support of business and community leaders in achieving our mission which will ultimately help them achieve theirs.

In addition, NDSU has recently upped its efforts to attract individuals who left college with no degree. Our degree completion program is particularly relevant now that the pandemic has led to job loss for many individuals, particularly those in service industry jobs. We can provide flexible avenues for these individuals to finish their education so that they can provide the skills that employers so badly need.

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, Immigrant Executive Director er Development Cent

• United Way Investor • United Way Community Partner

‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?

One lesson I have learned from the work I have done is that you should never be too afraid or too shy to ask a question.

If I don’t understand something, I always ask for explanations, I don’t shy away from talking about uncomfortable or difficult topics. I am not just going to walk away with little knowledge about whatever I am going to be involved in.

Being a refugee woman who stayed in a refugee camp for 7 years taught me many things including this.

‣ How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?

I came to the United States in 1997, I’m originally from Somalia. When I came here, I originally started doing what I needed to do to work in the medical field because that is what I did back in Africa. However, I had a

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horrible accident in 1999 that led to the the nearly complete reconstruction of leg.

Because of this, I was no longer able to work the long hours on my feet that were required in the medical field.

This facilitated a career change.

Because of my past experiences as a Refugee woman, I started Immigrant Development Center to help the New Americans increase the capacity of their business and economic skills and ultimately lead them to economic self-sufficiency. I believe that everyone should overcome poverty and become self-sufficient. I have struggled a lot, so I had decided that no one should struggle as I did.

More info about her organization: idcfm.org.

‣ What do you think is the biggest issue/challenge/ priority for women in the workplace?

Women are simply, still, not taken as seriously as their male counterparts A lot of times men have an easier time selling an idea, and for a woman it is not so easy.

This actually makes me more motivated rather than less motivated.

Being a woman of color makes it even more difficult in the workplace sometimes. As a woman of color, I have to face a unique set of challenges due to people’s beliefs, attitudes, and

experiences. A lot of time I feel dismissed or ignored and it’s difficult for me to build trust with my clients, just because I am a woman of color.

‣ From your perspective, how is United Way impacting our business community?

United Way opened a new door for us, which is advocating and supporting the BIPOC (black, Indigenous and people of color) community and working with other funders as well. They have truly helped us move forward.

‣ What is one piece of insight you wish our community knew about New Americans in our community?

One thing our community has to understand about New Americans is that they have unique qualities and differences such as their language, religion, culture, etc. Expecting the same from the New Americans as the rest of the community makes it difficult for them to socialize and can cause businesses to miss out on an incredible pool of talent.

ent Director, Resource Developm ss-Clay United Way of Ca

• United Way Investor and Advocate • Member of the United Way of CassClay Leadership Team • United Way Emerging Leader

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‣ The last year really changed how businesses approach building culture – what are some of the best examples you have seen when it comes to creating culture in new ways?

No matter how our world and workplace changes, one thing that will never change is the desire for people to make a difference. As many workplaces transitioned to working remotely, giving back to the community was a way for teams to still feel connected. The thing that brought teams together was a shared purpose. For many companies, helping people in need became a shared goal and a reason for employees to connect and focus on something bigger than themselves. We saw companies get creative with moving their events virtually, and United Way was there to help them turn their traditional events into online experiences. In many cases, this opened the door for even more employees to participate, as you could participate from anywhere. When faced with a crisis like our current

pandemic, employee morale is more important than ever.

This was especially true for grocery store workers who were vital to bringing supplies to our community.

We were so impressed and inspired by Hornbacher’s this year - their team at the Village West location set out to have some fun and created a “fast and furious theme” for their United Way campaign with a goal of raising $17,000 to help our neighbors in need. The incentive to their team was if they achieved it, two of their coworkers would get “Vin Diesel makeovers” and shave their heads. After more than $19,000 was raised, the trimmers came out! This is a great example of how banding together, being bold, and having some fun not only lifted the spirits of a team but also helped neighbors in need when they needed it most. For many businesses, their United Way campaign was a bright spot, and a positive part of their workplace that brought people together, which was needed this year not only by our neighbors in need but our employees around our community who embraced a reason to rally together with their coworkers.

‣ What advice do you have for women looking to build their professional careers?

Raise your hand to volunteer in your community! No matter what stage you are at in your career, it’s a fulfilling and fantastic way to grow. Prior to joining the

United Way team, I served as the United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator at my company. It provided me the opportunity to build my leadership skills, make new connections and grow both professionally and personally as I got serve as an ambassador in my workplace, plan events, and inspire and encourage our team to get involved and give back. Volunteering in this role gives people the opportunity to serve in a leadership role, no matter their role at their company. These volunteers work with different people across departments within the company and often times work directly with the leadership team or CEO, which opens up so many new opportunities for learning and new experiences. Volunteering also gives people the opportunity to get out of their comfort zone. This helps build confidence, makes us more adaptable to change, challenges us to be creative, and builds strength and resilience – which are all good qualities of a leader. Next time there is an opportunity to volunteer, step forward.

Take the initiative to use the talents you have to make a difference, and you will see those skills grow exponentially. If you would like ideas, you can always check out unitedwaycassclay. org and click on “Get Involved” to see all the ways United Way has for you to volunteer.

‣ There are so many different types of businesses in our community that you get to work with – what is a common thread?

On a typical workday, I get to work with CEO’s, to human resources leaders, to people who lead teams and work on the floor of a manufacturing facility, and they are all very much alike. At the core of each individual, regardless of their title or industry, is a desire to be a part of positive change that makes our community a better place.

Another common thread I see is when company leadership is active and vocal about their own desire to give back, employees often adopt that same positive behavior and join in supporting our community.

When leadership sets the example, it becomes the culture of the company and has a positive ripple effect throughout an entire team of employees. In addition, businesses that support their employee in volunteering see positive impacts to their culture, their bottom line and success of a business – no matter what type of business it is.

t, JLG Architects Principal Architec

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• United Way Volunteer and Investor • Architect of new United Way building • United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator ‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?

That true success has nothing to do with a job title, a corner office or any of the other stereotypical success measures that we’ve all been taught to strive for. To me, true success is found in the relationships that I invest time in and nurture, as well as the relationships that have unexpectedly popped out of seemingly nowhere and yet have brought so much value to my life.

When my clients become my friends, that is when I know that I have found professional success in a meaningful way, in a way that doesn’t need a measure. My life has simply become so much richer and more fulfilled once I realized this.

‣ What advice do you have for women trying to build their professional careers?

“You can’t control if you are the smartest person in the room, and you can’t control if you are the most talented person in the room, but you can control if you are the kindest person in the room.”

I remember being told this early in my career

and it has always stuck with me. I don’t know when there became an association of kindness and weakness, but it couldn’t be any farther from the truth. I firmly believe that when kindness is integrated with integrity and compassion, it is one of the most powerful and effective tools that we have to use as we walk through life.

‣ What do you think is the biggest challenge for women in the workplace?

I believe that we are still fundamentally struggling with this idea of creating a perfect work/life balance and that when it feels out of alignment that we are somehow not living up to expectations. After this past year of working from home while my kids were home, it has never been more apparent to me that it’s not about the quantity of time, but the quality of time. I still have to remind myself occasionally to put my phone away when my kids are talking to me and to really focus on what is being said right in front of me. It seems so incredibly simple, yet we’ve been programmed to be available to the world 24/7. I believe that if we really get honest about our priorities and how we are spending our time, we’ll find that we have far more time available to us, we just have to align it more intentionally to our values.

‣ You were a leader who helped build the new United Way building, how will the project impact the community?

The new United Way building was designed around the concept of “Reaching Out”. While you can see that there are literal expressions of that in the architectural design, we knew that that was fundamentally the overarching goal of the project, reaching out to the community. This building is essentially a

communication tool for United Way to serve our community with a larger reach and at a greater capacity and so we designed the building such that it can offer the utmost in flexibility and can adapt to the needs of all those that United Way is working with and serving.

‣ Why did JLG Architects want to partner with United Way on building their new building?

After the very first conversation that I had with Kristi Huber regarding the vision and goals of United Way in our community, I knew that something special was about to happen and that I wanted to help in any way that I could. My passion is helping clients design spaces that inspire them and allow them to thrive in a way that they couldn’t have even dreamed possible and so I knew that this was going to be an incredibly fun and rewarding challenge with the United Way team. However, as wonderful as that was, I also knew that this was a chance for the JLG team to give back to our community in a very tangible and impactful way. So, my team and I got the opportunity to dream with United Way on how a new building could help them serve the community in a better way, a bigger way, and a more impactful way. We got to dream with them about how to bless people’s lives now and for years to come… how incredible is that?

So, while I pray that we achieved (above and beyond!) all of the building-related goals that we set out to accomplish, I also pray that United Way knows how much of a tremendous impact that they have had on my team and I and that they know how immensely blessed we are by them!

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s, n & Public Affair io at ic un mm Co g in VP Market rth America Doosan Bobcat No

• United Way Volunteer and Investor • United Way Employee Campaign Committee Member • United Way Emerging Leader ‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?

How to create appropriate boundaries.

I have learned that everyone handles stress and tension in different ways – and when colleagues, friends or family put their stress or tension on me through guilt, anger or disappointment - I internalized their feelings and wasn’t my best self in how I responded to the situation – yet I continued to let it happen. At some point, I realized that I was enabling the bad behavior by not managing it better and I learned the value of boundaries. I didn’t remove those individuals from my life, I don’t hold grudges; rather, I put emotional boundaries in place that allowed me to put myself back in the driver’s seat for the good of my feelings, my happiness and my success. I respect myself more now, I am more confident, I’m not weighed down by past emotional burdens, I’m true to myself and my values, and I truly understand the meaning of kindness to oneself.

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‣ What advice do you have for women looking to build their professional careers?

Vice President Kamala Harris recently said that you don’t need permission to lead. I couldn’t agree more! Don’t wait for someone to allow you a seat at the table – find your way to the seat! If you stumble on the way, learn from it and try again!

‣ What do you think is the biggest issue/challenge/priority for women in the workplace?

Finding our voice! I’ve struggled with what to say, when to say it and how to say it.

As a result, I worked to find confidence in how I did my fact-finding, how I built my message and how I honed my approach.

It isn’t easy, but every breath offers a great opportunity to reset ourselves and start over!

‣ Workforce development continues to be a leading topic for our business community how can we all be part of the solution?

As employers, we are responsible to continue creating opportunities for individuals with all backgrounds, educations and experiences. At Doosan Bobcat, we’re proud to offer on the job training and hire people with diverse backgrounds to help us achieve our company goals. We need to continue to look internally at our practices and processes – and encourage other businesses to do the same to address workforce development in our community.

er Bank ing Manager,Brem nk Ba er um ns Co Region

• United Way Volunteer and Investor • Volunteer on the United Way Community Investment Committee • United Way Emerging Leader • United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator ‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?

I have learned many lessons over the course of my career, primarily in the last several years. One lesson that resonates was during my role as an Organizational Development Consultant. I had the opportunity to facilitate the learnings from the book Leadership and Self-Deception by the Arbinger Institute. This publication has several powerful takeaways to help leaders become better leaders through individual awareness and how one perceives others they interact with and lead. The overall message is to avoid self-betrayal by thinking and acting ‘outside the box’. The content provides guidance on how to become more self-aware which results in the ability to influence those around you more effectively.

This book opened my eyes to

see those I work directly with as well as individuals in my personal life from a different perspective.

While I am curious about my nature and interested in learning about others; the knowledge I was able to take away from this book has given me the ability to create even better relationships all around. I have been able to apply my learnings within my volunteer work. I recognize the wants and needs of others are just as important as my own.

My intentions are to help others – and by effectively listening and asking questions to truly understand the needs, I feel I have been able to have a greater impact as a volunteer.

‣ Bremer Bank recently supported students and families who have experienced homelessness in a big way – why and how did your business make an impact?

Bremer Bank’s support of communities is why we exist – our purpose is to help cultivate thriving communities.

Otto Bremer, founder, started this legacy over 75 years ago; instilling the impact employees can have on others and communities through volunteering. Bremer employees volunteer on average over 32,000 hours yearly keeping this legacy alive. This past fall Bremer partnered with the United Way in support of the Home for Good program with a goal to provide 1500 Welcome Home Kits for those transitioning to permanent housing across the Bremer footprint. Each of these kits were filled with over

70 household items, including a handmade fleece blanket. In November, the Fargo-Moorhead Bremer locations distributed 90 of the Welcome Home Kits to local non-profits with the help of United Way. In 2019 as Bremer celebrated its 75th Anniversary, we partnered with United Way to assemble 5000 backpacks to help with the School Supply Drive. Bremer team members volunteered to fill the backpacks with the needed school supplies and shipped them to United Way locations across Minnesota – Wisconsin – North Dakota. 500 of these backpacks were donated to the United Way School Supply Drive in Fargo Moorhead on behalf of Bremer.

This year Bremer gave each employee an extra eight hours of paid volunteer time. This extra time was in recognition of the need to focus our efforts in support of diversity, equity/ inclusion, and more. Holding true to the desire to cultivate thriving communities.

‣ What advice do you have for women trying to grow and build their careers?

Live a life of curiosity and purpose – be courageous. Being courageous in the sense you won’t let others or feelings hold you back from an opportunity that will help you learn and grow.

As I reflect on my own career development, it was during a time when the managers in the industry where I worked were primarily male. I had an

opportunity to become part of the management team early in my career. I recall a time shortly after becoming a manager when the CEO of the company (also male) arranged a meeting for the local managers. Here I was less than a few months in the job gathered in a conference; and the only female in the room. As the CEO walks into the conference room, I could just sense the confidence and power.

My heart started to beat, and I remember swallowing and telling myself ‘just go introduce yourself.'

I walked towards the CEO and professionally introduced myself.

The CEO graciously extended his hand and we engaged in a brief conversation. While this may seem like a small act, it was an act of courage for me. This act set the foundation for me to continue to overcome my fears.

In looking back, would I have taken more chances or acted differently? Maybe. What I do know is every experience good or bad has led me to where I am today, and my experience will take me beyond my expectations in the future. I still ask myself ‘what do I want to do when I grow up’ – knowing I am already grown up. I am ready to take on a new challenge any time that ‘matches’ my strengths/passions and provides continuous growth.

Some find their answers early in their career, some find their answer in the middle of their career, and some find their answer later in their career. Love what you do, learn while doing it, and share what you know so others can benefit around you – and before you know it you will have opportunities come your way that you never anticipated.

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• United Way Volunteer and Investor • Volunteer on the United Way Community Investment Committee • United Way Emerging Leader • United Way Employee Campaign Coordinator ‣ How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?

I am a first-generation Columbianborn American citizen adopted into my Norwegian/Irish farming family of central North Dakota. When I was growing up, everyone worked hard to the benefit of the family & the farm. When we gathered it was always around a table of food. This was how we connected. Additionally, when I came out, my family supported me, along with friends, and also my workplace. This allowed me to thrive through that time of my life, and take many lessons and grow from them, versus face challenges and be filled with resentments.

My experiences have brought me to enjoy connecting with those I work with, and I make it a priority to get to know who they really area – ideally spending time with them gathering for a meal/food! I have found that the more you know your teammates, the better you understand everyone’s strengths and can empower them to thrive.

In times in my life when I fell short, I was shown grace, which has allowed me to learn from these experiences. This is something I try to emulate as others are learning from their experiences, too.

Seeking out, looking to understand, and celebrating diversity has been inherent along this journey, and will never change. Because we are different, we are stronger when we work together.

Knowing your story and the story of others, demonstrating teamwork, celebrating

diversity, and working to a greater cause that will benefit something bigger than youthese values are part of the foundation that is United Way, and why I volunteer.

‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?

Get comfortable being uncomfortable: Some of the greatest lessons I have learned came when I may have been significantly challenged or failed.

Going through challenges and failures, I took time to reflect which helped me learn things that inspired or demanded change, and through those changes I’ve grown. This has been possible because the grace of others allowed me to learn and grow. I learned this throughout my tenure with my employer, Cognizant.

Joining the United Way’s Community Investment Committee this last year has been a huge learning curve. Understanding the grant writing process, strategic funding, and social service budgeting were not in my wheelhouse, but has been a wonderful learning experience. Sitting in on the early calls, with veteran United Way committee members and not being sure what to expect or what was being asked of me was not always comfortable, but those same United Way committee members showed me grace, brought me along and were patient as I’ve caught up, which has allowed me to gain a much broader understanding and appreciation for how United Way supports the 4 bold goals to ultimately lift people out of poverty.

‣ What has helped you to be successful in your career?

A sense of knowing who I am and being honest with myself about that. Several years ago, I was passed up for a career growth opportunity. At the time I was given feedback on my opportunities. The feedback was on point and I knew that even as I heard it. The problem was I wasn’t ready to acknowledge it. I’ve since committed to not putting myself in that same position again.

Now, when I take on any project, I strive to be proactive to identify any challenge I’ll anticipate; be it in knowledge, skill, or interpersonally. I weigh that against any personal opportunities and from there, I work with my director to address those concerns to ensure success. Being more strategic and honest in how I work enabled me to refocus and eventually move into a

growth role about a year and a half later.

As one of the Employer Campaign Coordinators for United Way, running a successful office campaign is its own project needing to be managed, and I approach it in the same way. However, it’s never been so challenging in scope that we weren’t successful in reaching our office goals to support United Way. It was key to think more strategically and be honest when I needed help – that ensured it was successful!

‣ What are some tangible ways workplaces can increase inclusiveness and positive relationships among employees?

Two things come to mind immediately. First, visibility matters! Ensure your marketing materials reflect not only who you serve but who you employ (when appropriate) and those you with to recruit.

I was once asked as part of an exercise to examine how a company could improve supporting their LGBTQ employees. It was a firm that offered services to families. When I called attention to the fact that their website did not have a single visual that indicated that this company supported, served or employed those who identified as LGBTQ, it gave them pause. This was an opportunity to have more inclusive and contemporary representation of family dynamics.

Secondly, celebrate the differences and acknowledge how they make you stronger.

When you have differing perspectives that are valued in the workplace, your employees thrive, and your end product is stronger for it. The success of inclusiveness and diversity drives engagement, loyalty and further success. This is a win /win proposition.

The United Way has built and executed successful campaigns year over year. This is not a fluke of course. The United Way relies on the engagement of our Cass and Clay community. A key reason for their success has been ensuring that all in the community feel welcome and included in participating and benefiting from their work. They have established a sense of inclusiveness. They also do a pretty good job recognizing participants contributions along the way, as well as sharing and celebrating that success when it’s done.

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(Retiree),SCHEELS er ad Le le Sa of t Poin

• United Way Investor and Volunteer • Volunteer on the United Way Comunity Investment Committee • United Way Emerging Leader ‣ What is one lesson you have learned? How did you learn it?

You can make a difference.

Read a favorite children’s storybook to a group of young children at a daycare.

Their smiles become yours.

Be a lunchroom buddy to a student at the elementary school. Let them know someone cares. Deliver a hot meal to a lonely house bound senior and stay a few minutes to listen to a story.

They matter. Start a neighborhood bike shop and teach the kids how to fix bikes. Teach a skill. Start

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a non-perishable drive with your office mates and donate the items to a local food pantry. A family will go to sleep with full stomachs.

Donate your time and help provide a roof overhead to a family through Home for Habitat. Help plant vegetables at a neighborhood garden.

Find your passion and strengths and make a difference.

‣ How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?

My parents are hardworking people. Dad worked three jobs and my mom worked two when I was young.

My dad vowed to provide a better childhood to us than his. He did whatever it took to get the job done.

I grew up knowing that helping others was an important part of who I am. My family opened their home to those that needed it. They sponsored children from Mexico. I volunteered

at a nursing home. These life experiences make me who I am as a leader. I am a servant leader. I work smart. Helping others become a better version of themselves fuels me. I sincerely care about those that I interact with.

‣ What advice do you have for women trying to build their professional careers?

Find a mentor or a coach.

It can be a leader within your company or an outside source. Be open to learning every day. Read Read Read.

There are so many great books available. The United Way Emerging Leaders program is a talented group that all should join. Attend leadership conferences.

Learn through experiences.

Also, know that there will be ebbs and flows with your family time and career. At times your career will require more of your time. And other times, the family will need you. And it’s ok. Understand it’s a blend. No shame.

No guilt. Be present in the moment.

‣ You recently retired from Scheels after 30+ years - as you look back, what do you wish you knew when you started?

I didn’t have a mentor/coach at the beginning of my career and it took me a bit before I got the courage to find one.

It wasn’t until I attended a Scheels Women’s Leadership Summit and heard all the amazing speakers share their stories that I told myself - I

want to share my story. So this late bloomer found a coach and never looked back.

She helped me acknowledge that I’m a servant leader and I have value. She pushed me to tell my story.

‣ How did your experience as a United Way volunteer impact and change your outlook on the community?

If you haven’t participated in the United Way “A Day in the Life Perspective on Poverty,” I suggest that you do. The event is an interactive experience that immerses you in the life of someone who is living in poverty. It allows you to go through real-life scenarios in the role of someone living in poverty – you take on their identity and live life and make decisions giving the experience of being the shoes of someone who lives in poverty day today. I learned so much about our community and how there are thousands of people who need assistance and the decisions and struggles they face. I have a new appreciation for those that are doing everything they can to have a better life.

For themselves and their children. And I want to be a part of that. I want to be a part of the solution to the challenges they face and will do whatever it takes to get the job done, and that is exactly what United Way does.

Jennifer Schillinger

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Melanie Iverson

MEET THE 2021

She Overcomes COHORT

BY BRADY DRAKE | PHOTOS BY JOSIAH KOPP

She Overcomes is a local organization run by Jennifer Schillinger and Melanie Iverson that invests capital, training and business mentorship to accelerate the work of female founders and entrepreneurs. As part of their work, they formed a cohort consisting of eight entrepreneur women who will go through a nine-month customized curriculum that leads them to present their company growth and expansion to a panel of five local judges.

The winner will receive a financial grant funded by local founding partners, which include the Forum Communications, Gate City Bank and The Burgum Foundation. Let's meet the contestents.

To attend their grand finale event, the She Overcomes Masquerade Ball, you can go to sheovercomes.co/masquerade-ball.

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Katriana Mehlhaff Katriana Mehlhaff is the Director of Operations at the Best Western Plus Superior Inn in Grand Marais Minnesota. She has lifelong hospitality experience as a fourth generation in her family business, Holland Hospitality. She is a life long entrepreneur and founded Katriana's Vending Company at seven-years-old. Katriana graduated from Concordia College Moorhead with a Bachelors of Arts in Business Management and Marketing. Katriana is a member of Best Western's Future Leaders Group. She has won the Guertin Award and the 2020 AAA Best of Housekeeping Award.

Dee Doboyou Dee Doboyou, Mama Dee, is the Founder/CEO of Mama Dee Daycare. She loves investing time in kids and sharing her positive energy with them. Dee was born in Liberia, and came to the United States in 2004. She is a Fargo North High School graduate. She later attended MSUM for few years before becoming an entrepreneur. Dee has a passion for helping others which led her to opening Mama Dee Daycare, the only twenty-four hour daycare in the area. She recognizes that childcare is essential to our community and is passionate about creating home and acceptance for children while their parents work.

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Ashley Sornsin Ashley Sornsin is a Nutrition Coach that investigates the root cause of health and weight issues in men and women. Through her program, she creates a solution customized for her clients, to help reach their goals without restriction, using food as medicine to help clients fuel and feel their best. Ashely’s the Founder and creator of Buff Bites, which are sold locally at multiple health food stores. She’s a contributing author in Fargo’s Area Women, Sioux Falls Woman, and is consistently featured on North Dakota Today’s Morning Show with her unique take on fitness and food.

Melissa Miranda Melissa Miranda is the owner of Step By Step Accounting, a service-oriented, teaching-based accounting and advisory company, primarily geared towards small businesses. She is a proud graduate of North Dakota State University in Fargo, North Dakota, where she completed a double major, studying both accounting and business administration. Graduating magna cum laude in 2012, she quickly applied her knowledge and experience to both the public and private sectors. Melissa's mission is to help small business owners understand their finances and achieve their goals as she knows the impact that strong businesses have on communities and families.

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Gen Anagnost Gen Anagnost is a Board-Certified Health Coach and Personal Trainer who helps women regain control of their health and stop living the burnout cycle. With 15 years of experience as a Physical Therapist Assistant, Gen understands and lived with the chronic burnout feeling. This experience and Gen's skills to help women come up with strategies to improve their health and create a balanced life is why Gen is widely regarded by Medical and Administration Professionals. Women who have worked with Gen mentioned they have noticed they handle stress better, no longer feel guilty for having a cheat meal, feel confident they can reach their weight loss goals and overall feel they have a balanced life.

NOT PICTURED

Zainab Abdalla Zainab Abdalla, chef and owner of Suna's Egyptian Eatery and Suna's Middle Eastern condiment line. Suna's condiment line will debut end of January, 2021. She loves supporting local businesses and sources her products to local stores and will continue to be a vendor at the Red River Market downtown in the following years.

She is so excited to bring Egyptian culture to the F-M area to cure culinary boredom.

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Sarah Stauner Sarah is a Creative Designer and Co-Founder at Chipper Design Studio. She earned her BFA in Graphic Design and Marketing at the University of Minnesota Duluth. She has a wide background in publication and advertisement design.

At Chipper, her main goal is to create clarity for clients with powerful designs and unique story telling.

Michelle Cody Michelle Cody is the studio director at Fly: A Fitness Revolution, an elite class-based fitness studio in Downtown Fargo offering cycle, barre, HIIT and yoga classes. Fly opened on Roberts Street in October of 2019. Michelle has dozens of year’s experience in creating inclusive communities and is passionate about health and well-being.

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Q. Tell us a bit about yourself.

Ellie Maher

A. I own and operate Tailwind Tattoo with my husband Aaron. I’ve been tattooing for 20 years and married for 14. We have 2 kids, a 10 year old son and 8 year old daughter. I also love plants, working on house projects, reading, and all things existential.

Q. How did you get involved in your work?

A. I worked my way up from the bottom as a receptionist making minimum wage at a tattoo studio just to get my foot in the door for tattooing. It wasn’t easy in the beginning, I had a lot of crazy experiences and sacrificed a lot, but it shaped me for who I am today.

I also have an AAS degree in Business that I finished up just before entering the tattoo world. Everyone thought I was crazy for doing what I did, taking a huge pay cut to pursue tattooing instead of getting a management job right out of school, but I had a gut feeling that I needed to do it and it turned out to be correct. I’m now using my art skills as well as my business knowledge and love doing both.

Q. Women tattoo artists now outnumber male tattoo artists in the United States.

What do you think draws women to this profession?

A. I truly believe this is because more female tattoo artists are training female tattoo artists. It was hard to get into this industry decades ago when it was mostly maledominated. But there were a few females that made it past that barrier and then took the barrier down. However, every time I’ve trained an apprentice it was based on artistic skill and not gender. But, I think women have always been drawn to this profession, now they’re able to actually do it. Tattooing is no different than most jobs in the sense that you get out of it what you put into it.

Ellie Maher worked her way from being a receptionist at a tattoo studio to owning her own shop. Her hard work landed her a spot on North Dakota's 40 under 40, but it's getting to know her clients that makes all of the hard work worth it.

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Q. Where do you draw inspiration for your work?

A. It depends on the day but I go on intuition a lot. I try to tap into my clients. I’m pretty

good with reading people and the ideas usually just come after I chat with them to get a sense of what they’re looking for. I’m fortunate to have a large base of regular clients, so at this point, we just know each other, it makes it easy.

I know what they like and they know how I work. My inspiration comes from people and life in general.

Q. Getting tattooed can be deeply personal. How do you connect with your clients and make them comfortable in your shop?

A. Our studio is different than most, it's very private.

We don’t have any other employees, there are no ringing phones, or random people walking in. We deal with our clients personally from start to finish, there is no middle man or receptionist to go through.

I feel I’m super easy to talk to and that’s what I love to do.

It does get personal because I ask a lot of questions. The best part of my job is getting to know people. Tattooing has been said to get your mind to the same plane as meditation in the sense that you have to get out of your body to deal with it. I get to talk to your true self, it just happens.

Q. What is the best piece of advice you've heard recently?

A. It seems like whatever question I have or what I’m currently contemplating ends up getting answered

when I just listen to what others have to say about their own life. So I guess it’s not just one piece of advice, it's putting the pieces together to form the whole.

Q. How have you been taking care of yourself lately?

A. Staying home and hanging out with my family, my kids are pretty awesome, but every parent says that, ha! I also enjoy lots of reading, reflecting, and learning…it never stops.

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WITH JOHN MACHACEK

Questions

J

ohn Machacek, Chief Innovation Officer for the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation, has worked with countless startups throughout our community over the past seven years. He knows their ups, their downs, but most of all, he knows the questions to ask them. Here are John Machacek’s 10 questions for Heather McDougall who is working to bring sustainability to the toothbrush industry with BogoBrush.

BY John Machacek PHOTO BY Hillary Ehlen

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1 Tell us your BogoBrush elevator pitch?

Bogobrush creates beautiful, sustainably designed toothbrushes and elevates your toothbrush to something you’re actually proud to display on your counter. Unlike the more than 800 million plastic manual toothbrushes each year in the U.S. that cannot be recycled, Bogobrush is made from recycled materials or plant waste, and is designed to never see a landfill. We believe doing good is good for business, and we contribute 10% of our profits to support people who care for each other and the planet.

2 Why toothbrushes and why sustainability My brother and Co-Founder, John, and I often laugh with this question because you could say it all started when we were kids, growing up as children of a dentist in Jamestown. We had zero plans of doing anything in oral health. John went to design school and I studied music and law. We realized we had a shared passion for sustainability and wanted to do something where we could use our skills and talents together and help the world be a more beautiful and balanced place.

So, we thought about a variety of products and companies to start and in the end we couldn’t resist starting with a toothbrush. It’s something you use every morning and night, and with Bogobrush, you will have two seemingly small touch points with other people and the planet.

From the start we’ve said, if we can change the way people think about a toothbrush, it will be the start of something so much bigger.

3 When you say BogoBrush is one of the tools, what do you mean by that?

My calling in life is to help restore the relationship between humanity and Earth, and Bogobrush is one of many ways to help people identify that relationship in themselves. John has carried about his version of this mission in designing the most future looking, sustainability-focused cars and transportation systems in the world. I have spoken on stages from Yellow Conference in LA to Middleburg University in Netherlands to SXSW this March, empowering people to step out of their eco-anxiety and realize their inherent power to do good for the planet. I mentor community and start-up leaders on my signature 8 Limbs of Sustainability, How to build impact businesses, and other business topics like marketing, supply chain, and leadership.

Yoga, music, and social media are all ways I work to restore our relationship with the planet. (thisisheather.me) In Bogobrush, we’ve even written and published a delightful children’s book that shows how imagination and being a good friend and neighbor can be a big adventure, even helping you save the world. Sustainability is in your every movement, and there is no one right way. The more you see it all working together, the more efficient, the more sustainable the world becomes. We have tools to help. Let’s go:)

About John: John Machacek has been helping local startups with the Greater Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation since prior to his position with the GFMEDC. Before joining the team, Machacek was the VP of Finance & Operations at United Way of Cass-Clay and a business banker at U.S. Bank.

4 As BogoBrush is growing, you’ve chosen to grow here in North Dakota ?

First of all, we have deep roots here. John and I grew up in Jamestown and no matter how far I’ve traveled and lived, my blood still runs with North Dakota roots. Second, we work with some great people in ND. Most notably is C2Renew whom we partner with about materials and innovation. About six years ago, I was working closely with Greg Tehven, Jake Joraanstad, and others in the area for what it would take to bring Bogobrush back to ND. The timing, business needs, and funding weren’t aligning right at that time, but it’s stayed in the back of my mind.

Then, during the early months of the Covid pandemic in 2020, Bogobrush was experiencing massive growth as we launched into CVS Pharmacy and desperately needed inventory financing because our cash flow was nowhere near the scale we were expanding into - one of those ‘champagne problems,’ as Ange, our CSO likes to say. While most traditional bridge financing was tied up with Covid Relief programs, the startup-friendly ecosystem in Fargo and ND rallied. Particularly thanks to you, John, and to Ray Grefsheim at Cornerstone Bank. As a result of that support, Bogobrush had 10x growth in 2020. And overall, we want to be part of the culture of change and innovation in North Dakota. Some of the most impactful conversations in the world are things going on right in this state. It’s exciting.

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5 We’re starting to see more businesses where employees can be scattered around the country or world. Your team is like that (North Dakota, Detroit, Toronto, Amsterdam). How do you effectively manage that?

John and I were intentional from the very beginning, 10 years ago, about creating a business system to work from anywhere in the world. We’ve always utilized tools like Google Meet and Zoom (Skype in earlier days). To make this system work, it is important to set up clear self boundaries of time commitments. When are you available and when aren’t you? Also, it’s important to create clarity around who is needed in what conversations as well as who does what. And just say anything about whether you’re feeling supported or a bit on a limb. Honesty, mission, and teamwork. And, our seemingly scattered team, so far, is really cool because it’s connected Bogobrush to more communities, expanded our understanding of needs, strengthens partnerships and impacts. Fingers on a lot of pulses. And now, I’m excited about how we can build our ND company that fits a new generation’s lifestyle expectations. We want Bogobrush to grow in ND, hire in ND as well as elevate Fargo and ND, to prove that companies can grow here.

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Will you tell me about your pivot to incorporate more of a B2B model as compared to direct to consumer?

We are still doing both but after investing to test both channels more seriously in 2019, we started to see significantly more traction in B2B than B2C. With our product, the direct to consumer route is a less efficient path when it comes to the costs of customer acquisition and shipping, and ultimately profitability.

Demand was growing for distribution and retail markets, so we embraced our focus to meet that B2B opportunity.

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From working with your company, I’ve heard you talk about the importance of when you chose to invest in hiring a broker to help with this. Will you tell me more about that?

In the spring of 2019, we were on a strategy to test business to business wholesale against direct to consumer online subscriptions. We invested heavily in a digital marketing firm to support us because neither John nor I were experts in digital marketing and weren’t going to become experts overnight. It’s the same instinct for hiring a broker for distribution and retail sales. We’d done a good job generating leads, PR, and even sales for over 100 stores, but there is a skillset and expertise that comes along with successful wholesale, and it’s not one that was in John or my zone of genius. If we wanted to learn more, and really test the B2B channel, we needed to find someone to help. And it’s been an awesome choice. After she, Angela Wallace, brought us sales with Urban Outfitters and CVS, she joined our team full time as our CSO/COO in the summer of 2020. And for my fellow founders, this part of the story is only after I reached burnout. I think there is pressure, for too long in many startup spaces, to bootstrap as long as possible, and at least for me, a mentality that I needed prove I could do everything. This is a trap that’s easy because we’re in both the weeds and the vision, but when you start hitting a wall and feel overstretched, really ask yourself where you need support so your genius can fly, and then prioritize getting it. Expanding the team at Bogobrush is one of our top 5 goals for 2021 so we can all grow and thrive within the brand.

Heather McDougall Photo provided by BogoBrush

8 Why are corporate programs like the “CVS innovations Program)” so important to young companies like BogoBrush?

It’s David & Goliath. The cost to compete and grow in mass market CPG is cost-prohibitive to most emerging and scaling brands. For instance, there are 5 figure marketing programs to join so you can pay an additional 5 figures or more to participate in consumer facing promotion. Or, you ship the first round of product on free fill - basically consignment. Many versions of this cost exist, but the point is that programs like the Innovations Program we’re in through CVS decrease the barriers to entry. And the CVS program is especially supportive because we received full point of purchase display, end-cap feature alongside two toothpastes who were also in the program. You never get that, normally.

9 If you could go back in time to Heather from several years ago, what hindsight advice would you give yourself?

You are amazing and deserve to do what feels good! There will come a time when you feel exhausted and you think you need to keep going to prove to someone - investors, mentors, customers - that you are good enough. You will feel unmotivated and scared. This is not a signal of a bottomless pit of failure.

This is you expanding and ready to step into new leadership. This is a sign you’ve overstayed your welcome in this version of focus. Identify what YOU are excited to do. Trust that your zone of genius will lead to your own unique flavor of creation and success, and trust that as soon as you take actions toward changing that reality, you will feel the channels of electricity open for you. Be the leader you need.

10 What can we do as a community to help BogoBrush succeed?

Gosh, thank you for asking! One of the simplest and most impactful things you can do is to purchase a bogobrush through cvs.com, create an account so you can leave a review for us. Positive and thoughtful customer engagement in reviews is REALLY valuable to our buyers and future customers, so you’d be making a big impact for us. Other ways to help Bogobrush succeed include introducing us to friends who host podcasts or blogs who are looking for a radically honest conversation about Sustainability and the power of Entrepreneurship to create major shifts in the world, and then stay tuned to our social media and email announcements about hiring new team members; we’ll welcome support spreading the word.

Thanks, again!

Bethlehem Gronneberg Founder and CEO, uCodeGirl | Bush Foundation Leadership Fellow | PhD Candidate | Lecturer of Computer Science | YWCA Woman of the Year in Science and Technology

WOMEN IN STEM AREA WOMEN HONOR THEIR MENTORS & THEIR STEM SUPERHEROES

By Bethlehem Gronneberg

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March is an influential month to celebrate the historical achievements of women, their leadership, their courage and their strength. The World Economic Forum report tells us that gender parity is a long and winding road. And that we are all in this together because no country has successfully closed its gender gap. Even if female leaders are now steering multinational companies, and are head of states, we still live in a world that overlooks half of its available talent. We stand on the shoulders of pioneering STEM giants and we honor those women who helped spark our passion, saw our potential, empowered our dreams and cheered our successes. I reached out to a few area women professionals in STEM. I already know them as selfless mentors who gave their time and talent for the purpose of affecting the future at uCodeGirl. Here they are reflecting on their sources of inspiration and their STEM power. Read on...

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About uCodeGirl

The vision of uCodeGirl is to inspire and equip young women to become the future face of innovation in technology. uCodeGirl is uniquely designed to inspire, engage and equip young women with computational design thinking skills, leadership traits, and an entrepreneurial mindset. uCodeGirl strives to remove roadblocks and bridge the gender gap in technology so that young women can confidently pursue opportunities suitable for the 21st century. By building confidence, enhancing skill sets and tapping into their intellect and curiosity, uCodeGirl helps young women chart a pathway to the T of STEM careers.

More information here: www.ucodegirl.org | @ucodegirl |

/ucodegirl

Nicole (Larson) Haugen, Principal Software Engineer Manager, Microsoft Honors Ms. Linda Olson, former tech instructor at Detroit Lakes High School, MN “I credit my entire career choice in software engineering to my former high school tech instructor, Ms. Linda Olson. She introduced me to web design which sparked my interest in computers and led me to studying Computer Science in college. Even more important, she showed me that women can be tech savvy. I never have had the chance to thank her for being an inspiration and role model – so I hope she reads this to know what a difference that she made in my life as well as other students that she had.”

Becky Newell President Levridge, LLC Honors Billie Hayes “Billie Hayes was my manager when I became a new mom. She understood perfectly the challenges of balancing a career in technology while being a new mom and she was instrumental in helping me through that part of my life. I’ll be forever grateful for her mentoring.”

Zahra A. Banks Technology Analyst Wells Fargo Honors Bethlehem Gronneberg, Founder at uCodeGirl “A woman that empowered/inspired me is Bethlehem Gronneberg, her determination to create opportunities for the less opportune will forever be a reminder for me to seek to do that for others.”

Amrutha Varshini Y K Technical Project Coordinator uCodeGirl Honors Dr. Simone Ludwig, Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Computer Science at North Dakota State University (NDSU) "Throughout my graduate studies and after, Dr. Simone Ludwig, Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Computer Science at North Dakota State University (NDSU) has been an inspiration to me to work hard and try my best at school and in personal life. She has inspired me through her work, her mentorship, and her involvement with the student community around her."

Linlie Huggans Core Developer Scheels Honors Becky Torkelson, Scheels Information Systems ASL “Becky started as a cashier in Scheels and worked hard to earn her spot in management in Scheels Information Systems. Not only is she incredibly knowledgeable at her job, she’s also an active member in our women’s empowerment groups and always ready to lift up those around her.”

Karri Mitchell Senior Engineering Manager Microsoft Honors the fictional Captain Kathryn Janeway from Star Trek “As a young girl, I was inspired by the fictional Captain Kathryn Janeway from the Star Trek: Voyager television series. She was the leader and a scientist: strong, courageous, intelligent, and yet still feminine and compassionate. I learned how to be a leader from her. Never forget that girls are learning from the stories and characters we share.”

Kailee Gray Web Developer Honors Shannon Wiedman & Megan Otto “I would love to recognize so many women who have lifted me up and encouraged me throughout my life. My mother, grandmother, countless female teachers, and female coworkers who have paved the path before me. I especially like to recognize Shannon Wiedman & Megan Otto. After leaving graduate school I was lost trying to decide my next career steps.

They provided great community, support, and education and I became self empowered and confident enough to pursue a career in tech. Before meeting them I felt like a fish out of water. Thank you to all the women who have worked so hard so that I can feel comfortable in tech now!”

Birgit Pruess Professor Microbiological Sciences, NDSU Honors Gwen Stickney, Associate Professor and Chair, Modern Languages, NDSU “I first met Gwen when we both started at NDSU on August 16, 2004.

While Spanish and Microbiology are undeniably two very different fields, we found out quickly where the communalities in our work were. Gwen spent countless hours teaching me how to teach. She came from a family of successful college teachers, whereas I was a first class researcher without much experience or education to teach.

In particular, the many problems students brought into their classroom were overwhelming at first. With her guidance, I turned into a person who genuinely loves students and has their best interest in her heart. She is very much on top of everything she does and there is no doubt in my mind that she is the driving force behind the education of Spanish and other modern languages at NDSU.” Bethlehem Gronneberg uCodeGirl Honors Dr. Nancy Hafkin, Internet Hall of Fame Inductee, Pioneer Women in ICT Africa “Dr. Nancy Hafkin is my lifetime mentor. She gave me my second job out of college as a webmaster at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. She led by example and showed me how to confidently traverse and persevere in my uncharted world of tech and enabled me on a great path.”

United Nations Women chooses the theme for International Women Day every year and writes, "A challenged world is an alert world.

Individually, we're all responsible for our own thoughts and actions - all day, every day. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women's achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. #ChooseToChallenge" FARGOINC.COM

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701 Eateries: THE NEW DINING EXPERIENCE COMING TO TOWN

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new and exciting restaurant is coming to town, and it’s like no other in the FM area. 701 Eateries is the innovation of the sister-in-law team of Shelby Terstriep and Britt Belquist, their husbands, Chad Terstriep and Alex Belquist, and their hometown friends Eric and Sarah Myhre.

BY Gracie Lian and Paul Smith

While the Myhres are new to the team, the Terstrieps and Belquists are no strangers to the restaurant business. Britt and Alex opened their first restaurant, Brew (now Brew Ales and Eats), in Perham, MN in 2011 after culinary school. Shelby and Chad joined them in ownership shortly after when Britt and Alex began expanding their business. Today the team also owns City Brew Hall in Wahpeton, ND, Brew Bird in Fargo, ND, and partnered with other business owners on Up North Pizza Pub in East Grand Forks, MN. Owning a restaurant is a dream come true for this team. When asked what she likes

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best about being an owner, Shelby said, “I love seeing old buildings transformed into bustling ‘neighborhood parties.’ I love the creativity and constantly trying to figure out how to do something better. I love seeing our staff get raises, benefits and new opportunities.”

Britt echoed her sentiment, saying, “I love the variety and constantly learning new things. From accounting, to short order cooking, to website building, to growing a team – I have loved it all… Seeing the friendships and relationships (and sometimes families!) created is so amazing and rewarding!”

In contrast to its modern look, the building, located at 701 N. University Drive, has been part of the Fargo landscape for 100 years.

Built in 1920, the building originally was home to Acme Dairy and most recently Rosie’s Laundromat.

The fresh and fun restaurant concept splits the building’s three floors into three different types of dining experiences. The lower level, the Dain Room, offers a private event space with room for 30-40 people.

It boasts a state-of-the-art sound system, a

framed tv for customer use, and a wine cellar and whiskey tasting area.

The Prairie Kitchen, located on the main floor, is perfect for a casual and fun meal.

A wood fired grill, Scandinavian décor, and a menu that boasts classic midwestern plates, all come together to make one feel at home while dining out.

For entertainment and fresh air, visit the upper level to dine and play at Camp Lonetree. The indoor “cabin” leads to a four-season rooftop patio that includes shuffleboard and campfires in the summer and curling and private dining igloos in the winter.

The restaurant itself isn’t the only aspect of this business venture that’s out of the ordinary. 701 Eateries is partially funded through a revenue sharing note. Investors, or members, can invest in the restaurant at five different contribution levels.

Through this revenue sharing note, the more business 701 gets, the more quickly

the investor will be paid back, increasing the interest return on their repayment amount. This model ensures that the more successful the business is the more successful the investor will be. At 701, investors are more than just investors, they’re a part of the family.

Those who are interested in becoming members to receive business perks and a return on investment can now find 701 on “Mainvest” by searching 701 Eateries.

701 Eateries has been a long time coming. The ownership team first began the process back in 2018. After seeing potential in a historic building in downtown Fargo, they sought out funding to purchase and renovate the building to turn it into a full-service restaurant and bar. In their quest for funding, they were referred to the North Dakota Small Business Development Centers (ND SBDC) and Paul Smith, Fargo Center Director for ND SBDC. He also assisted with their business planning and financial projections required for their loan application.

“The business plan and projections helped to create a road map for us as we start hiring and training staff and moving to opening,” said Shelby. “It was instrumental to us receiving a SBA loan… we would not be able to do a project of this size without it!”

They obtained an SBA 504 loan through their lending partner First Western Bank & Trust, and SBA’s partner, the Lake Agassiz Development Group. Thanks to the partnership with the ND SBDC, the business owners were able to purchase and renovate the century-old building and turn it into something special.

“I am grateful to have been involved in this project, which is a big part of the revitalization of this area on the northwest edge of downtown Fargo,” Smith said. “It has been exciting to see the unique vision of the owners take shape and the opening now just weeks away.”

The 701 team attributes their success to their team and the people who have been with them since the start of each restaurant opening. They plan to open 701 this spring, with soft openings scheduled for April. The owners are excited and ready to open their doors. Shelby said, “We hope the community will embrace 701 with all of its nostalgia, great food, drinks, and quirkiness!”

ND SBDC: Lian is the Outreach & Strategic Initiatives Intern for the ND Small Business Development Centers. The ND SBDC helps North Dakota small business owners to start, manage and grow their companies through providing free, professional business advising services, technical assistance and training in a range of areas such as business planning, market research and financial analysis. Last year, the program assisted nearly 1,400 clients through nine service centers located across the State. The Fargo Center is located in the NDSU Research and Technology Park. For more information, please visit ndsbdc.org.

Academic Insight

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he outcome of Super Bowl LV on Sunday, February 7, 2021 surprised a lot of people. Quarterback Tom Brady led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise to their second Super Bowl title. At the age of 43 and after winning seven Super Bowls over his career, Brady is now considered by many to be the G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time) quarterback in NFL history.

But did you know that Tom Brady was not viewed very favorably by NFL scouts when coming out of college?

BY Shontarius D. Aikens, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Management at Offutt School of Business at Concordia College 110

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According to ESPN’s documentary “Brady 6”, NFL scouts and prognosticators questioned Tom Brady’s talent, traits, and abilities to be successful in the NFL. As a result, other quarterbacks were picked before him. Ultimately, he was selected at pick No. 199 in the 6th round of the 2000 NFL draft.

Former NFL coaches have gone on the record saying that not drafting Tom Brady was a big mistake for their franchise and possibly one of the biggest draft-day snubs in NFL history: • Steve Mariucci (San Francisco 49ers Head Coach, 1997-2002): "He was right in our backyard. He probably always wanted to be a 49er. And that would have been great. In fact, if we would have drafted him, I'd probably still be coaching there."

GARY USSERY

Hidden Gems in the Organization • Brian Billick (Baltimore Ravens Head Coach, 1999-2007): "We all missed on Brady… if the Patriots knew he was going to be that good, they wouldn't have waited until the 6th round!"

Do managers and organizations overlook potential superstars, or hidden gems, in the workplace?

I would argue that it happens way more often than we’d like to admit. Perhaps you have seen this happen to others in an organization, or perhaps it happened to you personally. I’m referring to situations in which hidden gems go unrecognized, underutilized, and in some cases unappreciated.

Marc Effron, President of the Talent Strategy Group, provided several examples:

To submit questions you would like answered in future editions of “Academic Insight”. Email Dr. Aikens at: saikens@cord.edu

• Misidentified performers (individuals who are high performers but their achievements are overlooked in formal and informal performance evaluations).

• Shy-Po’s (those who have a desire to move up, but may not raise their hand to volunteer for challenges).

• Repressed performers (individuals that displayed potential early on, but due to bad management, their potential and skills haven’t emerged or been fully realized).

• Actively hidden gems (high performers in which managers will actively “down talk” the employees abilities in an effort to prevent them from being promoted or moved).

The bottom line is this: Being good managers involves being good stewards of an organization’s resources, which includes bringing out the best in their employees.

This involves adopting a mindset and a strategy to find and tap the individual greatness in all employees within their organization. Otherwise, the result could be that the individual leaves the organization and becomes an industry superstar elsewhere, perhaps for one of your competitors. Below are some guidelines and tips to help uncover possible hidden gems in your workforce.

• Cultivate a Greatness Mindset for New Employees. Assume that every new employee has the

potential to be a superstar in your organization. Let new employees know that you want them at the organization, that you believe in them and their future success (because you hired them), and that you want to help them achieve their career goals. When a manager adopts a viewpoint concerning an employee and their potential for greatness, and communicates this to them frequently, the employee typically responds by performing at that high level.

• Offer a Refresh for Existing Employees. In some organizations, a small percentage of employees are identified as exemplars, and this leads to a greater focus and attention spent on them. But what about the remaining employees? This is where I believe that some hidden gems can fall through the cracks. Relying too much on past performance can taint the ability of managers and organizations to see the future leadership potential of individuals. Consider offering a refresh which involves being intentional about their future development. Inquire about their current level of satisfaction with their position, status, or development in the organization to gauge possible areas for them to pursue in the future.

• Incorporate Talent Assessment Inventories. Every person has natural talents and abilities; thus, it’s important for organizations, managers, and the employees

themselves to know what those are in order to increase the overall performance of the organization.

I’m a huge proponent of Gallup’s CliftonStrengths as an excellent tool to support this effort.

In closing, I’d like to share a quote from Dr. Shelly Gompf (professor and business consultant) whom I reached out to for this article based on her 20 years of experience in business concerning this subject.

She was willing to share the following coaching advice for managers: “My management coaching advice is 1) Create relationships with each employee (it is difficult to miss greatness when you know your employee), and 2) Make a goal to communicate regularly and ensure it is timely (call them out on their greatness).”

I think Dr. Gompf’s quote further emphasizes how a manager can instill confidence, belief, and greatness in the minds of their employees through their words and actions. I hope this information is helpful in your quest to find the hidden gems in your organization and to put them in positions to shine brightly..

FARGOINC.COM

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