WOMEN CONNECT Intentional Collisions
Where conversations turn into connections
• When did you choose or realize that this was the career/life path you wanted to be on?
• How do you approach work when you’re feeling uninspired or experiencing a mental block?
• What are non-negotiables for you when it comes to choosing a job, a volunteer opportunity, or a company/client to work with?
• How have you learned to embrace risk-taking?
• Do you have a personal mentor? If so, how did that relationship come to be and what have they taught you?
Questions to Consider...
• What is an important leadership lesson you have learned?
• Do you find balance between your work and home lives? If so, how do you approach that?
• Do you have a ritual or routine that you have found benefits your productivity or environment?
• How do you manage your emotions when/if you’re making a difficult decision?
• How do you stay on top of industry news, trends and updates?
• Was there a time you messed up and felt like you’d failed? How did you bounce back?
• How do you identify people you can build a relationship with to be more successful?
• Can you identify one change you’ve made in your career that brought success?
• What qualities can I develop to give myself an advantage over my peers?
• Do you have any advice when it comes to negotiating pay or asking for a raise?
• Are there additional opportunities I should look into to help me advance my career and development?
• What key aspects should I consider including in my career goals?
WOMEN CONNECT SPONSORS
3 p.m. – Doors Open
3:30 p.m. – Welcome and Instructions
3:40 p.m. – Collisions
3:40 p.m. (8 min)
Collision 1
3:50 p.m. (8 min)
Collision 2
4 p.m. (8 min)
Collision 3
4:10 p.m. (8 min)
Collision 4
4:20 p.m. (8 min)
Collision 5
4:30 p.m. (8 min)
Collision 6
4:40 p.m. (8 min)
Collision 7
4:50 p.m. (8 min)
Collision 8 4:58 p.m. – Closing
5-6 p.m. – Optional Social
Table #1
Stephanie AHLFELDT
ASSOCIATE PROVOST FOR FACULTY DEVELOPMENT AND ACADEMIC ADVANCEMENT
CONCORDIA COLLEGE
• Difficult conversations
• Leadership development
• The power of mindset
I am passionate about supporting women in their personal and professional journeys.
Tammy ASKEW
REALTOR / BROKER ASSOCIATE
REALTY XPERTS
• How to start a business
• How to change careers mid stream
• How to align yourself with the right people
I am passionate about my family, connecting with people, being present in the moment and being authentically myself.
Lacey BERGH
MARKET PRESIDENT
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ND
• Leading through uncertainty
• Creating collaborative partnerships
• Initiating and leading difficult conversations
I am passionate about my work leaving a lasting community impact.
Richelle BISHOFF
VICE PRESIDENT
INDUSTRIAL SOLUTIONS
BORDER STATES
• Supply chain
• Leadership/coaching and development
• Work-life balance
I have a passion for defining and implementing strategies to address and improve business needs and for team development and career planning.
Jenny BAUMGARTNER
PERSONAL TRAINER AND OWNER
REVOLUTION & REV FIT CLUB
• Building meaningful relationships
• Leading and working through different seasons of life
• Building confidence
I am passionate about helping people feel strong and supported by creating a safe and welcoming space to work out, while building meaningful connections.
Paige BJORNSON
REGION PRESIDENT
DACOTAH BANK
• How to recognize opportunities
• Don’t be afraid to take chances and make mistakes
• What is so exciting about banking...LOTS!!
I am passionate about my family, the lake, the personal well-being and career success of our employees, the people focus of our business and the vitality of our communities.
Table #2
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Amber BLOMBERG
FOUNDATION & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ND
• The value of networks
• Company culture and community engagement
• Effective communication
I am passionate about community, meaningful connections and making a difference.
Nicolette BRESNAHAN
SENIOR
VICE PRESIDENT FMWF CHAMBER
• Navigating challenges, whether personal or professional
• Gaining perspective
• Having the conversations that aren’t always easy to have
I am passionate about meaningful conversations over small talk, bringing clarity in the midst of chaos, and empowering others to step into the best version of themselves.
Jodee BOCK FOUNDER
GET REAL LEADERSHIP AND EMERGENT CULTURE LABS
• Positive and optimistic mindset
• Corporate culture
• Effective communication
I love college basketball, acappella music and deep conversations over coffee or a beer.
Shannon BOCK
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CCRI, INC.
• Authenticity in leadership
• Navigating through change and uncertainty
• Creating a great workplace culture
At the heart of my work is one guiding belief: everyone deserves to be valued, included and connected in their community.
Jana BRUHSCHWEIN
FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
PEACE ACADEMY
• Child care challenges in our community
• Creating a positive work culture
• Community partnerships
I am passionate about relationships and their impact on staff retention, customer experience and community engagement.
FOUNDER
YOU FLOURISH COMPANY
• Confidence building
• Motivational speaking skills
• Relationship building
I am passionate about speaking, traveling and family.
Table #10
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Kelsey BUELL
Table #13
Kriss BURNS
HUMAN RESOURCES
BUSINESS CONSULTANT
PRO RESOURCES
• HR, payroll and employee benefits
• Networking and community involvement
• Streamlining your business operations
I am very passionate about our community, servant leadership and nonprofits. I love connecting people, businesses and resources.
Carrie CARNEY
VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION
EVENTIDE SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITIES
• Wearing many hats within a role
• Balancing single parenthood and a career
• Not losing your sense of self
I’m passionate about leadership regardless of role, meaningful connections and enjoying a fulfilled, vibrant life.
Table #14
Kimberly BUSCH
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF BRAND EXPERIENCE
BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF ND
• Public speaking/interpersonal communication
• Career navigation
• The art of feedback and crucial conversations
I am a woman of faith who pours energy into learning, celebrating people and creating meaningful experiences and connections.
Kayla CASH
PARTNER/DIRECTOR OF SALES
SANCTUARY EVENTS CENTER & RIVERHAVEN EVENTS CENTER
• Confidence and believing in yourself
• Personality type
• Multi-tasking
I’m passionate about people and building relationships and striving to provide an exceptional experience for each client that I work with!
Table #15
Mayor Shelly CARLSON
MAYOR
CITY OF MOORHEAD
• Running for office
• Chairing a board or commission
• Public speaking
My passions include my family, friends and fun!
Jill CHRISTOPHER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE
• Non-profit leadership
• Volunteering and board service
• Navigating change
I am passionate about my family, continuous growth/ lifelong learning and the power of community.
Table #16
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Mary CHRISTY
REGIONAL COORDINATOR
STATE OF NORTH DAKOTAOFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
• Grief
• Failing does not equal failure
• Creating real relationships
My passion is my three girls and being a strong and compassionate role model for them.
Shelby COCHRAN
MARKETING OPERATIONS MANAGER
DOOSAN BOBCAT
• Corporate leadership
• Communication
• Process improvement
I am passionate about the arts (theatre, music, etc.) and being connected in my community.
Amy DURBIN
EVP, CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER
GATE CITY BANK
• Marketing
• Networking
• Community engagement
I am passionate about making a difference in our communities as well as maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Jessica EBELING
EVP, CHIEF DIGITAL AND PAYMENT OFFICER
GATE CITY BANK
• Leadership skills
• Professional development
• Career tools and resources
My passion burns for the people in my community, driving me to fight fiercely, serve wholeheartedly, and create life-changing impact that echoes far beyond what anyone sees.
Brenda ELMER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
NORTH DAKOTA CORN GROWERS ASSOCIATION
• Advocacy starts with telling a compelling story
• Bringing something to the table
• How to set professional goals
I’m passionate about learning enough about someone or something to identify the common ground on which to build effective alliances to work towards mutual objectives.
Susan FAUS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FARGO PARK DISTRICT
• Leadership
• Experiencing change in career or life changes
• Importance of professional development
I’m deeply passionate about spending time outdoors, where I can recharge, stay active and feel connected to the world around me.
I strive to maintain a strong balance between work and personal life.
Table #22
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Amber FERRIE PARTNER
EIDE BAILLY LLP
• Personal experiences and especially failure
• Career trade off
• Decision making style and the impacts.
My passion is starting things, I struggle to finish what I start at times, others are good at that.
Jenessa FILLIPI
FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DOWN HOME
• Leading with values
• Discerning your call
• Building a mission
My heart is fueled by the intersection of faith and social impact, specifically through ending homelessness, mentoring future leaders and advocating for the strength of the family unit.
Shannon FULL
PRESIDENT AND CEO
FMWF CHAMBER
• Catalytic and courageous leadership
• Crucial communication
• Personal and professional balance
I am passionate about building coalitions to better my community, leading dynamic teams and creating collaborative partnerships.
Jessica FYRE
EVP CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER AGCOUNTRY
• Leadership growth
• Governance, strategy and decision making
• Work-life balance in demanding roles
I am passionate about serving agriculture and rural communities and bringing out the best in others.
Shara FISCHER
VICE PRESIDENT AND WEALTH ADVISOR BELL BANK
• Networking and making connections
• Supporting and empowering nonprofits
• Taking chances, learning from mistakes and growing forward
I’m passionate about building vibrate communities, uplifting nonprofits, sparking meaningful connections and empowering others.
Dr. Britney GANDHI
CO-FOUNDER / SUPERINTENDENT
OPTIMIZED STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS / RICHLAND #44 SCHOOL DISTRICT
• Imposter syndrome
• Tough conversations
• Decision-making
I am passionate about female leaders (current and future), my husband and kiddos, and finding a few moments to read and play racquet sports.
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Brenda GIERE
PRESIDENT AND OWNER
SCHMIDT’S GEMS AND FINE JEWELRY
• Business ownership
• Balancing personal life with business life
• Jewelry
My passion is helping humanity. I serve on several non-profit boards in our community mostly centered around healthcare and children’s advocacy.
Katherine GRINDBERG
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT FMWF CHAMBER
• Navigating your career path
• Building intentional connections
• Being a young leader
I am passionate about getting real with your values and aligning them to your career path and authentically connecting with others.
Lisa GIESE
SENIOR DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
MARVIN WINDOWS
• Work/life balance
• Leadership skills that have been key to advancing my career
• Regrets or things I would do differently
I am family-focused and in the midst of raising a family. We spend time at the lake in the summer and at hockey rinks all winter. I am also a member of the MSUM Alumni Foundation Board.
Jayne GUST
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ADMINISTRATION
FARGO PARK DISTRICT
• Leadership from any seat
• Community involvement and service
• Self-advocacy
I am passionate about being part of a team, and I firmly believe that everyone has the opportunity to have true impact through collaboration and honest dialogue.
Paula GRANER
CEO AND BRAND PARTNER
GHR AND LIFEWAVE
• Training your brain for the best life
• How to turn a bad situation into a blessing
• Focusing on thought processes and the words we choose
I am passionate about helping people have a positive mindset, healing and their best life ever!
Erin HALL
SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER CARDINAL IG
• Being a female in a male-dominated field
• Working in a STEM career
• Diversity in the workplace.
I’m passionate about helping others, spending time with my family, traveling to new places and exploring new foods.
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Table #33
Kristin HERRMANN
MARKET CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
SANFORD HEALTH – FARGO MARKET
• Work/life mesh
• Balancing a career with young children
• Goal setting
I’m passionate about have a great network of women, excel spreadsheets, cooking, gardening, staying active and spending quality time with my family at the lake.
Jakelle HOFFMANN
MANAGER OF GRANTS
RDO - OFFUTT FAMILY FOUNDATION
• Building genuine relationships
• Putting the FUN in fundraising
• Ending well and gracefully stepping away from commitments
I am passionate about connecting people with possibilities.
Tiff HONEYMAN
FOUNDER/CEO/CONSULTANT
OPGO MARKETING
• How much to spend on marketing
• How to build out an annual marketing plan
• How to hold your marketing team accountable.
I deeply respect the hard work behind every business owner’s “why” and helping them gain confidence in their marketing.
Kristi HUBER FOUNDER, LEADERSHIP STRATEGIST
PERSPECTIVE SHIFT CONSULTING
• Navigating leadership transitions
• Overcoming burnout and misalignment
• Building executive presence
I’m deeply passionate about helping leaders rediscover alignment and purpose in their work, while personally embracing faith, growth and meaningful connection.
Nicole
HUSHKA
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER NDEAVOR
• Leadership
• Personal growth
• Work-life balance
I’m passionate about fostering curiosity, solving hard problems and helping people connect their gifts, values and passions to organizational growth.
Tracy JORDRE
PRINCIPAL ARCHITECTWORKPLACE DESIGN EXPERT
JLG ARCHITECTS
• Workplace well-being
• Mental health advocacy
• Finding purpose and beauty when you’re in the struggle
I am deeply passionate about mental health advocacy and about aligning strategy, design and well-being to create workplaces where people and organizations flourish together.
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Saree JANZ
OWNER
INNER SPARK COACHING & HYPNOSIS
• Improving mindset
• Removing mental and emotional blockages
• Connecting more deeply to their spiritual self, stress relief, meditation/mindfulness
I am passionate about spiritual development, positive mindset development and mindfulness/meditation.
Stacy KENNEDY
OWNER/PHOTOGRAPHY
STACY KENNEDY PHOTOGRAPHY
• Leveraging corporate experience
• Strategic planning and foundational systems for long-term business growth
• Developing a professional brand
I’m passionate about creating impactful portraits that empower individuals and mentoring photographers to build sustainable, strategic businesses.
Jennifer JENSEN
SHAREHOLDER ATTORNEY ABST LAW
• Juggling work-life balance
• Practice of law
• Being a professional in the community
Professionally, my passion is advocacy, developing greater proficiency and connecting with others. Personally, I am passionate about spending time with family and friends, as well as traveling when able.
Janna KOBLE
GENERAL MANAGER THE 44 VENUE
• Building meaningful relationships
• Balancing a career and family life
• Managing events big and small
I’m passionate about my family, relationships, meaningful connections and creating unforgettable events that bring people together.
Jenny JOHNSON
STORY MAKER
SUCCESS MANAGER
TELLWELL STORY CO. + STUDIO
• Building authentic relationships and community
• Impactful marketing
• Getting involved in causes
My passion is linking people and ideas to create a more vibrant, connected region for everyone.
Denise KOLPACK
DEPUTY MAYOR
CITY OF FARGO
• The importance of mentorship
• Consistently showing up for the career you want
• The importance of homework
I am passionate about solving problems, serving others and celebrating the success of others.
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Kim LAWLER
MANAGER OF GIVING AND SOCIAL IMPACT
MARVIN
• Building a career with purpose
• Implementing philanthropy to positively impact community
• Navigating career transitions
I care deeply about building meaningful community partnerships, thoughtful leadership, and helping people align their values with the impact they want to make.
Lindsey LITTLE
NEW HOME SPECIALIST / REALTOR
HERITAGE HOMES / BERKSHIRE
HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES
PREMIER PROPERTIES
• Navigating different seasons of life
• Building authentic relationships
• Prioritizing what matters most
My passion is helping people grow – in their careers, their homes and their lives. On a personal level, it’s about living out my faith and showing up fully for the people I love most, my husband and our 5 kids, 4 here and 1 in heaven.
Table #50
Nichole LIND
NURSE PRACTITIONER
FIREFLY MEDICAL GROUP
• Professional development
• Hormone replacement
• Next steps in career
I am passionate about hormone replacement therapy, my family and living to the fullest each day.
Sandi LUCK
ENTREPRENEUR AND FOUNDER
BULLY BREW COFFEE ND COFFEE ROASTERY
• Starting a business
• Company growth
• How to make connections and networking
I am passionate about scaling purpose-driven businesses, building strong teams and leaders, creating meaningful community connections.
Table #51
Kim LINSTER
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
BALANCE TAX & ACCOUNTING
• Starting, growing and operating a business
• Taking risks and learning from failure
• Fundraising
I’m obsessed with helping business owners grow by streamlining operations, sharpening their marketing, expanding their connections and bringing clarity to their financials.
Melissa MARSHALL OWNER
DALE CARNEGIE OF ND & NW MN
• The Enneagram and personality profiles
• Finding your voice at work
• Leading people without losing yourself
I’m obsessed with understanding why people behave the way they do and how that can completely change their leadership and relationships.
Table #52
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Rachel MARTIN
SENIOR MANAGER OF LEGAL OPERATIONS & GOVERNANCE
ULTEIG ENGINEERS, INC.
• Practical legal operations and governance
• Board and committee work
• Career development
I’m passionate about mentoring and supporting women in the workplace, helping them build confidence, grow influence and advance into leadership.
Dr. Sue MATHISON
OWNER
CATALYST MEDICAL CENTER
• Entrepreneurship
• Balancing work and life
• Expanding your scope
I am passionate about holistic medicine, educating audiences on health and wellbeing, and empowering women physicians to expand their practices through speaking, writing entrepreneurship and innovation.
Amanda MASLOWSKI
SENIOR RECRUITING MANAGER
U.S. BANK
• Development goals
• Growth mindset
• Coaching and mentoring
I love supporting others in discovering their strengths and growing confidently in their personal and professional journeys.
Dr. Angela MATHERS
EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
COORDINATOR
MICROSOFT
• Saying yes to unexpected opportunities
• Balancing career ambition with long-term sustainability
• Building authentic relationships across differences
I’m passionate about building community, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
Dr. Melissa MCCULLEY
OWNER AND OPTOMETRIST
MCCULLEY OPTIX GALLERY
• Work-life balance
• Owning a business
• Decision making
I’m passionate about people - from introductions to great friendships - I always want to help those I know.
Laetitia MIZERO HELLERUD
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JEREMIAH PROGRAM
FARGO-MOORHEAD
• Resilience
• Failure as a strength
• The power of the village
I am passionate about holistic wellness, personal growth and lending a voice to the marginalized.
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Karli MOCH
SPEAKER, AUTHOR, LIFE & LEADERSHIP COACH AND BUSINESS OWNER THE DREAM PROJECT
• Leadership
• Resilience and transformation
• Purpose and career
I’m passionate about building an intentional life, keeping connected and authentic relationships at the center, and continuing to grow personally and professionally each day.
Vikki NIELSEN
VICE PRESIDENT, CULTURE & EVENT MANAGER BELL BANK
• Coaching and mentoring
• Banking careers
• Event management
I am passionate about celebrating and mentoring people, by listening with intention, being present and choosing gratefulness every day.
Table #62
Laura MORRIS
OWNER, PHARMACIST
DAKOTA CLINIC PHARMACY
• Amplifying your zone of genius
• Work/life/mom/wife balance
• Empowering future leaders
I am passionate about people: knowing others well, knowing myself well, and cultivating environments where purpose and connection come alive = magic!
Sarah NUPDAL
GENERAL COUNSEL SCHEELS
• All things legal
• Imposter syndrome
• Leadership
I am passionate about creating impact, building positive momentum and empowering others to identify and achieve their goals.
Table #63
Robin NELSON
CEO, ELECTED SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER
BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF THE RED RIVER VALLEY, FARGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
• Professional development
• Networking
• Making an impact
I am passionate about advocacy, helping youth succeed and serving the community.
Beth
OLSON
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
PRINCIPAL
JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY, FARGO PUBLIC SCHOOLS
• Work-life balance
• Leadership
• Conducting professional development
I enjoy spending time at the lake and cooking Sunday dinners for my family.
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Jenny OLSON
VICE PRESIDENT OF ADVANCEMENT AND CHIEF
EXECUTIVE STRATEGY OFFICER
CONCORDIA COLLEGE
• Taking risks in career changes
• The quest for being an awesome mom while being an awesome leader at work
• The power of authenticity
My passions are building community, living loudly and colorfully.
Melissa PACHAK
FOUNDER
FM WELLNESS COLLECTIVE
• Community-centered entrepreneurship
• Wellness
• Nervous system health
My passions are community building, wellness and meaningful connection.
Table #68
Dr. Laura
OSTER-AALAND
VICE PROVOST FOR STUDENT
AFFAIRS AND INSTITUTIONAL EQUITY
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
• Leadership/management
• Managing up/down and from the middle
• Dealing with difficult individuals and team situations
I am passionate about the well-being of students and employees in all facets of their lives.
Chloe REICHEL
STRATEGIC MARKETING AND PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS MANAGER
VANCE THOMPSON VISION
• Career development
• Self growth
• How to be the best version of yourself
I believe everything happens for a reason and I strive to help others reach their fullest potential. I enjoy spending time at the lake and have a passion for fashion and interior design.
Heather OSTROWSKI
ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
GATE CITY BANK
• Leaning into different stages of life
• How to network and connect with people and resources
• Navigating identity-shifts to build better habits
I am passionate about connection. Helping people connect with others, feel included and be the best version of themselves.
Natalie REITER
LICENSED PROFESSIONAL CLINICAL COUNSELOR
PRAIRIELAND COUNSELING SERVICES LLC
• Stress and burnout
• Healthy boundaries
• How your cycle impacts your mental health
I am passionate about coffee, reading and helping women achieve and recognize things that enrich their lives.
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Rebecca RYDELL
PRESIDENT
THOMSEN HOMES
• Personal growth and development
• Faith
• Business operations
My passions involve anything outside, my faith, concerts or jam sessions at home. Family and friend time is important to me and we seek it out routinely!
Hannah SAVOY
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
COLLECTIVE - GREAT STATES
CONSTRUCTION - GREAT STATES DEVELOPMENT
• Burnout
• Work boundaries
• Finding passion
I enjoy teaching people how to travel for free, entering puzzle competitions, constantly listening to audio books and camping.
Naomi SCHEMPP
VP / DIRECTOR OF HUMAN RESOURCES AND FINANCE
HEARTLAND TRUST COMPANY
• Courage
• Servant leadership
• Flexibility
Servant leadership and giving back to the community. Love spending time with friends and family either at sporting events or the lake!
Ann
SCHNEIDER
CONSTRUCTION BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER ENCLAVE
• Identifying and capitalizing on your individual superpowers
• Crucial conversations and radical candor
• Thriving in male-dominated industries
I am passionate about being a content human who measures success on my own terms, leveraging relationships, nature, self study (yoga) and creativity.
Vicki SCHNEIDER
VICE PRESIDENT MORTENSON ENGINEERING SERVICES
• Career progression
• How to give feedback when it feels uncomfortable
• The value of continued learning
Running with friends and much of my free time is spent making memories with my family and planning our next adventure.
Kim SETTEL
EVP, CHIEF RETAIL BANKING OFFICER
GATE CITY BANK
• Leading with passion
• Navigating difficult conversations
• Empowering and developing future leaders
I am passionate about giving people the opportunity to experiment and learn from the things that didn’t go as planned and how to grow and enhance the things that went well.
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Amanda SHILLING
FOUNDER + BODACIOUS BRANDER
MINT BRAND MARKETING
• Branding/marketing
• Culture building
• Business ownership
I love all things art, music and dancing, which often includes my daughter!
I am also an avid podcast listener.
Joanna SLOMINSKI
GENERAL MANAGER
MORTENSON ENGINEERING SERVICES
• Empath in leadership
• Navigating a male-dominated industry
• Leading in business
I am passionate about connecting with other women in business and mentoring women in male-dominated industries
Donna SMITH
PRESIDENT OF REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT ENCLAVE
• Real estate investing and/or management
• Driving team accountability through data
• Creating a culture of high performers
I am passionate about connecting with others.
Sarah SMITH WARREN
OWNER
SOUL SPACE WORK
• Investing in Yourself
• Career Alignment
• Leadership
I am passionate about women in business.
Shelley SZUDERA
SENIOR BRAND AND MARKETING MANAGER
CHOICE BANK
• Sales and marketing strategy
• Graphic design and the arts
• Community impact and board service
I am passionate about mentoring women in male-dominated industries.
Christy TEHVEN
FOUNDER
LOVE ALWAYS FLORAL
• Founding a business / entrepreneurship
• Team culture
• Business partnerships
Proving you can lead a successful business through love without being weak.
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Becky TORKELSON
ASSISTANT IT LEADER SCHEELS
• Relationship building
• Finding work-life blend that works for you
• The role of AI in IT
I am passionate about making room for everything that matters. Work-life blend is important to me and I truly believe it’s within reach for all of us.
Table #88
Dr. Shari VEIL
PROVOST
NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
• Finding your passion as a leader
• Communicating care in crisis
• Leading with compassion
My purpose is to ignite passions to scale mountains.
Table #86
Brittaney VANDERHAGEN
COMMERCIAL REALTOR
JBC COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE
• Investing in real estate
• Betting on yourself
• Starting a new career in your 40s
I am passionate about delivering expert guidance and knowledge to help my clients buy, manage and lease commercial real estate.
Table #89
Sara WALD
VICE PRESIDENT OF TRUSTEE, ALUMNI, AND DONOR RELATIONS
NDSU FOUNDATION
• Growing a career through leadership development
• Building meaningful relationships
• Balancing professional commitments with family, friends and hobbies
I am passionate about changing lives through relationships and philanthropy.
Table #87
Dr. Jane VANGSNESS FRISCH
VICE PRESIDENT OF WORKFORCE FMWF CHAMBER
• Navigating career transitions and stepping into leadership roles
• Building credibility and influence in male-dominated or executive spaces
• Aligning purpose, ambition and personal values in your career journey
I am passionate about expanding access to education and career opportunities, and mentorship and leadership development for women and emerging professionals.
Table #90
Becky WALEN
SVP, HEAD OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT
ALERUS FINANCIAL
• Personal and professional development
• Certified Financial Planner (CFP) career path
• Board service
I am passionate about personal and professional development, active outdoor living, reading and gardening.
Table #93
Sarah WEST
OWNER AND CFO LIGHT CONSULTING
• Starting and growing a business
• Financial leadership, strategy and building strong foundations
• Organizational culture, leadership development
I’m passionate about helping leaders build thriving businesses, developing people to reach their potential and creating environments where business and life feel Light.
Tammy WOOD
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ® MIDWEST WEALTH
• Starting a business
• Balancing work/home
• Positive outlook
I am passionate about living a life of intention and always making the next day better than the last. Faith, family and community are central in my life and I love working out with a great group of women!
Julie WHITNEY
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMERCIAL BANKING
GATE CITY BANK
• Professional development
• Leadership
• Self-advocacy
I am passionate about giving back to the community - actively involved with several local organizations.
Annie WOOD
CHIEF OF STAFF
TELLWELL STORY CO
• Exploring your values
• Setting goals and taking action
• How to navigate career pivots and jobs that have never existed before I love to chat with people about whimsical events and bringing delightfully weird ideas to life.
Billi Jo ZIELINSKI
PRESIDENT AND CEO
MAKE-A-WISH NORTH DAKOTA
• Relationship building through trust and communication
• Big picture through small habits and positivity
• Navigating the nonlinear journey
I am passionate about using my compassion to make a meaningful impact in this world.
Amy ZUNDEL
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/ WEST FARGO CITY COMMISSIONER
WEST FARGO PARK DISTRICT/ CITY OF WEST FARGO
• Public service and nonprofit governance
• Career pivots
• Making clear decisions
I am passionate about public safety, building safer communities for children, and helping organizations move from good intentions to clear, effective action.
1. STEPHANIE AHLFELDT
2. TAMMY ASKEW
3. JENNY BAUMGARTNER
4. LACEY BERGH
5. RICHELLE BISHOFF
6. PAIGE BJORNSON
7. AMBER BLOMBERG
8. JODEE BOCK
9. SHANNON BOCK
10. NICOLETTE BRESNAHAN
11. JANA BRUHSCHWEIN
12. KELSEY BUELL
13. KRISS BURNS
14. KIMBERLY BUSCH
15. SHELLY CARLSON
16. CARRIE CARNEY
17. KAYLA CASH
18. JILL CHRISTOPHER
19. MARY CHRISTY
20. SHELBY COCHRAN
21. AMY DURBIN
22. JESSICA EBELING
23. BRENDA ELMER
24. SUSAN FAUS
25. AMBER FERRIE
26. JENESSA FILIIPI
27. SHARA FISCHER
28. SHANNON FULL
29. JESSICA FYRE
30. DR. BRITNEY GANDHI
31. BRENDA GIERE
32. LISA GIESE
33. PAULA GRANER
34. KATHERINE GRINDBERG
35. JAYNE GUST
36. ERIN HALL
37. KRISTIN HERRMANN
38. JAKELLE HOFFMANN
39. TIFF HONEYMAN
40. KRISTI HUBER
41. NICOLE HUSHKA
42. SAREE JANZ
43. JENNIFER JENSEN
44. JENNY JOHNSON
45. TRACY JORDRE
46. STACY KENNEDY
47. JANNA KOBLE
48. DENISE KOLPACK
49. KIM LAWLER
50. NICHOLE LIND
51. KIM LINSTER
52. LINDSEY LITTLE
53. SANDI LUCK
54. MELISSA MARSHALL
55. RACHEL MARTIN
56. AMANDA MASLOWSKI
57. DR. ANGELA MATHERS
58. DR. SUE MATHISON
59. DR. MELISSA MCCULLEY
60. LAETITIA MIZERO HELLERUD
61. KARLI MOCH
62. LAURA MORRIS
63. ROBIN NELSON
64. VIKKI NIELSEN
65. SARAH NUPDAL
66. BETH OLSON
67. JENNY OLSON
68. DR. LAURA OSTER-AALAND
69. HEATHER OSTROWSKI
70. MELISSA PACHAK
71. CHLOE REICHEL
72. NATALIE REITER
73. REBECCA RYDELL
74. HANNAH SAVOY
75. NAOMI SCHEMPP
76. ANN SCHNEIDER
77. VICKI SCHNEIDER
78. KIM SETTEL
79. AMANDA SHILLING
80. JOANNA SLOMINSKI
81. DONNA SMITH
82. SARAH SMITH WARREN
83. SHELLEY SZUDERA
84. CHRISTY TEHVEN
85. BECKY TORKELSON
86. BRITTANEY VANDERHAGEN
87. DR. JANE VANGSNESS FRISCH
88. DR. SHARI VEIL
89. SARA WALD
90. BECKY WALEN
91. SARAH WEST
92. JULIE WHITNEY
93. ANNIE WOOD
94. TAMMY WOOD
95. BILLI JO ZIELINSKI
96. AMY ZUNDEL