Women Connect - Intentional Collisions Passport

Questions to consider…

• 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?

• 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?

WOMEN CONNECT SPONSORS

• 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 consider including in my career goals?

SPONSOR

Dr. Jill Abbott

Deputy to the President, College Administrator, Concordia College

• Empowering Leadership Through Empathy

• Calm Under Pressure

• Faith and Work

I love leading with humility and joy, helping women as we navigate through the ups and downs of life, and building effective and people-centered practices and processes.

Stacey Ackerman

Family Office Advisor, Wells Fargo Bank

• Non-Profit Board Service

• Career Progression

• Continued Learning and Development

I am interested in empowering women to take charge of their financial future and serving on boards of directors.

Alissa Adams

COO, West Acres Development

• Balancing Personal and Professional Passions

• Creating a Vibrant and Collaborative Team Culture

• The Business ROI behind incorporating Arts and Culture

I strive to bring creativity into every aspect of life and have a positive impact. I am a lifelong learner and am always traveling to new places, trying new things and keeping an open mind.

Dr. Stephanie Ahlfeldt

Associate Provost, Concordia College

• Career Advancement

• Difficult Conversations

• Mindset

My professional passion is empowering and supporting professionals, especially women, to claim their space and thrive.

Tina Amerman

Director of Talent Experience, Bobcat Company

• Career Advancement

• Confidence

• Self-Awareness

• Work/Life Integration

I am passionate about helping our talent find their passions and developing them to ensure a positive employee experience.

Margie Bailly

Retired Executive Director, Fargo Theatre Management Corporation

• Avoiding ‘Joy Suckers’

• Fund Development

• Leadership

My professional passions include promoting historic preservation, supporting families and early childhood education and families, and uplifting projects that value the power of the arts - such as film and music.

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Artist

• Building a Business

• Art and Fashion

• Balancing Work as a Mother

I strive to grow personally and professionally each day while being kind and bringing joy to others.

Executive Director, FM Science Museum

• Unconventional Career Paths

• Leading From the Middle

• Equity and Inclusion Strategies

I am passionate about museums, STEM education and literacy, and equity and inclusion.

Chief Human Resources Officer, Choice Bank

• Coaching

• Being Real & Honest

• Working Hard

I’m happy to talk about anything personal or professional.

Owner, Luna

• Starting a Business

• Being a Woman in a Position of Power

• Caring about more than the bottom line

I care deeply about the impact my businesses make on the people who work for me, the community in which I live, and the world as a whole.

Grower & Education Program Manager, Grand Farm

• Time Management

• Conflict Resolution

• Imposter Syndrome

I am passionate about relationship building.

Artificial Intelligence can never overtake emotional intelligence.

Communications Manager, Audubon Great Plains

• Changing Careers

• Leadership and Lifting Yourself Up

• Family

I am passionate about supporting our local community... and house plants!

Kate Baldock

Josey Balenger

Samantha Berg

Nikki Berglund

Ruchi Joshi Bhardwaj

Amanda Booher

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Dr. Carrie Brimhall

President, Minnesota State Community and Technical College

• Purpose-Driven Leadership

• Living and Leading Authentically

• Staying healthy when you are tired and stressed

I am passionate about equity, student and life success, mentoring and being real about leadership.

Jodi Buchholz

Senior Sales Executive, Stoneridge Software

• Building Rapport

• Business Processes

• Execution

• Climbing the Ladder

My passion is connecting the dots with human interaction and having trust, compassion and fun while doing it!

Ruth Buffalo

Advocate/Special Projects, First Nations Womens Alliance

• Personal Wellness

• Community Wellness

• Perseverance

I love helping people develop their professional workforce skills.

Kriss Burns

HR Business Consultant, PRO Resources

• Networking

• Community Involvement

• HR and Small Business Operations

I love connecting people, creating efficiencies and solving HR issues.

Founder, You Flourish Company

• Preventing Stress & Burnout

• Authentic Leadership

• Recruiting & HR

I am passionate about public speaking, being creative and building relationships.

Director of Customer Experience and Delivery, Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND

• Public Speaking and Effective Storytelling

• Career Paths & Development

• People Management

I am passionate about delivering meaningful experiences, building relationships, and thriving in a creative and strategic culture.

Kelsey Buell

Kimberly Busch

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Shelly

Mayor, The City of Moorhead

• Conflict Resolution

• Time Management

• Work/Life Balance

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” - Margaret Mead

Michelle Cody

Studio Director, Fly Fitness

• Finding Your Confidence

• Turn Your Passion Into Your Career

• Building Community

I am passionate about helping people become physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy.

Jill

VP of Marketing and Communications, Eventide Senior Living Communities

• Wearing Many Hats in Your Role

• Strategy vs. Execution

• Career Elevation as a Single Parent

• Establishing Boundaries

I am passionate about leadership, setting goals and a strategy, finding joy in work, and making a difference in my organization and community.

Dr. Kate Cook

NDSU First Lady, North Dakota State University

• Working with Individuals with Disabilities

• Equine Therapy

• Volunteering

I am passionate about spending time with family and friends, and building pathways to independence for individuals with disabilities.

CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley

• Non-Profit Board Service

• One-on-One Conversations

• Managing Team Transitions

I am passionate about continuous growth, lifelong learning and the power of community.

Dayna Del Val

President & CEO, The Arts Partnership

• Personal & Professional Overlap

• Discovering who you are

• How to share difficult information

• The arts and community

I get excited about advocating for people to connect more deeply to themselves, to the arts, and to life without alcohol.

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Carrie Carney

Christopher

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Dee Doboyou

Owner, Mama Dee’s Daycare

• Starting a Business

• Work/Life Balance

• Education

I am passionate about making a difference in the community and providing essential services.

Weiwei “Vivian” Fellman

Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, Kota Botanics

• Moving to and Living in Fargo

• Starting a Business

• Small Business Challenges

I am passionate about building a brand and promoting womenowned businesses.

Shannon Full

President & CEO, The 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 partnerships to activate collaboration.

Abby Furchner

Vice President of Engagement, The Chamber

• Changing Careers

• Overcoming ‘I’m too young’ Mindset

• Work/Life Balance

I love empowering my team to accomplish their goals, to ask questions, and be the decision-makers.

Dani Gilseth

Owner, Grateful Cratefulls

• Growing Relationships

• Overcoming Self Doubt

• Work/Life Balance

I am passionate about celebrating my team and their wins, building self confidence in others and striving to be 1% better daily. I try every day to be a positive light.

Camille Grade

Chief Market Officer, Bushel

• Growing and Scaling Teams

• Serving on Executive Teams, as a Non Type-A personality

• Utilizing Your Network

I am passionate about boldly leaning into uncomfortable situations that build character and resilience. Purposely viewing obstacles as opportunities.

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Executive Vice President, The Chamber

• Organizational Management

• Civic Engagement

• Being a Young Leader

I am passionate about public policy, business and community development, service leadership and civic engagement. You’ll also find me camping, fishing, hunting, exploring national parks and drinking coffee.

Former Director of Community Relations

• Community Engagement Strategic Partnerships

• Work/Life Integration

• Board Service

I love engaging in storytelling to share why a program or organization has impact, and the follow-up conversations that spark authentic partnerships and collaboration.

Managing Director, Talent Acquisition, Allegro Group

• Career Advancement

• Talent Acquisition Strategy

• Leadership Brand

I am passionate about building meaningful relationships through human connection and understanding people’s stories.

Missy Heilman

Website Designer & Copywriter, Move Me Media & Message

• Incorporating Your Faith

• Humility

• Moving People to Take Action

I am passionate about using my God-given gifts to help people level-up while doing good for others.

President/Owner

Monica Hart Interior Design

• Establishing a Business

Personality on Social Media

• Networking

• Work/Life Balance

I am passionate about and love being a caretaker for others through encouragement and empathy, as well as by creating cozy and welcoming environments for others to enjoy.

Executive Director, BIO Girls

• Taking Risks

• Being a Professional and a Mother

• Pursuing Personal Interests

I am passionate about non-profit management, mentoring and coaching emerging professionals.

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Katherine Grindberg

Jayne Gust

Ashton Hansen

Dianna Hansen

Monica Hart

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Kristi Huber

SVP & Chief Marketing Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND

• Change Management

• Building an Impactful Personal Network

• Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

My professional purpose is to help organizations maximize their resources to experience growth and influence that will positively change the people and communities they serve.

Saree Janz

Owner Hypnosis, Inner Spark

• Leaving Comfort and Following Passion

• Spiritual Growth

• Understanding and Trusting Your Intuition

I get such a thrill out of supporting people in tapping into their passions and helping them remove long-held limiting beliefs that have kept them stuck.

President & CEO, United Way of Cass Clay

• Non-Profit Leadership

• Work/Life Balance

• Finding Your Passion

I love to see people succeed, build relationships and generate growth.

Kirsten Jensen

AVP of Marketing, Minnesota State University Moorhead

• Creating Common Ground

• Habits and Routines

• Advocating for Your Brand

I am passionate about storytelling, process and project management, creating clarity, embracing risk and growing as a leader.

Executive Director, Ladyboss Lifestyle

• Overcoming Fear

• Confidence

• Embracing Failure

I am obsessed with empowering and emboldening women to live their fullest life.

Director of Workplace Design, JLG Architects

• Mental Health Advocacy

• Leading with Integrity and Passion

• Work/Life Balance

I am passionate about finding ways to integrate beauty and design into all aspects of my life, and to share that joy.

Karla Isley

Melanie Iverson

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Tracy Jordre

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Darcy Kasprowicz

Founder & Executive Director, North Dakota Autism Center, Inc.

• Perseverance

• Change

• Problem Solving

I love using my passion for family and dedication to help others.

Katherine Kiernan

Owner, Aspire Realty

• Entrepreneurship

• Investments and Real Estate

• Work/Life Integration

I am incredibly passionate about creating business/ life integration, finding intentional joy and purpose, and being active and present with my family.

Kelly Krenzel

Founder & Executive Director, Hope Blooms

• Living with Authenticity

• Positivity and Vulnerability

• Creating a Support Network

I’m passionate about building community and storytelling.

Amy Lee

Owner, Breathe and Relax Events

• Social Media & Marketing

• Saying No

• Work/Life Balance

I am passionate about traveling, and giving couples their perfect wedding day filled with memories to last a lifetime.

Teresa Lewis

Executive Coach, Eide Bailly

• Managing Your Emotions

• Embracing the Mindsets That Matter

• An Attitude of Gratitude

I love to be a part of someone’s journey as they shift perspectives, manage their emotions and mindsets, and focus on what is within their control.

Amanda Maslowski

VP Senior Recruiting Manager, U.S. Bank

• Difficult Conversations

• Imposter Syndrome

• Work/Life Balance as a Wife and Mother

• High-Performing Teams

I am passionate about leading with integrity, empathy and transparency; staying curious; and supporting the development of others.

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Dr. Melissa McCulley

Owner, Optometrist, McCulley Optix Gallery

• Creative Problem Solving

• Scaling Small Business

• Work and Family Harmony

My professional passions are developing a team of future women leaders and creating connections with my patients.

Karli Moch

Director of Mission Development, Author, Speaker, BIO Girls

• Following your Passion & Purpose

• Writing Books

• Volunteering

• Adoption

I am passionate about building authentic relationships, leading with vulnerability and inspiring others.

CEO and Founder Prairie Products

• Restarting Your Goals & Direction

• Moving Away From What’s Not Serving You

• Diversity & Inclusion

• Mentorship

I am passionate about business development and directing people toward successful goal completion through strategic planning, management and targeted mentorship.

Laetitia Mizero Hellerud

Executive Director, Jeremiah Program, Intercultural Consultant, UBUNTU Consulting

• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB)

• Holistic Personal Development

• Self-Introspection

I am passionate about community engagement and mentoring our youth and women - especially transplants who are lost or caught between multiple cultures. between multiple cultures.

Retired Director of Patient Experience, Sanford Health

• Emotional Intelligence vs. IQ

• How To Be a Good Team Player

• How to Succeed in Your Work

I believe honesty, respect, hard work, grit and faith make for a blessed life - personally and professionally.

Senior Regional Philanthropy Officer, American Red Cross

• Financial Development & Fundraising

• Organizational Vision & Impact

• Process Optimization

I am most passionate about enhancing organizational impact, creating relational connections, and investing in community.

Veronica Michael

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Rebecca Moch

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Morgan Montgomery

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Laura Morris

Pharmacist, Owner, Dakota Clinic Pharmacy

• Building Up Women Around You

• Work/Life/Mom/Wife Balance

• Local Female Role Models and Mentors

I am passionate about cultivating a work environment that is positive, inspiring, and purpose-filled for our team and those we serve.

Jenna Mueller

Executive Director, The Chamber Foundation

• Career Change

• Grant Writing

• Imposter Syndrome

I am passionate about big ideas, strategy, collaboration, investing in people, and backward design.

Robin A Nelson

Fargo Public Schools Board Member, and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley

• Making Time for Your Family

• Taking Care of Your Community

• Having an Open Mind

I am motivated to help others grow in their lives - whether in school, community, or business.

Tami Norgard

Attorney/Shareholder

Vogel Law Firm

• Prioritizing Amidst Chaos

• Building the Myth of Competence

• The Importance of Mentorship

I love being a part of client teams that are tackling big issues that have local and national significance. I love being on the go and filling my time with friends and family activities.

Adrienne Olson

Vice President of Communications, Kilbourne Group

• Media Relations

• Working Mothers

• Emotional Intelligence

My passion is to reintroduce and help people fall in love with workable lifestyles.

Jenny Olson

Fargo Site Leader, Microsoft

• Power of Communication and Storytelling

• Creating Experiences

• Enabling the Full Potential

I am passionate about creating joy for me and everyone in my orbit, being creative and maximizing every moment - especially related to my three daughters, lake time, reading, my friends and living healthy.

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Organizational Development Specialist, Gate City Bank

• Setting Boundaries

• Maximizing Your Connections

• Identity Change

I love to help people seek new and healthy change in their lives, and to become the best versions of themselves.

Trisha Page

Executive Director, Embrace Therapy Services

• Program/Business Building

• Resource Navigation

• Advocacy

I love weaving detailoriented individuals into an interwoven community tapestry.

Julie Peterson Klein

Chief of Staff & EVP, Bell Bank

• Dream Big

• Live with a Pay-It-Forward Heart

• Add Value Every Day

I am passionate about encouraging mentorship, empowering employees to lead in community service, and inspiring our Bell team members to live our company’s values of promoting a family atmosphere.

Sandi Piatz

Chief Market Officer, Advantage Payment Services

• Creative Work/Life Balance

• Finding Purpose and Joy

• Navigating Career Pathways

I am passionate about serving my community, working on collaborative teams, empowering others to succeed, and spending time with my family.

Director of Community Engagement, Dakota Medical Foundation

• Transitioning Industries or Roles

• Serving on Boards or Getting Involved

• Work/Life Blend

I am passionate about building stronger communities and connecting people to resources to make an impact and activate their servant hearts.

Founder & CEO, Checkable

• Starting a Business

• Pitching and Selling Your Vision

• Partnerships

Family is my driving force. I want to ensure that moms can be the chief medical officers of their homes.

Heather Ostrowski

Danielle Paulus

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CEO, YWCA Cass Clay

• Leadership

• Assertiveness

• Staff Development

• Team Communication

I want to make a positive difference for those most vulnerable.

Executive Director, Farm in the Dell of the Red River Valley

• Marketing & Communications

• Building Processes

• Uniquely Melding Your Passions

Professionally, my passions are in marketing, writing, graphic design, fundraising and more. Personally, I enjoy spending time with my family, cross-country skiing, camping, gardening, crafting, and playing games.

Marketing Manager, PRx Performance

• Recovering From Burnout

• Career Change

• Finding Your Passion

I am passionate about learning something new every day, failing fast, and the crazy world of e-commerce marketing.

Chief Financial Officer, Stoneridge Software

• Community Involvement

• Being Yourself in Your Role

• Planning and Organizing Family Events/Travel

Giving Honest Feedback even when it’s hard, and be a ‘learn it all’ not a ‘know it all.’

VP of Membership and Programming, YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties

• Conflict Resolution

• Work/Life Balance

• Time Management

I love spending time with family and friends, usually outdoors. I’m also passionate about serving our community.

CEO & Bodacious Brander, MINT Brand Marketing

• Starting Your Business

• Brand Strategy

• Community Engagement

I LOVE helping build brands from the ground up and guiding them through growth.

Britt Selbo

Amanda Shilling

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Erin Prochnow

Anna Sather

Hannah Savoy

Michelle Schumacher

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Beth Slette

Superintendent, West Fargo Public School District

• Finding Joy When The Job is Hard and Stress is High

• Letting Things Go

• Start Achieving Your Goals

I am passionate about my faith, spending time with my family, learning about others, removing barriers for learners and educators, and planning for my family’s future.

Joanna Slominski

Market Director, Mortenson

• Working in a MaleDominated Industry

• Navigating Conflict

• Growth Mindset

As a leader, it is my goal to serve and to support so that our customers and the people I work with can reach their full potential.

Donna Smith

President, Enclave

• Real Estate

• Integrating Technology Into Processes & Operations

• Career Goals

I love to analyze data, gain insights, and improve processes that lead to higher team member satisfaction. I also enjoy connecting with members of the community.

Mary Suomala Folkerds

Lead Pastor, Good Shepherd

• Having Hard Conversations

• Times of Chaos and Division

• Mentoring New Leaders

• Finding Joy

I am passionate about leadership development, sharing vision, and developing your team.

Chelsey Steinlicht

Director, Bright Futures Learning Center

• Entrepreneurship

• Personal Development

• Work/Life Balance

I love encouraging community participation, early childhood education, and advocating for underprivileged youth.

Rachel Stone

Executive Director, Rachel Stone Enterprises

• Taking Risks

• Purpose

• Leadership

My favorite saying is, “Born for someone else,” because I think life is about fulfilling your purpose and giving hope and inspiration to others.

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Founder, Love Always Floral

• Leading Through Love

• A Mother’s Work/Life Balance

• Multiple Business Locations

I am passionate about leading through love while inspiring a team to go above and beyond for your clients.

Director, North Dakota Department of Water Resources

• Leadership

• Conflict Resolution

• Policy Development

• Relationship Building

My professional passions consist of listening to concerns and working to build relationships to strive to sustainably manage complex natural resource issues by being actively at the table.

Sarah

Private Chef, Self Employed

• Starting a Business

• Being a Busy Mom

• Re-inventing Yourself as Life Changes

Create and maintain positive relationships; with family, friends, co-workers, your community and any person you encounter.

Owner, Light Consulting and Dale Carnegie of ND & NW MN

• Business Strategy

• Personality Profiles

• Business Finances

I love helping others. It’s easy to do when your personal and professional passions align!

SVP & Market Development Manager, Bell Bank

• Financial Planning

• Community Involvement

• Balancing Family & Career

I want to foster a “better together” environment in the workplace through engagement and support.

West

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Christy Tehven

Andrea Travnicek

Becky Walen

Sara Watson

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Scan to see full bios of each mentor

1. DR. JILL ABBOTT 2. STACEY ACKERMAN 3. ALISSA ADAMS

STEPHANIE AHLFELDT 5. TINA AMERMAN

MARGIE BAILLY

KATE BALDOCK

JOSEY BALENGER

18. KIMBERLY BUSCH

19. MAYOR SHELLY CARLSON

20. CARRIE CARNEY 21. JILL CHRISTOPHER 22. MICHELLE CODY

KARLI MOCH

53. REBECCA MOCH

54. MORGAN MONTGOMERY

55. LAURA MORRIS

56. JENNA MUELLER

57. ROBIN A NELSON

58. TAMI NORGARD

59. ADRIENNE OLSON

60. JENNY OLSON

61. HEATHER OSTROWSKI

62. TRISHA PAGE

63. DANIELLE PAULUS

64. JULIE PETERSON KLEIN

65. SANDI PIATZ

66. PATTY POST

67. ERIN PROCHNOW

68. ANNA SATHER

69. HANNAH SAVOY

70. MICHELLE SHUMACHER

71. BRITT SELBO

72. AMANDA SHILLING

73. BETH SLETTE

74. JOANNA SLOMINSKI

75. DONNA SMITH

76. MARY SUOMALA FOLKERDS

77. CHELSEY STEINLICHT

78. RACHEL STONE

79. CHRISTY TEHVEN

80. ANDREA TRAVNICEK

81. BECKY WALEN

82. SARA WATSON

83. SARAH WEST