Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: Hi! I was born and raised in Fargo. I graduated from Fargo South High School in 2013 and Concordia College in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business organizational leadership and marketing, along with a minor in English writing. During my junior year of college, I started an internship at EagleRidge Development, ended up loving it, and I still work there today as the Marketing Director. In my role, I manage everything in the marketing field for our company and affiliate companies, including advertising, social media, events, communications, and reporting.
I married my husband, Derek, in 2021 in Banff, and we now have a fun and energetic 1-year-old daughter, Stella, and a very loving (and also energetic) golden retriever, River. We love to travel, go to the lakes, and spend time with family!
Q: Who are some people who have been influential in your journey?
A: There are so many people who have had a tremendous impact on my life, and I am so grateful to all of them. First and foremost, my parents and sisters. My parents paved the way for my sisters and me and instilled values in us that allowed us to build lives we love. I am lucky to have sisters who are also my best friends. We have supported each other through every step of the journey, through both the highs and lows.
Outside of my family, I am grateful to work for a great company with leaders who are also wonderful mentors. They have encouraged me to challenge myself and seek out opportunities for professional growth.
Q: What drives you?
A: One of my biggest motivators is being a positive role model for my daughter, Stella. I want her to know that she can do anything she puts her mind to and that she should live a full, adventurous, and joyful life. At my company, I love seeing a project evolve from a sheet of paper into a place where people love to call home or grow a successful business. It inspires me to produce quality work that I can be proud of at the end of the day.
Q: What do you think can be improved in our business community?
A: The Fargo business community is wonderful, but there are always ways we can improve. I think we can do a better job of supporting local businesses and being more inclusive. We need more women leaders, and I believe the 35 Under 35 Leadership Program is a great step in that direction!
Q: Tell us about a book that has changed the way you view leadership.
A: At EagleRidge, we have a book club where we read a professional development book, biography, or sometimes a piece of fiction, then meet as a team to discuss and share our biggest takeaways. Through this, snippets from various books and the conversations around them have changed the way I view leadership. One of my favorite books we have read is “How to Win Friends & Influence People” by Dale Carnegie because it emphasizes the importance of sincerity and genuine connections.
Q: What are some important life lessons you have learned?
A: You need people in your life you can lean on, and you can’t be afraid to ask for help. This lesson became even more relevant this past year when I became a mom. Balancing work and life can be tricky, so when work requires additional time outside of the 8-to-5, I am grateful for a supportive husband and family in town that I can lean on. When I am needed at home, I appreciate having an understanding workplace. I tend to want to do everything myself, and asking for help can be hard for me, but it’s something I continue to work on.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in our community?
A: Fargo is a great community, and I have loved seeing its growth and change throughout my life. I enjoy exploring the amazing restaurants and attending various community events, like the Christkindlmarkt, Red River Market, and Unglued Craft Fest.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: In 10 years, I see myself surrounded by family—likely chasing kids around to various activities— while continuing to push myself to grow and learn, give back to the community, and bring value to the company I work for.
Q: What are you hoping to gain from the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program?
A: Turning 30 this year has prompted me to reflect on my accomplishments and what I still want to achieve. Through this program, I hope to gain clarity on my future goals, grow my leadership skills, and build self-confidence. I am also excited to form lasting friendships with 34 amazing women!
Q: What are your passions outside of work?
A: My family is the center of my life, so my number one passion is spending time with them. I also enjoy being outdoors, traveling, reading, running, downhill skiing, going to the lakes, and enjoying a home-cooked meal surrounded by loved ones.
