Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: Born and raised in Western ND, I have been a proud north sider in Fargo for 14 years. During the week, I work for NSF Great Plains I-Corps Hub as a recruiter traveling to our partner universities forming relationships and inviting researchers and entrepreneurs to our program. On the weekends, you can find me helping brides find their dream dress at Your Day By Nicole as a bridal stylist.
My time is best spent hanging out with friends and family, drinking Diet Coke and learning new skills and hobbies. This year’s so far include billiards and sewing.
Q: Who are some people who have been influential in your journey?
A: My former manager and now good friend, Anne Johnson, has been influential to me both personally and professionally. She is self-made, honest, and committed. She listens without judgment, advocates for others, and invites them along with her in her successes. She is a leader, mother, wife, and faithful friend. I admire Anne in all she does. Her love, kindness, and influence have changed me gently and for the better.
Q: What drives you?
A: I am motivated first by relationships and second by creating impact. I often say I can be happy at any job I find myself in as long as I enjoy the people I work with and can build strong, healthy relationships with them. As I interact with those around me, I am challenged by the question “Was it a healing thing to have been with me?” I’m driven by the understanding that the words I speak matter and that I can create impact both positively and negatively. At the end of the day, people are most important to me and how I treat and interact with them is a reflection of my character. The third thing that drives me? A Kia Sportage.
Q: What do you think can be improved in our business community?
A: Coming from my previous position at the Chamber of Commerce, my eyes have been opened to the topic of the workforce and the giant task our state has to improve it. Fargo-Moorhead and North Dakota in general is a great place to live with cost of living, quality of life, and people. I think our business community needs to continue to be competitive and conscious in attracting talent to our area. A person’s job is their livelihood, our businesses should strive to offer prosperous wages and benefits to their employees to ensure quality and retention.
Q: Tell us about some resources that have changed the way you view leadership.
A: Last spring, I participated in Dale Carnegie’s High Impact Presentations course which helped refine my public speaking skills and challenged me to step outside my comfort zone. When given the opportunity to present, especially as a leader, we must remember the impact our words have and the influence we carry. This program helped me realize the impact and influence I have while public speaking, especially as a leader.
A book I read in the last year that helped expand my view of leadership is Brene Brown’s “Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience.” Being aware of our emotions and how they affect our experiences and interactions is a great practice for leaders as they think about connecting with others.
Q: What are some important life lessons you have learned?
A: Hard conversations make us better, the grass is greener where you water it, there is so much love in friendship. Invest in your close relationships, when it comes to personal style—if you like the way it looks, that’s all that matters. Trust me, you can pull it off, and just because your life doesn’t look like others your age, it doesn’t mean you’re behind. You’re doing great.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in our community?
A: I love all things downtown Fargo! Youngblood, Folkways events, Little Brother, and dive bar pool tables. If it’s a social activity, you’ll more than likely find me there. One of my favorite aspects of Fargo-Moorhead is recognizing community members everywhere I go. If you’re looking to meet people, become a regular at a business you enjoy! Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? A: In 10 years, I hope to be married and grow a family while investing my time in the things that matter: family, friends, and my health.
Q: What are you hoping to gain from the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program?
A: I am hoping to make new connections with the women in this group who are all of different ages and stages of life. I hope to hear their experiences and take away small pieces I can apply to my own.
Q: What are your passions outside of work?
A: I love spending time with my family, game nights with my friends, catching a movie at the local theater, and relaxing at home with my two cats. Nothing beats a meaningful conversation over coffee and/or a meal with a close friend.
