Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I’m Ciarra Beckstrand—your go-to problem solver and storyteller in the ever-changing world of communications.
By day, I’m a PR pro at Flint Group, handling everything from media outreach and creating engaging content to growing social media platforms and crafting killer strategies to get the job done. By night, I’m a full-time taxi driver, referee, mediator, hairdresser, cook, maid—you name it—for my two girls, ages 11 and 7, who each have their own big dreams. My youngest is destined to be the next great lawyer with her expert-level debate skills, and my oldest is on a mission to become the next Olympic goalie for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team.
Just to add to the chaos, we have two dogs—one, a German ShepherdHusky mix who is the best boy, babysitter, therapist, and friend, and the other, a Siberian Husky who we lovingly call the Sour Patch Kid (because she’s sweet, then sour, and always up to something).
Originally from Minot, ND, I fell in love with Fargo during college. While I once dreamed of moving to a major fashion city, life had other plans, and Fargo became home. My background is in apparel, retail merchandising, and design, with a minor in public relations and advertising. That minor unexpectedly led me to a career I love—one where I get to be creative, strategic, and always on my toes. Oh, and I have a strange knack for thriving in a good crisis. Daily setbacks? Not a fan. But if there’s a disaster, emergency, or PR nightmare—I’m the calm, cool, collected one, ready to put out the figurative fire.
Q: Who are some people who have been influential in your journey?
A: Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to have many incredible influences, but three stand out.
One of the biggest influences on my professional life was my high school English and Creative Writing teacher, Mrs. Gade. She was tough, but she prepared me for college and life in the real world. Her passion for teaching and writing ignited a fire in me, shaping the storyteller I am today.
My grandmother also played a huge role in shaping who I am. I spent so much time with her growing up, soaking up everything she taught me—sewing, baking, cooking (cleaning… not so much). She’s my living search engine. Whether I need a recipe, advice for a sick kid, or help with a stain, she’s my go-to.
Someone I deeply admire is my director, Madison Quamme. She’s younger than me, but I always say— half-joking, half-seriously—that I want to be her when I grow up. Madison is brilliant, encouraging, and the kind of leader who always goes to bat for her team. She’s everything I aspire to be in leadership.
