Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I grew up in Crookston, MN, and moved to Fargo to attend NDSU (go Bison), where I earned a degree in English and a certificate in publishing. I had big plans to be an editor in the Twin Cities after graduation but had already fallen in love with the Fargo community and knew this was where I wanted to put down roots. I began my career in the proposal department at Ulteig and, over the course of 10 years, have held several rewarding marketing and program management-related roles. Along the way, I had opportunities to lead within culture-focused committees and jumped at the chance to take on my most fulfilling role yet. In my current position as Culture Program Manager, I have the privilege of managing employee engagement and connectivity programs in pursuit of a positive workplace culture and employee experience. My path to this role hasn’t been traditional or straightforward, but each step has given me the chance to try new things, build skills, explore my passions, and learn more about myself in the process, which ultimately shaped me into the leader I am today.
Outside of work, I’ve been married to my wonderful husband, Matthew, for just over two years. Beyond my most important roles as wife, step-mom to our daughter, Joie, and dog mom to our golden retriever, Emmie May, I also proudly hold the titles of daughter, sister, aunt, Godmother, volunteer, mentor, and friend, to name a few. My family loves traveling to new destinations, attending concerts, checking out new restaurants, and exploring all the beauty this region has to offer. When we’re not on a new adventure or building something in the garage, you’ll probably find us hanging out at the lake, cheering on the Bison, or spending time with friends and family.
Q: Who is someone who has been influential in your journey?
A: My family continuously motivates me to be a better mom, wife, and leader. Not only does my husband demonstrate an incredible work ethic and heart for serving others, but he is my biggest cheerleader and pushes me to be the best that I can be. Becoming a stepmom has also taught me so much and has been a very rewarding part of my journey.
I am also blessed with incredible parents and can attribute many of my passions and outlook on life to them. They taught me the importance of faith, family, hard work, education, consistency, and empathy. Both of my parents had careers as teachers, and I am continually inspired by the way they love generously, live out their values, lead with servant hearts, and treat others with kindness and dignity. Without their influence in my life, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
I’ve also been fortunate to have several influential female mentors throughout my career. These leaders believed in me, advocated for me, and encouraged me to use my voice. Each of them stepped into my life at exactly the right time, and their support throughout my career has given me the confidence to tackle various opportunities and challenges head-on. There is so much power generated by women supporting other women!
Q: What drives you?
A: I am motivated by my faith, family, doing the best with what I’ve been given, and striving to be a better version of myself each day. I have a goal to be 1% better than the day before—whether that means taking the opportunity to grow and learn something new or being more consistent in one particular area of my life.
Q: What is a professional development experience that has changed the way you view leadership?
A: A few years ago I completed a mini MBA program at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business. Over five days, we dove into topics ranging from strategy development to financial statements. This was one of the most intense, yet influential parts of my leadership journey, as it challenged me to explore topics that, at the time, I didn’t believe were for me. This experience gave me a new perspective of my own potential, built practical skills, and stretched me into new areas of leadership.
Q: What are some important life lessons you have learned?
A: When something unexpected happens, I try to remember the phrase, “This isn’t happening to me, it’s happening for me.” This powerful shift in mindset has helped me look for the opportunities that could come from change, rather than focusing on the bad. I’m a firm believer that things happen for a reason, and when you focus on the positives, it’s much easier to embrace change rather than fear it.
Q: What are you hoping to gain from the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program?
A: I have loved seeing the positive impacts this program has made in the lives and careers of multiple friends and individuals in my network. I am looking forward to creating long-lasting connections, adding new skills, learning more about myself, and getting more involved in the community. The empowerment, leadership development, and sense of belonging this program builds is incredible and I am so grateful to be part of it!
