Tell us about yourself. Tell us who you are and what you do.
I grew up in a small town in central Montana and graduated with a class of 2011. I didn’t appreciate the sledding hills and mountains as much as I should have until I moved to Fargo-Moorhead for college! At Concordia, I majored in Graphic Design and Marketing and have been fortunate to use my degrees in multiple roles since. Currently, I lead a team of graphic designers on the Marketing team at Enclave. I’m passionate about color, hierarchy and all things visual. It’s been a joy to share my love for design with a team and I’ve enjoyed watching them grow over the last year. I’ve already learned a lot about myself as a leader and look forward to continuing to learn how to lead successful, happy design teams.
Outside work, I spend my time with energetic three and six-year old boys, my dog, and husband in Kindred. We keep busy with sports, road trips to the lake and Montana, playing outside, being active and exploring. We’re excited to welcome a baby girl to the chaos in July! In addition to my kids, I have a plant wall and a house full of plants that I’m very dedicated to keeping alive!
Who are some people who have been influential in your journey and why? Who inspires you?
Growing up, my parents taught me a great deal about creativity and hard work. My mom always encouraged creativity and pursued creative ventures herself, whether it be helping me get the proportions right on paper dolls, helping us decide how to paint our rooms, or painting our high school’s mascot on the gym wall herself. My dad has always been the hardest worker I know and taught me the importance of getting the job done, even if you don’t want to. He never lets me give up and still encourages me with a “everything happens for a reason” when I most need to hear it.
In my career, meeting Kelly Krenzel through Hope Blooms majorly shifted my trajectory and brought the importance of giving back into focus for me. She’s been one of my biggest cheerleaders and always inspires me through her service to others and mission to spread joy. She’s also encouraged me to take chances (like designing and painting a 50-foot mural in her shop) that I wouldn’t have otherwise believed in myself to pursue.
What drives you?
I’m always searching for ways to learn something new and improve. Whether it be as a mom, helping others, trying new recipes or pen tool tricks in Adobe Illustrator, I’m constantly learning. As an introspective, reflective person, I spend a lot of time thinking about the steps in a process and where they could be smoother. I try my best not to dwell on these learnings and rather look for opportunities on how to apply them in the next experience.
Tell us about 1-2 books, podcasts, or professional development experiences that have changed the way you view leadership.
Through an Emerging Leaders program offered by my employer, we were assigned “Multipliers” by Liz Wisemen. I took away a new awareness to how even well-meaning leadership styles could be perceived as “accidental diminishers,” And a reminder of the importance of asking questions and challenging team members vs. giving the answer.
This year, I’ve been reading “Herding Tigers” by Todd Henry, which centers around leading creative people. This was recommended by a fellow creative leader right when I was struggling with my own identity in the transition from individual contributor to manager. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is the need to step out of the work and focus only on a few passion projects a year to allow the team to solve problems and grow their own skills.
What do you think can be improved in our business community?
Coming from a small community and now living in this community, I think there is a bit of a small-town mindset that I’d love to see continue to open up. It would be amazing to see more diversity in ideas, culture, and experiences. With more young people making Fargo-Moorhead their home, I have seen a shift and would love to see the community to continue to attract people with a continual support for change.
What are some important life lessons you have learned?
There’s no such thing as perfect. As a recovering perfectionist, my profession and have positively influenced other creatives along the way.
What are you hoping to gain from the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program?
I’m most excited about making new connections through the program with women in other industries, in similar stages of our careers, that I likely wouldn’t cross paths with otherwise. I’m also looking forward to expanded opportunities to support our community through United Way.
What are your passions outside of work?
Showing love and being present for my family.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of Fargo INC?
It’s hard to talk about myself this much, thank you for taking the time to learn more about me!
