Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I grew up in Pollock, SD, a tiny town along the Missouri River where my youth felt like a country song. I married my high school sweetheart, Ben, and we settled down in Fargo after attending NDSU. We live in North Fargo with our three sweet sons. I work for Gate City Bank as the residential appraiser supervisor where I get to work with an awesome team that is our internal appraisal and evaluation department at the bank. Outside of work and being a mom, I enjoy spending as much time as possible at the lake in the summers and traveling. I also enjoy reading and working out.
Q: Who is someone who has been influential in your journey?
A: My mom has always inspired me. She has worked hard her whole life, a lot as a single parent and I never heard her complain. She has always been there to help others. While going through a cancer journey a few years ago, she had that kindness repaid to her by family, friends, and members of her community. She has always been independent but had to accept help during that time. As someone who finds it hard to accept help, it made me realize that you can’t do everything alone and even if you do, it’s not the most effective. It made me realize that collaborative efforts are almost always more successful.
Q: What drives you?
A: I’m always striving to be a better version of myself, whether it’s personally or professionally. I love to learn about new topics and dig in and be able to gain some basic knowledge and if it’s something I’m very interested in, continue learning.
Q: What are some important life lessons you have learned?
A: Never underestimate the power of one meeting, encounter, or experience that could change the trajectory of your life. I fully believe that you have to work hard for things, but I also believe in the power of connections leading you to where you are supposed to be.
Q: What are some of your favorite things to do in our community?
A: I love checking out new restaurants and bars/breweries and finding a good cup of coffee. I also love perusing downtown and finding unique products and shops. Our family enjoys checking out kid play areas around town whether it’s a park, indoor playground, or pool.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A: I truly don’t know! I am always amazed to look back at my journey and hear about other people’s journeys because it is usually never what was expected, which is what makes life so great! I do plan on spending as much time as possible with my family and watching my children grow up. I hope to continue being in a leadership role of some sort. I also hope to expand my volunteerism and become more involved in our community.
Q: What are you hoping to gain from the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program?
A: I am excited for the opportunity to connect with so many other awesome women in our community, learn different leadership styles, and make some lifelong connections. I am also excited to dig deeper into myself and build myself as a leader.
