Hannah James, Appraisal Administration, Supervisor, Gate City Bank

Written by: Brady Drake

Tell us about yourself.

I’m a Fargo-Moorhead native that has been in the banking industry for 14 years. I love creatively solving problems that arise during the workday and leading a team of amazing individuals who make the workday fly by! I’m always looking for new challenges and how to help my team and provide the best work environment possible. In my personal life, I live in North Fargo with my family and enjoy spending time at home with my children and husband. We are planning out our gardening goals this year—with green thumbs ready, the family is gearing up for another growing season filled with aspirations and hopefully, a lot of tomatoes.

What is important to you about the work that you do?

It’s important to remember our goal at the end of the day—we are striving to make a positive impact on our customers and our community. It’s easy to get lost in the dayto-day of your work and it’s important to step back and remember the big picture.

Who are some people who have been influential in your journey and why?

I’ve had many incredible mentors in my life who have pushed me, encouraged me and guided me through tough situations, both personally and professionally. I wouldn’t be where I am without them by my side.

What drives you?

Curiosity. Curiosity opens doors to endless possibilities and new relationships. A curious mindset has allowed me to uncover opportunities I never thought possible and has brought wonderful people into my life. Embracing a curious outlook on life leads to a world of intriguing experiences and possibilities.

What are some of your favorite things to do in our community?

There are so many exciting and interesting things to do in FargoMoorhead! My family likes to participate in events like the Frostival, the local farmer’s markets and art activities. Our local libraries are also fantastic and have many events that are family-friendly! Our local business networking events are always enjoyable and you get to have great conversations with folks you normally wouldn’t interact with on a daily basis.

What is your dream job and why?

I don’t believe in the concept of a dream job — I feel like you can create meaning, joy and challenges in most jobs out there. It’s all about perspective.

Do you have any book or podcast recommendations for our readers?

“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz is a must-read for anyone looking to transform their lives and improve their relationships with others. This book provides readers with four simple yet powerful agreements to live by: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions and always do your best. The language is simple, yet profound, and the lessons can be easily integrated into daily life. Whether you’re seeking personal growth or a better understanding of human behavior, “The Four Agreements” is a book that should not be missed.

What are you hoping to gain from the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program?

There are so many incredibly accomplished women in our community and I’m honored to be able to learn from them and gain more knowledge from them. We all improve when we can learn from others who have experiences different from our own. Through this program, I hope to build relationships with other motivated, like-minded women, who are also dedicated to making a difference. I believe that these connections will provide me with valuable insights, new ideas, and opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, I am excited to learn from experienced leaders and gain a deeper understanding of the issues facing our community.

What do you think can be improved in our community?

That Fargo-Moorhead continues to grow and develop without pushing out marginalized groups. It’s a difficult balance, but one that is vital for a healthy and thriving community.

What do you think can be improved in our business community?

Making sure we keep encouraging young businesses—the next generation has so much creativity and drive and it would be a shame to have them take that to a different state.

What are some of your passions outside of work?

Aside from work, I have a few passions that keep me inspired and engaged. Reading is one of my favorite pastimes, as it allows me to expand my knowledge and escape into new worlds. I also have a passion for cooking, experimenting with new recipes and creating delicious meals for my loved ones. Lastly, I am always seeking out new experiences, whether it’s trying new foods, traveling to new destinations or trying new activities. I believe that life is meant to be lived to the fullest, and I try to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way.

Is there anything else you would like to say to the readers of Fargo INC! magazine?

We have such an amazing community and I’m so excited to see where the next few decades take us!

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Brady is the Editorial Director at Spotlight Media in Fargo, ND.