Assistant Vice President Risk Management Professional, U.S. Bank
Q: Tell us about yourself
A: I hope our community continues to come together to support the needs that matter most. Growing up in a smaller town showed me the impact of people showing up for one another, and it has been encouraging to see that same spirit reflected in the Fargo–Moorhead community. My hope is that we continue strengthening this culture of connection and mutual support.
Q: What inspired you to get involved in your community at a young age?
A: My parents inspired my involvement in the community by making service a regular part of our family life. Both of them were active volunteers at our church, and my mom often brought me along when she and her coworkers volunteered each month at Churches United. As I grew older, I continued serving through organizations like Key Club in high school and by tutoring through National Honor Society. Some of my most meaningful experiences came from working alongside the FMWF community to support our neighbors, whether through events like Fill the Dome or sandbagging during the floods. For me, being a neighbor and a member of this community has always meant stepping up to help others when they need it and lending a hand wherever possible.
Q: Who has been the most influential mentor in your life, and why?
A: I have been fortunate to learn from several mentors at different stages of my life. In high school, my debate coaches, Dr. Robert Littlefield and Pennie Fike, helped me develop strong research, critical thinking, and communication skills that shaped my academic path through undergraduate studies and law school. During college, internships with Mark Knutson at the Fargo Marathon and with Jayne Gust at Sanford Health showed me the importance of building relationships and serving the community. Today, my manager at U.S. Bank, Emily Hopkins-Schumacher, encourages me to continue developing my professional skills while helping me apply my natural strengths, grow in confidence, and intentionally build community in the workplace.
Q: What community issue do you feel deserves more attention?
A: Access to quality childcare and early education! For many residents, especially first-time parents, finding affordable, reliable, high-quality childcare is the most stressful part of preparing for parenthood. Long waitlists, high costs, and limited options force families to make difficult compromises that affect their finances, careers, and children’s development. Strengthening childcare and early education is not just a family issue, it’s essential for workforce stability, economic growth, and the long-term well-being of our community.
Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier in your career?
A: You are your best advocate. Don’t be afraid to ask for the opportunities you want.
Q: Where do you hope to make the biggest impact over the next five years?
A: I hope to make my biggest impact by intentionally aligning my priorities. Since having my son in October I feel like my priorities have shifted, and any time spent away from him needs to be meaningful and energizing. I want to invest my time and skills into work that fills my cup, aligns with my values, and contributes to positive change in my community. This means focusing on work that allows me to be present, impactful, and fulfilled.
Q: Why is our local United Way important to you?
A: Improving the social determinants of health is crucial for the success of our community. The United Way’s focus on education, financial stability, and health helps strengthen each individual, causing a ripple effect in the community. When these foundational needs are met, individuals are better able to achieve physical, mental, and economic wellbeing—meaning, in turn, families thrive and communities are elevated. Addressing these needs reduces disparities, improves multigenerational outcomes, and creates conditions where people can thrive, contribute and support one another.
Q: What is a hope you have for our community?
A: I hope we take care of one another and truly see everyone as our neighbor. When we look out for each other, listen with empathy, and respond with care, we create a community where everyone has the chance to belong and thrive.
Q: Finish this sentence: Lifting families out of poverty is important to me because …
A: Children deserve stable, positive environments for their wellbeing and development. Stability and opportunities for children ensure stronger outcomes for future generations.
