Director of Operations, MINT Brand Marketing
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: Hi! I’m originally from Spicer, MN, and graduated from the University of South Dakota in 2017 with my Master’s in Business Administration. Soon after, I moved to Fargo and have lived here since! I’m the Director of Operations at MINT Brand Marketing. At MINT, I support our internal team by ensuring our operational processes run smoothly, from payroll and invoicing to day-to-day systems. My favorite part of my role is supporting both the business owner and our team, helping remove obstacles and providing clarity so everyone can do their best work.
My husband, Tanner, and I have two young boys, Decker and Tate, who keep us very busy! We spend a lot of time outdoors, exploring new parks, going to the lake, watching and playing sports, and just being together as a family. We value quality time with our family and friends who mean so much to us. Making sourdough and propagating plants are my new hobbies for 2026, so any tips and tricks are always welcome!
Q: What inspired you to get involved in your community at a young age?
A: Growing up in a small community, I was always drawn to opportunities that focused on helping kids. In high school, I was involved in a peer helper program where we volunteered at elementary schools and helped organize events for kids around holidays and special occasions. That early exposure showed me how much small acts of service can mean to families and children.
In college, that interest continued through my involvement in Dance Marathon, where we raised money to support children facing serious illnesses and their families. While the stories were often difficult to hear, it was incredibly meaningful to know that our time and effort were making a real impact.
Q: Who has been the most influential mentor in your life, and why?
A: The most influential mentor in my life has been Amanda Shilling, the owner of MINT. As her Director of Operations, she has challenged me more than any manager or leader I’ve ever had, in the best way. Amanda has a unique ability to see potential in people before they see it in themselves, and she’s consistently encouraged and coached me to step into roles and responsibilities I didn’t initially believe I was capable of.
Especially early in my role, she pushed me to do the work, take ownership, and trust myself, even when I felt unsure. Looking back, I realize that level of challenge paired with genuine support is what helped me grow the most.
Q: What does success look like to you right now?
A: Right now, success looks like being able to show up fully as both a mom and a professional. It’s about doing meaningful work, leading effectively, and supporting my team, while also being present at home and creating an environment where my kids feel comfortable asking questions, sharing their thoughts, and learning from mistakes.
It’s also about modeling what’s possible for those around me, showing that you can pursue professional goals and personal fulfillment without sacrificing one for the other. For me, success is fostering open relationships, creating resilience in my family, and creating a supportive atmosphere at work where people feel empowered to do their best, even if they don’t have all the answers.
Q: What community issue do you feel deserves more attention?
A: One community issue I believe deserves more attention is awareness around donation-based resources, places where people can give items, and where those in need can access them at no cost. Often, help already exists within our community, but people don’t always know where to donate, depending on what items are needed. Increasing visibility and education around these resources can make a meaningful difference and help ensure support reaches the people who need it.
Q: Why is our local United Way important to you?
A: The United Way plays such an important role in connecting people, resources, and organizations across our community. Growing up in a smaller town, opportunities and access were limited. Being part of a larger community like ours now, I’ve seen how powerful it is when there’s an organization focused on making sure kids and families have access to the resources they need to succeed. United Way works closely with local schools and agencies and has a strong pulse on the real needs of our community. What I appreciate most is that they act as an umbrella, supporting and funding multiple organizations across different focus areas. When it’s hard to know where to give or how to help, United Way makes it easier to have a meaningful impact.
Q: What is a quote you would frame on your desk?
A: “Live in the moment.”
