Project Manager – Robotics & Mobility Operations and Technical Enablement, John Deere
Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: Hi! I’m Noele, and I was born in the Central Valley of California but moved to Washburn, ND when I was 12. After high school, I came to Fargo to pursue a dual degree in Elementary Education and Human Development & Family Science at NDSU. Professionally, I am a Project Manager for our engineering teams in the electronics and robotics research and development space at John Deere. My role is to engage, connect, and drive our teams through successful projects and initiatives. Before joining John Deere, I spent most of my career as an English Language & Reading teacher in West Fargo for six years. Outside of work, my husband, Evan and I spend a lot of our free time chasing our two boys, Emmett (7) and Fisher (4), to football, basketball, and baseball practices. You can find us at the lake during the summer, going on a ski trip or two in the winter, and we never pass up a good concert. I enjoy reading (or listening, because let’s be real, I don’t have time to sit down these days), being with friends and family, and local breweries.
Q: What inspired you to get involved in your community at a young age?
A: My desire to be part of 35 Under 35 comes from a place of growth and connection. I wanted to intentionally build my leadership skills, both professionally and personally. The program’s workshops, experiences to building confidence, and peer learning felt like the exact support I was looking for. I’m especially excited to join a group of like-minded women who value connection and are driven by their professional, personal, and community-focused goals.
Q: Who has been the most influential mentor in your life, and why?
A: The most influential mentor in my life has been my manager, Anthony, at Noridian Healthcare Solutions. He truly embodied servant leadership and demonstrated daily what it meant to lead with humility, integrity, and genuine commitment to supporting others. Not only did he model that leadership in every interaction but he also invested deeply in my professional growth. He helped me understand my strengths and areas for development. He consistently advocated for me in every room, even the ones I wasn’t in. When I transitioned from education into the corporate world, I often struggled with imposter syndrome. During those moments, Anthony reminded me that I did deserve to be where I was and encouraged me when I felt I was falling short.
