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.
Q: What community issue do you feel deserves more attention?
A: A community issue that I feel deserves more attention is the growing number of school-aged students who walk into a school each morning with empty breakfast and lunch balances. No child should have to navigate their school day with an empty belly or carry the weight of hearing their meal account is empty again. Ensuring that we have consistent access to meals is not just about the food but it’s about giving everyone the ability to learn, focus, and thrive. Investing in feeding the children of our community allows us to invest in our future generations and their success, regardless of their family’s circumstances.
Q: What’s a lesson you’ve learned that you wish you knew earlier in your career?
A: It’s okay to dream big. It’s okay to be confident. It’s okay to know your worth and show up as your authentic self. In the Midwest, we often downplay our achievements to seem humble or polite, but it’s so important to own who you are. You are impressive! You have talents that are uniquely yours!
Q: Why is our local United Way important to you?
A: Our local United Way is important to me because I’ve seen its programs change outcomes for kids and families right here in our area. Two that stand out are the Backpack Program and Early Literacy Kits. A backpack filled with school supplies gives students something they can proudly call their own, packed with all the essentials they will need to start the year. Early Literacy Kits enable younger children in our area to develop foundational reading and writing skills and empower parents with simple, meaningful ways to support learning at home. The efforts that the United Way of Cass-Clay invests in these incredible opportunities for our youngest community members to grow, learn, and become the best versions of themselves are so important for success in our area.
Q: What is a hope you have for our community?
A: I hope our community can invest in and uplift the resources that give families access to to meaningful learning opportunities. Having a children’s or science museum right here in the FMWF area would give our kids opportunities to explore, experiment, and fall in love with learning through hands-on discovery. It would be a place where they could spend hours and experience something new each time. A place where parents and caregivers can be active partners in that experience.
