Q: Tell us about yourself.
A: I was born and raised in Fargo. After graduating from Fargo South High School, I pursued my passion for nursing at North Dakota State University. My career in critical care began at Sanford. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and hospitals became overwhelmed, I felt a strong call to serve. I expanded my knowledge and skills as a travel nurse, supporting communities across the country during an unprecedented time in healthcare. Those experiences left a lasting impact on me.
When the opportunity to join LifeSource arose, I knew it was the path I was meant to take. I am continually amazed by the work I get to do. I travel throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota to coordinate organ donation cases—a role that allows me to witness extraordinary generosity while giving others a second chance at life. What many people would describe as a miracle is something I have the privilege of seeing every day. Yet I never forget that the gift of life through donation comes at the end of someone else’s story. Donors and donor families exhibit such profound compassion and resilience. Walking beside them during the donation journey is an honor, and they inspire me daily.
I’m eager and excited to continue growing, to deepen my connections within the community, and to build meaningful relationships along the way.
Q: Who has been the most influential mentor in your life, and why?
A: When I look back on the journey that led me to where I am today, I owe so much of it to my mother, Dawn Sauvageau. She has always led by example, showing incredible strength and resilience that continues to inspire me. Her love has never wavered, and her wisdom has been a constant source of guidance. She is the person who keeps me grounded, pushes me to grow, and motivates me to reach further than I ever thought possible. My values, my drive, and my accomplishments all trace back to her.
Q: What community issue do you feel deserves more attention?
A: I will always be a strong advocate for donation. It is one of the most profound acts of generosity a person can offer. Donation also brings comfort to grieving families, even in the midst of darkness; it creates a lasting legacy for their loved one.
Despite its impact, the need for organs still far exceeds the number available. Every day, people die waiting for a life-saving transplant. Public awareness and support are key to closing that gap. I encourage everyone to learn more about donation and consider registering as a donor. And if you’ve already made that choice, share your decision with your loved ones. Having that conversation today can provide clarity and comfort when it matters most. We all have the power to save lives.
Q: What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?
A: At six years old, I was diagnosed with Benign Focal Epilepsy of Childhood, an experience that shaped more of me than I realized at the time. I’m thankful to say I outgrew it in adolescence with no lasting effects. But even in its brief presence, it opened my eyes. It was my first glimpse into what it means to live with a chronic condition. That early experience stayed with me, and throughout my nursing career, I’ve seen, time and time again, the strength of those who face health challenges. I am beyond grateful every day that I wake up with my health, and I appreciate the incredible things my body can do.
Q: Where do you hope to make the biggest impact over the next five years?
A: At the core of everything I do is one goal: to leave this world better than I found it. I believe that knowledge is power, but with knowledge comes the responsibility to apply it thoughtfully. Rarely are situations truly black and white. Critical thinking and the ability to appreciate nuance are essential. I want to use my voice to speak up more, educate myself and others, and help lift people up whenever I can. I want to spend the next five years doing my best with what I’ve been given to align myself more with my values and know that my effort contributes to something larger than myself.
Q: Why is our local United Way important to you?
A: When one of us suffers, we all suffer, and that is why our local United Way of Cass-Clay is so important to me because it uplifts the community here that I care so deeply about. Their approach focuses on making meaningful changes by consulting experts and evaluating data to ensure they are targeting the root causes of poverty in our community. It is so important that we all come together to prove how strong we are when we unite.
