Community Relations Director, Fargo Park District
Q: Tell us about yourself
A: I serve as the Community Relations Director for the Fargo Park District, where I oversee marketing and communications, events, and sales. I began my career with Fargo Parks in 2018 as an Event Supervisor, advanced to Events Manager in 2022, and stepped into my current leadership role in September 2025.
I’m passionate about building connections, telling meaningful stories, and creating experiences that bring people together and strengthen community pride. I believe public spaces and shared experiences play an important role in helping people feel connected and supported, and that belief shapes how I lead and approach my work every day.
Outside of work, I’m a co-owner of Say Less Events, a day-of wedding coordination business I run with one of my best friends, and I love sewing and taking on creative projects in my free time. Originally from Minot and a proud NDSU graduate, I’m married to my husband, Lucas, and I’m a dog mom to a six-year-old black lab named Beretta. Most fall Saturdays, you’ll find me cheering on the Bison, along with my continued loyalty to Philly sports, thanks to my dad’s Philadelphia roots.
Q: Who has been the most influential mentor in your life, and why?
A: The most influential mentor in my life has been my mom. She has always been deeply involved in her community and has modeled what it looks like to show up consistently, care deeply, and give back without needing recognition. Growing up, I watched her pour her time and energy into others, and that example shaped how I think about leadership and service.
She has also been my biggest cheerleader. Whether I was stepping into a new role, taking on a challenge that felt intimidating, or questioning my own abilities, she was always there, reminding me that I was capable and encouraging me to trust myself. Her belief in me often came before my own, and that confidence carried me through moments of growth and transition.
My parents together instilled in me the importance of hard work, loyalty, and staying grounded in my values. They taught me that leadership isn’t about titles or recognition, but about integrity, consistency, and how you treat people.
Because of them, I strive to lead with empathy, authenticity, and intention, and to be the kind of mentor and supporter to others that they have always been to me.
Q: What does success look like to you right now?
A: Right now, success looks like alignment. It’s about leading with intention, staying grounded in my values, and doing work that genuinely serves the community. Success isn’t just about titles or milestones; it’s about building strong teams, creating thoughtful experiences, and knowing the work I’m doing has a meaningful impact.
At this stage in my life, success also means sustainability. I’ve learned the importance of balance and setting boundaries that allow me to show up fully at work while still prioritizing my relationships, health, and personal growth. Being able to lead without burning out feels like a huge win.
Success looks like earning trust from my team, my peers, and the community and creating environments where people feel supported, empowered, and excited to do their best work. It’s continuing to grow, staying curious, and feeling proud of both the work I do and the way I do it.
Q: Why is our local United Way important to you?
A: United Way is important to me because of its ability to bring people, organizations, and resources together to create real, lasting change. What stands out most is the focus on collaboration and long-term impact recognizing that complex issues like poverty, education, and family stability can’t be solved by one organization alone.
I appreciate how United Way of Cass-Clay supports both immediate needs and systemic solutions, while also investing in leadership development and community connection. Programs like 35 Under 35 don’t just highlight leaders; they equip and challenge us to think more deeply about our role in the community and how we can show up with intention.
On a personal level, United Way’s work aligns closely with my values around access, empathy, and creating spaces where people feel supported. I believe strong communities are built when families have the resources they need to thrive and when conversations around challenges are met with compassion instead of stigma.
Q: Finish this sentence: Lifting families out of poverty is important to me because …
A: When families have stability and support, entire communities become stronger, healthier, and more connected.
