These 35 women come from all walks of life, but have one thing in common: they are all part of United Way’s 35 Women Under 35 program. With a common commitment to improving our community and squeezing everything out of their careers and lives, these women show what it means to be an inspiration. Along with this group of 35, we talked to five women who have risen through the ranks and shown what it means to be a successful leader.
By Andrew Jason & Lisa Marchand
1. LAURA BOULGER
Program Manager‑System Operations at Discovery Benefits, Inc.
Your company is currently experiencing a lot of growth. What advice do you have for adapting to change?
“Change, even a positive change like growth, can be challenging. But the ability to see the big picture, understanding the reasons behind the change, knowing how my position fits in to build up our teams and products in a positive way and keeping in mind how it all benefits the company – ultimately makes change exciting.”
2. BETHANY GARTIN
Relationship Manager at YWCA Cass Clay
Working for an organization that empowers women, who has empowered you throughout your life?
“While many have been empowering, I worked on a few projects with a mentor, Dr. Carol Lewis, the associate director of the Center for Social Work Research at the University of Texas at Austin. She taught me a great deal about leadership and helped me discover my unique strengths.”
3. CHELSEA MONDA
Project Management Team Lead at Sundog
How do you handle the balance between creativity and meeting deadlines?
“Sundog fosters a collaborative team environment with unique practices that accelerates idea generation and problem solving while meeting client timelines. The collaborative process allows each team member’s specialized skills to contribute to the outcome.”
4. TIFFANY ANDERSON
Resource Center Manager at Goldmark Property Management
What have you learned from 35 under 35 so far?
“35 Under 35 has taught me to not be afraid to step outside my comfort zone, as that truly is where the magic happens. I’ve learned no matter how successful a person appears, we all have insecurities and struggles. But by reaching out to others, like this beautiful group of supportive women, we can overcome our challenges.”
5. AMBER DEKREY
Industry Market Analyst at Bobcat Company
If you could have dinner with one powerful female leader, who would it be and why?
“Melinda Gates, active philanthropist and co-chair of The Gates Foundation. Her vision for tackling really tough problems in our world (poverty, hunger, failures in America’s education system) and her strategy behind innovative, impactful solutions is remarkable. She is not afraid to set big goals or afraid to fail. She is truly inspiring.”
6. KAYLA TERRY
Customer Service Supervisor at Wells Fargo Bank
What specific challenges, if any, do leaders face in the banking world?
“One of the biggest challenges we face is keeping up with regulation changes. We need to make sure our team members are knowledgeable and informed of the changes, as well as engaged in their work. I find that engaged team members have a tendency to place a higher value on staying current with these important changes.”
7. AMBER SCHOENBORN
Assistant VP/Risk Manager at Northern Improvement Company
Talk about your role at Northern Improvement Company and how you came into it.
“I am the Risk Manager at Northern Improvement Company. I deal with property and casualty insurance as well as workers’ compensation for the company. I started with Northern Improvement 12 years ago in the shop. Hard work, dedication and a positive attitude turned a summer job into a career.”
8. STEPHANIE PEARSON
Product Test Engineer at John Deere Electronic Solutions
If you could have dinner with one important female leader of any era, who would it be and why?
“Marie Curie. As the first female to win a Nobel Prize and the only female to win two, her research, discoveries and enthusiasm for science laid a solid foundation for women like myself in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) related fields.”
9. KATIE GROSS
Parish Nurse Coordinator at First Lutheran Church
What challenges do leaders face in your specific field?
“Faith community nursing is a relatively new specialty in nursing and it’s an underutilized resource. As a leader in the profession, I strive to provide education and share how faith community nursing can make an impact in our community and health systems.”
10. AMANDA MASLOWSKI
Branch Manager at Volt Workforce Solutions
What are you looking for in new recruits at Volt Workforce?
“We recruit and hire administrative, professional, industrial and technical employees for our clients. Because of the wide variety of roles we fill, there is no one type of person we seek. The common thread is that we are always looking for talented people with a good work ethic.”
11. KELLY KRENZEL
Marketing & Communications Specialist at Hospice of the Red River Valley
Why is it important to maintain an upbeat personality working in your field?
“At Hospice, we work with individuals facing very serious challenges in their lives. Staying positive, approachable, compassionate and caring helps us develop trusting, solid relationships with each other and our patients and their families— allowing us to provide the best care and the most value to them.”
12. SARA VAN DE STREEK
Internship Coordinator at NDSU Career Center
What is one piece of advice you consistently give to students when they embark on their careers?
“I advise students to recognize what skills they possess and understand how those skills will benefit future employers. They also need to learn how to initiate and sustain relationships inside and outside of their industry. Networking is vital in today’s job market.”
13. MARY ZOSS
Business Solutions Consultant at Midcontinent Communications
What is the key to being a strong female leader in the workplace?
“It is important as a female leader to foster a work environment that is mutually respectful. Respecting each others’ differences and unique talents has been the lowest common denominator of the great teams I have had the honor to be a part of.”
14. ANDREA HAGEN
Executive Assistant at RDO Truck Centers/ Mosaic Catering
If you could have dinner with one female leader, who would it be?
“My dream dinner companion would be Bette Davis. She challenged traditions of beauty both in appearance and her brash acting style, which I admire. She also cofounded the Hollywood Canteen, offering food and entertainment for servicemen and was the first female president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.”
15. ANNE KALLHOFF
Realtor at Keller Williams Roers Realty/ The Red Key Group
Talk about your role at Keller Williams Roers Realty and how you ended up there.
“I am a REALTOR at Keller Williams Roers Realty. I chose to work at Keller Williams based on their belief system of God first, family second and business third. I love it here because of the great culture, award winning training and my incredibly talented team, The Red Key Group.”
16. ANN SCHNEIDER
Graphic Design Manager at TMI Hospitality
What should the next generation of female graphic designers know before beginning their career?
“Work for clients that have missions you believe in. Have confidence in your skills, be true to your artistic self and learn how to network like a boss.”
17. OLYA BRASE
Executive Business Analyst at Titan Machinery
What advice would you give the next generation of aspiring female leaders?
“Be yourself, believe in yourself and don’t give up. Surround yourself with strong, positive and supportive people. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it and offer your help when you can.”
18. JENNY OLSON
Director of Business Management at Microsoft
Why are programs like this important to the community?
“‘A rising tide raises all boats.’ That’s what this program is; that’s what we women are – a rising tide. This program is an investment that will pay dividends of exponential growth. We each understand our obligation and privilege, to pay it forward tenfold – for our families, employers and community.”
19. HEIDI KNUTSON
Vice President/Sales and Marketing Director at Western State Bank
Talk about your role at Western State Bank.
“I serve as the Vice President/Sales and Marketing Director. I work with all departments of the company and focus on marketing and online strategies, communications and product development. I like to think that I help create solutions – this may include working with current team members, customers or community members.”
20. ASHLEY GERNER
Senior Community Director at March of Dimes
Why did you get involved in the March of Dimes?
“I love the March of Dimes because it is one of the few nonprofits that truly impacts everyone. Whether you were born healthy, or needed a little bit of help – they were there. So not only am I working to give every baby the healthiest start possible, but I’m working for a healthier future for our community. If you’ve had a baby, know a baby or been a baby – then you’ve been impacted by the March of Dimes and to me that’s pretty amazing.”
21. HEATHER HEICK
Human Resources Specialist at Bell State Bank & Trust
Bell State Bank is known for their philanthropic efforts. Why is it important for employers to give back to their communities?
“It is important for employers to be a support system for the people and organizations in need in their communities. Giving back monetarily and through time not only helps others, but also deepens relationships among employees and strengthens the company’s culture.”
22. AMANDA VOLMER
Office and Program Administrator at Jeremiah Program Fargo-Moorhead
Why is Jeremiah Program so important?
“Currently, 3,300 children in Fargo are living in poverty with a single mother. I receive calls weekly from local mothers looking for support. Other calls are from community members wondering how they can help break the cycle of poverty for these young women. Jeremiah Program’s model is unique, comprehensive and sustainable and can effectively transform families in our area from poverty to prosperity.”
23. CHRISTY SCHAUER
Account Manager at Flint Communications
What have you learned from 35 under 35 so far?
“I’ve learned it’s OK to be yourself. These women embrace you for exactly who you are. There are no alternative motives or jealousy; simply, a genuine desire to support each other. It’s a remarkable feeling.”
24. KATE AUKLAND
Office of Patient Experience at Sanford Health
There are a lot of females in leadership roles at Sanford. Tell us about your experience working with the team there.
“I’ve been fortunate to work with a number of very talented, motivated and creative individuals during my time at Sanford. Being in an atmosphere that fosters the success of women in leadership roles has raised my confidence in my own abilities and encouraged me to tap into all of the opportunities for growth that Sanford has to offer.”
25. JENNA GILBERTSON
Lead Optician/Vision Therapist at McCulley Optix Gallery
North Dakota is one of the fastest growing states in the number of women business owners. Why do you think that is?
“This area provides wonderful opportunities for women to network and be mentored. The women business owners I have had the chance to meet are creative and powerful women who want to see other women succeed. The level of support in the community is extraordinary.”
26. BRIANA SCEARCY
Recruiter, Specialty & Consulting Services at Eide Bailly LLP
Why is it important to network with other female business leaders?
“It’s not what you know; it’s who you know. Who you know can mean the difference in whether or not you achieve your goals. The power in networking, with female business leaders especially, has numerous benefits such as opportunities, advice, assistance, positive influence and friendships to name a few.”
27. ANGELA MATHERS
Director of Student Engagement at Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Why is it important that college students get involved?
“Student organizations foster relationships and interactions that encourage life long friendships, partnerships and skills in networking. In today’s market, about 80 percent of available jobs aren’t posted on traditional jobsearch sites. Providing opportunities for students to engage with the campus and local community is imperative to student success following graduation.”
28. TAWNYA TAYLOR
Peer Mentoring Specialist at Freedom Resource Center for Independent Living Inc.
Talk about your role at Freedom Resource Center.
“My position involves recruiting, training and matching individuals with disabilities at any age, to help them gain experience from one another. That can range from vocational skills, independent living, socialization, building confidence to go out into mainstream society or helping them through the process of dealing with existing or newly acquired disabilities.”
29. SARAH SWANHOLM
Optometrist at Bagan Strinden Vision
As a busy professional, why do you take time away from your practice to invest in this program?
“Optometry school teaches you a lot of things, but how to be a young, female leader is not one of them. I am looking to build a strong foundation of leadership skills as a young professional, but also looking to expand that into the greater community.”
30. AMANDA CARLSON
Agency Manager at State Farm Insurance— Jay Bartley Agency
What have you learned from 35 under 35 so far?
“Everyone has a story to tell. We all have events that have happened in our life that have helped shape who we are and it’s been such a great experience for me to personally get to know these women and learn their story.”
31. RAMMIE OLSON
Business Manager at Kilbourne Group
You’ve coached volleyball for many years. What strengths and standards do you try to instill in your players?
“The strengths and standards I promote include respect, gratitude, teamwork and confidence. Coaches play a critical role in the lives of athletes, so teaching players how to succeed on and off the court is a significant component. Inspiring young individuals to become future leaders is my No. 1 goal.”
32. AMBER PETERSON
Quality Improvement Analyst at Noridian Healthcare Solutions
What advice would you give the next generation of aspiring female leaders?
“Be true to who you are and always believe in yourself. Know that you are stronger than you think you are, more beautiful than what you see in the mirror, smarter than others give you credit for and that you have the power to make a difference in this world.”
33. CARISA HENDRICKSON
Assistant Registrar at Concordia College
What’s the greatest part about working for Concordia?
“It is a privilege to work with Concordia students. I am inspired daily by their ambition, curiosity and determination. They are passionate about impacting the world, which is incredibly contagious. As assistant registrar, I value the opportunity to support, challenge and encourage them in their academic and vocational journey.”
34. DARCY KASPROWICZ
Development Director at North Dakota Autism Center, Inc.
Why did you decide to get involved in the nonprofit sector, especially with the ND Autism Center?
“I am a co-founder of the ND Autism Center. Tyler, my 12-year-old brother, has Autism. The nonprofit sector really chose me. Tyler has been one of the biggest blessings in my life and because of him we are able to make so many other people’s lives great.”
35. KATHERINE KIERNAN
Realtor/Owner at Kiernan DeJean Property Associates at Element Realty, Inc.
Talk about owning a business as a woman.
“Owning a business as a woman in a maledominated business climate is a great responsibility and honor. There is a sense of strength and community that we have with our clients that is richly complemented by the extraordinary efforts we undertake in our working relationships to ensure successful outcomes in their real estate journeys.”
ABOUT 35 UNDER 35
The United Way’s 35 Women Under 35 leadership program’s mission is to mobilize and energize and inspire emerging female leaders to make a difference in our community.
The program meets monthly January through June and focuses on various issues relating to young female leaders. Applications for the 2016 35 Women Under 35 program will be available in the fall of 2015. Any woman age 18 to 35 may apply.
Interested in more? Read about our area’s powerful leading ladies and the top resources for women in Fargo-Moorhead.
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