United Way's 35 Under 35 Women's Leadership Program
Photos by J. Alan Paul Photography
Our community is chock-full of powerful women who are leading the way. The women you’re about to meet come from all walks of life, but have one thing in common: they are all part of this year’s United Way 35 Under 35 women’s leadership program. With a common commitment to improving our community and growing professionally and personally, these women exemplify what it means to be a true leader and an inspiration to others.
**Disclaimer: Member not pictured – Brooke Erstad
Alycia Peter
Education Solutions Manager – Rasmussen College
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: “The most rewarding part of my job at Rasmussen College is meeting
a potential student at one of our employer partners and watching them take a leap of faith to return to school. It’s an amazing experience to witness students walk across that graduation stage and get the type of career they dreamed of.”
Ashley Berkenpas
Section 8 Coordinator – Fargo Housing & Redevelopment Authority
Q: In your professional role, you assist individuals with housing. How will the leadership skills you gain through this program increase your ability to assist individuals in our community?
A: “I love having new networking opportunities and believe 35 Under 35 will provide that. I also look forward to using the skills I learn about my leadership style to strengthen my connections in the community. I hope to stop any apprehensions or answer any questions individuals may have about the population I work with.”
Shireen Alemadi
Director of Community Outreach – Minnesota State University Moorhead
Q: If you could have dinner with one powerful female leader, who would it be and why?
A: “Melinda Gates. She believes in the power of philanthropy to build a better world. Through the Gates Foundation, she works to empower women, eliminate poverty, reform education and improve public services. She embraces her role, understands the immense responsibility and embraces the opportunity to give back. She is the embodiment of what it means to be an influential leader.”
Erin Kuehl
Registered Nurse – Essentia Health
Q: In your role in the NICU at Essentia, you are faced with many challenges. What advice would you give when it comes to managing stressful situations?
A: “Depend on your teammates. There is great power in our ability to come together to provide positive outcomes for our patients. Know the strengths of your team members, and use those strengths to empower each staff member to do their best work, every day. It is also important to know your resources, and when to tap into them to provide the best outcomes.”
Sharon Andrews
AVP/Assistant Credit Review Manager – First International Bank & Trust
Q: Why did you pursue the opportunity to participate in this program?
A: “Ultimately, I pursued this program to help others and collaborate with professional women on how we can make a larger impact in our community that exceeds my volunteer efforts alone. The knowledge and skills gained from this program, coupled with the strong connections I have formed, will allow me to accomplish my goal of making a difference in the FM community.”
Megan Beck
UI/UX Designer – CoSchedule/ Girl Develop It Fargo
Q: Statistics show a lack of women in your field. How and why would you encourage women to consider your industry as a career path?
A: “The technology industry is a field with endless possibilities. It can be challenging, rewarding and inspiring. And yet, women hold only 26 percent of computing-related occupations. We need to do a better job of exposing women to careers in technology, encouraging them to enter the field, and ridding the industry of the ‘male-only’ stigma its held for decades. As a co-leader of Girl Develop It Fargo, we aim to do this by teaching women software development through in-person courses and creating a network of empowered women in the community.”
Elise Siverson
Tax Manager – Eide Bailly LLP
Q: As a tax manager, this is a busy season for you. Why is it important to step away from your professional role to focus on leadership development?
A: “Leadership does not come naturally for me. I spent a lot of my life as a painfully shy person. As an adolescent, I would never have imagined myself in a leadership role; I was very comfortable as a wallflower. It’s important in my current position to be an impactful leader and I’m lucky that my employer wholeheartedly supports professional development. 35 Under 35 offers a unique opportunity to not only develop my leadership style but to do so with remarkable women. Although it is a bit more of a challenge juggling this commitment during my busiest season, I know the sacrifice will be well worth the reward.”
Stephanie Schroeder
Communications Director – Discovery Benefits
Q: Discovery Benefits is known for its positive company culture. Why is philanthropy important when it comes to creating a positive culture for your employees?
A: “We have a ‘work hard, play hard’ culture at Discovery Benefits, but we firmly believe that culture is more than just having fun. It’s about instilling your core values in everything you do, which for us means embodying the values of leadership, open communication, continuous learning, integrity and teamwork. Volunteering together helps us stay true to all of these values but especially teamwork. There’s no better way to come together as a team than when you’re working in support of a cause you care about and are having fun while doing it.”
Bonnie Oelschlager
Marketing & Communications Manager – Hospice of the Red River Valley
Q: What advice would you give the next generation of aspiring female leaders?
A: “Be relentlessly curious and hungry to learn. Listening and asking good questions go hand-in-hand. To be a good leader, you must know how to listen, and want to listen, and be fueled by curiosity and empathy.”
Natalie Silva
Human Resources Generalist – Magnum Electric, Inc.
Q: Why did you pursue the opportunity to participate in this program?
A: “Community is very important to me, specifically the people in it. I strive to stay involved and give back as much as possible. In doing so, I hope to make a powerful and positive impact through leading by example. I knew the 35 Under 35 program would significantly assist in developing the essential leadership skills needed to make the most dynamic and residual impression I’m capable of.”
Amber Vogel
Director of Consulting – Network Center, Inc.
Q: Why is leadership development important when it comes to keeping customers satisfied with the services your company provides?
A: “Our customers rely on us to understand their business strategy, facilitate conversations and align their business challenges with the right solutions. Technology changes so quickly, we have to take chances and be creative, which requires a variety of leadership skills and collaboration. Leadership development prepares us to develop strategic partnerships, be better problem solvers and provide innovative solutions.”
Jeanine Larson
Director of Public Relations & Team Development – Heritage Homes and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties
Q: In your past experience, you have worked in the media. How has that helped shape who you are today?
A: “Beginning my career as a reporter and an anchor gave me the great opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and have the ability to tell their stories. My eyes were opened to hardships people face, and I learned a great deal about compassion while connecting through storytelling. In this high pressure role, I also learned to prioritize, create content under pressure and effectively communicate. I believe members of the media are held to a higher standard and I’ve continued to strive to maintain my professionalism throughout the communication roles in my career.”
Kali Mork
Director of Sports – Fargo- Moorhead Athletic Commission Powered by the Fargo-Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau
Q: Why is it important to network with other female community leaders?
A: “As the unofficial mantra of my alma mater says, ‘the strength of the Herd is the Bison, and the strength of the Bison is the Herd.’ All of the amazing women I am having the opportunity to learn about and network with through this program have numerous thoughts, opinions and talents. As individuals, we each have much to contribute to our community and could definitely make a difference on our own. However, if we join together and offer one another support, both professionally and personally, we can create the momentum necessary to really affect change.”
Rachael Lawson
Executive Assistant – United Way of Cass-Clay
Q: How will you take what you learned through this program and apply it to your role at United Way?
A: “Throughout this program I have learned about my strengths, my weaknesses and how to use this skillset to work with others that have different strengths. I am prepared to use this deeper knowledge of myself to help strengthen my relationships with coworkers, volunteers, investors and more. In my role, I am the liason between United Way and anyone who wants to become involved by attending an event or volunteering for events such as School Supply Drive and Day of Caring. As the first person a guest meets when they reach out to United Way, I always aim to make sure they have a positive interaction with both me and our organization.”
Jenny Miner
Project Manager – CoreLink Administrative Solutions
Q: Why is it important for women to come together in a setting like this?
A: “I think it is critical for young leaders to have the opportunity to connect and thrive in a supportive atmosphere like 35 Under 35. It helps to facilitate ideas, change and motivates the younger generation to make changes in our community.”
Laura Bryson
Loan Officer – Freedom Community Credit Union
Q: How do you think you will approach your professional and personal life differently after experiencing this program?
A: “After completion of this program, I will approach my professional and personal life in a more energized and efficient way. I will not be afraid to take a risk and achieve the long and short term goals that I set for myself and really find my voice to communicate my ideas. The skills I will learn here will help me to be a better co-worker, wife, mom and friend.”
Katie Ehlis
Owner/Consultant – Katie Ehlis Learning & Development
Q: Tell us about why you decided to start your own business.
A: “My husband and I moved to Fargo in 2014 and I was adjusting to life as a first-time mom. I had just left my position at Red Robin Inc. in Denver, Colo., and I realized what I enjoyed most about my previous positions was working with teams to design innovative, engaging solutions. Learning is about the experience, not just completing a course or checking a box. Learning happens when you’re engaged, inspired and allowed to critically think about the content or topic at hand. After discussions with a close mentor and support from my husband, I decided that I wanted to take a risk and change how others perceive the importance of learning and development in their organization.”
Cheri Haarstick
Manager – Fiebiger, Swanson, West & Co., PLLP
Q: If you could have dinner with one powerful female leader, who would it be and why?
A: “Mary Kay Ash, businesswoman and founder of Mary Kay Cosmetics, Inc. Her business plan is designed to allow opportunities for women to advance personally and professionally by helping others succeed. The business opportunities her company and vision have provided has empowered women all over the world. Her story and business model are truly inspirational and admirable.”
Kylie Seaberg
Inside Opportunity Executive – Microsoft
Q: Microsoft is one of the world’s largest companies. How can one be a good leader and make a difference in a large organization?
A: “Microsoft empowers their employees to be leaders whether they hold a title or not. They encourage each of us to share our voice and ideas, as this fosters growth amongst others. I am empowered each day to take on leadership roles, whether it’s with my team or within the Fargo campus. These experiences allow me to lead and encourage others while making a difference within Microsoft.”
Trish Enger
Regional Operations Manager, ND/SD – HUB International Insurance
Q: What have you learned from 35 Under 35 so far? Why is it important to you?
A: “35 Under 35 has taught me that regardless of what role you play in your current job, life or even circle of friends, there is always room for improvement and growth. It has taught me different ways to communicate and work more closely with others that have a different learning or communication style then I do. It has also taught me to push my boundaries and move outside of my comfort zone.”
Shannon David
Assistant Professor/Interim Clinical Education Coordinator – North Dakota State University
Q: In your role at NDSU, you help build career skills for students. What advice do you give to students when they embark on their careers?
A: “The first piece of advice I share with students is to believe in themselves and be confident in the skill set they developed while attending NDSU. Their coursework has provided them with the knowledge to be great, so they need to believe in themselves and show their true value.”
Ashley Martodam
Insurance Agent – Great North Insurance
Q: What have you learned through this program that you hope to pass on to the next generation of female leaders?
A: “There’s a saying ‘it takes all sorts to make the world go around.’ This has never been clearer to me. We all need to do a better job at looking for the positives in those around us and push aside the negative. We need to utilize each other’s strengths and lean on one another for help because we can’t be good at everything. We truly can have it all: success, leadership, friends and a family – but we can’t do it all alone.”
Angela Hagen
Project Management Manager – NAU Country Insurance
Q: Why are programs like this important for the larger community and not just the women who participate?
A: “Anytime you have a group of intelligent and motivated individuals together, amazing things can happen. In this case, the 35 Under 35 program brings together a great group of women, empowers them and challenges them to make a difference. We will all carry these experiences back to our families, friends, co-workers and communities individually. We also make the connections in this program to give back to our community as a team, which is when the truly amazing things will happen.”
Katherine Orth
Patient Support Services Manager – Family HealthCare
Q: How can you use the skills you’ve acquired in your role at Family HealthCare to help our community?
A: “My passion for healthcare and teamwork drive me to engage members of our community. Networking is important to quickly see how much we have in common. When we put ourselves out there, we can connect and share ideas to better our community and help those in need.”
Kimberly Peterson
Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Lillestol Research LLC
Q: What advice would you give the next generation of aspiring female leaders?
A: “Don’t be afraid to be who you are in the workplace and in your personal life. Stand up for what you feel is important and don’t settle. The right business will appreciate the uniqueness of you and will be understanding of the values that you stand for. Make a point to put your phone down, make a call and keep up with personal relationships. It is becoming a lost art, but the genuineness will be refreshing.”
Bethany Kleven
VP/Private Banking Officer – Bell State Bank & Trust
Q: What have you learned from 35 Under 35 so far?
A: “35 Under 35 has opened my eyes to all of the great women that we have in our community. Our class has a diverse group of experience in many different industries and it is exciting to see the energy we share for making a difference in our community.”
Lisa Klabunde
School Counselor – West Fargo Public Schools/Cheney Middle School
Q: The West Fargo School District is growing at a fast pace. How have you been able to keep responding to the needs of students during this growth?
A: “Our school district population has been growing, which creates growth and change in our individual schools. The students that I work with at the middle school level have needs unique to them, their background, and their developmental level. I think we respond to this growth by being proactive and getting in the classrooms once a month with our middle level students and offering a variety of small group counseling opportunities for students to connect, learn from each other and find common ground. In order to meet the needs, we as professionals need to grow, change and continue to sharpen our skills.”
Jill Piela
E-Marketing Specialist – Doosan Bobcat Inc.
Q: How do you work toward achieving work-life integration?
A: “It’s a struggle to keep both personal and professional lives running smoothly but it all comes down to planning and priorities. I spend time on the weekend prepping for the next week; birthday parties, social events, work meetings, but especially meal planning. During the week when work is in full force and the kids’ activities are happening, we still try to have dinner as a family. Some days all you get is that dinner to be together as a family and that time is so short that we make it a priority. Work can always pick up again once the kids are in bed.”
Abby Boggs-Johnson
Digital Marketing Manager – Onsharp
Q: What advice do you have for women when it comes to creating your personal brand through social media?
A: “It’s important to put your best professional self forward while still being yourself. You want to let people know what kind of a person you are in addition to your professional role. You’re a human with interests and passions beyond your work. At Onsharp, when we create social employee programs or do coaching, we emphasize making sure that human side of individuals has the chance to shine through in their digital presence. It makes a difference. And don’t be afraid to share exciting things you’ve done. It’s okay to have pride in your achievements and let people know about them.”
Christen Anderson
Director of Sales and Marketing – Peak Engagement
Q: Why is it important for women to come together in a setting like this?
A: “It’s been difficult to meet women who have similar aspirations and goals as I have: big. I quickly realized this is due to the fact that these women’s days are packed being employees, volunteers, mothers and more. Luckily, 35 Under 35 did the heavy lifting for me by finding these amazing women and highlighting how this program excels in connecting women. This program not only excels in networking but also provides an environment that allows us to remove the daily noise of our lives and focus on how we can become better leaders in our careers, communities and personal lives.”
Erin Koeppe
Assistant Director of Human Resources/Talent Management – Concordia College
Q: Your employer is a liberal arts college. Why do you think it is important to never stop learning?
A: “I’m proud to work for an institution that values a whole approach to education for our students. I think an important part of education is not necessarily what is learned, rather the critical thinking skills that are developed and the ability to apply a concept to our everyday lives. Challenging our students to reflect on how they can create impact within their communities, no matter what their career path, is what sets Concordia apart. I think it is important for all of us to never stop acquiring knowledge and skills that can benefit one another.”
Nicole Welle
Entrepreneur, Personal Coach, & Marketing Strategist – viaONEHOPE/Pediatric Therapy Partners
Q: What have you learned about the importance of early childhood education throughout your role at Pediatric Therapy Partners?
A: “What has struck me most is how critical the first three years of development are for a human being. It affects his or her whole life, either positively or negatively. The human brain is so malleable, but no more so than during those first few years. It can change the entire trajectory of a child’s life. As a mom of three kids, I’ve always believed that the most important parenting tools are simple: books, songs, playtime, intuition and love. Pediatric Therapy Partners and Early Intervention Partners have only confirmed this for me.”
Kelsey McFarlane
Web Proofreader – Swanson Health Products
Q: In your experience with this program, what excites you about the support that you will give and receive through this program? Why is a network of female support important?
A: “I am thrilled to be making connections with other women in the community who are driven and goal-oriented. For me, it is important to have a network of female support because often we lack the confidence to pursue our goals in what is a still male dominated workplace. While having only been in the program a short time, I feel more empowered and confident in my own abilities because of the connections and friendships I have made here. With this network, I have had many uplifting interactions with the other participants and cannot wait to see the relationships develop further.”
Aimee DeSherlia
Youth Court Coordinator – Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota
Q: You work with young people on a daily basis. How can our community take an active role in supporting young people?
A: “I think that it is important not to judge or label the youth in our community. These kids are our future. If we don’t invest in their success now and provide support as they grow, then we are putting the future of our community at risk. Every child has the potential to do great things if they are being supported.”
The post United Way’s 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program 2016 appeared first on Fargo Monthly.