Nineteen Graduate the Women's Leadership Program in Fargo
Guest Speaker Michelle Wall leads NDWBC’s Women’s Leadership Program participants through their final class.
FARGO—Nineteen women graduated North Dakota Women’s Business Center’s (NDWBC) Women’s Leadership Program (WLP) on Thursday. Applicants were chosen based on the candidate’s potential to grow herself, her career, and her community. For 6 months, these leaders attended monthly classes instructed by industry experts in areas of personal, professional, community, and health leadership skills. They applied their skills in community projects raising $18,664.50.
Class Representative, Kayla Howard, gave the commencement speech.
Howard talked about why she joined the program.
“I was looking to learn from and connect with strong, powerful women who are giving back to our community.”
Talking about the lessons she learned through the program, Howard explained how she plans to put those lessons to work.
“We had deep conversations on the laws of leadership and how to apply them on a day to day basis… I enjoyed the relationships with such a diverse group of women who each brought in a different perspective of leadership. I grew in my ability to effectively collaborate with women who bring different strengths. I am looking forward to reaching out to them as mentors and to continue working with them in philanthropy projects in my community.”
Through WLP, NDWBC creates, organizes, and leads the program to advance the careers of women leaders and their communities. It is proud of the women who have passed through its leadership course. Below is a list of the 2020 Fargo graduates and their places of employment.
Addie Nohr, Kotapay, a division of First International Bank & Trust
Alayna Stenerson, Bell Bank
Alison Paul, Noridian Healthcare Solutions
Alissa Maier, Stoneridge Software
Ashley Bixby, BNG Team
Chloe Reichel, First International Bank & Trust
Daniele Haekenkamp, Alzheimer’s Association
Desirae Putnam, Desirae Interiors
Emily Erickson, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
Kailey Boraas, First Western Bank & Trust
Kayla Howard, Rasmussen University
Mandy Hofland, Centre Inc.
Mary Erdmann, Probitas Promotions
Nicole Davidson, The Title Company
Randilyn Dombek, Bell Bank
Roxane Stutzman, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
Sara Hough, Merrill Lynch
Stacey Belka, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
Tracey Miller, Profit Hub 360 LLC
Guest Speaker Kelsey Rasco shares about her experience in leadership as an entrepreneur in Fargo.
A special thanks goes to BNG Team for generously hosting the monthly program. NDWBC is grateful to the community that has supported these women in their leadership journey, their employers for allowing time off, their families for allowing them time away, and the non-profits that welcomed philanthropy projects during COVID-19.
Program Director Christy Dauer described the secret to a strong leadership program.
“What I love most is that we provide a platform to grow personally and professionally, in a safe setting. Women who have never connected share life lessons and insights in support of one another. Despite social distancing, it was tough to break up the conversations. loved the energy in the room. This class was so enjoyable to connect with as a group, as well as to get to know personally. Each one of these women are champions for saying yes to themselves month after month.”
The application deadline for the 2021 Fargo-Moorhead Women’s Leadership Program is April 30, 2020. NDWBC encourages women to apply as early as possible to this competitive program. Selection is not limited by age, race, or formal educational requirements, but by professional achievement and organizational responsibility. Applicants are selected by a third-party reviewing committee.
NDWBC helps women who want to advance their business, career, and leadership skills. We understand that not knowing where to start can be overwhelming. We guide women to the next level with our free tools, events, and trainings. Women who partner with us leave prepared, confident, and have the steps to move forward.