05.05.25
Community Change in Action: The LFMWF Experience
By Setareh Campion, Director of Programs, FMWF Chamber
Leadership participants present their Community Change Initiative during a session at Concordia College.
(Left to right: Shelby Schweigert, Ian Harmon, Scott Krabbenhoft, Nicki Sneed, Lexi Jameson)
Each year, members of the Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo (LFMWF) class take on a powerful challenge: design and deliver a project that confronts a real challenge in our community. The projects are called Community Change Initiatives and provide real-world solutions to real-world problems. They demand leadership and collaboration, and are driven by compassion and shared commitment to leaving things better than we found them.
From tackling homelessness and screen overuse to bridging generations and building safer schools, these projects show what leadership in action truly looks like. They’re bold, thoughtful, creative, and deeply personal—just like the people behind them.
Whether you're an aspiring LFMWF participant or a community member curious about what happens when leadership meets purpose, here's how this year's cohorts are making waves.
Empower Together Night
Ashley Beaudoin, Brianna Gibbons, Megan Callahan, Aja Nyquist, Cherie Ulmer
More than a night out, Empower Together Night was a moment of restoration for women in crisis. Held at the YWCA, this special event created space for healing, joy and connection. With a comforting meal, a flower workshop led by Hope Blooms, and a safe, fun movie night for children, women had a chance to feel seen, supported and valued. Each woman left with a care package, but what they took with them mattered far more. One participant said it best: “You made us feel important,” capturing the very essence of what the night and what community is all about.
Home Matters – Day of Dignity
Rachael Bye, Adam Johnson, Ryan LeNoue, Katelin Madsen, Lyndon Pease, Emma Vold
Over 1,000 people experience homelessness each night in our metro. The Day of Dignity will connect community members facing barriers with essential resources, offering free hygiene supplies and access to local services. The event will be at Broadway Square on June 7 from 1 to 4 p.m. The event is meant to uplift our community and promote dignity for all. It’s made possible by partnerships with nonprofits and businesses.
Stand Up, Speak Out, Stop Bullying
Connor Bawdon, Carlie Enderle, Rachel Meske, Courtney Richman, Tristan Ross, Kacie Weber
Bullying prevention starts with student voices. In partnership with D-S Beverages, this initiative allows the cohort to deliver eight large banners to area schools during National Bullying Prevention Month in October of the 2025-26 school year. The project invites students to take a public anti-bullying pledge: Stand Up, Speak Out, Stop Bullying. Students signed the banner with painted or drawn handprints or by writing their names. Then they received an “I Pledged” sticker to show their commitment. This allowed them to send a powerful message: kindness matters. Already embraced by schools in Moorhead, Kindred and Lake Park, this project builds safer, more supportive school communities.
Tech-Free Tuesday™
Jon Christianson, Samantha Duitsman, JT Froning, Mackenzie Hertz, Dani Kelly, Nate Tanguay
Imagine a world where families sit down, put away their phones and truly connect. That’s the vision of Tech-Free Tuesday™, a community movement encouraging device-free meals once a week. Local restaurants began offering promotions and screen-free dining experiences that prioritize presence over pixels on May 6. This effort is meant to strengthen relationships, improve mental well-being and inspire quality time, one meal at a time.
218 Outdoor Challenge
Sabrina Cogger, Allison Fulton, Sara Gimberline, Noah Gjesdahl, Hannah Savoy
Fresh air, family time and fun—that’s what the 218 Outdoor Challenge is all about. Designed to get Moorhead families outdoors for 218 hours a year, the challenge makes movement and nature a shared adventure. With student tracking, classroom participation and end-of-year pizza parties, this project inspires healthier habits and reminds kids (and grownups) that the best playground is just outside the door. With fun ideas and local resources shared on the challenge website, it’s easy for everyone to find ways to enjoy the outdoors. The team hopes to grow the program next school year and inspire even more families to make time for fresh air and adventure.
Connecting Generation
Rachel Iverson, Zac Johnson, Tom Kopp, Emily Mohror, Ali Ott, Bill Restemayer
In Connecting Generation, fifth graders from Eagles Elementary became storytellers and residents from Touchmark at Harwood Groves became honored heroes. Through interviews, storytelling and a final celebration, this project connected students with elders. The experience sparked meaningful connections, conversation and mutual appreciation. For both generations, it was more than a writing project—it was a heartfelt exchange of laughter, life lessons and legacy.
Love in Bounds
Jessica Grantham, Ian Harmon, Lexi Jameson, Scott Krabbenhoft, Shelby Schweigert, Nicki Sneed
Teenagers today face complex relationship challenges. Love in Bounds meets them where they are—on social media and in podcasts—with real talk about setting boundaries, practicing consent, recognizing red flags, safely ending unhealthy relationships and supporting friends. Created in partnership with Dakota Family Services and Fargo Public Schools, this campaign empowers students to navigate relationships with safety, confidence, and respect. It’s not just prevention—it’s preparation for real life.
Want to create this kind of impact?
The 2026 LFMWF class has already been selected, but applications for 2027 will open in February 2026. Join the next class of LFMWF. Bring your passion, your ideas and your drive to make things better. Because when we lead together, positive change isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.
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