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01.20.26
Meet the Leadership FMWF Class: Alyssa Lokosky, Allison Pillar, John Morrison
By Hannah Kliniske, Director of Content Strategy, FMWF Chamber
2026 Leadership FMWF Class participants (L to R); Alyssa Lokosky, Allison Pillar and John Morrison.
Get to know participants of the 2026 Leadership FMWF Class: Alyssa Lokosky, Allison Pillar and John Morrison.
Leadership FMWF is designed to challenge how participants think about leadership within their own organizations and across the broader Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo region. Midway through the program, members of the 2026 class are already applying new perspectives, building meaningful connections and gaining a deeper understanding of how leadership shows up in everyday decisions.
Meet a few participants who are putting those lessons into action.
Alyssa Lakosky
Commercial Real Estate Agent and Advisor, JBC Commercial Real Estate
Alyssa Lakosky works closely with business owners, investors and developers to guide long-term real estate decisions that support growth and stability. Through Leadership FMWF, she has gained a broader understanding of the systems that influence the region like economic development, workforce retention, education and local government — insights that now inform how she advises her clients.
One of her most meaningful takeaways has been recognizing how interconnected the community truly is. Leadership FMWF helped her step back and see how decisions made in one sector can affect many others.
“Leadership FMWF helped me zoom out and see how decisions in one sector can ripple across others,” Lakosky says.
That expanded view has reshaped how she defines leadership. Rather than focusing on authority, she has come to value engagement and curiosity, along with a willingness to step into conversations that matter.
“Leadership isn’t just about authority,” she says. “It’s about engagement, curiosity and a willingness to step into conversations that matter.”
The relationships formed within the cohort have been especially impactful. Surrounded by professionals from different industries who share a desire to learn and grow, Lakosky describes the experience as both grounding and energizing. Those connections have already broadened her perspective and expanded her network in meaningful ways.
Leadership FMWF challenges participants to think bigger, ask better questions and take ownership of their role in the community. It is not simply a skills-based program, she says, but an investment in how leaders show up professionally and personally.
John Morrison
Accounting Systems Manager, American Crystal Sugar Company
John Morrison serves as Accounting Systems Manager at American Crystal Sugar Company, where his responsibilities range from managing accounts payable and overseeing finance software systems to maintaining internal controls and driving process improvement through technology.
Leadership FMWF has encouraged Morrison to push beyond his comfort zone and learn from peers across a wide range of industries. One of the most valuable lessons he has taken from the experience is a renewed focus on intentional leadership and productivity.
“Being busy does not mean you are productive,” Morrison says.
The program has also shaped how he views leadership within the context of community. Morrison believes progress happens when people show up with a shared commitment to improvement, and that even small actions can create lasting impact.
“One small act to make our community better can have a massive ripple effect,” he says.
Like many in the cohort, Morrison points to the relationships built through Leadership FMWF as the most impactful part of the experience. The program has connected him with people doing meaningful work across the region, relationships that likely would not have formed otherwise.
For those considering applying, Morrison encourages action. Growth, he says, only happens when people are willing to step forward.
Allison Pillar
Communications Manager, YWCA Cass Clay
As communications manager at YWCA Cass Clay, Allison Pillar leads the organization’s communications and marketing strategy, working across departments to ensure messaging is clear, consistent and mission-aligned. Through Leadership FMWF, she has expanded her network across nonprofit and for-profit sectors while sharing the mission and work of YWCA with a broader audience.
One of Pillar’s most meaningful takeaways has been discovering shared purpose in unexpected places.
“There is often common ground where you might not expect it,” Pillar says.
The relationships formed through Leadership FMWF have extended beyond professional connections into lasting friendships. Seeing so many people actively invested in strengthening the community has reinforced her belief in collaboration and collective leadership.
Observing leadership in action across the cohort has also prompted Pillar to reflect on her own approach. Drawing from the strengths and examples of those around her has influenced how she shows up not only at work, but for her family and in the community.
“Being part of Leadership FMWF has deepened my love for the Fargo-Moorhead area and helped me find a sense of belonging and purpose,” she says.
The breadth of connections has been especially impactful. Pillar now describes having a trusted network of nearly 40 people she could reach out to for insight or support across a wide range of topics, a level of access and trust she finds remarkable.
She encourages others to take the leap. Leadership FMWF offers new perspectives, deeper understanding and meaningful connection, creating growth that extends well beyond the program itself.
Thinking about applying?
The mid-program experience is already shaping how these leaders think, connect and lead. Applications for the next Leadership FMWF class open this April, so take some time to explore what the program can offer and what it can unlock in your leadership journey. Join our interest list to receive application details as soon as they’re released!
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