The 2026 Leadership FMWF class is nearing graduation, bringing a close to 10 months of conversations, challenges and experiences that pushed participants to grow as leaders and better understand the region around them. 

Throughout the program, participants stepped into new environments, built relationships across industries and explored the issues shaping the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo region. Along the way, many found a clearer understanding of their leadership style, their strengths and the kind of impact they want to make moving forward. 

As the class prepares to graduate this week, participants are reflecting on what they’ll carry with them long after the program ends. 

Casondra Duckworth 

Operations Manager, Jeremiah Program

As Operations Manager at Jeremiah Program Fargo-Moorhead, Casondra Duckworth’s role touches nearly every part of the organization. From facilities and onboarding to systems, safety and operations, the work often happens behind the scenes, but it plays a critical role in supporting staff and families. 

Leadership FMWF helped Casondra expand the way they think about leadership and community collaboration. 

“It’s pushed me to think beyond my own organization, build stronger community connections and better understand how different sectors can work together to solve challenges,” Casondra said. 

One of the biggest lessons came through honest conversations with others in the cohort. 

“Leadership isn’t about having everything figured out all the time,” Casondra said. “Sometimes the most impactful thing you can do is be honest about where you’re struggling.” 

The experience also helped strengthen Casondra’s confidence in leadership spaces that once felt outside their comfort zone. 

“You don’t have to be the loudest person in the room to make meaningful connections or be a strong leader.” 

Looking ahead, Casondra hopes to continue building spaces where people feel supported, connected and encouraged to grow through nonprofit leadership, mentorship and community partnerships. 

“One quote that really guides me is: ‘I want someone to look at me and say, “Because of you, I didn’t give up.”’” 

Kimberly Vosseteig 

Executive Director, American Red Cross 

Kimberly Vosseteig leads the American Red Cross of Eastern North Dakota and Northwestern Minnesota, working alongside volunteers, board members and community partners to help communities prepare, respond and recover in times of need. 

Through Leadership FMWF, Kimberly said she gained a broader understanding of the region and strengthened her ability to lead through collaboration. 

“One of my biggest takeaways from Leadership FMWF is the power of connection and collaboration across our community,” Kimberly said. “Seeing how leaders in different sectors approach challenges has reinforced that we’re stronger when we work together.” 

The experience reinforced her belief that long-term impact depends on strong relationships and a shared sense of purpose. 

“It’s pushed me to think beyond my organization and consider how we can work across sectors to create greater impact, together.” 

As she looks ahead, Kimberly hopes to continue building stronger connections throughout the community and help bring organizations and people together around shared challenges and solutions. 

“Ultimately, I want to help create a community that is prepared, connected and better equipped to care for one another.” 

For future participants, her advice is to stay present and lean into the relationships the program creates. 

“The value of this program comes from the relationships you build and the perspectives you gain.” 

Jose Zandonadi 

Unit Lead, Bayer 

As a Unit Lead with Bayer’s Crop Science division in West Fargo, Jose Zandonadi focuses on soybean seed production and leading teams that support long-term operational success. Much of his work centers on helping teams stay aligned, removing barriers early and creating an environment where success can be sustained across the organization. 

Leadership FMWF became an opportunity to strengthen both his leadership approach and his connection to the community. 

“One of my biggest takeaways from the program was the importance of self-awareness and intentional leadership,” Jose said. “Understanding how your values and actions impact others is critical to leading effectively.” 

Throughout the program, Jose said the cohort experience challenged people to step outside their comfort zones and support one another through shared learning and growth. 

“These experiences helped shape me into a more well-rounded leader, and I can confidently say my leadership toolbelt expanded significantly.” 

Jose also shared how meaningful the experience was as someone entering the program without many existing connections in the region. 

“Being from another country made me unsure of what to expect,” Jose said. “That hesitation quickly changed. The entire FMWF team and Chamber were incredibly welcoming and made me feel like part of the community from day one.” 

Looking ahead, he plans to stay engaged in the community and continue building partnerships that support collaboration and growth across the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo area. 

“The more you put into the experience, the more meaningful it becomes to you.” 

As the Class of 2026 prepares to graduate, the impact of Leadership FMWF extends beyond the program itself. Participants leave with stronger relationships, broader perspectives and a deeper understanding of the role they can play in shaping the future of the region.