The Leadership FMWF Class of 2026 has officially reached graduation, closing out 10 months of conversations, experiences and relationships that challenged participants to think differently about leadership and the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo community. 

Throughout the year, participants stepped into conversations around workforce challenges, public policy, education, economic development, nonprofit leadership and community impact while building connections with leaders across industries and organizations. 

As the program comes to a close, many participants say the biggest transformation happened in how they see themselves, their leadership style and their role in the community moving forward.  

Leadership looks different for everyone 

For Menley Denham, office manager at Cultivate Family Chiropractic, one of the biggest takeaways from the program was realizing how connected people and organizations across the region really are. 

“We all found common ground every session and grew in our leadership together,” Denham shared.  

The experience also helped reinforce her confidence in her own leadership style and future goals. After years of considering entrepreneurship, she says the program gave her the momentum to move forward with starting her own business to support entrepreneurs and future business owners in the community.  

“My leadership journey has always been a calm, steady one,” Denham said. “I want my presence to bring calm to a sometimes very chaotic world.”  

Sarah Landsem, HR business partner at Astera Health, reflected on how the program expanded her understanding of leadership styles and authenticity. 

“There is no single ‘optimal leader’ description,” Landsem said. “Different styles bring amazing opportunities.”  

She says the experience strengthened her confidence and gave her new tools to better support leaders and employees within her organization. The relationships built throughout the cohort also played a major role in that growth.  

For Beth Prashek, business operations specialist at Apex Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, Leadership FMWF reinforced that leadership is not always tied to a title or being the loudest voice in the room. 

“A lot of my strengths come through organization, support, relationship-building, problem-solving and helping move things forward behind the scenes,” Prashek shared.  

She says the program helped her become more intentional and confident in how she leads while also strengthening her appreciation for collaboration across the community.  

A deeper understanding of the community 

Across the cohort, participants consistently reflected on the relationships, collaboration and behind-the-scenes work that keep the region moving forward. 

Prashek said one of her biggest takeaways was seeing how interconnected businesses, nonprofits and community organizations truly are. 

“Every session highlighted how much impact can happen when organizations, businesses, nonprofits and individuals come together with a shared purpose,” she said.  

That broader understanding also shaped how participants hope to stay involved after graduation. 

Denham plans to continue growing her involvement in the nonprofit sector, including work connected to The Brady Oberg Legacy Foundation and causes supporting Veterans.  

Landsem shared that her Community Change Initiative project introduced her to new organizations and opened the door to additional opportunities to stay engaged in solving challenges facing the community.  

Prashek hopes to continue supporting projects and organizations focused on strengthening families and building lasting community impact.  

Advice for the next class 

While each participant described the experience differently, one theme surfaced repeatedly: growth comes from staying open to the experience. 

“Dive in, get uncomfortable and embrace the growth,” Landsem advised next year’s class.  

Denham encouraged future participants to approach the program with an open mind and fully invest in both the personal and professional development opportunities the program creates.  

Prashek shared similar advice, encouraging the next cohort to stay present, build relationships and engage fully throughout the year. 

“The more present and engaged you are throughout the program, the more meaningful and rewarding the experience will be,” she said.  

As the Class of 2026 moves into Leadership FMWF alumni status, the impact of the program continues beyond graduation day. The relationships built, perspectives gained and confidence developed throughout the past 10 months will continue shaping how these leaders show up in their workplaces, organizations and community for years to come.