Intentional Collisions 2023 - Women Connect

Description

  

This year marks Women Connect's second annual Intentional Collisions event - a highly engaging and interactive experience to connect attendees with the influential women of our great community.
 
During the afternoon, each attendee will have the opportunity to select several 'collisions' they would like to make. This will give Women Connect attendees direct access to our influential leaders, and a more intimate setting to share insights, experiences, journeys and advice, as well as answer any questions that may arise during the collision.
 
This interactive experience will be extremely rewarding for all participating, and we look forward to seeing the blossoming of lasting relationships and life-changing connections. Be sure to stick around after the event for a social - a drink ticket is included in your registration.

Student discounts are available for this event. If you are a student at any of our area colleges but do not have your promo code, please email Anja at akalvoda@fmwfchamber.com for assistance.

Social from 5 to 6 p.m.

This year's mentors include:
Plus, their areas of passion, experience and expertise
Full bios are available here

Dr. Jill Abbott, Deputy to the President, College Administrator, Concordia College

Empowering Leadership Through Empathy | Calm Under Pressure | Faith and Work | I love leading with humility and joy, helping women as we navigate through the ups and downs of life, and building effective and people-centered practices and processes.
Stacey Ackerman, Family Office Advisor, Wells Fargo Bank

Non-Profit Board Service | Career Progression | Continued Learning and Development | I am interested in empowering women to take charge of their financial future and serving on boards of directors.
Alissa Adams, COO, West Acres Development

Balancing Personal and Professional Passions | Creating a Vibrant and Collaborative Team Culture | The Business ROI behind incorporating Arts and Culture | I strive to bring creativity into every aspect of life and have a positive impact on everyone around me. I am a lifelong learner and am always traveling to new places, trying new things and keeping an open mind.
Dr. Stephanie Ahlfeldt, Associate Provost, Concordia College

Career Advancement | Difficult Conversations | Mindset | My professional passion is empowering and supporting professionals, especially women, to claim their space and thrive.
Tina Amerman, Director of Talent Experience, Bobcat Company

Career Advancement | Confidence | Self-Awareness | Work/Life Integration | I am passionate about helping our talent find their passions and developing them to ensure a positive employee experience.
Margie Bailly, Retired Executive Director, Fargo Theatre Management Corporation

Avoiding 'Joy Suckers' | Fund Development | Leadership | My professional passions include promoting historic preservation, supporting families and early childhood education and families, and uplifting projects that value the power of the arts - such as film and music.
Kate Baldock, Artist

Building a Business | Art and Fashion | Balancing Work as a Mother | I strive to grow personally and professionally each day while being kind and bringing joy to others.
Josey Balenger, Executive Director, FM Science Museum

Unconventional Career Paths | Leading From the Middle | Equity and Inclusion Strategies | I am passionate about museums, STEM education and literacy, and equity and inclusion.
Samantha Berg, Chief Human Resources Officer, Choice Bank

Coaching | Being Real & Being Honest | Working Hard | I'm happy to talk about anything personal or professional.
Nikki Berglund, Owner, Luna

Starting a Business | Being a Woman in a Position of Power | Caring about more than the bottom line | I care deeply about the impact my businesses make on the people who work for me, the community in which I live, and the world as a whole.
Ruchi Joshi Bhardwaj, Grower & Education Program Manager, Grand Farm

Time Management | Conflict Resolution | Imposter Syndrome | I am passionate about relationship building. Artificial Intelligence can never overtake emotional intelligence.
Amanda Booher, Communications Manager, Audubon Great Plains

Changing Careers | Leadership and Lifting Yourself Up | Family | I am passionate about supporting our local community ... and house plants!
Dr. Carrie Brimhall, President, Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Purpose-Driven Leadership | Living and Leading Authentically | Staying healthy when you are tired and stressed | I am passionate about equity, student and life success, mentoring and being real about leadership.
Jodi Buchholz, Senior Sales Executive, Stoneridge Software

Building Rapport | Business Processes | Execution | Climbing the Ladder | My passion is connecting the dots with human interaction and having trust, compassion and fun while doing it!
Kelsey Buell, Founder, You Flourish Company

Preventing Stress & Burnout | Authentic Leadership | Recruiting & HR | I am passionate about public speaking, being creative and building relationships.
Ruth Buffalo, Advocate/Special Projects, First Nations Womens Alliance

Personal Wellness | Community Wellness | Perseverance | I love helping people develop their professional workforce skills.
Kriss Burns, HR Business Consultant, PRO Resources

Networking | Community Involvement | HR and Small Business Operations | I love connecting people, creating efficiencies and solving HR issues.
Kimberly Busch, Director of Customer Experience & Delivery, Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND

Public Speaking and Effective Storytelling | Career Paths and Development | People Management | I am passionate about delivering meaningful experiences, building relationships, and thriving in a creative and strategic culture.
Shelly Carlson, Mayor, The City of Moorhead

Conflict Resolution | Time Management | Work/Life Balance | "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
Carrie Carney, VP of Marketing and Communications, Eventide Senior Living Communities

Wearing Many Hats in Your Role | Strategy vs. Execution | Career Elevation as a Single Parent | Establishing Boundaries | I am passionate about leadership, setting goals and a strategy, finding joy in work, and making a difference in my organization and community.
Jill Christopher, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley

Non-Profit Board Service | One-on-One Conversations | Managing Team Transitions | I am passionate about continuous growth, lifelong learning and the power of community.
Michelle Cody, Studio Director, Fly Fitness

Finding Your Confidence | Turn Your Passion Into Your Career | Building Community | I am passionate about helping people become physically, emotionally and spiritually healthy.
Dr. Kate Cook, NDSU First Lady, North Dakota State University

Working with Individuals with Disabilities | Equine Therapy | Volunteering | I am passionate about spending time with family and friends, and building pathways to independence for individuals with disabilities.
Dayna Del Val, President & CEO, The Arts Partnership

Personal & Professional Overlap | Discovering who you are | How to share difficult information | The arts and community | I get excited about advocating for people to connect more deeply to themselves, to the arts, and to life without alcohol.
Dee Doboyou, Owner, Mama Dee's Daycare

Starting a Business | Work/Life Balance | Education | I am passionate about making a difference in the community and providing essential services.
Weiwei "Vivian" Fellman, Founder & Chief Visionary Officer, Kota Botanics

Moving to and Living in Fargo | Starting a Business | Small Business Challenges | I am passionate about building a brand and promoting women-owned businesses.
Shannon Full, President & CEO, The Chamber

Catalytic and Courageous Leadership | Crucial Communication | Personal and Professional Balance| I am passionate about building coalitions to better my community, leading dynamic teams, and creating partnerships to activate collaboration.
Abby Furchner, Vice President of Engagement, The Chamber

Changing Careers | Overcoming 'I'm too young' Mindset | Work/Life Balance | I love empowering my team to accomplish their goals, to ask questions, and be the decision-makers.
Dani Gilseth, Owner, Grateful Cratefulls

Growing Relationships | Overcoming Self Doubt | Work/Life Balance | I am passionate about celebrating my team and their wins, building self confidence in others and striving to be 1% better daily. I try every day to be a positive light.
Camille Grade, Chief Market Officer, Bushel

Growing and Scaling Teams | Serving on Executive Teams, as a Non Typ-A personality | Utilizing Your Network | I am passionate about boldly leaning into uncomfortable situations that build character and resilience. Purposely viewing obstacles as opportunities.
Katherine Grindberg, Executive Vice President, The Chamber

Organizational Management | Civic Engagement | Being a Young Leader | I am passionate about public policy, business and community development, service leadership and civic engagement. You'll also find me camping, fishing, hunting, exploring national parks and drinking coffee.
Jayne Gust, Former Director of Community Relations

Community Engagement | Strategic Partnerships | Work/Life Integration | Board Service | I love engaging in storytelling to share why a program or organization has impact, and the follow-up conversations that spark authentic partnerships and collaboration.
Ashton Hansen, Managing Director, Talent Acquisition, Allegro Group

Career Advancement | Talent Acquisition Strategy | Leadership Brand | I am passionate about building meaningful relationships through human connection and understanding people's stories.
Dianna Hansen, Website Designer & Copywriter, Move Me Media & Message

Incorporating Your Faith | Humility | Moving People to Take Action | I am passionate about using my God-given gifts to help people level-up while doing good for others.
Monica Hart, President / Owner, Monica Hart Interior Design

Establishing a Business Personality on Social Media | Networking | Work/Life Balance | I am passionate about and love being a caretaker for others through encouragement and empathy, as well as by creating cozy and welcoming environments for others to enjoy.
Missy Heilman, Executive Director, BIO Girls

Taking Risks | Being a Professional and a Mother | Pursuing Personal Interests | I am passionate about non-profit management, mentoring and coaching emerging professionals.
Kristi Huber, SVP & Chief Marketing Officer, Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND

Change Management | Building an Impactful Personal Network | Overcoming Imposter Syndrome | My professional purpose is to help organizations maximize their resources to experience growth and influence that will positively change the people and communities they serve.
Karla Isley, President & CEO, United Way of Cass Clay

Non-Profit Leadership | Work/Life Balance | Finding Your Passion | I love to see people succeed, build relationships and generate growth.
Melanie Iverson, Executive Director, Ladyboss Lifestyle

Overcoming Fear | Confidence | Embracing Failure | I am obsessed with empowering and emboldening women to live their fullest life.
Saree Janz, Owner Hypnosis, Inner Spark

Leaving Comfort and Following Passion | Spiritual Growth | Understanding and Trusting Your Intuition | I get such a thrill out of supporting people in tapping into their passions and helping them remove long-held limiting beliefs that have kept them stuck.
Kirsten Jensen, AVP of Marketing, Minnesota State University Moorhead

Creating Common Ground | Habits and Routines | Advocating for Your Brand | I am passionate about storytelling, process and project management, creating clarity, embracing risk and growing as a leader.
Tracy Jordre, Principal Architect / Director of Workplace Design, JLG Architects

Mental Health Advocacy | Leading with Integrity and Passion | Work/Life Balance | I am passionate about finding ways to integrate beauty and design into all aspects of my life, and to share that joy.
Darcy Kasprowicz, Founder & Executive Director, North Dakota Autism Center, Inc.

Perseverance | Change | Problem Solving | I love using my passion for family and dedication to help others.
Katherine Kiernan, Owner, Aspire Realty

Entrepreneurship | Investments and Real Estate | Work/Life Integration | I am incredibly passionate about creating business/life integration, finding intentional joy and purpose, and being active and present with my family.
Kelly Krenzel, Founder & Executive Director, Hope Blooms

Living with Authenticity | Positivity and Vulnerability | Creating a Support Network | I'm passionate about building community and storytelling.
Amy Lee, Owner, Breathe and Relax Events

Social Media & Marketing | Saying No | Work/Life Balance | I am passionate about traveling, and giving couples their perfect wedding day filled with memories to last a lifetime.
Teresa Lewis, Executive Coach, Eide Bailly

Managing Your Emotions | Embracing the Mindsets That Matter | An Attitude of Gratitude | I love to be a part of someone's journey as they shift perspectives, manage their emotions and mindsets, and focus on what is within their control.
Amanda Maslowski, VP Senior Recruiting Manager, U.S. Bank

Difficult Conversations | Imposter Syndrome | Work/Life Balance as a Wife and Mother| High-Performing Teams | I am passionate about leading with integrity, empathy and transparency; staying curious; and supporting the development of others.
Dr. Melissa McCulley, Owner, Optometrist, McCulley Optix Gallery

Creative Problem Solving | Scaling Small Business | Work and Family Harmony | My professional passions are developing a team of future women leaders and creating connections with my patients.
Veronica Michael, CEO and Director of Sales, Prairie Products

Restarting Your Goals and Direction | Moving Away From What's Not Serving You | Diversity & Inclusion | Mentorship | I am passionate about business development and directing people toward successful goal completion through strategic planning, management and targeted mentorship.
Laetitia Mizero Hellerud, Executive Director, Jeremiah Program | Intercultural Consultant, UBUNTU Consulting

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB) | Wholistic Personal Development | Self-Introspection | I am passionate about community engagement and mentoring our youth and women - especially transplants who are lost or caught between multiple cultures.
Karli Moch, Director of Mission Development, Author, Speaker, BIO Girls

Following your Passion & Purpose | Writing Books | Volunteering | Adoption | I am passionate about building authentic relationships, leading with vulnerability and inspiring others.
Rebecca Moch, Retired Director of Patient Experience, Sanford Health

Emotional Intelligence vs. IQ | How To Be a Good Team Player | How to Succeed in Your Work | I believe honesty, respect, hard work, grit and faith make for a blessed life - personally and professionally.
Morgan Montgomery, Senior Regional Philanthropy Officer, American Red Cross

Financial Development & Fundraising | Organizational Vision & Impact | Process Optimization | I am most passionate about enhancing organizational impact, creating relational connections, and investing in community.
Laura Morris, Pharmacist, Owner, Dakota Clinic Pharmacy

Building Up Women Around You | Work/Life/Mom/Wife Balance | Local Female Role Models and Mentors | I am passionate about cultivating a work environment that is positive, inspiring, and purpose-filled for our team and those we serve.
Jenna Mueller, Executive Director, The Chamber Foundation

Career Change | Grant Writing | Imposter Syndrome | I am passionate about big ideas, strategy, collaboration, investing in people, and backward design.
Robin A Nelson, Fargo Public Schools Board Member, and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley

Making Time for Your Family | Taking Care of Your Community | Having an Open Mind | I am motivated to help others grow in their lives - whether in school, community, or business.
Tami Norgard, Attorney / Shareholder, Vogel Law Firm

Prioritizing Amidst Chaos | Building the Myth of Competence | The Importance of Mentorship | I love being a part of client teams that are tackling big issues that have local, regional and national significance. I love being on the go and filling my days, nights and weekends with friends and family activities.
Adrienne Olson, Vice President of Communications, Kilbourne Group

Media Relations | Working Mothers | Emotional Intelligence | My passion is to reintroduce and help people fall in love with workable lifestyles.
Jenny Olson, Fargo Site Leader, Microsoft

Power of Communication and Storytelling | Creating Experiences | Enabling the Full Potential in Others | I am passionate about creating joy for me and everyone in my orbit, being creative and maximizing every moment - especially related to my three daughters, lake time, reading, my friends and living healthy.
Heather Ostrowski, Organizational Development Specialist, Gate City Bank

Setting Boundaries | Maximizing Your Connections | Identity Change | I love to help people seek new and healthy change in their lives, and to become the best versions of themselves.
Trisha Page, Executive Director, Embrace Therapy Services

Program/Business Building | Resource Navigation | Advocacy | I love weaving detail-oriented individuals into an interwoven community tapestry.
Danielle Paulus, Director of Community Engagement, Dakota Medical Foundation

Transitioning Industries or Roles | Serving on Boards or Getting Involved | Work/Life Blend | I am passionate about building stronger communities and connecting people to resources to make an impact and activate their servant hearts.
Julie Peterson Klein, Chief of Staff & EVP, Bell Bank

Dream Big | Live with a Pay-It-Forward Heart | Add Value Every Day | I am passionate about encouraging mentorship, empowering employees to lead in community service, and inspiring our Bell team members to live our company's values of promoting a family atmosphere.
Sandi Piatz, Chief Market Officer, Advantage Payment Services

Creative Work/Life Balance | Finding Purpose and Joy | Navigating Career Pathways | I am passionate about serving my community, working on collaborative teams, empowering others to succeed, and spending time with my family.
Patty Post, Founder & CEO, Checkable

Starting a Business | Pitching and Selling Your Vision | Partnerships | Family is my driving force. I want to ensure that moms can be the chief medical officers of their homes.
Erin Prochnow, CEO, YWCA Cass Clay

Leadership | Assertiveness | Staff Development | Team Communication | I want to make a positive difference for those most vulnerable.
Anna Sather, Executive Director, Farm in the Dell of the Red River Valley

Marketing & Communications | Building Processes | Uniquely Melding Your Passions | Professionally, my passions are in marketing, writing, graphic design, fundraising and more. Personally, I enjoy spending time with my family, cross-country skiing, camping, gardening, crafting, and playing games.
Hannah Savoy, Marketing Manager, PRx Performance

Recovering From Burnout | Career Change | Finding Your Passion | I am passionate about learning something new every day, failing fast, and the crazy world of e-commerce marketing.
Michelle Schumacher, Chief Financial Officer, Stoneridge Software

Community Involvement | Being Yourself in Your Role | Planning and Organizing Family Events/Travel | Giving Honest Feedback even when it's hard, and be a 'learn it all' not a 'know it all.'
Britt Selbo, VP of Membership and Programming, YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties

Conflict Resolution | Work/Life Balance | Time Management | I love spending time with family and friends, usually outdoors. I'm also passionate about serving our community.
Amanda Shilling, CEO & Bodacious Brander, MINT Brand Marketing

Starting Your Business | Brand Strategy | Community Engagement | I LOVE helping build brands from the ground up and guiding them through growth.
Beth Slette, Superintendent, West Fargo Public School District

Finding Joy When The Job is Hard and Stress is High | Letting Things Go | Start Achieving Your Goals | I am passionate about my faith, spending time with my family, learning about others, removing barriers for learners and educators, and planning for my family's future.
Joanna Slominski, Market Director, Mortenson

Working in a Male-Dominated Industry | Navigating Conflict | Growth Mindset | As a leader, it is my goal to serve and to support so that our customers and the people I work with can reach their full potential.
Donna Smith, President, Enclave

Real Estate | Integrating Technology Into Processes & Operations | Career Goals | I love to analyze data, gain insights, and improve processes that lead to higher team member satisfaction. I also enjoy connecting with members of the community.
Mary Suomala Folkerds, Lead Pastor, Good Shepherd

Having Hard Conversations | Times of Chaos and Division | Mentoring New Leaders | Finding Joy | I am passionate about leadership development, sharing vision, and developing your team.
Chelsey Steinlicht, Director, Bright Futures Learning Center

Entrepreneurship | Personal Development | Work/Life Balance | I love encouraging community participation, early childhood education, and advocating for underprivileged youth.
Rachel Stone, Executive Director, Rachel Stone Enterprises

Taking Risks | Purpose | Leadership | My favorite saying is, "Born for someone else," because I think life is about fulfilling your purpose and giving hope and inspiration to others.
Christy Tehven, Founder, Love Always Floral

Leading Through Love | A Mother's Work/Life Balance | Mulitple Business Locations | I am passionate about leading through love while inspiring a team to go above and beyond for your clients.
Andrea Travnicek, Director, North Dakota Department of Water Resources

Leadership | Conflict Resolution | Policy Development | Relationship Building | My professional passions consist of listening to concerns and working to build relationships to strive to sustainably manage complex natural resource issues by being actively at the table.
Becky Walen, SVP & Market Development Manager, Bell Bank

Financial Planning | Community Involvement | Balancing Family & Career | I want to foster a "better together" environment in the workplace through engagement and support.
Sara Watson, Private Chef, Self Employed

Starting a Business | Being a Busy Mom | Re-inventing Yourself as Life Changes | Create and maintain positive relationships; with family, friends, co-workers, your community and any person you encounter.
Sarah West, Owner, Light Consulting and Dale Carnegie of ND and NW MN

Business Strategy | Personality Profiles | Business Finances | I love helping others. It's easy to do when your personal and professional passions align!

Event Agenda
3:00-3:30 p.m. Networking / Social 
3:30-5:00 p.m. Intentional Collisions
5:00-6:00 p.m. Post Event Social
 

Attendees will be able to connect with:
Coming Soon. Plus, a passport of brief bios of these mentors will also be provided to attendees.
 

REGISTRATIONS

In person at Pines Black
$40 in advance (includes a drink ticket) | +$10 for not-yet-members
$50 at the door (includes a drink ticket) | +$10 for not-yet-members
* ​Not-Yet-Member Registrations Must Be Paid At Time of Registration *

Program Sponsors

  

 

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Supporting Sponsors

Area Woman | Bell Bank | Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND
Choice Bank | Dacotah Bank
Dale Carnegie Training of ND & NW MN
Delta by Marriott | Enclave
Eventide Senior Living Communities
First Western Bank & Trust
Otter Tail Corporation | PRO Resources | Sanford Health Plan
Sparklight | Vogel Law Firm | Western State Bank

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Venue Sponsor

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Dessert Sponsor

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Event Production Sponsor