Addiction is a disease that can ravage the lives of those suffering from its hand. Its effect goes beyond the addicted though, as family members, friends, co-workers and managers all can feel the effects of someone facing their battle. But there is hope, and the key lies in eliminating the stigma by simply talking about it. At this special session of Women Connect, North Dakota’s own first lady stops by to share her own powerful story.
Her message is galvanizing a grassroots movement of people sharing their own stories of addiction and recovery to eliminate the shame and stigma that have kept people silent in their struggles. In long-term recovery from alcohol addiction for 17 years, Burgum maintains that storytelling is a powerful tool to eliminate stigma, reshape perspectives and encourage decision makers to craft policy that helps those impacted by addiction. Through her national leadership on combatting the opioid crisis, her advocacy efforts through Recovery Reinvented, and lived experience, she will humanize these challenges and inspire innovation, hope, and collaboration to end stigma and promote a culture of recovery.
Charity of the month:
Fargo Cass Public Health Harm Reduction Center & Gladys Ray Shelter
Please consider bringing one of the following items to donate to them:
- Cans of coffee
- Hand warmers, socks, hats, gloves
- Deodorant
- Razors
- Small tubes of toothpaste
- Single ride bus passes
- Small flashlights
- Any size duffel or tote bag or backpacks
*Items can be new or previously owned, good condition.
The Gladys Ray Shelter is a low barrier shelter serving individuals that often cannot access other options in the community. The shelter is committed to providing services that are as easily accessible and user-friendly as possible. The program minimizes barriers such as requirements around service involvement, eligibility, and abstinence. With a focus on relationships and engagement, the shelter serves as a respite from the streets and an entry point for a variety of services and supports. All of the Harm Reduction Program services strive to improve the health and safety of individuals by empowering them to make choices that reduce the harmful consequences of substance use.
About the presenter
Kathryn Burgum became First Lady on December 15, 2016, when her husband Governor Doug Burgum was sworn in as the 33rd Governor of North Dakota. As First Lady, Kathryn’s priority is supporting and developing initiatives to eliminate the shame and stigma of the chronic disease of addiction in North Dakota’s communities.
In long-term recovery for 17 years, she shares her personal experience and encourages others to do the same to normalize the conversation around the disease of addiction. She is spreading the word that addiction is a chronic disease and not a character flaw. Kathryn plays an active role in supporting the Office of Recovery Reinvented as the chair of the Advisory Council.
Her advocacy work has enabled her to partner with advocates, experts in the field, and stakeholders nation-wide including the White House, Faces and Voices of Recovery, the Addiction Policy Forum, and Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation where she serves on the board of trustees.
The second youngest of four children, Kathryn grew up in Jamestown, North Dakota, where her family was in the John Deere business for over 35 years. She held her first job at the family business working in the parts department. She graduated with honors from Jamestown High School, where she was involved in student council, choir, varsity tennis, and cheerleading.
She earned her undergraduate degree in retail business at Arizona State University and a master’s of business administration degree in human resources from the University of North Texas.
Her 25-year career in human resources and marketing has spanned industries, including retail, biotechnology, software, manufacturing, agriculture and real estate development.
Over her life, Kathryn has donated her time and leadership to many charitable endeavors including at-risk women and children, animal welfare, visionary artists and the arts, and addiction and recovery. Kathryn enjoys reading, fishing, horses, snowboarding and is an avid college football fan.
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Registration
Chamber members: $25 in advance | $35 at the door
Non-members: $45 in advance | $55 at the door
Presenting Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Bell Bank | Bremer Bank | Choice Bank | Delta by Marriott | Discovery Benefits | Essentia Health
Eventide Senior Living Communities | First International Bank & Trust | Gate City Bank
Implementation Specialists | Microsoft | Minnesota State Community and Technical College
Office Sign Company | Otter Tail Corporation | Rasmussen College | Vogel Law Firm
Western State Bank | Wells Fargo Bank | WDAY
Event Production Sponsor