the Power of Community A DECADE OF ELEVATING COMMUNITY LEADERS

Brittany Butler, Myriad Mobile; Julie Zimny, CrossFit Fargo; Hannah Savoy, Freelancer; Larissa Johnson, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota; Annika Perkins, Beautycounter; Amanda Even, Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership; Jesseca White-Tuton, City of Fargo Police Department Second Row: Jessica Ridout, Microsoft; Ashley Eastwell, Doosan Bobcat; Kelly Lauinger, SCHEELS; Meagan McDougall, High Point Networks; Anamaria Olson, Bank of the West; Alison Molony, Oxbow Country Club; Rayonna Hystead, Microsoft; Tessa Hand, Essentia Health

Front Row: Sarah Nupdal, Bell Bank; Elissa Berg, U.S. Bank; Stacy Kemerling, Dawson Insurance; a Marsh & McLennan Agency LLC, company; Molly Johnson, Ameriprise Financial; Marie Buchli, Wells Fargo Bank; Amanda Huggett, Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce; Laura Maeyaert, Edgewood Senior Living

Stemming from a belief that our community needs engaged, dynamic female leaders, United Way of Cass-Clay has led and coordinated the 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program since 2008. Over 11 years, the program has become a powerful resource for our community’s up-andcoming leaders to discover what they care about, and also provide a network of support to serve as a launch pad for them to reach their goals.

“The strength of the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program has been its innovative evolution, the dedication of community leaders to share their own leadership lessons as presenters and mentors, and the unwavering commitment by the program’s past alumnae to pay it forward to future classes through volunteering their time and resources,” says Tiffany McShane, who serves as the community engagement director for United Way of Cass-Clay, and also leads the 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program.

The format of the six-month program initially began as a half-day session, and by year four had evolved into a full-day agenda to provide opportunities for the participants to hear from more of the community’s leaders, as well as provide more time for valuable networking. The topics addressed in each of the sessions has also continued to evolve to provide relevant and engaging content to help leaders develop their unique skills and talents. Session topics include public speaking, interpersonal skills, philanthropy, mentorship, communication and business etiquette. The curriculum focuses heavily on identifying and building upon an individual’s strengths. To help to do that, the women take an online personal assessment called the CliftonStrengths, which focuses on developing their strengths, as opposed to spending time on their weaknesses, as they define their leadership styles. New presenters have also been incorporated into the six monthly sessions to share their leadership expertise, such as embracing diversity and inclusion, to building strong teams and the value of developing an exceptional personal brand.

Chris Thompson, director of leadership development and learning for the State of North Dakota and Microsoft team member, is a presenter for the program. Over the years her topics have ranged from advising participants on how to create and utilize vision boards, to expanding their perspectives to unlock the potential of new ways to approach personal and team goal setting. She encourages participants to use the insights of the program to help their companies grow. Thompson shares, “At the end of the day, team members who are given the opportunity to grow and develop in programs like the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program quickly realize the organization is invested in their personal success. Creating a culture that embraces learning and trying new things provides teams with platforms to take risks and think outside the box, which all positively impact the bottom line.”

Tammy Miller, CEO of Border States Electric, headquartered in Fargo, has served as a keynote speaker for the program and is a session presenter. She shares her lessons learned through her own leadership journey in becoming an executive of a multi-billion-dollar company with a national reach. She has also seen the value of the program with owner-employees of Border States Electric that have been participants. “United Way’s 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program provides a platform for young women to develop leadership skills and confidence to be more successful. I have had the privilege to be part of the program, and to be inspired by their stories of personal development and growth. Our community is fortunate that United Way positively impacts 35 young women each year who go on to make a difference, and positively impact others.”

It is inspiring to hear directly from the women who complete the program each June. For each leader, the program has meant something different and personal, and during the Celebration Ceremony event they are encouraged to share how their perspectives on leadership have changed, insights they have gained, and how they are inspired to make a difference.

Sydney Boschert, a Scheels team member and 2018 program participant shares, “During my time in the program, I have come to understand the importance of strong leadership within the community. Leadership is crucial to our greater community as it drives change, inspires dreams and provides support for large community goals. By working alongside the women in the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program, I have seen firsthand how leaders of the community are able to help drive the vision, direction and mission for not only the organizations that they serve, but also within the community they call home. Leaders recognize that it is important not only to invest in those around them day-to-day, but also to give back to their community and strive to make the greatest impact.”

Over 11 years, 385 women have been empowered through this program. Each participant has gone on to make a positive impact in her own way. Women who have completed the program have taken leadership roles within local companies, influenced teams, co-workers and the strategic direction of their companies, shaped corporate cultures, and become influential non-profit board members and volunteers for many organizations. They have found direction in realizing what they care about, and how they will make a difference with their distinctive talents and strengths.

The vision of United Way of Cass-Clay is to activate resources to solve complex issues in our community and create lasting social change. United Way understands the need for great leaders today and tomorrow, to accomplish the work that will create a better tomorrow for all of us. The passion that these women have shown to help each other reach both professional and personal goals is inspiring. The participants are also bringing this same passion to help our community grow and thrive, and it will be exciting to see how the ripples of their positive impact will create waves in the future. This is the power of community, realized

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KRISTI HUBER has served as president and CEO of United Way of Cass-Clay since 2016. United Way improves lives by activating resources to solve complex community issues and create lasting social change.