our writers

are the voice of Area Woman Magazine. They bring to life the Fargo-Moorhead area and the incredible stories of the women we feature. These are the talented contributors showcased in this issue. Learn more about these and our other contributors at areawomanmagazine.com .

« The cover story was photographed by Morgan Schleif and written by Rebecca Meidinger, page 48.

Rebecca Meidinger

Rebecca is a speaker, Bible teacher, writer, blogger and stay-at-home mom to four wild kids in south Fargo and wife to her awesome husband Paul. As a speaker and Bible teacher, it is Rebecca's joy to bring messages of hope, joy and freedom in Christ to groups of teens and adult women. As a blogger, Rebecca shares the real-life challenges of marriage and motherhood. Rebecca loves a hot cup of coffee, a cool morning run, and warm sunshine on her face. Learn more about Rebecca at rebeccameidinger.com.

MORGAN SCHLEIF photographer

Morgan is the owner of M. Schleif Photography, a queer womanowned business in Fargo. She specializes in capturing vibrant imagery for events, small business branding and lifestyle. Morgan is a Minneapolis native who made Fargo-Moorhead home in 2012 while getting her degree in graphic design and public relations at Concordia College. Over the past eight years she has worked with a variety of clients, most notably Folkways, Kilbourne Group, WAAM Industries and Unglued. Find more of her work at mschleifphotography.com.

Kathleen Gallais

Kat runs the blog and Instagram page kattellsall.com and @kattellsall. She is passionate about exploring and sharing adventures in North Dakota, Minnesota and beyond. She is an advocate for travel close to home, and simplifies planning with detailed itineraries and travel guides.

Jessica Hoeper

Jessica is a mother of five kids and resides with her family on her husband’s family farm in central Minnesota. Jessica grew up in the Fargo area before relocating to Minnesota. She is a licensed independent social worker with 15 years of human service experience, specializing in child welfare. Jessica runs her own human service consulting and training company. Most recently Jessica added author to her tagline. She co-authored a book that became an international best seller on release date, “Success Codes: Secrets to Success You Weren’t Taught in School.”

Haley Nelson

Haley is the founder of Haley Frost Creative, a photography studio specializing in brand identity, food and product photography, and portraits for individuals and businesses in the FM area.

Denise Pinkney

Denise Pinkney loves words. She's an award-winning writer who lives in Fargo with her handsome husband, Charles. She is an avid journaler, passionate speaker and competitive Taboo player.

Cori Jensen

Livin' the dream as a mom of four and wife to a smarty pants teacher. She can't live without self-deprecating humor and coffee! Fortunately, her day job is her dream job on the radio. BOB 95 with Chris, John and Cori in the morning.

Amanda Silverman Kosior

Amanda writes funny (or “funny” depending on your take) stories about herself and shares happy stories about other North Dakotans at northdakotanice.com.

celebrating 37 years publisher

JON-MICHAEL SHERMAN art director

MEGAN ELGIN proofing editor

JILL OCKHARDT BLAUFUSS advertising

MIKE SHERMAN 701-306-5119

JON-MICHAEL SHERMAN 701-306-1288

TAMIE ZACCHEA 701-306-7932 photography

AMBER LANGERUD PHOTOGRAPHY

CORI JENSEN

DAVE ARNTSON

EXPRESSIONS BY ASHTON

HALEY FROST CREATIVE

MIKE SMITH

M. SCHLEIF PHOTOGRAPHY

PEXELS.COM areawomanmagazine.com