SUPPORTERS SUPPORTERS THANK YOU TO OUR
IT’S BECAUSE OF YOU THAT WE CAN CONTINUE PROGRAMMING THAT BRINGS THE MINOT AREA TOGETHER!
QUESTIONS QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER FOR MENTORS
• What moment made you realize this was the path you were meant to be on?
• How do you find your motivation again when inspiration runs low or you hit a mental block?
• What are your absolute non-negotiables when deciding where or who to work with?
• How did you learn to take risks and what helps you feel confident doing it?
• Do you have a mentor or someone who’s guided you? How did that relationship start, and what impact has it had on you?
• What’s one leadership lesson that’s really stuck with you?
• How do you create (or protect) balance between your work and home life?
• Do you have any go-to routines or habits that help you stay productive and focused?
• When faced with a tough decision, how do you manage your emotions and find clarity?
• How do you stay current and connected to what’s happening in your industry?
• Can you share a time you failed or made a mistake, and how you turned it around?
• How do you recognize people worth building professional relationships with?
• What’s one change or decision in your career that made a real difference in your success?
• What personal qualities or skills do you think give someone a competitive edge?
• What advice would you give someone about negotiating salary or asking for a raise?
• Are there experiences, programs, or opportunities you’d recommend for professional growth?
MEET OUR MENTORS
JESSICA ACKERMAN
Askal Group & Local Motives
Community Champion
I care about helping people connect, contribute, and take pride in their community.
Ask Me About:
• Inspiring Civic Pride
• Brainstorming & Idea Generation
• Turning Vision into Action
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
KRISTI BERG
Minot State University
Professor
I care about teaching, mentoring, and helping others grow. Faith. Meaningful connections. I find energy and purpose in helping others reach their potential.
Ask Me About:
• Mentoring
• Teaching
• Life Long Learning
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
TAWNYA BERNSDORF
University of Mary
DBA Program Chair/Associate Professor
I am passionate about marketing, content creation, and storytelling. I love teaching and helping others, along with building my own brand.
Ask Me About:
• Marketing
• Branding
• Content Creation
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
TAMMY BLUMHAUGEN
KX NEWS
Vice President/General Manager
Serving our communities with impactful news & marketing that transforms business. The relationships built in each to strengthen & develop one another.
Ask Me About:
• Servant Leadership
• Pivoting in Business
• Trusting your Gut
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
PHYLLIS BURCKHARD
Staybridge Suites Hotel Minot
Director of Sales
I am passionate about professional development, relationships, service, sales, reaching goals, teamwork, and going above and beyond.
Ask Me About:
• Relationship Building
• Professional & Personal Development
• Sales and Service
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
ANNIE CARLSON
Morning Joy Farm
Speaker, Author, Farmer
I am a lifelong learner. I love to grow food, cook food, and feed people - both with food and with words.
Ask Me About:
• Building a Food-Based Business
• Communicating Effectively
• Books!
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
MEET OUR MENTORS
CINDY COOK
Minot Public Schools
Retired Elementary Principal
My passion is to build positive culture and community where everyone is empowered to discover their strengths and reach their full potential.
Ask Me About:
• Mentoring
• Building a Positive, Collaborative Culture at Work
• Leading Through Change
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
ELLY DESLAURIERS
Minot Park District
My passions in life are my family, my work, and our community.
Ask Me About:
• Leadership
• Marketing Communication
• Building Relationships
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
CARLA DOLAN
Minot Area Chamber EDC
Vice President
I am passionate about seeing women succeed.
Ask Me About:
Executive Director CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
• Working with Volunteers
• Event Management
• Programming
JENNIFER ECKMAN
Minot International Airport
My work related passion is making sure my staff has the tools and experience to be successful within their careers.
Ask Me About:
• Careers in the Aviation Field
• Leadership as a Minority in My Industry
• My Career Path to Leadership
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
TERRY ECKMANN, PHD
Minot State University
Professor
I’m passionate about empowering people to become the best version of themselves through healthy lifestyle choices and lifelong learning.
Ask Me About:
• Career Exploration - Finding Your Dream Job
• Managing Stress and Creating a Balanced Life
• Developing Effectuve Communication Skills
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
MISSY FEIST-ERICKSON
Peoples State Bank Airport Director
Vice President
One of my passions is self-improvement & helping others grow, both personally and professionally. I believe you’re never too old to stop learning.
Ask Me About:
• Balancing Work and Home Life
• Career Challenges & Overcoming Them
• A Motto I Live By
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
MEET OUR MENTORS
SHANA FORSTER
NDSU
I’m passionate about travel, agriculture, education, motherhood, inclusion, & positivity.
Ask Me About:
• Agriculture
• Higher Education
• Travel
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
BRENDA FOSTER
First Western Bank & Trust Center Director
CEO
I enjoy mentoring professionals on the endless opportunities available within a career and community. You can make a difference!
Ask Me About:
• Having a Career and a Family
• How Long I Worked for the Same Employer
• Biggest Challenges in a Leadership Role
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
MELINDA GOODMAN
FullTilt Marketing/Edible North Dakota
President/Publisher
My passion is connecting people through marketing and storytelling, particularly in food and agriculture. Where it comes from, who grows it, and why it matters.
Ask Me About:
• Brand Positioning
• Storytelling
• Doing What You Love
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
CASSIDY HJELMSTAD
CEO/General Manager
My passions include being a connector, and an advocate for rural broadband and the communities we serve, and supporting our military. I love coaching my kids!
Ask Me About:
• The Biggest Influence on My Career
• My Career Shift from Sports to Rural Broadband
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
• Balancing Career, Family, & Community Support
MELINDA HOWE CRNA, FNP-C
Owner, Provider
I am passionate about elevating health through integrative wellness & creating transformative spaces, while building community and revitalizing downtown Minot.
Ask Me About:
• Scaling a Purpose-Driven Wellness Business
• Community Revitalization & Local Economic Impact
• Integrative & Functional Medicine for Optimal Wellness
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
EMILY
HUETTL
SRT Communications Ascend Wellness MBS City of Minot
Assistant City Engineer
I’m passionate about my work and how my team and my industry benefit our communities.
Ask Me About:
• Civic Engagement
• Male Dominated Industries
• The Myth of Work-Life Balance
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
MEET OUR MENTORS
SHELLEY KNIGHT
LOR Spa, Dakota Fire Extinguishers, West Oaks Development, Luzac, Halvorson Grian
My passion comes from my love for family, my drive in business, and my commitment to great customer service. These are the things that motivate me every day.
Ask Me About:
• Work Life Balance
• Customer Service
• Anything- I’m an open book!
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
ELLEN KNUTSON
Gate City Bank
Vice President of Retail Banking/Retail Manager
To grow and develop others and encourage anyone that is in my pathway of life. Create positivity in the workplace and in my life.
Ask Me About:
• How I Challenge Myself
• What Fills My Cup in Life
• Handling Adversity in the Workplace
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
BREKKA KRAMER
Minot Area Chamber EDC
President | CEO
I’m passionate about creating strong connections that empower people and strengthen the community I’m proud to call home.
Ask Me About:
• Advocacy
• Government Relations
• Leadership
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
KELLI KRONSCHNABEL
I am passionate about understanding the underlying issues behind problems and finding solutions. I care deeply about providing a positive workplace culture.
Ask Me About:
• What to Look for in Future Leaders
• Advice to Move Up or Become a CEO
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
DENISE LINDBO
• Leadership Lessons Taking the Longest to Learn
Ask Me About:
• Entrepreneurship
• Management
• Leadership
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
TERESA LOFTESNES
City of Minot Fire Department Gourmet Chef Norsk Høstfest Fire Chief
Owner Volunteer Coordinator
I am passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of the people around me. Including my family, my staff, and my customers.
My focus is to help others through volunteering, mentoring and cheering! Many hands make for light work!
Ask Me About:
• Assembling Successful Teams
• How Efficiencies Make Life Easier
• Focusing on the Basics
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
MEET OUR MENTORS
KRISTA MARSHALL
Schatz Crossroads, Fastlane Carwash
Business Owner
I thrive with organizing tasks and systems to get the job done and increase success. I enjoy my family, horses and other various sports.
Ask Me About:
• Collaboration and Networking
• Finding Confidence to Get Started
• How to Delegate and Who to Trust
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
JILL MCDONALD
Domestic Violence Crisis Center
Executive Director
I am passionate about empowering individuals or teams to find their purpose and enhance the wellbeing of our community.
Ask Me About:
• Leadership
• Engaging with Nonprofits
• Building Self Care Into Your Company Culture
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
SHANNON MICHELS
Karma Comvenience Stores
Entrepreneur
I am passionate about team building and retaining top performers.
Ask Me About:
• Team Building
• Hiring /Retaining
• Staffing
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
CHRISTY MILLER
Souris Valley United Way
Executive Director
I’m passionate about helping others, strengthening community, and empowering people while staying grounded in wellness, mindfulness, and connection.
Ask Me About:
• Community Leadership
• Tackling Issues with Collaboration
• Staying Motivated in Mission Driven Work
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
KATHY NESET
NESET
Geologist
Furthering energy development in US, guiding young professionals.
Ask Me About:
• Having a Clear Vision and Mission
• Staying True to Yourself
• Professionalism
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
KELLY NISSEN
Odney
Sr. Account Executive - Communication Specialist
Boating and yoga. Balance, movement, and fresh AI! The three things that make me better at everything else.
Ask Me About:
• Marketing and Strategy
• Communications - Public Engagement & PIO Work
• Navigating Change and the Power of Pivoting
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
MEET OUR MENTORS
DR. MEGAN OLSON
Olson Family Dental PLLC
Owner/Doctor
My family and my business of dentistry. Fixing smiles is so fun! We love the lake, lazy days at home and hanging out with our extended family!
Ask Me About:
• Billing/Insurance/Collections
• Dentistry/Discussions with Patients
• Managing People and Expectations as a Business Owner
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
NANCY PEARSON
Minot State University
Assistant Professor - Retired
I believe in lifelong learning and the importance of effective communication in the workplace and in one’s personal relationships.
Ask Me About:
• Workplace Communication
• Group Dynamics
• Gender Communication/Family Communication
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
DANI REICHENBERGER
Buffalo Wild Wings
Franchisee
I am passionate about providing a fun and exciting work environment while delivering a top notch sports bar experience to all of our guests.
Ask Me About:
• Franchising
• Restaurant Operations/Costs
• Employment Challenges & Success
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
KALLI SCHELL
Town & Country Credit Union
President/CEO
I believe in the power of coaching to develop authentic leaders who can rise to the challenge and grow with the organization.
Ask Me About:
• Leadership Growth
• Resilience (Navigating Professional Challenges)
• Authentic Leadership
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
BONNIE SCHERESKY
President/CFO
I enjoy helping farm families prosper. I love cows, farming, and all things agronomy!
Ask Me About:
• Financial Literacy
• Mentoring Women in Agriculture
• Leadership in a Male-Dominated Field
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
JAZMINE SCHULTZ
Scheresky Ag Service Prairie Sky Breads
Co-Owner of PSB/Community Organizer
I get a charge out of being a part of positive change in our community- I like to leverage PSB to do it. I love the arts & infusing it into my work.
Ask Me About:
• Marketing on the Cheap
• POS Systems & Websites
• Small Business Operations & Collaboration Ideas with PSB
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
MEET OUR MENTORS
BARB SOLBERG
HumanitiesND/The Study
Honoring women’s quiet strength—those who build, nurture, and lead—by creating spaces for legacy, belonging, and wisdom across generations.
Ask Me About:
• Community Networking
• Understanding Process in Everyday Life
• Program Analysis and Building
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
KARINA STANDER
Minot State University
Director of Residence Life & Housing
I am passionate about being invested in my community, developing my character, and living with gratitude.
Ask Me About:
• Working in Student Affairs (or at a University)
• Working Within a Large Organization
• Yoga
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
ERIN THUNER
TruePointe Therapeutics, PLLC
I am passionate about my family, my business, obtaining/maintaining authentic relationships, and devoting time/energy to my emotional and physical wellbeing.
Ask Me About:
• Mental/Emotional Wellbeing
• How to Establish and Maintain Boundaries
• Self-Awareness/Self-Preservation
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
MICHELLE J. WALL
Dale Carnegie ND & NWMN
Executive Coach/Master Trainer
I’m energized by the opportunity to bring out the best in organizations, teams, and individuals.
Ask Me About:
• Leadership
• Building Confidence
• Igniting Performance Change
CONNECT ON LINKEDIN
SHELLY WEPPLER
INSPIRITUS Community Health Foundation
President
Community, Family, Friends, Experiences
Ask Me About:
• Community Service
• ND Native with World Experience - US ARMY
• Corporate Work vs Non-Profit Work
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
MELISSA WRIGHT
Arnys 2.0/Off The Vine
Owner
Passionate entrepreneur uplifting communities through hospitality, cooking, and bold ventures that blend joy, compassion, and impact.
Ask Me About:
• Leadership
• Struggle/Failure
• Victory
LET’S CONNECT! ASK ABOUT MY CONTACT INFORMATION
NOTES NOTES
NOTES NOTES
NOTES NOTES
SEATING CHART
GRAND BALLROOM • GRAND OASIS HOTEL
MENTORS:
SHANNON MICHELS
CHRISTY MILLER
KATHY NESET
KELLY NISSEN
DR. MEGAN OLSON
NANCY PEARSON
DANI REICHENBERGER
KALLI SCHELL