Description

Building Meaningful Connections, One Conversation at a Time 

Intentional Collisions is a signature Women Connect event that brings together more than 100 mentors and mentees from across the region for an unparalleled networking and mentorship experience. This event is designed to remove barriers, foster connections and create a welcoming space for authentic conversations that inspire growth, learning and leadership. 

Whether you're seeking guidance, looking to share your expertise or simply hoping to expand your network, Intentional Collisions provides an opportunity to engage with a diverse group of professionals in a structured yet relaxed environment. Attendees will choose mentors to connect with, be given resources to help guide their conversations and receive support from Women Connect committee members to ensure they make the most of their experience. 

What to Expect:

• A safe and inclusive space for impactful networking
• A curated mentor-mentee experience to maximize meaningful conversations
• Pre-event materials to help you prepare for the day
• High-energy discussions in a vibrant, welcoming setting
• Dedicated support to help attendees navigate the event
• Opportunities to expand your network beyond your usual circles 

Who Should Attend?

• Professionals looking for mentorship and career guidance
• Established leaders eager to share their insights and support emerging talent
• Anyone interested in building new, valuable relationships in a dynamic environment

Don’t miss this chance to be part of an event where connections happen, ideas spark, and opportunities unfold.

Be bold. Be intentional. Make a connection that matters.

Meet Your Mentors:

Jill Abbott, Deputy to the President, Concordia College

Stacey Ackerman, Private Wealth Financial Advisor, Wells Fargo Advisor

Stephanie Ahlfeldt, Associate Provost, Concordia College

Sharilyn Althoff, Vice President of Clinical Services, Eventide Senior Living Communities

Annette Ambuehl, Commercial Insurance Director - Fargo Manager, Bell Insurance

Tina Amerman, Director People Programs, Bobcat Company

Tammy Askew, Realtor, Broker Associate, Realty Xperts

Margie Bailly, Executive Director, Historic Fargo Theatre (Retired)

Mandie Begin, Vice President, Operations and HR, Bushel

Nikki Berglund, Restaurateur, Luna Fargo/Sol Ave Kitchen/Nova Eatery/Unicorn Park Fine Foodery/Mångata Wine & Raw Bar/Luna Market/Noods + Buns

Megan Pechin Bergseth, Owner, Three Dogs Bakery Fargo

Ruchi Joshi Bhardwaj, Senior Program Manager, Grand Farm

Richelle Bishoff, Vice President of Procurement, Border States

Paige Bjornson, Region President, Dacotah Bank

Tania Blanich, Executive Director, The Arts Partnership

Amber Blomberg, Foundation and Community Engagement Executive Director, Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND

Jana Bruhschwein, Founder and Executive Director, Peace Academy

Jodi Buchholz, Senior Sales Executive, Stoneridge Software

Kelsey Joy Buell, Founder, You Flourish Company

Kriss Burns, HR Business Consultant, PRO Resources

Kimberly Busch, Director of Customer Experience and Delivery, Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND

Alicia Carley, Dean for the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Minnesota State Community and Technical College

Shelly Carlson, Mayor, City of Moorhead

Carrie Carney, Vice President of Marketing and Communication, Eventide Senior Living Communities

Kayla Cash, Partner/Director of Sales, RiverHaven Events Center, Sanctuary Events Center, The Reserve at Woodland Event Center

Jill Christopher, CEO, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Red River Valley

Mary Christy, Deputy State Director, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak

Rachel Clarke, Vice President for Finance and Administration, Concordia College

Christy Dauer, Executive Director, ND Women's Business Center

Nicole Davidson, President, The Title Company

Amy Durbin, Executive Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, Gate City Bank

Stefanie Gefroh Ellison, President of West Market, Essentia Health

Brenda Elmer

Linzey Erickson, Owner, Erickson Law P.C.

Susan Faus, Executive Director, Fargo Park District

Jenessa Fillipi, Founder and Executive Director, Down Home

Jane Vangsness Frish, Vice President of Workforce, FMWF Chamber

Shannon Full, President and CEO, FMWF Chamber

Brenda Giere, Owner, Schmidt's Gems and Fine Jewelry

Paula Graner, CEO and Brand Partner

Katherine Grindberg, Executive Vice President, FMWF Chamber

Monica Hart, Interior Designer; Business Owner, Monica Hart Interior Design

Missy Heilman, CEO, BIO Girls

Laetitia Hellerud, Executive Director, Jeremiah Program

Kristin Herrmann, Market Chief Financial Officer, Sanford Health

Tiffanie Honeyman, Founder, Opgo Marketing

Karla Isley, President and CEO, United Way of Cass-Clay

Melanie Iverson, Founder, She Overcomes

Susan Jarvis, Vice President of Operations, Sanford Health

Bryce Johnson, CEO, Building Industry Association of the Red River Valley

Jenny Johnson, Storymaker Success Manager, Tellwell

Tracy Jorde, Principal Architect- Workplace Design Expert, JLG Architects

Jodi Jordheim, Founder, Styled with Strength

Stacy Kennedy, Owner/Photography, Stacy Kennedy Photography

Katherine Kiernan, President/Owner/Broker, Sterling Grace, Inc / Aspire Realty

Denise Kolpack, Deputy Mayor, The City of Fargo

Michelle Larson, Senior Vice President Sales, WEX

Sara Lau, CPA and Business Owner, Haga Kommer, Ltd.

Nichole Lind, Nurse Practitioner, Firefly Medical Group

Kim Linster, Director of Operations, Sales and Marketing, Balance Tax & Accounting

Sandi Luck, Entrepreneur/Business Owner, Bully Brew Coffeehouse, ND Roastery

Ellery Lystad, CEO/Master Esthetician, Ellery Milan Beauty

Melissa Marshall, Owner, Dale Carnegie of ND & NW MN

Amanda Maslowski, Vice President, Senior Recruiting Manager, U.S. Bank

Dr. Melissa McCulley, Optometrist/Owner, McCulley Optix Gallery

Nicole Meland, Vice President of Finance and Operations, FMWF Chamber

Dr. Brook Messer, Optometrist, Vance Thompson Vision

Trina Michels, Director, Eide Bailly LLP

Vikki Nielsen, VP/Culture and Event Manager, Bell Bank

Sarah Nikle, Financial Advisor & General Partner Regional Leader, Edward Jones

Robin Nelson, CEO, Elected Official, Boys & Girls Club, Fargo Board of Education

Rinda Norberg, Owner, Nothing Bundt Cakes

Beth Olson, Elementary Principal, Fargo Public Schools

Jenny Olson, Fargo Site Leader, Microsoft

Heather Ostrowski, Senior Organizational Development Specialist, Gate City Bank

Melissa Pachak, Founder, FM Wellness Collective

Danielle Paulus, Executive Search Consultant, Sagency

Sandi Piatz, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, OmniByte

Erin Prochnow, CEO, YWCA Cass Clay

Madison Quamme, Director of Public Relations and Social Media, Flint Group

Natalie Reiter, Licensed Professional Counselor, Prairieland Counseling Services

Sadie Rudolph, Vice President of Strategic Communications, FMWF Chamber

Hannah Savoy, Director of Marketing, Collective | Great States

Ellen Schafer, Senior Director of Communications, Aldevron

Michelle Schumacher, Chief Financial Officer, Stoneridge Software

Laura Scott, Chief Operating Officer, BIO Girls

Erin Shapiro, Director and CEO, Plains Art Museum

Donna Smith, President of Real Estate Management, Enclave

Kari Solberg

Shelley Szudera, Senior Brand and Marketing Manager, Choice Bank

Andrea Travnicek, Director, North Dakota Department of Water Resources

Brittaney Vanderhagen, Commercial Realtor, JBC Commercial Real Estate

Amber Vogel, Transformation Office Director, Eide Bailly LLP

Simone Wai, Creative Director, Folkways

Becky Walen, Vice President, Financial Planning, Thoreson Steffes Trust Company

Sarah Smith Warren, Coach, Consultant, Owner, Soul Space Work

Sarah West, Owner, Light Consulting

Julie Whitney, Senior Vice President, Bremer Bank

Tammy Wood, Vice President, Wealth Advisor, Bell Bank