Kim Young, a business banking officer in Albertville, Minnesota, shares about her role as an active board member for the STMA Food Pantry:

Young was inspired to join the STMA Food Pantry after witnessing Bravera Bank’s commitment to be a major sponsor of the organization. Her passion is driven by the understanding that a person’s ability to thrive, work, learn and grow is dependent on having a reliable meal.  When asked how the STMA Food Pantry helps build stronger communities, Young highlighted how the community banded together with food drives, monetary donations and volunteering for people in need.

Young believes that being a woman in leadership means bringing your own unique, authentic and effective style to the table. Her advice for young women wanting to take on a leadership role is “Just do it. If you are thinking about it, you definitely have a passion to be a leader and are ready to get involved.” She defines being leadership as recognizing others' talents and passions to achieve the goal. “Leadership is an action, not a position.”

 If you would like to learn more about the STMA Food Pantry, visit their website.

 

Monica Dooley, a mortgage banking officer from Billings Heights, Montana, shares about her role at Partner for Parks:

Dooley’s passion for Partner for Parks comes from a personal standpoint. She shared that parks offered a space she could take her daughters to when funds were tight; being on the Partner for Parks Board, she can continue to provide that option as a reality for other families. Partner for Parks' mission is to enhance the community by funding and promoting exceptional public parks and recreational opportunities.

When asked what advice she would give young women wanting to take on a leadership role, Dooley replied, “Your opinions, skills and knowledge matter. Not only do they matter, they can make a huge difference.” She says that being a woman in leadership is very important and can make a meaningful impact in communities.

 If you would like to learn more about Partner for Parks, visit their website.

 

 

Angie Kennedy, a wealth advisor from Billings Heights, Montana, shares about her role at Billings Family Service:

Kennedy was inspired to get involved with Billings Family Service because of the organization’s deep impact on families in the community. Her passion comes from the alignment between her work at Bravera—helping people achieve financial stability—and Billings Family Service’s mission to support families in times of need.

The advice Kennedy would give young women who want to take on leadership roles is “Be willing to learn, surround yourself with people who support your goals, and remember that leadership is about influence, not titles.” She defines women's leadership as serving as a positive example and using the role to strengthen teams and communities. She encourages others to lead with integrity, compassion and collaboration.

 If you would like to learn more about Billings Family Service, visit their website.

 

 

Christine Leach, a mortgage lead from Great Falls, Montana, shares about her role at Central Montana Works:

Leach’s passion for Central Montana Works comes from her connection with young adults, having kids of her own and being involved in the community. She highlights how the organization provides hands-on experiences for young adults entering the workforce to help them evaluate their options and identify gaps between education offered and workforce needs.

When asked what advice she would give young women wanting to take on a leadership role, Leach replied, “Look for a need that you resonate with, and then go fill that need. The world needs more passionately involved leaders!” She believes that being a woman in leadership is about offering a helping hand in a meaningful way to shape the future of our community.

 If you would like to learn more about Central Montana Works, visit their website. 

 

 

 

Tracy Johnson, a relationship banker in Fargo, North Dakota, shares about her role with the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra:

Johnson was inspired by her mother to join the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra. She also participated as a dancer in the Symphony Rocks as a dancer for many years prior and witnessed firsthand how the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra strengthens the community by creating events that showcase the arts but also nurture local talent.

Johnson believes that women in leadership lift up those around them and work hard to find better ideas to move forward in an ever-changing world. The advice she would give young women looking to take on leadership roles is, “Know that small actions matter. The people around you notice when you go the extra mile. When you take the initiative in the everyday moments, you open the door to larger opportunities.”

 If you would like to learn more about the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra, visit their website.  

 

 

Jeana Rynestad, branch manager from Burlington, North Dakota, shares about her role at the DeSour Valley EDC:

Rynestad’s passion for the DeSour Valley EDC comes from her mission to help preserve and ultimately enhance the quality of life for all community members. DeSour Valley EDC has been a part of many major projects in Rynestad’s community such as Burlington housing developments and recreational opportunities like a picnic pavilion and pickleball court.

When asked what advice she would give young women wanting to take on a leadership role, Rynestad replied, “Leadership starts with believing in yourself. Continue to learn and share your knowledge with others.” She defines being a woman in leadership as being in a position where purpose and life experience are recognized.

 If you would like to learn more about DeSour Valley EDC, visit their Facebook page.