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RECAP: Women to Know & Watch 2026 Celebrates Leadership, Innovation, and Connection
The Greater North Dakota Chamber’s Women to Know & Watch in North Dakota Business event brought together business and community leaders from across the state to celebrate women making an impact across industries, organizations, and communities.
This year’s luncheon also reflected how the initiative has continued to grow since its creation. Alumni from each class of the program were represented throughout the event, reinforcing the expanding network of women leaders connected through the recognition program. Many nominations and insights on current honorees continue to come directly from past recipients and business leaders involved in the network, helping identify women making meaningful contributions across North Dakota.
The keynote address from the Consul General of Canada, Beth Richardson, focused on leadership, innovation, workforce development, and the strong economic relationship between North Dakota and Canada. Her remarks centered on the importance of connection and collaboration in today’s business environment, emphasizing that long-term growth happens when leaders are willing to work across industries, communities, and borders.“Growth does not happen in isolation. It doesn’t happen behind closed doors, or by standing still, or within silos. Growth happens when people connect—across sectors, across communities, and across borders. Building partnerships and networks of influence is essential to leadership. Keep building connections. Keep investing in leadership. Keep looking beyond borders. And keep working together—to turn shared challenges into shared progress."
She also highlighted the increasing role women are playing in driving innovation and economic growth across North America, particularly in industries critical to the region’s future. Her remarks reinforced the importance of investing in leadership development, mentorship, workforce culture, and strong business relationships that strengthen communities and economies alike.
The event served as both a celebration and a reminder of the growing influence women continue to have throughout North Dakota’s business community — not only within their organizations, but through mentorship, workforce development, civic engagement, and collaboration.
Full event photos, honoree bios, and the complete list of 2026 Women to Know & Watch in North Dakota Business honorees are available online.
