Women You Need to Know & Watch List

STACEY DAHL is Vice President External Affairs for Minnkota Power Cooperative, based in Grand Forks, ND.

Originally from Bismarck, ND, Stacey received her undergraduate degree in education in 2004 from the University of North Dakota. She received her Juris Doctor degree in 2008 from the UND School of Law, and is a former private practitioner and prosecutor.

She served as a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives from 2004 until 2012.

In addition to overseeing public policy and communication efforts for Minnkota, Stacey serves on the leadership team developing Project Tundra, a proposed carbon capture project at the coal-fired Young station in Center, ND.

She lives in Grand Forks with her husband and two children.

CASSIDY HJELMSTAD is the Chief Executive Officer/General Manager of SRT, North Dakota’s largest telecommunications cooperative. She champions economic development for the region, digital inclusion and education for customers, advocacy for telecommunications at state and national levels, and financial stability for the health of the broadband cooperative and its employees and members. While serving as SRT’s Chief Marketing Officer, Cassidy successfully advanced SRT’s business goals, built its brand, and positioned SRT for its next phase of broadband growth.

Prior to joining SRT in 2010, Cassidy was Director of Community Relations for the Phoenix Suns. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications-Journalism, and Communications Studies from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.

Cassidy is a Member of the NTCA-The Rural Broadband Association Government Affairs Committee and NTCA Smart Rural Community Advisory Committee; Board Chair of the Minot Area Chamber Economic Development Corporation; Board Vice Chair of Prairie Grit Adaptive Sports; an Honorary Commander with the Minot Air Force Base 91st Missile Wing; Chair of the Broadband Association of North Dakota (BAND) Marketing Committee; and Board Member of DCN and NISC.

Originally from Newburg, North Dakota, Cassidy and her husband, Travis, live in Minot with their three children: TJ, Thomas, and Claire.

NICOLE KIVISTO is President and CEO of MDU Resources Group, a member of the S&P MidCap 400 index that provides essential products and services through its regulated energy delivery and construction services businesses.

Prior to her current role, she served as President and CEO of the corporation’s utility group that includes four subsidiaries that serve 1.2 million electric and natural gas customers in eight states. Before assuming that role, she served as vice president-operations for two of the utility subsidiaries, as well as vice president, controller, and chief accounting officer for MDU Resources for nearly four years. She joined the corporation in 1995.

Nicole is a Beulah, North Dakota, native. She holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Minnesota-Moorhead, is a graduate of the Carlson School of Management Minnesota Executive Program and the Utility Executive Course from the University of Idaho. Nicole enjoys spending time with her husband, four adult children and two grandchildren, along with friends and extended family. When she has free time, you’ll find her outdoors, most likely hiking.

PAULA KLEIN is challenging convention as owner and founder of Smartt Interior Construction, LLC based out of Fargo, ND. As an early adopter of 21st century construction methods, Paula started her 100% women-owned general contracting company in 2011 and by 2013, grew her company by over 568%. As Smartt has entered its thirteenth year in business in 2024, Smartt has experienced double digit year over year growth and has worked in over nine states across the country.

Paula has worked in the design and construction industry for over 23 years, both in commercial and residential markets. A graduate of Minnesota State University Moorhead, with a degree in Mass Communications, Paula has used her passion for marketing and communications to propel herself as an entrepreneur in an industry she never formally went to school for, the construction industry.

In 2014, Klein received the honor of being the first Center for Technology and Business Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award recipient for the state of North Dakota. In addition, Paula was honored with the Small Business Administration's 2015 North Dakota Small Business Person of the Year Award and named one of the Top 25 Women in Business by Prairie Business Magazine.

A life long resident of North Dakota, living in great communities like Linton, Langdon, Valley City and now Fargo, Klein and her company Smartt Interior Construction, LLC continuously give back with their support of programs and organizations like the YWCA of Cass Clay. Gigi’s Playhouse Fargo, the FM Chapter 246 National Association of Women in Construction, the DMF Little Black Dress and Tie, AIA of North Dakota, North Dakota Interior Designers and countless others.

One of Klein’s favorite songs is "You Oughta Go Ta North Dakota" by Lois Steele and Jack Fulton and performed by The Sunny NoDaks. Whether she travels for work or for fun, she loves to share her love for the state and the city she planted her roots in, Fargo.

Paula’s nomination came from a partnership with North Dakota Women’s Business Center to showcase women in business. Their organization is a leading voice, resource, and partner for women business owners. Their work and mission are to help all women at any stage in the business-ownership journey. NDWBC partnered with GNDC to further spotlight success stories happening in our state. 

EMILY JOHNSON is a driving force behind KLJ Engineering’s dynamic and vibrant employee-owned culture. She serves as the Company’s Chief People Officer, a role that fits her well and aligns with her ability to lead and foster connections with those across the organization and communities KLJ serves. 

Emily, who is in KLJ’s Bismarck office, joined the Company in 2010. Over the years she has held various leadership roles related to marketing, communication, human resources, and engagement. Her experience includes successfully leading the company through a complete rebrand, specifically, the strategy, creation, development and implementation of a new logo, tagline, establishment of brand standards, enhanced social presence, website redesign, and a long-term marketing strategy. Additionally, Emily led the implementation of new collaborative communications platforms across the company and as chief people officer, looks to play a pivotal role in aligning communication, marketing, engagement, and people. 

She is a member of the Society for Human Resources (SHRM), HR Certification Institute (HRCI), and Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS). She is actively involved in her local United Way, volunteers for various STEM related activities, and has been a longtime supporter of Sanford Health Great American Bike Race, a fundraiser dedicated raising funds for children in the region who suffer from cerebral palsy or other related disabilities.  

Emily earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and an MBA certificate in HR Management. Additionally, she earned her SHRM Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) certification. She has been recognized by various organizations for her achievements throughout her career, these include Business Watch 40-Under-40, Prairie Business Magazine 40-Under-40. Prairie Business Magazine Top 25 Women in Business, and Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC’s 20-Under-40. 

Outside of work, Emily joins camping, fishing, and spending time with her husband Dave, and their two children Oliva and Eddie.

As president and CEO, TIFFANY LAWRENCE oversees the management and operations of Sanford Health Fargo, North Dakota’s largest health care provider and employer. With a background in finance and 28 years of employment with the organization, Tiffany brings a breadth of knowledge and unique perspective to her role.

Since becoming president and CEO in March 2022, Tiffany has helped Sanford Fargo significantly enhance its employee experience and improve its national quality ranking by over 30 positions, securing a spot amongst the top 20 academic medical centers nationwide in 2023. In addition, under Tiffany’s leadership, Sanford Fargo continues to bring advanced health care closer to home for rural communities across the region and maintain its status as the only level I adult and level II pediatric trauma center, advanced comprehensive stroke center and blood and bone marrow transplant program in North Dakota.

Before taking on her current role, Tiffany served as vice president of finance for the organization for 13 years, playing an integral part in adding services and facilities to meet the growing needs of the region. Her contributions notably included overseeing the finances for building Sanford Medical Center Fargo, the state-of-the-art, one-million-square-foot facility that opened in 2017.

Outside of her impressive contributions to Sanford Health, Tiffany is very active within the community, volunteering and serving on numerous boards, including the United Way of Cass-Clay, Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, North Dakota Hospital Association and more.

Tiffany graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1994 with a bachelor’s degree in accountancy and is a CPA. She and her husband, Rick, reside in Fargo and have three sons.

RACHEL LOGAN is a third-generation energy industry veteran who began her with ConocoPhillips in 2006. Prior to assuming her current position of Bakken Stakeholder Relations Director in 2020, Rachel was the Bakken Operations Business Performance Supervisor.

Rachel is personally and professionally passionate about the communities ConocoPhillips serves. She is a member of Dickinson’s Power of 100 Women Who Care and volunteers at church and Trinity Catholic Schools. Rachel has been on the board of the Dickinson Area Community Foundation since 2018.

Rachel’s position with ConocoPhillips enables her passion to go beyond Dickinson. She provides opportunities for employees to engage with local stakeholders in Dunn, McKenzie, and Stark counties. In 2023, nearly one hundred opportunities were offered, and employees volunteered more than 2,400 hours. She has served on or advised the ConocoPhillips Bakken Philanthropic Committee for nearly her entire career. She is a member of the North Dakota Petroleum Foundation's Outreach Committee and Vision West ND Engagement Committee. Rachel is the advisor for two company golf scramble committees where all proceeds benefit local community nonprofit organizations. Prior to advising, she was a member of the Dickinson committee which was established in 2019 and has raised over $435,000. The Watford City's 2023 inaugural glow golf scramble raised more than $56,000.

Rachel and her husband, Dustin, relocated back to Dickinson in 2013. They have a daughter, Arriauna, who is enrolled at Trinity Catholic Schools. Her family is supportive of her passion and can be seen by her side at many of the community events. 

KARIN LUCHSINGER began in the arts as a professional dancer and dance instructor in 1993 at Red River Dance, Fort Wayne Ballet, and Trollwood Performing Arts School. Karin was Artistic Director of Red River Dance for over 10 years.

Karin’s professional experience expanded from the artistic world to the business world when she began working for Gate City Bank in 2006. She began as a Customer Service Representative. Currently, Karin is the Senior Vice President at Gate City Bank where she oversees the strategies, training, and data analytics related to retail checking and the customer experience. Gate City Bank was the perfect addition to Karin’s life as the vision of the Bank is to make A Better Way of Life for each team member, customer, and community it serves.

Karin served two three-year terms on The Arts Partnership Board of Directors (three years as board chair) 2014-2020 and eight years with Fargo-Moorhead Community Theatre Board of Directors (two years as board chair and four years as treasurer). Currently, she is in her seventh year with the F-M Opera Board of Directors, second year on the Red River Dance Board of Directors, first year on the Homeward Animal Shelter Board of Directors, and first year on the American Red Cross of the Eastern ND and NW MN Board of Directors. 

For the last 18 years, SANDI LUCK has been a serial entrepreneur. She is the founder and owner of several companies in the Midwest (100% woman owned): 8 Bully Brew Coffee Houses (Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, Hallock, Park River, Warren, McIntosh, Grand Forks AFB, and Fargo), the ND Coffee Roastery (a large manufacturing warehouse where the coffee beans are roasted and packaged for not only Bully Brew Coffee but several other coffee shops in the Midwest), an AIRBNB called Nora’s Place, The Board Room Coffee & Taphouse and she is a real estate investor. 

Besides the businesses, Dr. Sandi Luck was a Marketing Professor at the Nistler College of Business at the University of North Dakota. She had been at the University for over 17 years and retired in Spring 2023.

How did she get started? Sandi purchased her first coffee kiosks in Grand Forks in 2005, where her customers could drive up to pick up their coffee at the window. In 2010, she opened her first Bully Brew Coffee (restaurant style) and has continued to build the company. She loves to teach and share her stories of both failures and success with business. She loves coffee, dogs, and people. Her goals in the next few years are to continue to grow the business with her incredible leadership team, create a national coffee school and become an importer of coffee beans and travel to the countries of origin.

Sandi currently lives in Grand Forks with her better half, Brad, and their Bulldog Ella (hence the name Bully Brew Coffee). She has 2 grown children. Her daughter, Melissa is the CFO for all of the companies and she lives in Alexandria, Virginia. Her son, Cole is living in Fargo, ND and is the Project Manager for Dabbert Custom Homes. But most importantly, she is Grandme to 4 year old Nora and 6 months old Lottie!

KATHLEEN NESET is owner and president of NESET which provides engineering and geologic expertise to the oil industry. She received a bachelor’s degree in geology from Brown University.

Kathleen is a certified Women’s Business Enterprise National Council professional and certified Woman Owned Small Business.  She recently completed a six-year term of service on the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and is the past chair of the North Dakota Petroleum Council and ND State Board of Higher Education.

Kathleen was a participant in the U.S. Army War College National Security Seminar, and each year presents in seminar on Energy and National Security.

Kathleen was inducted into the North Dakota Petroleum Council Hall of Fame, received the Williston Basin API Chapter Lifetime Achievement Award, and received the Virtuous Leadership Award from the University of Mary, Bismarck, ND.

CYNTHIA SCHREIBER-BECK currently serves as a member of the North Dakota House of Representatives, representing District 25. In this role, she is a member of the Education and Agriculture committees, where she works to address important issues facing her constituents and the state.

Cynthia(Cindy)'s commitment to public service is rooted in her background and experiences. She was raised on a family farm near Foxhome, Minnesota, instilling in her a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for agriculture. After graduating from Campbell High School, Cynthia pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from Moorhead State University.

In addition to her legislative work, Cynthia is actively involved in volunteer activities in her community. She is a member of the Wilkin/Richland Salvation Army Service Unit and Project YES. Cynthia has also been involved in organizations such as the ND Airspace Integration Team, Innovate ND, Women of the National Agricultural Aviation Association, Rotary International, Zonta International, and has served as a Sunday School Committee Member.

She has served on numerous boards, including the Grand Farm Board, the St Francis Medical Center Patient Advisory Council, the Southern Valley Angel Fund, the St Francis Medical Center Performance Improvement Board, the Fargo Air Museum, the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission, the Bremer Bank regional board, the North Dakota State College of Science Foundation, the North Dakota Aviation Council, and as the Executive Director of the North Dakota Agricultural Aviation Association.

Professionally, Cynthia has had a diverse career. Currently selling agricultural drain tile at Ellingson Companies, she previously owned and operated a wood turning company called CinderWhit Company, Inc., and managed the aerial spraying division and served as comptroller for Tri-State Aviation, Inc. (TSA). 

Outside of work, Cindy enjoys the simple pleasures in life. She lives on a farm in North Dakota with her horse, cat, and dog, enjoying the beauty of the countryside. Cindy embodies the spirit of the Midwest, with a strong work ethic, a commitment to community, and a love for her home state of North Dakota.

SARAH SLETTEN is an Associate Professor at University of North Dakota (UND) School of Medicine & Health Sciences (SMHS) and VP of People & Culture at Thread. Through these roles, she dedicates her work to education, research, and people development. She is trained in adult education and has a wealth of experience teaching STEM courses, facilitating research experiences, and leading professional development programs. In the corporate world, she oversees people operations and designs initiatives to enhance employee engagement.

Sarah’s professional path has been winding, with each new adventure building on the previous experience. She began her career in the hospital laboratory after earning her Clinical Lab Technician degree from Bismarck State College. She then entered the 7-12 science classroom after completing a B.S.Ed. in Biology Education from the University of Mary and M.S. in Immunology from UND. She then transitioned to higher education as the STEM Education Coordinator at Mayville State University. It was in this position that Sarah was able to grow her leadership abilities. She helped develop and led a P-16 STEM Education program, securing grant funding over her entire tenure. After completing her PhD in Teaching & Learning at UND, Sarah moved to UND SMHS where she was awarded NIH funding for developing a K-12 teacher research experience program. In 2022, Sarah temporarily stepped away from academia to join a tech start-up, Thread, as their people leader, where she developed the people operations arm of the company. She has since returned full-time to UND in a Director of Learner Research role and continues to lead people operations at Thread.

Sarah is a life-long resident of North Dakota. She grew up in McClusky and has been in the Grand Forks area for the last 20 years. She lives with her husband, Tyler, and cat CC. She has two adult children, Connor and Colton, who also reside in Grand Forks. 

JOANNA SLOMINSKI joined Mortenson in 2004 in the Minneapolis Office at the Walker Art Center Expansion as a Field Engineer.  She currently serves as General Manager and has responsibility for the Mortenson commercial business in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Northern MN alongside support of Minneapolis Operating Group functions with design phase, estimating coordination, and more. 

Joanna earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Engineering from North Dakota State University.  After 9 years in the Minneapolis market, she was asked to relocate to Fargo to lead the Sanford Fargo Medical Center and decided to make a remote office out of the opportunity.  She has 20 years of experience that includes a wide range of commercial construction projects to business development and operations support for project teams and development of customer relationships. 

Outside of the direct client business she capably leads, Joanna is always active in her broader community, serving on boards and participating in volunteer efforts for United Way, Habitat for Humanity, the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, and is active in many ways with her alma mater, North Dakota State University, along with other regional schools and universities.

Representative Projects & Experience:

• Walker Art Center Expansion, Minneapolis, MN
• Grand Casino Hinckley, Hinckley, MN
• MN Zoo – African Penguin Exhibit, Apple Valley, MN
• TCF Bank Stadium (UMN Gophers Football), Minneapolis, MN
• Orchestra Hall Renovation, Minneapolis, MN
• Sanford Fargo Medical Center, Fargo, ND
• Southwest Healthcare, Bowman, ND
• Anne Carlsen Center, Jamestown, ND
• Marvin Companies, Warroad, MN
• Astera Health, Wadena, MN
• Riverview Health, Crookston, MN

MICHELLE (STREGE) SUEDEL has an Associates Degree and a Bachelors Degree in IT fields and holds a few certifications including project (PMP) and information security (CISM) management. She has worked in banking, health care IT, clinical research IT, and banking and title IT and security over the last 25+ years. 

Michelle was born in Fargo, ND and stayed in the area. She grew up with her parents and her brother in West Fargo. She’s been married to Glenn since 2006. They live just outside of the West Fargo City limits on a few acres on the Sheyenne River.

Michelle enjoys many sporting events, reading books, working in their yard, and eating fresh raspberries from her patch. She thoroughly enjoys her coworkers which consist of 3 Great Danes and 1 Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. She also has a 1983 Jeep CJ-7 Laredo that she enjoys during the summer months- no top, no doors!

Raised as the fourth generation on her family’s farm near Woodworth, ND, DANETTE WELSH graduated from the University of Jamestown and University of North Dakota with degrees in music, history/political science and public administration.

She began her professional career working for the North Dakota Association of Counties as a contractor to the Secretary of State, implementing statewide election reform at the county level. After a short stint living in Colorado, Danette returned to North Dakota to work for ONEOK, Inc. as its director of government relations for its northern region, which includes North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana and Wyoming, working with local and state officials on energy policy issues.

Danette loves music, good bourbon and bad carbs, and is active on a number of boards including GNDC, BSC Foundation, Montana Petroleum Association, and Trinity Lutheran Church of Bismarck. She and her husband Daniel live in Mandan with their dog, Nibbler.