2022 Leaders Lab participant profiles

Leaders Lab is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage Minnesota’s developing business leaders (approximately late 20s to 40). It will enhance your personal and professional growth, connect you with business leaders statewide, and provide understanding into what drives Minnesota’s economy and how policy affects the success of business in our state. To learn more about Leaders Lab, click here. 

Check back to this page as more of our wonderful 2022 Leaders Lab participants are profiled!

 

Profiled on August 30

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life. 
After a great six years as Associate General Counsel at Post Consumer Brands as a "cereal lawyer", I recently took a position with the University of Minnesota Law School as the Corporate Institute Executive Director. I'm excited to work with students and play a part in training our state's future business lawyers.

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Other than Malt-O-Meal and Post cereal, I love buying locally-made clothes and jewelry, especially at the southwest Minneapolis boutique The Fitting Room. 

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place? 
I grew up in an idyllic college town in eastern Iowa called Mount Vernon, home of Cornell College. The town was a mile long, everyone knew everyone, and as a child you could do it all: play all the sports, be involved in music and theater, and get a great education.

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
A career path can twist and turn as we evolve and that's a good thing. The idea that you are one thing when you grow up is too limiting and more diverse experiences in your work will make you a better leader.

Tell us something super interesting about yourself. 
I love everything about food! I've been a food lawyer for over a decade and love growing it, cooking it, buying it, canning it for the winter, the local restaurant scene, food-focused traveling and collecting cookbooks. I'm a wannabe forager but so far have only read books about it.
 

 

Profiled on August 29

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life.
Starting my current role with Minnesota Power as Regional Development Representative was definitely the professional highlight of the last year. While working on my chemical engineering degree, I spent two years working with Minnesota Power at the Boswell Energy Center in Cohasset and absolutely fell in love with the company and their values. After Minnesota Power, I went on to work for Boise Paper, Magnetation, and then spent 2016-2021 in workforce development designing educational programming for a number of schools in the Itasca area, known as IASC Next, as well as managing a number of projects for Minnesota North College. I wasn’t sure I would ever go back to “engineering” and had almost given up hope that someday I would make my way back to Minnesota Power but then in late 2021, the position I currently hold became available and it truly felt meant to be – a great fit for the skillset and passion I had developed over the years as well as relationships across the region within workforce and industry, and an opportunity to get back to my favorite company! In hindsight, the dots often really do line up and I am very thankful to call Minnesota Power “home” again.

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Iron! I’ll take this opportunity to shamelessly share how proud I am to be from the Iron Range. Both my grandpa and dad spent the majority of their careers in mining and even I had a short experience working at a local mine. Our region has played a critical role in building America and will continue to be critical in years to come. Knowing my own roots share the same origin source of the infrastructure of our country is something I can’t help but be proud of.

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place? 
Iron Range born and raised! I grew up in Virginia, MN. Beyond our history of mining and the natural resources we are blessed to explore here, the people of the iron range are one-of-a-kind. Now that I have some professional experience and have traveled and worked with many other professionals, I can confidently say that rangers are some of the most resourceful and collaborative people around. We really know how to come together to get work done and our communities reflect that. As our region is attracting more people from around the country, I am excited to see the area continue to evolve and become even more unique and welcoming. There’s an energy here that is continually seeking to grow and improve and I love being a part of it.

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
My close friend and mentor, Kathy Allen, shared with me “transformation flows along the lines of relationships at the speed of trust”. Maybe I like this saying because it translates to an equation and sounds engineering-ish – haha. But truly, this saying has stuck with me and has been a guiding principle in how I approach my work. You cannot create true change by bypassing the recognition of our humanness and unique needs as individuals and how those shape our views and approaches. And the quality and authenticity of those relationships will result in the rate of change. By starting with really seeing each other and our individual and collective hopes and concerns and building trust before taking action, the outcomes are likely to be much more meaningful and lasting. 

Tell us something super interesting about yourself. 
My Master of Engineering graduate project was in chocolate. I really lucked out on project selection – ha! I spent two years studying cocoa processing and assisting the UMD Chemical Engineering department in designing student learning experiences around cocoa. I can now make chocolate from bean to bar and nerd out about the cocoa industry. I also spent about a month in Trinidad harvesting and studying cocoa with the 2019 winners of the International Cocoa Award for fine chocolate producers – Tamana Mountain Chocolate.

Profiled on August 26

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life. 
January 2022 marked one year of remission for me. So incredibly grateful to be here, cancer-free.

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
I love Honeycrisp apples, Juicy Lucy burgers, and the State Fair.

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place? 
I grew up in LeSueur, Minnesota, the valley of the Jolly Green Giant. HO, HO, HO!

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
“A leader is anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes and has the courage to develop that potential.” ~Brene Brown. Leadership Lab has given us an opportunity to listen to and learn from businesses around the state. We have so much remarkable potential here.

Tell us something super interesting about yourself. 
I ran Grandma’s Marathon in June 2022.  It was a beautiful day to run alongside Lake Superior. 
 

 

Profiled on August 25

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life.
Well, it’s been an exciting year. My husband and I officially celebrated our wedding reception with all of our friends and family last August after postponing our wedding due to COVID. We also bought our first home and in November, I joined an amazing team at Grey Search + Strategy!

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Probably water skis. I had the best time water skiing as a kid! 

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place?
I grew up in Lakeville. It was a great place because it was large enough to have things to do, but still felt small enough to have a sense of community. It’s special to me because of the amazing neighbors we had – we built our own little community on our street and those relationships have lasted even after my parents moved out of my childhood home.

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
I’ve had the privilege of working with a lot of great mentors throughout my experience. Two things come to mind with this question. First, put emphasis on relationships. Listen, be authentic in your interactions, and care about the people you work with, lead, etc. Second, take care of yourself. Drink enough water, exercise, take time for your hobbies, family, friends, etc. and the rest will fall into place. 

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.
When I was a sophomore in high school I went on a mission trip to Tanzania, Africa. The people I met are truly what made the experience – they were extremely kind, humble, and generous. A highlight from the trip was an excursion we went on to the Ngorongoro Crater. While there, we saw all kinds of wildlife including lions who laid in the shade at arms-length from our jeep!
 

 

Profiled on August 24

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life.
It was nice getting to travel again for work and leisure. I love Minnesota, but I also enjoy exploring new places and getting back to the places and people I enjoy visiting. 

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
I'm a big fan of many of the apples bred at the University of Minnesota. Specifically, I love the SweeTango which is a cross between the Honeycrisp and Zestar!

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place?
I grew up in Le Roy, Minnesota. I loved growing up in a small town with a supportive community. I really enjoyed having family, friends, and neighbors that have seen generations of your family grow and support you along the way. It's tough to beat!

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
Always be curious, strive to be a life-long learner, and approach things with an open mind. I think we all benefit when we can take a step back, ask questions, be curious, engage in tough conversations, and seek to challenge what we know. This advice has helped me try things and meet new people, in turn creating new opportunities in places I wouldn't have expected.

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.
A group of my friends from college have an annual chili cookoff at a Gopher Football tailgate that includes a traveling, spoon trophy. I'm a two-time Chili Champ!

 

Profiled on August 23

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life. 
This past year has seen a number of great things happen. No more so than my wife and I finding out that we will be expecting our first baby girl in early November 2022.

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Watkins products of course! Being a part of an organization that prides itself on natural living and providing a top quality product to our consumers made right here in Minnesota is great.

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place? 
I grew up in a small town, Mora, MN. Mora was an excellent place to grow up because of its small town heritage. Everyone knows everyone and everyone is willing to help anyone else out, no matter their situations.

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
Listening to each speaker at almost every company we’ve toured talk about the passion they have not only for their business, but also their staff is incredible. It is something I hope to emulate as an HR professional and take bits and pieces of back to Watkins to continue to make our great place to work even better.

Tell us something super interesting about yourself. 
I have a strong passion for sports officiating and truly believe it has helped me get to where I am today both personally and professionally. There are many life lessons in officiating and being able to take those lessons and apply them every day at work is fun to see. Currently, I officiate volleyball at the division I, II, and III levels as well as high school. My claim to fame is that I was, at the time, the youngest volleyball official to officiate at the state tournament (20). Since that point, I have been blessed to be welcomed back and officiate a state championship match in 2021. The other sports I officiate are basketball and baseball. I also founded and serve as the President and Director of Assigning for an officiating contract service, the Rocky River Officials Association, which provides baseball umpires to youth contests in and around the central and east central part of the state, covering nearly 2,750 youth baseball games between May and July.

 

Profiled on August 22

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life. 
Last fall I had the opportunity to travel back to Alaska and catch up with friends I hadn’t seen in a few years. I also had a chance to do a few favorite hikes such as Eagle Lake, Symphony Lake, Mt. Baldy and Flattop Mountain trails.  

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
It’s too hard to choose just one! I have a sweet tooth so I enjoy Wiley Wallaby licorice and Angie’s Boomchickapop kettle corn. I also enjoy trying new breweries and wineries around the state. Nothing beats a chilled glass of La Crescent at the St Croix Vineyards or trying a new creation from Wooden Hill Brewing Company on a summer day.  

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place? 
I grew up in Anchorage, Alaska before moving to Minnesota for college and eventually calling Eden Prairie my new hometown. I grew up hiking and spending time surrounded by nature which is why I enjoy how many trails and parks Minnesota has to explore.  

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
“Listen to understand, not to respond.” One of the things I have enjoyed the most about Leaders Lab is the opportunity to listen to other leaders from around the state to better understand the challenges they face or how different industries interact within the Minnesota economy.  

Tell us something super interesting about yourself. 
I did competitive gymnastics growing up and continued through college at Gustavus Adolphus College. During my career I competed in eight states including a meet held at the Arizona Cardinals stadium. 
 

Profiled on August 20

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life.
Moved into a new house in Otsego with my girlfriend.

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Local breweries.

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place?
Grew up in Owatonna. I would have to say Brooktree and Owatonna Country Club golf course. I spent most of my childhood on a golf course. 

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
Two pieces of advice come to me.
1.) Being more involved in the Chamber not only keeps you informed on the state's current economic opportunities and challenges but also provides you with opportunities to help and make a difference.  
2.) Building connections with great people is invaluable. 

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.
I was in a movie that was on Netflix. It may have only been for four seconds though! 
 

 

Profiled on August 19

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life. 
The best thing that happened over the last year personally, was getting married and starting our journey as a newlywed couple! Professionally, was graduating with my MBA from the University of Minnesota.  

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Once I open a bag of Boom Chicka Pop – it's all over!

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place?
I grew up in Bloomington, Minnesota and loved how central it was to get anywhere in the Twin Cities.  Spent a lot of time at Mall of America and exploring all the parks nearby.  
 
What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
The best piece of advice I’ve received is to always stay curious, never stop learning, and don’t be afraid to speak up.  

Tell us something super interesting about yourself. 
This is tough because I don’t think it’s something I did to be interesting but more of a product of my environment. My dad is from Mexico and recently retired and moved to a town called San Miguel De Allende. We try to visit at least once a year and I am really proud of my Mexican heritage and all the fun traditions that come with it.  
 

 

Profiled on August 18

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life?
We are getting a renovated corporate office space!

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
They may not be all made in Minnesota but they are headquartered here and began in Minnesota but I love wearing Love Your Melon hats all winter long!

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place?
I grew up in rural Wisconsin. I love the outdoors and being surrounded by trails, woods and nature. It was a great way to get out and be active. 

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
Never stop learning and growing.

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.  
In my free time, I volunteer in cat rescue and specifically help with TNR (Trap, Neuter, Return) to help with the overpopulation of community cats in a humane way. I'm often meeting with individuals in the community to help with a cat issue or trapping in the early hours or late night.
 

 

Profiled on August 16

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life. 
My wife and I welcomed our first child into the world last September so I’ve been learning all the first-time parenting tips and tricks. I’ve enjoyed it so far!

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Schell’s beer. It’s hard to pick my favorite one, but I’ve been to the brewery in New Ulm and on the tour numerous times and it never fails to disappoint. The history of their beer and the brewery is fascinating.

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place? 
Fairmont, Minnesota. Go Cardinals! The five lakes are big asset and I enjoyed their school system too. The town was big enough to know plenty of people but not everybody. I always enjoy going back.

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
“If you won’t, then who will?” That has always resonated with me because it can be tough to step outside of your comfort zone, whether it’s to voice an opinion, offer up a solution or make a tough decision. You can’t be afraid to put your best foot forward, even if it means you might make a mistake. Learning from your mistakes is a part of your growth.

Tell us something super interesting about yourself. 
I’m a Miami Dolphins fan. When I was a kid, I had an uncle that lived in Florida and he got me interested in the team. I was huge fan of Dan Marino too. I’m looking forward to the addition of Tyreek Hill but I’m still unsure about what I think of Tua. I guess we’ll have to see what next season brings!
 

 

Profiled on August 10

This past year has been filled with a lot of great news.  
We sold our house in Owatonna, MN and built a house in Jordan, MN.  This move supported the careers of both my wife and I, but also allowed our daughter to begin training full time with Go4Gold Skating Academy where she trains as an elite-level figure skater and attends school virtually through Connections Academy.  We are so excited to be living closer to the southern metro and are excited for all of the opportunities that this has provided to us.    

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Honestly, I would have to say the circuits that All Flex produces. Though they are hidden in the products they go into, our circuits are an integral part of life-saving devices in so many different ways. They are in so many different industries that I am amazed every day at the reach our products have in this world. I am truly proud to work for this company and of our employees.  

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place? 
I grew up in Monticello Iowa. It was a great place for me to grow up because it was a small town with a great school system. I truly felt like I was given many opportunities to learn and grow. I was also able to enjoy my teenage years running around town with great friends in a place that I felt safe.  

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
You have to give yourself a break. If you don’t, you reach a point of diminishing returns. Your mind and body need time for relaxation and exercise, and your family needs your attention as well. You will find that work and the issues you face will become easier to handle when you give yourself a break. Even as we rest, our brains are still solving problems whether we realize it or not.  

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.
I am a person that has many hobbies.  I played baseball and basketball growing up, but am fairly decent at many sports/games such as playing pool & even bowling.  I just really enjoy being active.  As an adult I enjoy fishing and golfing (though I need a lot of work at golf).  I am also a musician.  I am a drummer by trade and have played in bands in the past.  I also play some guitar and even sing now and then.  
 

 

Profiled on August 4

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life.
Getting to fly often again! I love traveling and visiting family and friends. As a past management consultant who spent 6 years flying all over the country, traveling and seeing new places is one of my favorite things to do, even with a two-year-old in tow now!

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Minnesota wine – there are several great wineries within an hour and a half of the Twin Cities with holiday events, family-friendly festivals and gorgeous views.

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place?
I grew up outside of Minnesota in Indianapolis, Indiana and am a proud Hoosier by birth. After college, I lived in downtown Chicago for six years and moved to the Twin Cities four years ago. I love all the outdoor activities, lakes, and hiking the state has to offer!

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
“You’ll never have more time than you do today.” It’s a good reminder to live life to the fullest and embrace each and every day!

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.
I was a 4-year Division 1 athlete at Indiana University on the Women’s Rowing team where we practiced 10 times a week throughout the entire school year, including breaks. Some of the best (and hardest) leadership lessons I learned were during that time. 
 

 

Profiled on August 3

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life.
My husband and I bought a house and decided to get a golden retriever. Comet (Yes, from Full House) is the best dog, and we love being fur parents!

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Duluth Pack tote bags/purses. They last a lifetime!

Where did you grow up? 
Stewartville, MN

What’s the number one thing you are looking forward to?
Summers in Duluth. I currently live in Duluth and there is nothing better than a perfect Duluth summer day!

Tell us something super interesting about yourself. 
I played Division II volleyball at the University of Minnesota Duluth. I love everything about college athletics and my time as being a student-athlete. 
 

 

Profiled on July 27

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life. 
Late 2021, when we weren’t even really looking, we stumbled across a perfect house that was for sale and we were able to buy it without a bidding war and bottom-ticked the interest rates. It is a much better suited house for our two busy boys (Grayson 3 yrs and Oliver 1.5yrs) and our Springer Spaniel, Winston.

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
This is a trick question and it is impossible to pick one so let me paint a picture: I sell Banner Engineering automation solutions so I can go to Target to buy Tonka Trucks to keep my kids busy while they watch me play baseball on Sundays using a MaxBat. Mix in some fishing with my wife in a Lund and/or Alumacraft boat while sipping some Luce Line Brewing and I think that about covers it!

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place? 
I grew up in Minnetonka – it is a great community of people and the location is unmatched; you can be downtown at Target Field (or Metrodome back then) in ~15 minutes or on a boat on the lake in no time.

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
People remember how you treat them and how you made them feel. Leaders Lab has echoed the circular economy of all of the industries in Minnesota and how important your network is in getting you to the next step in your career. For maybe a decade or even longer I’ve had a sticky note on my computer desktop with this quote that is a good level set to each day: “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.”

Tell us something super interesting about yourself. 
I may not be perfect when remembering names, but I never forget a face or numbers. I can also look at a machine and figure out exactly what is going on to make it do what it does or even fix what’s wrong. Maybe it is because I’m a mechanical engineer or maybe it is because I’m left-handed, I’m not sure.
 

 

Profiled July 12

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life.
I became Abdo’s first non-CPA partner. I am proud to now be a part-owner of a progressive, growing firm that helps guide Minnesota businesses, nonprofits, and local governments to success. 

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Nordic Ware! I love baking and their pans are the best. 

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place?
Bloomington, Minnesota. From wandering the shops at Mall of America to riding bikes along the banks of the Minnesota River, Bloomington has something for everyone. 

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
There is power in being vulnerable.  

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.
I was a contestant on the Wheel of Fortune back in 2006. While the wheel was not my friend, I did win $7,000.
 

 

Profiled on July 6

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life. 
Reconnecting with loved ones and watching my two sons (two and four) experience more of the world outside of home. It seems simple but I think these past few years have taught us to enjoy the simple things in life.

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Ah! This has to be a trick question, there are so many wonderful things made in Minnesota! However, I remain impressed by the impeccable medical and health care innovation in our state. We really are the global epicenter for health innovation and so many of the things created and made have had a world wide impact, something everyone in our state should be proud of.

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place? 
I grew up in South Maplewood, Minnesota. It was (and still is) a wonderful place because of the great quality of life and close proximity to Saint Paul. My family and I live pretty close by in Woodbury today.

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
Never underestimate the power of relationships and the importance of relationship building. There is so much to learn from others experiences and professional journeys. I owe so much of where I am to the wonderful relationships I’ve built along the way and the impeccable leaders that have mentored me. 

Tell us something super interesting about yourself. 
Of all my accomplishments, my most profound ones were at the University of Minnesota as a student athlete. Between the years of 2006 and 2010 I competed on the women’s gymnastics team on a full ride scholarship. During my junior and senior year I was awarded All Big 10 First Team and during my senior year I qualified as an individual to the NCAA Championships. Today, I love staying engaged with the team as an alumni and mentor to young women on the team. My family and I never miss a competition in Minneapolis. Go Gophers!
 

 

Profiled on June 21

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life.  
I helped coach four of my kids’ (age 7 and 9) sports teams. I feel fortunate to be able to watch them grow and develop as individuals and teammates. 

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
Craft brews (Surly Furious and Fair State Pils to name a few). Cheers!

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place?
Eagan. I was fortunate to have many friends and family living nearby.  

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
“Be interested, not interesting.” 

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.  
I lived in the same room that Neil Armstrong did in college and was fortunate enough to meet him in person. Boiler Up!

 

 

Profiled on June 7

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year in your life.  
My husband and I had the opportunity to purchase my family’s farm earlier this year. Our kids will be the 5th generation to grow up there. We are excited for the opportunities and challenges that will undoubtedly come along with this new-to-us venture. 

What’s your favorite thing that’s made in Minnesota?
I have a soft spot for Red Wing Shoe Company after having the opportunity to tour their manufacturing plant a number of years ago. The quality of the shoes and boots they produce is [in my opinion] unmatched. They also hold the title for producing the World’s Largest Boot- if you have not seen it yet, it is certainly worth a trip to Red Wing! 

Where did you grow up and why was it a great place?
I grew up on a farm in southern Minnesota just outside of Mankato. The greater Mankato community is one of a kind. There are so many awesome businesses and individuals within the community who work really, really hard to make it a better place where people want to live and raise a family. It is big enough to offer growth and opportunities but small enough to truly be able to get to know people and feel a strong sense of support and community. 

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?
Two quotes that have stuck out to me over the years are “If not you, then who?” and “Do more than what is asked, without being asked”. 

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.
I played the violin growing up and performed with a group at Carnegie Hall in New York City just 3 months prior to September 11, 2001.