Minot, ND (NewsDakota.com) – Strengthen ND is excited to announce the 2020-2021 cohort of North Dakota Change Network, a yearlong fellowship for individuals to gain experience driving equitable and inclusive change in their organizations and communities.

These 19 change makers were selected from throughout North Dakota and the Native nations it shares geography with for their passion to make a difference in the places they live and work.

“The heightened social upheaval and uncertainty spurred by COVID-19 illustrates the essential role of strong leaders who understand their community’s needs and possess a clear vision for an equitable and inclusive future,” said Megan Laudenschlager, Executive Director of Strengthen ND. “We welcome this new cohort and are eager to assist their growth into more confident and capable community leaders.”

Begun in 2017, North Dakota Change Network is made possible through the collaboration of 3E Productions, CommonSense Consulting@Work, NAS and Strengthen ND. The supportive learning environment participants join includes online convenings to learn and build strong connections among each other, one-on-one coaching and mentorship, an online curriculum, collaboration with participants of the South Dakota Change Network program, and access to a small grant.

These change makers bring projects focused on promoting stronger relationships with Native communities in Bismarck and Mandan through learning traditional art forms, providing recreational opportunities for youth and adults with disabilities in Minot, and more. Together, these change makers will embrace their authentic leadership capacities, examine opportunities to advance their projects, and become stronger leaders in their organizations and communities. Learn more about the incredible leaders of both Change Network cohorts.

North Dakota Change Network is funded through the generous support of the Bush Foundation. At the program’s conclusion, change makers will join a network of nearly 100 leaders from North Dakota Change Network and South Dakota Change Network who continue to work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive world.

2020-2021 North Dakota Change Network Cohort:

Tara Brandner | Ashley

Kyrstal Butgereit | Minot

Holly Doll | Mandan

Cassie DuBray | Jamestown

Elizabeth Feldner | Minot

Nicole Gagner | Bismarck

Briselda Hernandez | Minot

Sabrina Herrmann | Minot

Scottie Knollin | Fargo

Onesti Krieger | Williston

Laurie Odden | Rugby

Charles Okigbo | Fargo

Debra Olson | Grafton

Warren Sai | Grand Forks

Mindi Schmitz | Jamestown

Gregg Schuetze | Watford City

Bridget West | Grand Forks

Jessi Woinarowicz | West Fargo

Josh Wolsky | Minot