2025 Leaders Lab participant profiles

Leaders Lab is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to engage Minnesota’s developing business leaders. 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 2025 Leaders Lab participants are profiled!  

Profiled on May 1

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year.
I got engaged to my best friend and am getting married this July! While wedding planning can be overwhelming for most people, for me it's been a treat to plan and think about all of our favorite people in one place!    

What is your favorite thing made in Minnesota?    
My favorite thing made in Minnesota has to be maple syrup. I am a huge fan of it! You will only ever find me using maple syrup on pancakes, waffles, and sometimes even in coffee!     

Where did you grow up and what was special about your town or home?    
I grew up in Lakeville, Minnesota, and it will always have a piece of my heart. Some of my favorite memories growing up were at Lake Marion. Whether it was playing volleyball on the beach, swimming in the lake, or tubing, it holds such precious memories for me. We also have the cutest little ice cream shop in our small downtown called Dairy Delite! As a big fan of soft serve, it's the perfect spot to go in the summer.    

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?  
It's okay to make mistakes because it will ultimately make you a harder worker and a better leader. Without setbacks, it's hard to grow and while making mistakes is never fun, it typically leads to the most growth.    

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.
I can play the cello! I am a huge fan of music and am constantly listening to music, going to concerts, or making my own music. When I was younger, I was gifted a cello and taught myself how to play it. I don't recommend teaching yourself how to play an instrument like the cello, but it made me appreciate the technical skills and beauty of music!
 

Profiled on April 25

Tell us a piece of good news that happened this past year.
2024 was a big year! I started a new role within my company, began working on my second master's degree in organizational leadership, and my husband and I celebrated 10 years together!  

What is your favorite thing made in Minnesota?    
I absolutely love Aveda products. They have been staples for me since I was a kid! 

Where did you grow up and what was special about your town or home?    
I grew up on a cattle farm in eastern Iowa, and the area I'm from is best known for being the film site of the movie Field of Dreams.  

What piece of advice has most impacted you so far in your leadership journey?    
Not necessarily one piece of advice, but the general principles of both adaptive and servant leadership have been particularly relevant and helpful throughout my leadership journey. Recognizing when someone needs a different approach and being willing and able to adapt to what they need is my favorite thing about people leadership. 

Tell us something super interesting about yourself.
I am not one to sit still for long! I am a certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, teaching kickboxing and strength training. I am also a huge animal lover, so I work and volunteer in animal rescue and emergency veterinary medicine in my free time.