Apply to join us for the 2026 Stutsman-Barnes Women's Leadership Cohort! These 5 monthly sessions will empower, educate and enlighten you as you make valuable business connections.
To apply, please follow this link: http://business.jamestownchamber.com/form/view/37511
The mission of the Women's Cohort is to cultivate and connect women leaders across Stutsman and Barnes counties by providing meaningful learning, mentorship, and community engagement opportunities that inspire growth and create lasting impact.
The first session on January 8th will focus on Foundations of Women's Leadership. We will hear from Liz Hunt of the University of Jamestown about Understanding you Leadership Identity. In the afternoon, we have a panel of women leaders that will share challenges and wins, then wrap up the day with Steph Nelson of the Anne Carlsen Center. Steph will speak to the landscape of women in leadership today.
The second session on February 12th is focused on Communication, Influence, and Presence. Jodi Bruns of the NDSU Extension Office will lead us through a training about effective communication styles. In the afternoon we will have Taylor Barnes, former Director of the Jamestown Arts Center, and Tricia Seckerson, business owner in both Stutsman and Barnes County, lead us in an activity of practicing influence and negotiation strategies. We will wrap up the day hearing from Kyle Gagner. He will be speaking about using storytelling as a leadership tool.
The third session on March 12th is focused on Resilience, Balance, and Wellbeing. Gwen Crawford, City Administrator for Valley City, will speak about stress management and resilience in leadership. Then Melissa Thury of Balance & Business with Melissa will lead us in a workshop focused on boundaries and balance strategies. In the afternoon, Annie Schlecht of Zen Sleep Consulting will lead the discussion of leading through change and setbacks. We will wrap up the day hearing from Katie Beyer of Barnes County Health with a session on mental Health awareness and resources available in rural ND.
The fourth session on April 9th is focused on Leading People and Teams. Mike Delfs, CEO at Jamestown Regional Medical Center, will walk us through a training on coaching vs. managing. Then Amie Aesoph of First Community Credit Union has a workshop about Courageous Conversations planned for us. In the afternoon, we have another great panel of cross-industry leaders sharing their stories. We wrap up the fourth session with Rammie Olson, Gate City Bank, speaking about civic and board leadership.
The final session is on May 8th. This session is focused on Community, Legacy, and Next Steps. The cohort will have time to reflect on the sessions and create a small group presentation with ideas for community impact projects. We will hear from Dr. Polly Peterson, President of the University of Jamestown. She will speak about leading forward: your next chapter. Then we will wrap up the cohort with a reception and more networking.
2026 Stutsman-Barnes Women's Leadersh...
Date and Time
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
Jan 8th, 9am - 4pm
February 12th, 9am - 4pm
March 12th, 9am - 4pm
April 9th, 9am - 4pm
May 8th, 9am - 4pm
Location
Nome Schoolhouse - The Arts Center - Barnes County North - VCSU - Open Country Lodge
Fees/Admission
Contact Information
Emily Bivens
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