Tell us about yourself. Tell us who you are and what you do.
I was born and raised in Fargo. My husband, Terrell, and I have two kids, Tyana and Tereek. I am a social butterfly who enjoys meeting new people and striking up conversations with strangers. Let’s be honest, I met my husband by walking up to him, introducing myself, and talking his ear off for an hour! I went to NDSU and was a cheerleader for the football and basketball teams. GO BISON! After one year there, I transferred to NDSCS to study dental hygiene. When preparing to graduate from NDSCS, I couldn’t shake the desire I had to work with hair so a few months after obtaining my degree, I began studying Cosmetology at TSPA in Fargo. In July 2012, I started working for Pediatric Dentistry, Ltd. We are a specialty office and can provide wonderful dental care for up to 200 patients a week. It is rewarding to see so many smiling faces and help as many people as possible. Shortly after starting my career as a Dental Hygienist I still had a passion for hair but didn’t want to leave my dream job. From 2014-2020 I worked part-time for an amazing company, Great Clips, and provided services for eight different salon locations in Fargo, West Fargo, Grand Forks, Moorhead, and Detroit Lakes. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with and meet so many people over the years!
Who are some people who have been influential in your journey and why? Who inspires you?
My parents have been so influential in my journey. They taught me how to be kind to others, how to stand up for myself, and how to build a life by making smart financial and economical choices. They have always been the most reliable, through the good and bad. They have never stopped supporting me and encouraging me to follow my dreams They inspire me to continue to work hard, be dependable, make good decisions, and continue to be the best person they know I can be.
What drives you?
Helping others. I enjoy being the one you can call on to get something done. If a coworker or friend needs something, I am driven to use my resources to be sure their task gets accomplished as best as it can. Helping others in the community is also a motivator for me! I’m honored to have the opportunity through this program to learn more about what our community has to offer and help those in need.
What do you think can be improved in our business community?
I think our business community could offer more family-friendly opportunities and events. I think this would bring in crowds and help promote their services! Anytime we see an event offered to families, especially ones that bring in kid-friendly activities, we usually reach out to a few friends with kids and see if they want to join. It’s a win-win for everyone!
What are some important life lessons you have learned?
Life is too short. Enjoy every day as it could be your last. Tomorrow is not guaranteed. Live, laugh, and love those around you. Hug and kiss your loved ones when you say goodbye. Treat others with respect and dignity, you don’t know what they’re truly going through.
What are some of your favorite things to do in our community?
Family-friendly outings! Visiting businesses that are putting on events with bouncy houses, food trucks, and kids’ games are the best! We enjoy seeing new places and trying new things.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I see myself going to lots and lots of sports activities. My husband and I were both athletes growing up and through college so we hope our kids enjoy many sports as well. Fargo will still be our home and we will still complain about the cold!
What are you hoping to gain from the United Way 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program?
I’m very excited to learn more about my strengths that I can apply in my professional life but I am really hoping to make great friends and gain a sense of sisterhood! I hope by the end of this program, I will have the ability to call on each one of these amazing women if and when I need them. Whether it be a personal situation, a friendly get-together, a professional question, or a connection to execute a task I’ve been assigned. I’m hoping they will feel they are able to reach out to me as well for any needs I may be able to assist them with.
What are your passions outside of work?
I love spending time with family and friends! Myself, my husband, and our kids enjoy going to the Zoo in the summer. We love trying new parks in the Fargo-West Fargo area. The dog park is a fun spot to visit as we do not have any pets. The kids enjoy watching the dogs run around without having to get too close if they don’t want to.