Lead UNITED

You Don’t Need To Be A “Leader” To Be A Community Leader

According to John, this Lead UNITED session is nudging him to reflect on his path, experiences and strategies towards this point in life today where he is often described as a well-connected leader in the community. The practices and actions taken may have initially been more intentional but are now essentially muscle memory and part of the fabric of his professional and personal life.

As John presents to the attendees, he’ll take questions and may ask questions too, as asking others about themselves and what they need are a big part of his role at GFMEDC. As he often tells entrepreneurs the first time they meet, “I can’t guarantee I’ll be of any assistance or have the answers, but we won’t know that until we have the conversation first”.

Date: Wednesday, June 3
Time: 8:30-10 a.m.
Location: United Way Cass-Clay: 4351 23rd Ave. S. Fargo ND 58104

Click here to register! 

Join us for Lead UNITED x Uniting Visionaries, an immersive and high-impact networking experience designed to ignite ideas, spark mentorship, and cultivate meaningful connections. This dynamic event brings together 15 exceptional visionaries from diverse backgrounds—each offering their own unique strengths, perspectives, and lived experiences.

Attendees will engage in timed roundtable discussions, giving them the opportunity to connect directly with visionaries of their choice. Come prepared with thoughtful questions, challenges you’re facing, or topics you’re passionate about. When the timer buzzes, you’ll be encouraged to move on to a new table, maximizing exposure to different insights, industries, and leadership styles.

Whether you’re seeking guidance, inspiration, or collaboration, Lead UNITED x Uniting Visionaries is your space to learn, grow, and lead—together.

Date: Tuesday, September 22
Time: 8:30-10 a.m.
Location: United Way of Cass Clay, 4351 23rd Ave S Fargo ND 58104

Click here to register!

Hear directly from CEOs and top executives who are shaping the future of our region.

They’ll be sharing the kind of honest, high-impact leadership insight you can’t find anywhere else—practical lessons on navigating uncertainty, building strong teams, and staying grounded in purpose.

If you’re serious about developing as a leader and expanding your influence, this is the event you don’t want to miss.

Date: Thursday, November 12
Time: 8:30-10 a.m.
Location: United Way of Cass Clay, 4351 23rd Ave S Fargo ND 58104

Click here to register! 

We hit the trail this session—career trailmaps, that is

This session was all about charting the path forward—reflecting on where we are, setting intentional goals for growth within our current roles, and thinking about where we want to go next. Using the A. C. E. S. framework for goal setting, we mapped out our own unique journeys and how today’s experiences can shape future opportunities and relationships.

With a strong theme of reflection, one message stood out: you are the only expert on you.

The journey is just getting started—and we’re excited to keep climbing.

This speaking event centered on one powerful theme: accountability.

Sheila shared vulnerably and authentically about what it truly means to lead with accountability—not just as a concept, but as a daily practice. She challenged us to reflect on the standards we set for ourselves and our teams, reminding us that leadership at its best requires ownership, clarity, and consistency.

A key takeaway from the conversation was the importance of identifying your team’s “north star.” When goals are clear and values are aligned, that vision becomes the guiding force behind decisions, behaviors, and outcomes. Holding ourselves and our teams to those standards is how we show up as our best selves and create meaningful impact.

Sheila left us with a powerful reminder:

“Respect as a leader who is accountable isn’t something you see, it’s something you feel.”

Our CEO Panel offered powerful insights on leading with intention, staying focused, and creating cultures where innovation and growth can thrive. Featuring local leaders, Sarah West, Joe Sandin, and Tiffany Lawrence moderated by United Way President and CEO, Sandi Piatz.  

• Lead with core values to anchor decisions and guide your organization.

• Adopt a growth mindset—stay curious, take opportunities, and avoid getting stuck “heads down.”

• Balance innovation with clarity, creating space for new ideas without inviting chaos.

• Stay in your lane and lead with purpose—success is choice, not chance.

Drawing from his book, We Are Called to Do the Right Thing, and his own leadership journey, Prakash explored how personal values shape credibility and character—and how aligning those values with the organizations we serve creates trust and lasting impact.

Through meaningful reflection and practical examples, he challenged us to consider questions like:

• What does it mean to do the right thing for the right reason?

• How can we stay grounded in our moral compass when faced with difficult decisions?

• What role does servant leadership play in building credibility?

David and Misty Dietz—married for 25 years and passionate about living with love, resilience, and curiosity. They shared powerful stories and practical tips for building stronger relationships, reminding us that lasting connections aren’t about perfection but about presence, intentional choices, and growing together.

Key takeaway: Strong relationships are built by one choice, one conversation, and one adventure at a time.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this inspiring morning!

LEAD United x Uniting Visionaries was an immersive, high-impact networking experience designed to ignite ideas, spark mentorship, and cultivate meaningful connections.

This dynamic gathering brought together 15 exceptional mentors from diverse backgrounds—each offering their unique strengths, perspectives, and lived experiences. Attendees engaged in timed roundtable discussions, connecting directly with the mentors of their choice. The format encouraged participants to ask thoughtful questions, share challenges, and explore topics they were most passionate about. With each rotation, they gained fresh insights, new perspectives, and exposure to different leadership styles and industries.

From practical guidance to big-picture inspiration, the event created space for learning, collaboration, and growth. Together, mentors and participants alike walked away with deeper connections, renewed energy, and actionable takeaways to fuel their leadership journeys.

In a moving and insightful session, Simone and Joe explored the critical role of connection and community in fostering mental health, reducing loneliness, and strengthening social trust. Backed by compelling data and real-world stories, they illustrated why belonging and shared experiences are more than just feel-good concepts—they are essential drivers of personal well-being and collective resilience.

Thank you, Simone and Joe!

Lead UNITED hosted a vibrant happy hour at Junkyard Brewing in West Fargo, bringing together professionals and community advocates dedicated to making a positive impact. The event offered a relaxed atmosphere for networking, fostering connections among fellow Lead UNITED donors.