EVENT NAME: BLOOM FOR THE HOLIDAYS: A FESTIVE FLORAL WORKSHOP
SPEAKER: BROOKE CONLIN, Brooke Floral / Events / Styling
DATE/ TIME: Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 4:30 - 6:00 pm
LOCATION: Prohibition Room via the Spud Jr.
306 Demers Ave, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
This event is $30 to current 2025-2026 GGFWLC members and $50 for non-members.
Advanced registration is required.
Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar are available.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Celebrate the joy of the season with Bloom for the Holidays with Brooke Conlin, a cheerful evening of creativity, conversation, and festive floral design. Guided by a local floral artist, you'll learn how to craft your own beautiful holiday centerpiece - perfect for your table or as a heartfelt gift. Enjoy light bites, cash bar, and the company of wonderful women as we share in the spirit of the holidays together.
SPEAKER: BROOKE CONLIN, Brooke Floral / Events / Styling
DATE/ TIME: Thursday, December 11, 2025 | 4:30 - 6:00 pm
LOCATION: Prohibition Room via the Spud Jr.
306 Demers Ave, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
This event is $30 to current 2025-2026 GGFWLC members and $50 for non-members.
Advanced registration is required.
Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar are available.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Celebrate the joy of the season with Bloom for the Holidays with Brooke Conlin, a cheerful evening of creativity, conversation, and festive floral design. Guided by a local floral artist, you'll learn how to craft your own beautiful holiday centerpiece - perfect for your table or as a heartfelt gift. Enjoy light bites, cash bar, and the company of wonderful women as we share in the spirit of the holidays together.
EVENT NAME: SPEAK UP, STAY WELL: ADVOCATE FOR YOUR HEALTH
SPEAKER: A PANEL OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
DATE/ TIME: Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 4:30 - 6:30 pm
LOCATION: Prohibition Room via the Spud Jr.
306 Demers Ave, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
This event is free to current 2025-2026 GGFWLC members and $25 for non-members.
Advanced registration is required.
Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar are available.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Take charge of your health and empower yourself with knowledge at Speak Up, Stay Well: Advocate for Your Health. Join a panel of experienced healthcare professionals as they provide practical strategies, resources, and guidance to help you navigate your healthcare journey with confidence.
Learn how to ask the right questions, understand your options, and effectively communicate with providers to ensure your voice is heard. Whether you’re managing ongoing health concerns or looking to take a proactive approach to wellness, this event will equip you with the tools you need to make informed decisions and advocate for the care you deserve.
SPEAKER: A PANEL OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
DATE/ TIME: Thursday, January 8, 2026 | 4:30 - 6:30 pm
LOCATION: Prohibition Room via the Spud Jr.
306 Demers Ave, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
This event is free to current 2025-2026 GGFWLC members and $25 for non-members.
Advanced registration is required.
Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar are available.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Take charge of your health and empower yourself with knowledge at Speak Up, Stay Well: Advocate for Your Health. Join a panel of experienced healthcare professionals as they provide practical strategies, resources, and guidance to help you navigate your healthcare journey with confidence.
Learn how to ask the right questions, understand your options, and effectively communicate with providers to ensure your voice is heard. Whether you’re managing ongoing health concerns or looking to take a proactive approach to wellness, this event will equip you with the tools you need to make informed decisions and advocate for the care you deserve.
EVENT NAME: EMPOWERED BY AI: A DISCUSSION ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN BUSINESS, EDUCATION AND YOUR COMMUNITY
SPEAKER: ABBY HANSON, CHIEF DIGITAL BUSINESS OFFICER, RAZOR TECHNOLOGY; ANNA KINNEY, CO-DIRECTOR OF UND AI AND HUMAN INNOVATION INITIATIVE; MELISSA BEACH, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR, MINNKOTA POWER COOPERATIVE
DATE/ TIME: Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 4:30 - 6:30 pm
LOCATION: Prohibition Room via the Spud Jr.
306 Demers Ave, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
This event is free to current 2025-2026 GGFWLC members and $25 for non-members.
Advanced registration is required.
Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar are available.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Whether artificial intelligence is your new work companion or it scares you to your core, AI is here to stay. Now is the time to talk about how we can leverage this technology to make our workflows more effective, enhance personal learning, and offer new opportunities in our hometowns. At the same time, we must understand the challenges of a new digital landscape.
We’ve gathered leaders from business, higher education, and economic development to discuss the opportunities of the AI age, as well as the obstacles we must be ready to overcome.
Panelists
Abby Hanson
Chief Digital Business Officer, Razor Technology
Abby Hanson is the Chief Digital Business Officer at Razor Technology out of Pennsylvania. Abby leads with passion, transparency, and vision that turns into action. With over 22 years of experience with the Microsoft product line, she has mastered the suite of tools and solutions, driving impactful and customer-centric technological advancements.
Throughout her career, Abby has demonstrated an exceptional ability to understand and address the unique needs of her clients, earning a reputation for reliability and excellence. As a recognized Microsoft Copilot Expert, she supports organizations in their digital transformation journeys, providing valuable insights and recommendations.
Abby recently was recognized by Prairie Business as one of the top 25 Woman in Business for 2025 for the states of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. She is a leader as a woman in tech, giving multiple keynotes across the country on Responsible and Ethical AI as well as being recognized as a CRN Woman of the Channel and CRN Woman of the Week.
Outside of her professional life, Abby is a devoted mother of three, (a 15-year-old daughter and 11-year-old twin boys) and enjoys the joys of attending their sporting events. She loves Football both College and the NFL. She has a passion for health, travel and photography, capturing moments from her adventures around the world. Abby Hanson’s legacy is marked by her unwavering dedication, expertise, and leadership in the tech industry, as well as her commitment to balancing a fulfilling personal life.
Anna Kinney
Co-Director of UND AI and Human Innovation Initiative
Anna Kinney is the coordinator of the University Writing Program at the University of North Dakota. In her position she directs the Writing Center, leads the Writing Across the Curriculum program, and helps to facilitate writing across campus by leading writing events and workshops. She is also the co-director of the AI and Human Innovation Initiative, where she supports pedagogical and curriculum development in the changing world of generative AI.
Melissa Beach
Economic Development Administrator, Minnkota Power Cooperative
Melissa Beach is an Economic Development Administrator with Minnkota Power Cooperative, where she brings equal passion to million-dollar regional investments and the smallest Main Street dreams. Whether supporting transformative infrastructure projects or helping a family business turn a spark of an idea into a thriving venture, Melissa is driven by one mission: turning great ideas into successful projects that strengthen communities.
Before joining Minnkota, Melissa served as Economic Development Director for the City of Casselton, N.D., Executive Director for the Traill County Economic Development Commission, and previously worked as an agricultural and commercial lender – experience that gives her both a strategic and deeply practical understanding of what it takes to move projects from concept to reality.
She currently serves as President of the Economic Development Association of North Dakota and contributes her time and expertise to several other boards across the state, as well as organizations close to her heart in her home community of Hillsboro.
Outside of work, Melissa is a dedicated sports mom to three busy kids (15, 12, and 8). She can usually be found in a gym, at the field, or mat-side – and has become an unofficial connoisseur of sideline comfort products. At home, she proudly maintains her title as “favorite human” to the family cat, Bob.
SPEAKER: ABBY HANSON, CHIEF DIGITAL BUSINESS OFFICER, RAZOR TECHNOLOGY; ANNA KINNEY, CO-DIRECTOR OF UND AI AND HUMAN INNOVATION INITIATIVE; MELISSA BEACH, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADMINISTRATOR, MINNKOTA POWER COOPERATIVE
DATE/ TIME: Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 4:30 - 6:30 pm
LOCATION: Prohibition Room via the Spud Jr.
306 Demers Ave, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
This event is free to current 2025-2026 GGFWLC members and $25 for non-members.
Advanced registration is required.
Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar are available.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Whether artificial intelligence is your new work companion or it scares you to your core, AI is here to stay. Now is the time to talk about how we can leverage this technology to make our workflows more effective, enhance personal learning, and offer new opportunities in our hometowns. At the same time, we must understand the challenges of a new digital landscape.
We’ve gathered leaders from business, higher education, and economic development to discuss the opportunities of the AI age, as well as the obstacles we must be ready to overcome.
Panelists
Abby Hanson
Chief Digital Business Officer, Razor Technology
Abby Hanson is the Chief Digital Business Officer at Razor Technology out of Pennsylvania. Abby leads with passion, transparency, and vision that turns into action. With over 22 years of experience with the Microsoft product line, she has mastered the suite of tools and solutions, driving impactful and customer-centric technological advancements.
Throughout her career, Abby has demonstrated an exceptional ability to understand and address the unique needs of her clients, earning a reputation for reliability and excellence. As a recognized Microsoft Copilot Expert, she supports organizations in their digital transformation journeys, providing valuable insights and recommendations.
Abby recently was recognized by Prairie Business as one of the top 25 Woman in Business for 2025 for the states of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. She is a leader as a woman in tech, giving multiple keynotes across the country on Responsible and Ethical AI as well as being recognized as a CRN Woman of the Channel and CRN Woman of the Week.
Outside of her professional life, Abby is a devoted mother of three, (a 15-year-old daughter and 11-year-old twin boys) and enjoys the joys of attending their sporting events. She loves Football both College and the NFL. She has a passion for health, travel and photography, capturing moments from her adventures around the world. Abby Hanson’s legacy is marked by her unwavering dedication, expertise, and leadership in the tech industry, as well as her commitment to balancing a fulfilling personal life.
Anna Kinney
Co-Director of UND AI and Human Innovation Initiative
Anna Kinney is the coordinator of the University Writing Program at the University of North Dakota. In her position she directs the Writing Center, leads the Writing Across the Curriculum program, and helps to facilitate writing across campus by leading writing events and workshops. She is also the co-director of the AI and Human Innovation Initiative, where she supports pedagogical and curriculum development in the changing world of generative AI.
Melissa Beach
Economic Development Administrator, Minnkota Power Cooperative
Melissa Beach is an Economic Development Administrator with Minnkota Power Cooperative, where she brings equal passion to million-dollar regional investments and the smallest Main Street dreams. Whether supporting transformative infrastructure projects or helping a family business turn a spark of an idea into a thriving venture, Melissa is driven by one mission: turning great ideas into successful projects that strengthen communities.
Before joining Minnkota, Melissa served as Economic Development Director for the City of Casselton, N.D., Executive Director for the Traill County Economic Development Commission, and previously worked as an agricultural and commercial lender – experience that gives her both a strategic and deeply practical understanding of what it takes to move projects from concept to reality.
She currently serves as President of the Economic Development Association of North Dakota and contributes her time and expertise to several other boards across the state, as well as organizations close to her heart in her home community of Hillsboro.
Outside of work, Melissa is a dedicated sports mom to three busy kids (15, 12, and 8). She can usually be found in a gym, at the field, or mat-side – and has become an unofficial connoisseur of sideline comfort products. At home, she proudly maintains her title as “favorite human” to the family cat, Bob.
EVENT NAME: THE NO CLUB: PUTTING A STOP TO WOMEN'S DEAD-END WORK
DATE/ TIME: Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 4:30 - 6:30 pm
LOCATION: Prohibition Room via the Spud Jr.
306 Demers Ave, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
This event is free to current 2025-2026 GGFWLC members and $25 for non-members.
Advanced registration is required.
Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar are available.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Join us to watch The No Club recorded discussion, followed by a casual chat on dropping non-promotable work and focusing on careers.
DATE/ TIME: Thursday, March 12, 2026 | 4:30 - 6:30 pm
LOCATION: Prohibition Room via the Spud Jr.
306 Demers Ave, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
This event is free to current 2025-2026 GGFWLC members and $25 for non-members.
Advanced registration is required.
Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar are available.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Join us to watch The No Club recorded discussion, followed by a casual chat on dropping non-promotable work and focusing on careers.
EVENT NAME: MONEY MATTERS: YOUR PATH TO FINANCIAL WELLNESS
DATE/ TIME: Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 4:30 - 6:30 pm
LOCATION: Prohibition Room via the Spud Jr.
306 Demers Ave, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
This event is free to current 2025-2026 GGFWLC members and $25 for non-members.
Advanced registration is required.
Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar are available.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Join the Greater Grand Forks Women’s Leadership Cooperative for our Financial Wellness Fair, an empowering event designed to help women build confidence in their financial futures. Connect with a variety of financial professionals — including a mortgage lender, estate planner, insurance agent, and investment advisor, just to name a few. They’ll be available to offer expert insights on homebuying, planning for the future, protecting your assets, building wealth, and more. This interactive event provides practical tools, personalized guidance, and the support you need to make informed financial decisions at any stage of life.
DATE/ TIME: Thursday, April 9, 2026 | 4:30 - 6:30 pm
LOCATION: Prohibition Room via the Spud Jr.
306 Demers Ave, East Grand Forks, MN 56721
This event is free to current 2025-2026 GGFWLC members and $25 for non-members.
Advanced registration is required.
Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar are available.
ABOUT THE EVENT
Join the Greater Grand Forks Women’s Leadership Cooperative for our Financial Wellness Fair, an empowering event designed to help women build confidence in their financial futures. Connect with a variety of financial professionals — including a mortgage lender, estate planner, insurance agent, and investment advisor, just to name a few. They’ll be available to offer expert insights on homebuying, planning for the future, protecting your assets, building wealth, and more. This interactive event provides practical tools, personalized guidance, and the support you need to make informed financial decisions at any stage of life.