In June, Naomi Disrud graduated from the
Leadership Fargo Moorhead West Fargo (LFMWF) program hosted by the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo (FMWF) Chamber. The 10-month program is made up of 40 up-and-coming community leaders and exposes participants to issues that face their region while challenging and engaging them to strengthen the community through service and leadership.
"It's so fulfilling to learn more about local issues and find ways to help cultivate positive change," states Naomi.
The program features a variety of events, including a ropes course challenge to kick off the program and a Community Change Initiative (CCI) group project. These CCIs allow the students to apply their skills and insights gained through the program to create an initiative they can bring to fruition that positively impacts the community.
Photo: FMWF Chamber
Naomi’s group developed an
Adulting 101 class series in partnership with the YMCA of Cass and Clay Counties, which teaches young adults seeking basic skills to become more responsible and self-sufficient individuals so they can “make it” on their own. The series focused on four categories of skills. Due to COVID-19, the series wasn’t able to fully launch; however, the class was able to hold one virtual class in May with a handful of eager participants.
As Communications Manager at HEI, Naomi oversees a team that provides marketing, technical writing and editing, and communications support to more than 230 companywide staff across our nine locations in four states. She and her team collaborate with civil engineers, environmental scientists, planners, and other technical staff to support communities throughout our region with fiscally responsible infrastructure solutions.
Q&A with Naomi
What are some of the things you enjoyed about this program?
This LFMWF program provides a great overview of our community—its leaders, industries, organizations, and people. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about all that our area has to offer, from businesses and nonprofits to the public sector and education.
How has this experience impacted your view of leadership?
There are a lot of moving pieces and talented people that coalesce into a vibrant, growing, and resilient community such as ours. By working together and leading from where we are as individuals, we can all be a part of meeting our community’s needs as well as expanding local opportunities.
Would you recommend this program to others?
Absolutely! It’s inspiring to develop relationships with everyone involved in this program and see how much good can happen when we all come together.