When Julie Medalen arrived at the Grand Oasis Hotel, she knew she was outside her comfort zone. “I felt some social anxiety when I realized I would be talking to all these people I don’t know,” she said.

The first person she chose to sit across from was someone familiar: her dentist. “I told her, ‘I don’t know why I’m here. I don’t know what I’m doing.’”

“My dentist said, ‘I don’t really know either. Let's just talk!’” Medalen laughed.

With that, the ice was broken – and Medalen became one of about 100 area women to experience Minot’s first-ever Intentional Collisions event, hosted by the Minot Area Chamber EDC’s Women Connect team.

The event featured nearly 40 women leaders from around the Minot area – from school principals and medical providers to CEOs and entrepreneurs – who served as mentors. Over the course of eight 8-minute segments, dozens of attendees cycled through one-on-one conversations with those mentors, “speed dating”-style.

According to Women Connect Committee Chair Rianne Kuhn, the event's structure gave those attendees rare access to some of the region’s most successful women. “A lot of these mentors are C-suite employees – and they’re busy! For people looking to grow as professionals, uninterrupted networking time with these leaders is extremely beneficial.”

Mentors felt the benefits, too.

“This opportunity was just as valuable for me!” said Kalli Schell, a mentor and the president and CEO of Town & Country Credit Union. “I found value in building connections with the other attendees, listening and learning from the diverse experiences and perspectives they shared, and the chance to contribute to a culture of growth amongst the women in our community.”

Denise Lindbo, owner of Gourmet Chef and another of the day’s mentors, said that she met several women with dreams of entrepreneurship. “Starting a business requires a leap of faith,” she said, “as well as the understanding that you can’t do it all on your own. Having a network of support is so important. This event provided a great opportunity for emerging leaders to build those networks.”

Medalen said that’s exactly what Intentional Collisions helped her do. “I chose to speak with mentors who I knew I could relate to professionally, and they were so supportive. There was no competitiveness. Just, ‘What can I do to help you?’ I came away with new ideas and new relationships that I’m really excited about.”

Kuhn said the event was well-received by mentors and mentees alike – and the next Intentional Collisions event is already on the calendar for January 26, 2027, offering another opportunity for unique, meaningful connections.

“Diamonds only grow under pressure,” Kuhn said, “and this was a great opportunity for women to put themselves outside their comfort zone and force themselves to grow.”

You can stay up to date on additional events by visiting the Women Connect page on our website.