The Minot Area Chamber EDC and its Women Connect program are pleased to announce the Opportunity Showcase on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at the Minot Area Workforce Academy. The event will take place from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Opportunity Showcase is a special event aimed at assisting women in connecting more deeply with their community. Attendees will discover meaningful ways to get involved as local organizations share opportunities for volunteering, board service, and community participation, with representatives on site to discuss their missions and current needs.
In addition to networking and organization showcases, attendees will hear from a panel of dedicated local women who are making a difference in the community. The panel discussion will feature:
Allison Auch, Executive Director of Full STEAM Ahead, a high-energy youth nonprofit focused on theatre, robotics and all things STEAM. In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Alison serves as a nurse practitioner at Trinity Health and with NW Wound Specialists. Her work reflects a deep commitment to both youth development and community health.
Chelsea Gleich, a professional communicator, mom, and enthusiastic community supporter. She has over 15 years of experience in communications and marketing in a variety of industries and currently works as the Business Admin & Internal Communications Director at Town & Country Credit Union. Her volunteer experience includes fundraising for North Dakota’s largest work of public art, kickstarting the development of street art in downtown Minot, and rappelling down the Parker Center building (twice!) despite a fear of heights, in addition to board service and some more typical volunteer gigs.
Laura Mihalick, a community advocate and long-time supporter of public education in Minot. Raised in Minot and a graduate of Minot High School’s Class of 1979, Mihalick has deep roots in the community that shaped her lifelong interest in education and civic engagement. She has served multiple terms on the Minot Public School Board, volunteered in local schools and with Junior Achievement, and serves as an ex-officio member of the Minot Public School Foundation Board. Laura has also held leadership roles in community events such as The Great Tomato Festival and Norsk Høstfest.
Miranda Schuler, an elected community leader, business owner and mom who has worn many hats —often all at once. Her career has been shaped by saying "yes" before she felt ready and learning that failure is often just feedback in disguise. Miranda is passionate about public service, entrepreneurship, and encouraging women to believe in themselves, even when fear tries to take the microphone. She believes confidence is built through action, balance is seasonal, and most things are conquerable with grace and a little sense of humor.
The panel discussion will be moderated by Kyara Brown, a Salt Lake City native who has proudly called North Dakota home for nearly nine years. A graduate of Minot State University, she briefly played soccer there after captaining her Olympic Development team in Utah. For four years, she has served as a news anchor and reporter at KX News. Kyara mentors young women through scholarship boards and loves cooking, relaxing at Lake Metigoshe, and FaceTiming her mom in Salt Lake City. Her favorite role is hosting the North Dakota State Parade. She is passionate about storytelling and community connection statewide.
All Women Connect events are open to everyone, not just women. To learn more and register for the event, visit this link on our website. Seating is limited and early registration is recommended.