Community involvement took center stage on April 8 as the Minot Area Chamber EDC Women Connect team hosted the Opportunity Showcase, connecting attendees with local organizations and causes looking for volunteers, advocates, and fresh faces.

During the event at the Minot Area Workforce Academy, participants engaged directly with local organizations about volunteer opportunities, board service, and committee involvement. The event also included a panel discussion moderated by KX News anchor Kyara Brown with four local women making a difference in the community.

Panelists encouraged those with young children to look at what already fills their calendars and find ways to plug in there. “Find something that your children are passionate about and do it right alongside them,” said Allison Auch, Executive Director of Full STEAM Ahead.

Attendees were also urged to push beyond self-doubt. “Failure is not a bad word,” said Miranda Schuler, a Farmers Insurance Agent and current Ward County Commissioner. “Just because you aren’t successful in one thing that you do doesn’t mean that you won’t find success in another area of your life — and you’ll learn something from it.”

Chelsea Gleich, a communications professional with Town & Country Credit Union and a member of the group that commissioned the Union Silos Public Art Project, emphasized the power of storytelling when you want to bring a big idea to life. “People can’t picture what they haven’t seen before,” she said, “so you have to tell the story and sell the vision.”

Laura Mihalick, a community advocate and long-time supporter of public education, encouraged attendees to try new things. She pointed to her experience on the North Dakota Judicial Nominating Committee. “I stuck my neck out for something I had never given a thought to,” she said, “and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had.“

“Don’t be afraid!” Mihalick added. “Say ‘Yes.’”