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Join us for the 2025 Women’s Business Conference at The Bunker in Jamestown, North Dakota for a day filled with inspiration, networking, and growth. The event will be held at 1520 3rd St SE, a convenient location for all attendees. Connect with fellow female entrepreneurs, learn from industry leaders, and take your business to the next level. Get ready for a day of empowerment and collaboration. See you there!

Agenda:

8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. – Networking
9:00 a.m. to 9:05 a.m. – Welcome Remarks
9:05 a.m. to 9:25 a.m. – Joan Enderle, Chair, ND Statewide Advocacy and Engagement Committee – American Heart Association

Workshop Title: Catalyst for Healthier People and Communities

Workshop Description:

The American Heart Association is committed to ensuring that everyone, everywhere has the opportunity to live their longest, healthiest life.  Learn steps you can take to impact your health and the community in which you live.  

Presenter Bio:

Joan Enderle is the chair of the American Heart Association ND Statewide Advocacy and Engagement committee.   She retired from the American Heart Association in January 2024 after an 18-year career of population health, grant management and implementation experience including government, local, regional, and national foundation grants.  Joan is a Licensed Registered Dietitian.  Prior to her employment with the American Heart Association, she was the Director of Nutrition, Environmental and Linen Services at Jamestown Hospital.  Joan received her B.S. in Dietetics from North Dakota State University and a M.B.A. from University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota.

9:30 .m. to 10:30 a.m. – Dr. Liz Hunt, Executive Director, Unruh School of Character in Leadership – Professor of Leadership Studies – University of Jamestown

Workshop Title: Servant Leadership: Creating Cultures of Accountability

Workshop Description:

In this session, participants will learn the basic ideas behind servant leadership and how servant leaders can promote a culture of accountability while providing empowerment and growth for each person they serve. Servant leadership stems from a sincere interest in the growth and development of other people, while providing a clear vision and encouraging shared purpose, focus, and direction. Servant leaders can only do this while holding themselves and others accountable to the organizational mission, vision, and goals. The session will provide participants a clear understanding of how to engage in and manage accountability discussions from a servant leadership philosophy.

Presenter Bio:
Elizabeth K. Hunt is an associate professor of leadership and Director of Character in Leadership at the University of Jamestown in Jamestown, ND. Hunt holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Regent University, a Master of Arts in communication from NDSU, and a Bachelor of Arts in History-Political Science and English from the University of Jamestown. Her research interests include sensemaking, leadership communication, organizational culture and climate, servant leadership, and values and character education.

10:35 a.m. to 10:55 a.m. – Morgan Blaskowski, Business Owner, Cornerstone Nutrition, Vibe Nutrition and Flex + Flo 

Workshop Title: Social Media Bootcamp

Workshop Description:

Workshop Description: Learn a few ins and outs of social media that has helped a seasoned small business owner with her daily business operations.

Speaker Bio:

Morgan Blaskowski is inspiring people to be confident, healthier and happier. She is a wife, new mom and currently owns three businesses. She has been a business owner for 10 years and is looking forward to sharing social media knowledge that she has learned along the way.

11:10 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Ranetta Starr, Community Programs Director, USDA Rural Development Community Facilities and Business Programs

Workshop Title: How USDA Rural Development Benefits Rural Communities Across North Dakota

Workshop Description:

USDA Rural Development focuses exclusively on America’s rural people and their communities. USDA Rural Development offers loans, loan guarantees, and grants to individuals, businesses, and communities that provide funding for economic development, homeownership, infrastructure, and essential community facilities and services.

Presenter Bio:
Ranetta Starr serves as the Director of Community Programs at USDA Rural Development in North Dakota. With a remarkable portfolio worth $640 million, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of nearly every corner of rural North Dakota.

Her journey with USDA Rural Development spans over 17 years, during which she has worn many hats, from enhancing housing opportunities to fostering business growth and community programs. This diverse experience has equipped Ranetta with a profound understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that rural areas face.

Before her impactful career in public service, Ranetta worked in the private banking sector for 13 years, specializing in consumer, commercial, and real estate lending. This background not only deepens her insight into economic development but also fuels her commitment to creating sustainable solutions for the communities she serves.

A proud graduate of the University of North Dakota, Ranetta holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Her journey is a testament to her dedication to driving positive change and her leadership continues to inspire those around her as she works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all North Dakotans.

12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Lunch – Salad Bar

12:30 p.m. to 12:50 p.m. – Sadie Schaeffer, Program and Event Manager, North Dakota Women’s Business Center

Workshop Title: North Dakota Women’s Business Center Programs and Services

Workshop Description:

Sadie Schaeffer, Program and Event Manager for the North Dakota Women’s Business Center, will be discussing the organization’s services. Founded in early 2000, the center acts to build a community of business owners, corporate executives, and economic development thought leaders in the business community. Over the last two decades, the North Dakota Women’s Business Center continues to provide essential programs and training events that equip individuals with the tools, connections, and opportunities to move forward in business. Mrs. Schaeffer integral role provides extensive timely and relevant information and coaching to support the development of small businesses.

Presenter Bio:

Sadie is an optimist, has a strong zest for life and passion for hearing people’s stories. She finds joy in being a small piece of the puzzle to someone’s overall success story. Outside of work, Sadie enjoys being active in her community, church and gym. She’s an avid traveler, enjoys reading, playing with her maltipoo pups and lake weekends in the summer with family.

12:55 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. – Tanya Taplin, Assistant Professor of Cyber Defense, University of Mary

Workshop Title: Cyber Threats: Reshaping Our Defense Strategies

Workshop Description:
I. Introduction (3 minutes)
• Welcome
II. Understanding Cyber Threats
• Definition of cyber threats
• Overview of current trends in cyber threats
o Types of threats (malware, phishing, ransomware, etc.)
o Case studies of recent high-profile attacks
III. The Evolving Cyber Landscape
• Factors driving the evolution of cyber threats
o Technology advancements (AI, cloud computing, IoT)
o Increased digital dependence across industries
IV. Current Defense Strategies
• Overview of traditional cybersecurity measures
V. Reshaping Our Defense Strategies
• Need for a proactive and adaptive approach
• Key components of a modern defense strategy
VI. Future Trends in Cyber Defense
• Predictions for the future of cyber threats
VII. Conclusion and Q & A

Presenter Bio:
Tanya Taplin is a former Cybersecurity Advisor for North Dakota (Homeland Security/CISA) and currently serves as Program Director and Assistant Professor of Cybersecurity at the University of Mary. A native of North Dakota, Taplin brings 25 years of expertise in cybersecurity and information technology, with a distinguished career dedicated to advancing technology within state and federal government as well as academia.

She earned her Master’s degree in Cyber Defense from Dakota State University and holds multiple industry certifications. Deeply committed to mentoring and educating the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, she enjoys coaching cyber competitions and participates in various community initiatives. Additionally, Taplin is a member of several prominent Cybersecurity, IT, and AI organizations.

1:50 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. – Discussion on Event Planning Strategies & Founders Journey with Deidre Hillman, owner of the 13th Hat, LLC

Workshop Title: Engaging Experiences: Mastering Event Planning

Workshop Description:
This exciting session will unveil innovative ideas to ignite FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and drive attendance at your events. Discover how to design immersive experiences that cater to all guests, foster inclusivity among staff, volunteers, board members & donors (for non-profits), and attendees alike. Additionally, learn the art of developing strategic partnerships, harnessing the power of collaboration to amplify your impact and create meaningful connections with charities, individuals and businesses eager to support your event. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to elevate your event planning game and leave a lasting impression on your community!

Presenter Bio:
Deidre Hillman holds an impressive resume of experience. Prior to founding the 13th Hat, she was a state director for the ND Women’s Business Center and has worked in a variety of roles throughout her prior careers from human resources to safety compliance. The 13th Hat is a corporate event planning company servicing clients regionally and assists planning events from small board or staff retreats to large conferences. Outside of 13th Hat, Hillman serves on the Dakota Zoo board, is a wish coordinator for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and co-founded the Bismarck Mandan Power of 100. Hillman is a John Maxwell Leadership Trainer and certified coach and a facilitator for Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.

2:50 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Michael Kantrud, Outreach & Marketing Specialist (Contracting) – U.S. Small Business Administration – Small Business Certifications

Workshop Title: Federal Certifications for Government Contracting and How It Can Help You

Workshop Description:
The federal government has goals for contracting with Small Business, HUBZone, Women Owned, Disadvantaged and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses and are allowed to restrict competition through contract set-asides as a means of achieving its goals. We will discuss the eligibility requirements for each of these categories, including which require third-party certifications and which allow for self-certification. The session will also discuss the 8(a) Business Development Program, which is a special nine-year business development program for Small and Disadvantaged businesses.

Presenter Bio:
Michael Kantrud is a Marketing and Outreach Specialist who works at the Small Business Administration’s (SBA) North Dakota District Office. He leads the procurement and contracting services provided by the office. While promoting SBA Certifications, he manages the 8(a) portfolio and leading two local webinar series. The Tri-State Procurement Webinar Series, a procurement-focused webinar hosted with Minnesota and South Dakota representatives from SBA and Apex Accelerators, along with the Business Builders Webinar Series that combines the strengths of SBA’s resource partner network.

3:30 p.m. – 4:15 .m. – Networking

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors!