Our Board & Advisory Committee

Driven to advocate for and support women business owners, our board and committee members tirelessly volunteer their time, skills, and connections to amplify the impact women business owners have in their businesses and beyond. 

Board of Directors

The NDWBC Board of Directors is dedicated to guiding the organization with a clear focus on fulfilling our mission and goals. With their diverse industries and statewide presence, they ensure program effectiveness, secure necessary financial resources, and maintain robust financial oversight, fulfilling the fiduciary responsibility to protect and manage NDWBC’s assets. Their responsibilities include selecting and supporting an Executive Director, participating actively in strategic planning, and upholding legal and ethical standards. They emphasize building a competent board and enhancing our public standing. Board members are expected to represent NDWBC, attend at least 80% of meetings, participate in programs, and respond promptly to information requests. In return, NDWBC provides essential information, training, program updates, and professional engagement. By meeting these commitments, board members contribute to NDWBC’s success and governance.

Kathy Cochran

Board Chair

FOUNDER, ELEVATE2CONSULTING, LLC – FARGO, ND

Kathy Cochran is a founding partner of Elevate2 Consulting, LLC, an organization which provides management coaching and advisory services. She is interested in advocating for women entrepreneurs and working to break down systemic processes and practices to better support women. As a grandmother herself, Kathy is looking to create generational change for women in business.

BRISELDA HERNANDEZ

Director

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SOURIS BASIN PLANNING COUNCIL – MINOT, ND

Briselda Hernandez serves as the Executive Director for Souris Basin Planning Council, a North Dakota nonprofit that supports communities, leaders, and entrepreneurs to advance economic progress for North Dakota Region 2. She has over 10 years of supporting small businesses throughout the region.

Briselda graduated from the University of San Diego with a Bachelor of Business Administration and earned a Master of Public Administration from the University of North Dakota. Briselda is passionate about building an equitable region and state. She defines economic development as creating an economy in which all have a fair opportunity to participate, prosper and reach their full potential.

SANDI LUCK

Director

FOUNDER, BULLY BREW – GRAND FORKS, ND

For the last 18 years, Sandi Luck has been a serial entrepreneur as well as a college professor at the University of North Dakota. Her entrepreneurship journey includes being the founder and owner of 13 companies in the Midwest (100% woman owned). 8 Bully Brew Coffee Houses (Grand Forks, East Grand Forks, Hallock, Warren, McIntosh, Grand Forks AFB, and Fargo and Devils Lake), 1 Coffee, & Taphouse (Board Room in Grand Forks), and the ND Coffee Roastery (a large manufacturing warehouse where the coffee beans are roasted and packaged for not only Bully Brew Coffee but several other coffee shops in the Midwest). The ND Coffee School is connected to the Roastery where we teach coffee entrepreneurs how to successfully open and run a coffee house. She also owns an AIRBNB called Nora’s Place. Sandi does not do this alone – she has a leadership team of women who are movers and shakers.

Lindsey Rath-Wald

Director

PRIVATE BANKER FOR FIRST INTERNATIONAL BANK AND TRUST – BISMARCK, ND

Born and raised in the close-knit community of Linton, ND, Lindsey pursued her passion for finance at North Dakota State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Finance. After graduation, she settled in Bismarck with her husband, where they are raising their three children.

Lindsey is deeply committed to her community and takes pride in the remarkable growth and progress it has experienced in recent years. She is passionate about partnering with local business owners, helping them thrive and contribute to the continued success of the region.

As a Private Banking Officer at First International Bank & Trust in the Bismarck-Mandan community, Lindsey is passionate about empowering and promoting women business owners—both within and beyond the realm of banking. Having experienced the challenges of working in a traditionally male-dominated industry, she understands and empathizes with the obstacles women face across various professions. Lindsey’s mission is to advocate for these women, ensuring their voices are heard and their challenges addressed. As an active supporter of the North Dakota Women’s Business Center, she proudly contributes to initiatives that create meaningful opportunities and drive positive change within the communities they serve.

JILL CEDERBERG

Director

DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING AND CHIEF COMPLIANCE OFFICER, LONGWATER  – FARGO, ND

Jill Cederberg has over 10 years of experience in financial accounting and reporting. She is the Director of Accounting and Chief Compliance Officer at LongWater, an alternative asset management firm in Fargo, ND. In her role, Jill manages financial reporting, tax preparation, budgeting & forecasting, and regulatory compliance for the company. Before LongWater, Jill was the Director of Accounting and Financial Reporting at Sterling Management, where she managed the financial operations for a $1.3 billion real estate investment trust. Prior to that, she worked as a Senior Associate in Eide Bailly’s audit practice.

Jill is passionate about mentoring women and has been involved with BIO Girls, a local program that helps boost self-esteem in young girls. She has also participated in the FMWF Leadership Program (2019-2020) and was a member of the “Women Who Lead-Mastermind” program with Allegro Group in 2023. Jill earned her BS in Accounting from the University of North Dakota and is a licensed CPA.

ABIGAYLE KLEVEN

Director

ATTORNEY & SHAREHOLDER, DAKOTA LAW GROUP – GRAND FORKS, ND

Abigayle Kleven is an attorney and shareholder with Dakota Law Group in Grand Forks, ND where she represents clients in North Dakota and Minnesota in the areas of estate planning, real estate, and business law. She is passionate about helping individuals, families, and business owners plan for the future—whether through launching and growing a business, structuring succession plans, or guiding clients through complex real estate and estate matters. Beyond her legal practice, Abigayle is deeply committed to supporting women in business and leadership. She believes that access to sound advice, mentorship, and community resources can transform the way women build and sustain their ventures. As a board member, Abigayle brings her strategic perspective and enthusiasm for empowering others to advance the organization’s mission of fostering growth and opportunity for women in business.

DANIELLE POWELSON

Director

OWNER & FOUNDER, BAKKEN STAFFING – WILLISTON, ND

With nearly 20 years of experience in business management, HR, and recruiting, Danielle Powelson leads Bakken Staffing & Ally Elite Agency, 2 companies dedicated to serving the unique workforce needs of the Bakken region. Danielle is a Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Coach, and Nationally-Certified Online Profile Expert, bringing a passion for helping businesses and job seekers thrive. She has founded and led multiple companies, partnering with clients in government, healthcare, IT, and more. Danielle is committed to fostering local talent and supporting economic growth throughout the Midwest. As a proud certified women-owned business and UND Women’s Council Advisor, she champions transparency, community, and opportunity for all.

STEPHANIE ARNIEL

Director

ATTORNEY, ATLAS LEGAL SERVICES, PLLC – hORACE, ND

Stephanie Arniel is an attorney at Atlas Legal Services, PLLC, specializing in ESOPs and business law. She has an extensive background in intellectual property—specifically trademarks and copyrights—business law, contract negotiations, entity formation, and general transactional matters. In addition, Stephanie is a licensed mediator, providing clients with practical solutions to navigate complex business and legal challenges. A native of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Science in Textile Sciences with a Minor in Sociology, focusing on Criminology, from the University of Manitoba. She received her Juris Doctor from the University of North Dakota School of Law, where she served as President of the Women’s Law Section, President of the Canadian Law Students Association, and Vice President of the Sports Law Society. Stephanie is an active member of the North Dakota Bar Association, serving as President of the Cass County Bar Association and President-Elect of the Women’s Lawyer Section.

SYDNEY BOSCHERT

Director

fOUNDER, bIT BLOSSOM SOFTWARE – FARGO, ND

Sydney Boschert is the founder of Bit Blossom Software, a heart-centered IT and software solutions company dedicated to making technology accessible and empowering for small businesses. With a background in software development and user-centered design, Sydney brings a passion for bridging the gap between technology and meaningful impact. She specializes in creating custom websites, software and app development, and technical strategies that help women-led businesses grow and scale with confidence. Rooted in compassion and clear communication, Sydney believes in technology as a tool for empowerment. She is especially passionate about supporting women in business through mentorship, digital literacy, and innovation.

Advisory Committee

At NDWBC, we prioritize making programming decisions based on real-time input from owners, shareholders, and clients. This approach ensures our initiatives are relevant and impactful. During our quarterly meetings, we engage in an in-depth discussion with our diverse committee of experts. This committee includes business owners, industry stakeholders, and valued clients who provide a wide range of perspectives. Our goal is to understand and anticipate the upcoming trends and challenges facing small businesses. By collaborating with this knowledgeable group, we aim to stay ahead of the curve and tailor our programs to meet the evolving needs of the small business community. This proactive strategy helps us support small businesses more effectively, ensuring they thrive in a dynamic market environment.

Angela Barber

Adventure Academy | Dickinson

Ashton Hauff

The Good Kids | Bismarck

Shannon Michels

Karma Convenience Stores & Pinks Bar & Grill | Minot

Kate Rutten

L3Harris Technologies | Fargo

Tanya Lee

Tanya Lee LLC & Fénix Flame Villas | Rugby

KARMEN SORENSON

Goldman Sachs | Bismarck

Sandi Luck

Bully Brew & ND Coffee Roastery | Grand Forks