Strong Women | Fargo
Communities thrive when women business owners succeed, and we know that business ownership can seem like a vast, overwhelming road at times. During SWSC, attendees will engage with a panel of local business owners about their experiences in ownership, explore challenges and solutions, and make connections with peers and other business resources who can help them move forward on their business journey.
Not a business owner? That’s okay, too. Whether you own a business or support women business owners in another way, you’re welcome here! Chamber leaders, economic developers, community supporters, commercial lenders, etc., are all encouraged to attend. Bring your business cards and get ready for this event designed to inspire and connect you with other strong women!
What to Expect*
8:00 AM – 8:15 AM | Registration
Registration is simple. When you arrive, we’ll scan your ticket. Printed or virtual tickets will be accepted. After that, feel free to grab a seat and we will start with organized speed networking.
8:15 AM – 9:00 AM | Facilitated Networking
Ever feel awkward walking into a networking situation? Introducing yourself to new people can be intimidating for some. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Our facilitated networking activity eliminates the awkward hello and focuses your time on making impactful connections.
9:00 PM – 9:35 AM | Light breakfast and Panel
The program will start promptly at 9:00 AM. Please feel free to enjoy your breakfast during the panel. We encourage audience participation, so if you have a question, raise your hand and share.
9:35 AM – 9:45 AM | That’s a Wrap!
We understand your time is valuable, so we’ll get you back to your day by 10:00 AM. Unless you want to put it off a little longer, in which case you’re welcome to stick around.
*Schedule is subject to change.
Thanks To Our Sponsors
Speakers
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Tanya RedRoadTee's TacosTanya is a mother of four children and grandmother of two beautiful grandsons. She has worked in various fields in Fargo-Moorhead. She now owns her own shop Tee’s Tacos that provides Native American staple and traditional dishes.
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Sydney BoschertBit Blossom SoftwareFounder of Bit Blossom Software, Sydney is a passionate software engineer with a background in data science, mathematics, and chemistry. Sydney’s career spans roles in UX leadership, full-stack development, and software engineering at industry-leading companies. Known for her ability to translate complex technical challenges into intuitive solutions, Sydney leads Bit Blossom Software with a unique blend of technical expertise and a people-first mindset.
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Katie PendleyEndure Thermal SpaI’m Katie Pendley, co-founder and operator of Endure Thermal Spa in Fargo, North Dakota, a business I launched with my husband to create a space where people could build resilience, recover well, and live with intention.
My path to entrepreneurship wasn’t traditional, but it was deeply intentional. After over a decade as a stay-at-home mom and homeschool educator, I felt a strong pull to build something that reflected the values my family and I live by: health, grit, and whole-person wellness. With a background in hospitality and beauty, I brought those experiences together to design a spa that’s more than just a place to unwind, it’s a space where people can reconnect with themselves and their goals.
Opening Endure Thermal Spa in early 2025 was one of the biggest leaps of faith I’ve ever taken. We bootstrapped the business with a retirement rollover and SBA loan, navigated delays, unexpected expenses, and the steep learning curve of being a first-time founder. But I’ve learned that growth rarely comes without friction. My job is to lead with clarity and adaptability, balancing the demands of a growing business while still anchoring deeply into my roles as a mother, wife, and woman of faith.
At Endure, I manage operations, customer experience, team development, and creative direction. I’m passionate about connecting with people and helping them establish simple but powerful wellness habits. I believe healing happens in safe, welcoming spaces, and I work hard to make sure every detail at our spa supports that mission.
This year, I participated in the North Dakota IDEA Accelerator through ILT Academy, which has helped me refine my strategy, expand my network, and lean even further into the mindset of innovation and collaboration. One of my favorite parts of being a small business owner is working with other local entrepreneurs through creative partnerships and service trades. Whether it’s exchanging contrast therapy sessions for massages, facials and gym memberships or building a referral program with local wellness professionals, I love finding ways for businesses to grow together.
Outside of work, I stay grounded in family life, homeschooling my two kids, experimenting with clean cooking, and carving out space for reading and rest. I believe that wellness isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifestyle. And my hope is that Endure Thermal Spa continues to be a platform for encouragement, education, and transformation for years to come.
I’m honored to have the opportunity to join this panel of inspiring women and share what I’ve learned (and am still learning) about building something from scratch, with endurance, purpose, and a whole lot of grit.