Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Minneapolis for 2024. Minneapolis is a vibrant city in the heart of the Midwest, with more than 15 Fortune 500 companies headquartered there, including Best Buy, Target, UnitedHealth, St. Jude, and General Mills.
The city’s thriving corporate culture is ideal for professionals across a variety of industries seeking innovation and growth. There is an abundance of opportunities to network in the top sectors, including technology, science, insurance, finance, manufacturing, retail, energy, and healthcare.
Across these industries, women hold many high-ranking positions, including technology leader, Jacquelyn Crowhurst, the Chief Architect of Americas Global Partner Solutions at Microsoft. In this role, Crowhurst helps companies transform their businesses using Microsoft cloud technologies and leads a team of customer-facing engineers for the multinational corporation.
We also honor seasoned retail executive, Sarah Seger. As the Head of Transformation Practices and Enablement at Best Buy, Seger has a proven track record in leading organizational transformations and is a strong advocate for improving the employee experience.
Finally, we congratulate Marissa Birkland, the Chief of Staff and Senior Director of Operations at Optum, a health services and innovation company. Using her diverse background in engagement operations and Six Sigma quality consulting, Birkland leads cross-functional teams to accomplish timely, complex business objectives.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Minneapolis for 2024.
1). Mary Currier
Chief Operating Officer, Allianz Technology of America
Mary Currier is the Chief Operating Officer of Allianz Technology of America. She first joined the company in 2023. With more than 13,000 employees in more than 20 countries around the world, Allianz Technology is tasked to run, optimize, transform, and innovate the infrastructure, applications, and services.
Currier is a highly accomplished and agile executive leader with expertise in aligning strategy, technology, and operations with corporate goals enterprise-wide. She provides leadership excellence through authenticity, accountability, and relationship management. She has strong experience in cross-functional senior leadership roles, resulting in a deep knowledge of business function strategies and operations. As a collaborative and engaging leader with an entrepreneurial style, Currier builds and retains high-performance teams by hiring, developing, and motivating next-generation leaders. She is consistently acknowledged for her critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and building enterprise-wide collaboration to achieve shared goals and values.
Previously, Currier was a VP of business performance management at Allianz Life. Before that, she was an IT consultant at Impact Group. Earlier in her career, she worked with Metris Companies as a VP of telecommunications. Currier earned an undergraduate degree in business administration and management from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
2). Michele Ewen
Managing Director, NA Advanced Technology Center SAP Lead, Accenture
Michele Ewen is the Managing Director and NA Advanced Technology Center SAP Lead at Accenture, a leading global professional services company that helps the world’s leading businesses, governments, and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth, and enhance citizen services. In this role, Ewen develops SAP-skilled talent and innovative offerings that bring the best of Accenture's delivery excellence to clients.
Ewen has extensive experience guiding several clients through SAP deployments and global supply chain process improvements. She has led businesses through the entire transformation lifecycle, including leadership kick-off, fit/gap workshops, change impact management, design, build, testing, training, data management, cutover, and hypercare. At each client engagement, Ewen enjoys connecting with various levels of stakeholders and working towards common goals to resolve key business issues. Her ability to build strong relationships and foster collaboration ensures successful project outcomes and lasting improvements for her clients.
Ewen started her career in 2007 as a health services data specialist at Hennepin County Medical Center. From there, she went on to Healthland (formerly APS). Ewen graduated from the University of Minnesota with an undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering.
4). Bailey Bassett
VP, Strategy, Optum Home & Community
Bailey Bassett is Vice President of Strategy at Optum Home and Community within UnitedHealth Group (UHG). Currently, she is supporting the long-term vision and strategic priorities for care transitions and senior community care businesses that provide clinical and community-based support for the most fragile and medically complex seniors nationally. In her prior role, she supported UnitedHealthcare (UHC) Medicaid solutions and growth strategy for market-based RFPs to help expand access and benefits to millions of members.
Bassett has spent nearly a decade at the enterprise with experience across both Optum and UHC within multiple functions including operations, solutions, product, and growth. She has supported highly visible and complex projects and strategies including COVID response efforts. She focuses on building strong relationships, problem-solving, and effective communication with expertise within clinical-based care programs including in-home clinical models.
She received a BSB from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management and her MBA from the University of St. Thomas. She is an active member of the community serving on the Moments of Courage Gala Committee for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, former Carlson GOLD Board Alumni President, and active mentor to current students. She enjoys golfing and spending time with her husband and two children.
6). Jessica Eull
Senior Director, Integrated Operations & Chief of Staff, Global Marketing, Cognizant
Jessica Eull is the Senior Director of Integrated Operations and Chief of Staff for Global Marketing at Cognizant. Cognizant engineers modern businesses. They help their clients modernize technology, reimagine processes, and transform experiences so they can stay ahead in their fast-changing world.
Eull is a seasoned marketing and communications practitioner with a strong focus on business objectives, strategic priorities, and data-driven insights that deliver results. With over 20 years of experience in business-to-business marketing and communications across technology companies, she excels in leading clients, teams, and projects. Her approach involves developing and executing marketing and communications plans that exceed expectations and directly impact the bottom line. Eull is adept at cultivating and growing relationships to drive collective team progress and foster a positive organizational culture. Her expertise lies in leveraging her extensive experience to achieve business goals through effective communication strategies and impactful marketing initiatives.
Eull started her career in 2005 as a corporate development coordinator at the American Heart Association. From there, she went on to Padilla Speer Beardsley, before eventually rising to senior manager of global marketing communications at Dell EMC, her most recent role before joining Cognizant. Eull graduated from Coe College with an undergraduate degree in business administration, public relations, and Spanish.
7). Patricia Ouimet
Senior Director of Ag Science, PepsiCo
Patricia Ouimet is the Senior Director of Ag Science at PepsiCo. She previously had a distinguished career with the Fortune 500 agriculture company Monsanto as a genomics operation lead, building and growing strategic business partnerships, implementing systems and digital technology solutions, and transforming organizational capabilities that drive analytical insights and strengthen research, regulatory, project management, product development, marketing, and customer business units.
During her career, Ouimet has won numerous awards for digital strategy implementation, and for developing new integrated algorithms and business processes. The YWCA has also recognized her as one of the women leaders in the workplace. She has a passion for helping young people develop a love for science, participating in STEM programs, and serving as a board member of the New Science Program at Western Missouri University.
Ouimet graduated from the University of Calgary with a PhD in Cellular, Molecular, and Microbial Biochemistry and Microbial and Eukaryotic Genetics. She has an undergraduate degree in botany and plant biology.
8). Divija Alluri
Head of M&A Integration, Cargill
Divija Alluri is the Head of Cargill’s Global M&A Integration Management Office, where she leads the execution of inorganic growth. In this role, she partners with business leaders across the organization to manage M&A transactions that will require integration into Cargill and also those requiring divestment and separation. She oversees a multibillion-dollar portfolio of transactions where she works to ensure those investments are being seamlessly integrated into Cargill and generating the expected value. Divija has over a decade of experience in the M&A space and has become a trusted advisor for navigating complex global deals and bringing together disparate processes, systems, and cultures to drive synergies and maximize value creation.
Prior to joining Cargill, Divija was a Director in Ernst & Young’s (EY) transaction advisory services group where she worked with Fortune 500 consumer products companies in leading operational due diligence work, integration planning and execution and creating divestiture strategies to implement carve-outs. Before her career in M&A, Divija served as an operations consultant for West Monroe Partners where she worked with retail companies in optimizing their supply chain processes.
Divija holds a Bachelor of Science in Materials Science Engineering with a specialization in Technology & Management from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She leverages her professional network to stay active within the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce and serves in the Minneapolis chapter of Women Venture, where she has supported multiple Women in starting their small businesses.
10). Sara Kanavati
Head of Learning Solutions, Executive Director, Wells Fargo
Sara Kanavati is the Head of Learning Solutions and Executive Director of Wells Fargo. Wells Fargo & Company is an American multinational financial services company with a significant global presence. The company operates in 35 countries and serves over 70 million customers worldwide.
Kanavati is a talented professional with a proven record of achievement in planning and executing initiatives that are significant in scope and complexity to support customer and business needs and objectives. A collaborative and influential leader, she possesses a strategic vision of business partnerships and demonstrates success in initiating action and managing change. She has exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship management skills. Her extensive experience includes change management, strategic planning, talent management, learning and development strategies, and call center management.
Kanavati graduated from the University of St. Thomas-Opus College of Business with an MBA in Business Administration and Management and from St. Olaf College with an undergraduate degree in Spanish language and literature.
View the complete list of awardees.
11). Stephanie Board
Group VP R&D, Interventional Cardiology & VP PMO for SHV/IHF, Boston Scientific
Stephanie Board is the Group VP of R&D and Interventional Cardiology and the VP PMO for SHV/IHF at Boston Scientific. As a global medical technology leader for more than 40 years, Boston Scientific advances science for life by providing a broad range of high-performance solutions that address unmet patient needs and reduce the cost of healthcare.
In her role, Board is responsible for driving R&D of all non-implantable delivery systems, EP software/system development, and leading the Engineering and Scientific Services team. With over 26 years of experience in MedTech, she is a successful technology leader with a proven track record of building and leading high-performance teams, resulting in sustained company growth and profitability.
Board’s global career spans various disease states and disciplines, including biomedical science, engineering, product development, early research, physician interface, business, and strategic development. Previously, she was a divisional vice president of R&D product development at Abbott. Before that, she was a VP of research and development at St. Jude Medical. Earlier in her career, she worked with Upsher-Smith Laboratories as a scientist. Board earned an undergraduate degree in biomedical science and biomedical/medical engineering from St. Cloud State University.
15). Taylor Anne Jandik
Managing Director, Northwestern Mutual
Taylor Anne Jandik is the Managing Director of Northwestern Mutual in Edina, MN, and leads all Leadership Development, Internship, and Recruiting strategies. Northwestern Mutual combines the expertise of financial professionals with a personalized digital experience and leading-edge technology to best serve clients.
Jandik first joined Northwestern Mutual in 2012 as director of campus selection. In this role, her goal was always to recruit the right person, at the right time, for the right reasons. She was promoted to director of internship development in less than two years and then moved into the role of district director in 2020. By August 2023, she was appointed to her current position. Taylor has spent the last 12 years helping continue to grow the systems, leaders, advisors, and recruiters working within Northwestern Mutual Twin Cities. In 3 years as District Director, Taylor & her team grew from 7 advisors to 28 advisors.
Earlier in her career, Jandik worked with Northwestern Mutual-Twin Cities as a development officer. She earned an undergraduate degree in marketing from the University of North Dakota. Taylor Jandik attended the University of North Dakota where she played volleyball and obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing. Upon graduation, Taylor spent 6 months working for the Minnesota Vikings in sales before joining Northwestern Mutual in October 2012. Taylor lives in Lakeville, MN with her Husband Andy and two daughters Landyn (6) and Lawson (3). She and her family love to travel, support Minnesota Sports, and spend time with family.
18). Alicia Eimers
Managing Director, Slalom
Alicia Eimers is a Managing Director at Slalom, a global consulting firm focused on helping clients innovate and transform their business. She has spent the past 23 years in professional services, with the last 12 at Slalom, where she initially joined the Seattle market and then moved to the Midwest to help start new offices in Minneapolis, Kansas City, Des Moines, and Omaha.
During her time at Slalom, Alicia has been focused on business development and go-to-market strategies, including sales, marketing, and technology partnerships. She has advised clients in retail, financial services, agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare, dedicating her time to understanding their business challenges and achieving strategic objectives. She is also the executive sponsor for Slalom’s Partners for Good program in Minneapolis, where the firm works with non-profit organizations and donates consulting services on a pro-bono basis to ensure success for the non-profit community.
Alicia is very active as a mentor and is involved in multiple boards and internal groups, such as a mentor for Slalom’s Rising Leaders, University of Washington’s Mentor Edge program, and a recent board position to help teachers in Minnesota gain access to much-needed supplies and resources in public school programs. She also dedicates time each week to bringing community leaders together to network and learn from each other. On the weekends she can be found in the cheering section of her 13-year-old daughter’s hockey or lacrosse games or her 9-year-old daughter’s gymnastics meets.
19). Judy Fredrickson
Managing Director, UBS
Judy Fredrickson is a Managing Director with the Private Wealth Management Group of UBS. UBS Group AG is a prominent multinational investment bank and financial services company based in Switzerland known for its strict bank-client confidentiality and culture of banking secrecy.
Fredrickson and her team provide comprehensive, consultative, investment planning and wealth management services to affluent families and institutions. She assists private business owners with in-depth pre-transaction planning and key decisions regarding multi-generational wealth and takes an active role in facilitating family meetings and discussions around family governance and the education and preparation of the next generation as future stewards of the family's wealth. Previously, Fredrickson was a principal and charter member of the Senior Investment Advisory Group of AllianceBernstein. Before that, she was an executive with Imation Corporation responsible for building an international services business across the US and Europe. She also spent nearly two decades in various leadership roles within Eastman Kodak Company.
Fredrickson attended the University of Oregon, where she earned a Bachelor of Science from Charles H. Lundquist College of Business. She is active in the Twin City community and has served in several board capacities in the Minneapolis community, including the YWCA of Minneapolis.
21). Melissa Johnson
VP, Merchant Success - Americas and Europe, EBANX
Melissa Johnson is the Vice President of Merchant Success - Americas and Europe of EBANX. She first joined the company in 2023. Since its founding in 2012, EBANX has aimed to connect rising markets through payments. In 12 years, the company has become the leading payment partner for global digital businesses operating in Latin America, Africa, and Asia – regions with hyper-growth of the digital economy, and highly-fragmented payment landscapes. EBANX has already helped over 1000 merchants, such as Spotify, AliExpress, Shopee, and Uber, to expand their businesses in rising markets in these three regions, by offering over 100 local payment methods in their portfolio to integrate.
Johnson is a highly accomplished and tenured sales leader in the digital commerce and technology industry. With a passion for driving business success through revenue growth, she has made a significant impact on the global business landscape. She also focuses keenly on advancing women in business, advocating for their empowerment and leadership within the industry. Her dedication to these goals underscores her influence and achievements in driving organizational and professional growth.
Previously, Johnson was a Director of Global & Strategic Accounts at PayPal. Before that, she was a Director of E-commerce Global Enterprise Sales at Worldpay from FIS. Earlier in her career, she worked with Epicor Software Corp as a financial consultant. Johnson earned an undergraduate degree in business management and export management from the University of North Dakota.
22). Joy Simonsen
Global Head of Digital Excellence, 3M
Joy Simonsen is the Global Head of Digital Excellence of 3M. 3M believes science helps create a brighter world for everyone. By unlocking the power of people, ideas, and science to reimagine what's possible, their global team uniquely addresses the opportunities and challenges of their customers, communities, and planet.
Simonsen is a global digital, data-tech-centric leader focused on creating frictionless consumer experiences and providing effective training. With over 30 years of experience in data-led marketing, she is deeply rooted in consumer empathy and continuously strives to optimize the activation of learnings combined with tech solutions to drive brand delight. Simonsen has a passion for developing simple customer experience solutions and strong training vehicles that showcase innovative approaches to industry challenges. By highlighting successes and addressing opportunities collaboratively, she aims to transform and enhance industry practices.
Before joining 3M, Simonsen was an associate director of e-commerce strategic planning and analytics at Mondelēz International. Before that, she was a senior category manager at GSK. Earlier in her career, she worked with Tree of Life as a sales planner. Simonsen graduated from the University of Minnesota with an undergraduate degree in psychology.
24). Kristin Kelly
Chief Executive Officer, KK Advisory Services
Kristin Kelly is a transformative healthcare leader elevating the patient experience for historically marginalized and underserved communities across the US. She discovered her passion for healthcare in her teenage years, volunteering in local hospitals and long-term care facilities. With over 15 years of deep healthcare policy and business expertise, she excels at helping early-stage startups and Fortune 100 companies navigate the US healthcare ecosystem and understand, where they are best aligned to support, innovate, and maximize their impact to meet consumer needs.
As CEO of KK Advisory Services, a Minnesota-based healthcare consulting firm, Kelly partners with startups to help them grow and scale across global healthcare systems from concept to maturity. Through management consulting and fractional executive leadership in market assessment and entry planning, strategy, product development, actuarial services, and fundraising, Kelly and her team employ a unique approach blending innovative strategies, acute problem diagnosis, and incisive solution design. Their approach aims to better align incentives, ultimately improving patient and provider outcomes.
Before launching KK Advisory Services, Kelly successfully designed and executed growth strategies for payers and providers. She built performance-driven teams across product, business development, sales, network, and finance at prominent startups like Bright Health and Firefly Health. She provided strategic planning and management consulting while at Optum and Guidehouse. She also spent years advancing Affordable Care Act products and capitalizing on its legislation and ongoing guidance changes at organizations like MNsure, Bright Health, and Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Kelly is a founding member of Impact100 Twin Cities and serves on the board of the Erin Levitas Foundation. She holds an MPH with a concentration in Community Health Sciences and Health Policy from Tulane University and a BA in English and History from the University of Pennsylvania.
View the complete list of awardees.
25). Karen Isaacson
VP, Operations, Emerson Automation Solutions
Karen Isaacson is the Vice President of Operations at Emerson Automation Solutions, a leading global technology, software, and engineering company providing innovative solutions for customers in industrial and commercial markets. Isaacson directs the final assembly and distribution of eight product families manufactured at facilities located in Chanhassen and Shakopee, Minnesota. Her responsibilities include overseeing more than 850 employees working three shifts at both sites. She leads the collaboration and standardization of global distribution standards and production lines across a 13-site global distribution network. Additionally, she directed the successful start-up of the Shakopee facility in 2014, demonstrating her leadership in operations management and facility expansion within the manufacturing sector.
Isaacson has a demonstrated history of success in the manufacturing industry, specializing in DMAIC, operations management, lean manufacturing, supplier performance, and manufacturing engineering. She oversees multi-site facilities employing nearly 900 salaried and hourly team members, leveraging her skills to optimize operations, improve efficiency, and drive continuous improvement across manufacturing processes. Her expertise contributes to achieving high standards of performance and operational excellence within the manufacturing sector. She previously served Emerson as the director of operations and in engineer management roles.
Earlier in her career, Isaacson was a boiler engineer at Xcel Energy. She graduated from the University of North Dakota with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering.
27). Lynn Farmer
Chief Audience & Engagement Officer, Minneapolis Institute of Art
Lynn Farmer serves as the Chief Audience and Engagement Officer at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts (Mia), where she leads Mia’s Design, Editorial, Marketing, Communication, Website, Education, Learning, and Programming teams. She is focused on rebuilding Mia as a creative hub for a more diverse community where everyone is truly welcome – creating the “people’s museum,” as Mia’s founders described it more than a century ago.
Farmer has spent 30 years building a career that she describes as “creator adjacent,” meaning she is energized by creative partnerships that move ideas into action to maximize reach and impact. Before joining Mia, Farmer served as Vice President, Marketing and Communications at
Twin Cities PBS (TPT), Associate Vice President, Marketing and Communications at Hamline University in St. Paul, and in multiple retail executive roles at Target Corporation and Neiman Marcus. She was also the Principal Consultant of Farmer Consulting where she specialized in
developing strategic plans and marketing strategies for small- to medium-sized organizations.
Farmer holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing from Howard University, and a Masters of Nonprofit Management, Business and Leadership degree from Hamline University. She is currently a member of the Board of Trustees for Minnehaha Academy.
30). Lindsey Sand
VP, Population Health, Knute Nelson
Lindsey Sand serves as Vice President of Population Health for Knute Nelson I Walker Methodist, a recently merged aging services organization offering a full continuum of services across Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. Her core responsibilities involve reimaging healthcare delivery for aging adults, creating new programming to eliminate service gaps, elevating the aging service provider's role in the care delivery model, and creating deep collaborations between providers across the healthcare continuum, community-based programs, payors, and aging adults.
Lindsey is a licensed health services executive and licensed nursing home administrator who has served the aging services industry in a variety of roles, including direct care and leadership positions in skilled nursing, assisted and independent housing, home and community-based services, and population health. She earned a B.A. from the University of Minnesota, Morris, with majors in Psychology and Liberal Arts for Human Services, and a Graduate Certificate in Long-Term Care Administration from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She serves on the Board of Directors for Lakes Area Age-Friendly (Chair), LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation (Chair), and LeadingAge Minnesota. She also serves on several grant review committees that support community-based programming.
Drawing inspiration from her family (inherited and chosen), her most important roles are mother, wife, daughter, granddaughter, and friend. Creating balance and making room for the moments with her loved ones helps drive her passion for change for our healthcare future. Hailing from rural Central Minnesota, she believes in the importance of community and supporting relationships that foster collaboration and the retention and creation of resources that support successful aging in place. She promotes organizational humility and leads a team of creative and passionate change-makers.
33). Mary Hernandez
Executive Director, Mi CASA
Mary Hernandez stands as an enduring figure in the Scott and Carver County community, with her contributions spanning various essential endeavors. Among her notable achievements, she co-founded the Shakopee Diversity Alliance and played a crucial role in initiating Picnic with the Police in Shakopee and Chaska cities, Esperanza, and MI CASA. Acknowledged as one of the "20 Hispanic & Latina Women to Know in 2020 by YWCA," Hernandez's commitment to her work at Mi CASA reflects her unwavering dedication. Her advocacy extends to addressing domestic violence, as evidenced by her past role as the Community Engagement Coordinator at Southern Valley Alliance for Battered Women.
In addition to her professional commitments, Hernandez treasures her roles as a mother of four and a devoted wife of two decades. Her profound connection to Scott and Carver County and its diverse inhabitants is evident, cultivated over her 13-year tenure as a Cultural Liaison at Shakopee and Chaska Public Schools. With a clear vision of inclusivity and unity, she endeavors to create a community where everyone feels a deep sense of belonging. Through initiatives like pop-up food distributions to combat food insecurity during the pandemic, Mi CASA, in collaboration with numerous partners, has distributed over 2 million pounds of food.
Moreover, Hernandez's influence extends far beyond local boundaries. As a co-founder of Mi CASA alongside five other Latina leaders, she has played a pivotal role in earning esteemed awards such as the Damus Award from St. Thomas University, the L'ETOILE Du Nord from MNUFC, and the recognition as Latino Organization of the Year in 2023 by the Latino Chamber of MN. These accolades underscore her steadfast commitment to empowering and uplifting the Latino community, not only within Shakopee but also on a broader scale.
36). Sara Ratner
President, Integrated Programs, Nomi Health
Currently, Sara Ratner is the President of Integrated Programs at Nomi Health. She has P&L responsibility for the complex care, home health, pharmacy, laboratory, and government programs lines of business. In this role, Ratner is charged with delivering innovative clinical and technology solutions with a specific focus on patient consumer engagement and satisfaction.
In addition, she is co-founder and board director of Proximal Health, a venture capital-funded healthcare insurance and technology platform designed to help members receive and pay for high-quality hospital-based specialty procedures.
Ratner’s healthcare leadership spans diverse business functions and industry segments, including healthcare technology, government programs, integrated delivery systems, insurance, clinic management, and pharmacy. Before Nomi Health, Ratner served on the executive team at Icario and as an executive advisor to venture-backed healthcare organizations developing strategies for emerging markets leveraging CMS and state frameworks to generate opportunities for program development and expansion. Previously, she was an SVP at RedBrick Health, where she led enterprise information technology and operations (government programs, call centers, health screenings, clinical services, and analytics). Earlier, she served as general counsel and VP of strategic partnerships and human resources at CVS Caremark, where she joined the leadership team that grew the MinuteClinic division from 80 to 560 clinics.
Ratner serves on several boards of directors, including Proximal Health, a venture capital-funded company; she has also previously served on other for-profit and nonprofit boards of directors. Throughout her career, she has received notable awards, such as the Business Journal Top 25 Women to Watch and Top 40 Under 40, and she was named part of Twin Cities Business Real Power 50. She earned a BA, cum laude, from Washington University in St. Louis, and her JD from St. Louis University graduating magna cum laude.
39). Alison Williams
SVP & Human Services Segment Practice Leader, Christensen Group
Alison Williams joined Christensen Group in 2006. Previously, She had a dynamic background in forging successful partnerships, driving revenue growth, and fostering client relationships, and has a passion for mentoring other women in business development.
Previously, Alison worked for Acordia, a division of Wells Fargo, where she was an Account Administrator concentrating on the Health and Human Services industry.
Alison has a specific focus on the following products and industries: group homes for the developmentally disabled, elderly, mental illness and TBI, assisted living and nursing homes, home health care/personal care attendants, development achievement centers/day programs, chemical dependency and addiction treatment facilities, client-directed care services, fiscal agent and employer of record, non-profits, and theaters.
Alison graduated from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN with a degree in Entrepreneurship. She earned her Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) in 2018. She is a member of the Association of Residential Resources (ARRM) and sits on their board of directors. She also sits on the Lead the Way Foundation board and the advisory board for the Women in Leadership Certificate Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato. She was named among Insurance Business America’s (IBA) 2024 Elite Women in Insurance.
Alison enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
42). Katie Bergeson
Chief Financial Officer, Capital Construction LLC
Katie Bergeson is the Chief Financial Officer of Capital Construction, which provides exceptional roofing, siding, and other exterior updates for residential and commercial customers.
In 2010, Bergeson made a decision that would change the path of her life. Having spent years coaching volleyball at both the Division 1 and Division 2 levels, she was following what she thought of as her life plan. This quickly came to a halt when she decided to join her husband on an adventure around the country. Together, they worked for a company called Roofing and Restoration Services of America in Minnesota at their Mankato branch. Bergeson began there as the office manager, and the role introduced her to the world of storm restoration. Each year following their start, they would pivot to spending their time chasing hail storms around the country. This new role had them moving around and living in places like Tennessee, Illinois, New Jersey, Missouri, and more.
In 2014, Bergeson first received a recruitment call from a family friend who had decided to open a storm restoration business located permanently in Minnesota. She knew she wanted to move to Minnesota and start a family, making the new job offer a perfect fit. She began at Capital Construction in 2015 as the office manager. Soon after, Bergeson’s interest in organizing and reporting numbers earned her a new title as financial controller. As Capital continued to grow, she was able to hire qualified employees to support business operations, giving her the opportunity and time to learn and grow even more in finance. Today, after 13 years in the industry, she proudly holds the title of CFO.
View the complete list of awardees.
45). Marnie Ochs-Raleigh
CEO, Client Champion, Evolve Systems and Evolve Payment
Marnie Ochs-Raleigh is the co-founder (with her husband Donald) and CEO of Evolve Systems and Evolve Payment, both founded in 2003. Based in St. Paul, Minnesota, the companies serve clients locally and nationwide.
Evolve Systems is a full-service digital, creative, and technology agency driven by a passion for evolving clients' businesses. Their suite of digital services, including branding, website development, and marketing, is developed using data-informed and business-specific strategies to deliver a return on investment (ROI).
Under Ochs-Raleigh's leadership, the Evolve team has achieved consistent double-digit year-over-year growth while elevating their clients' success. The ever-evolving industry presents its challenges. Ochs-Raleigh often jokes that when she started Evolve, Mark Zuckerberg was still in school; today, they have dedicated team members serving clients using Meta's social tools.
A sixth-generation entrepreneur, Ochs-Raleigh attributes much of her success to using Traction and the EOS business model as the foundation for all their processes and achievements. A firm believer in the power of collaboration, "together we are stronger" became her mantra during the COVID pandemic. The Evolve leadership team remains focused on building a healthy company culture where the best ideas win and leading with integrity, even when faced with the toughest decisions.
Ochs-Raleigh is actively involved in her local community. To date, the company and its team have donated over 5,500 hours of community service, and provided pro-bono services to non-profits and military-based programs. She also participates on several non-profit boards, mentors the younger generation, and actively connects talented individuals.
Her leadership has earned her recognition for her contributions to both the business marketing and financial industry, as well as the community as a whole. However, it's her unwavering commitment to her family and team that truly sets her apart as a leader.
Ochs-Raleigh resides in Blaine, Minnesota, with her husband of 34 years and their four adult children. She enjoys traveling, biking, gardening, cooking, baking, reading a good book, and unwinding with a glass of wine.
48). Carrie Karki
CEO & Founder of WhiteBox.Marketing
Carrie Karki is the CEO and Founder of WhiteBox Marketing, an award-winning, full-service marketing agency providing a consultative approach to delivering effective client solutions. With more than 25 years of experience in the marketing world, she has built a solid reputation for excellence and innovation, leading her company forward to enjoy considerable growth and success in Minnesota markets and beyond.
Carrie founded WhiteBox Marketing in 2018 to bring a fresh approach to modern marketing, built on a solid principle of “good people doing good things.” Under her leadership, the agency has grown to 20+ full-time core employees and is setting a new standard in our industry by servicing clients with full-service marketing strategies driven by results, and of course, out-of-the-box thinking, too!
When she isn’t strategic planning or building long-term client partnerships, she’s involving herself in local efforts to promote positive impact in her community. Carrie is actively involved in local Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, and other non-profits, continuously giving back to the community. Carrie received her education from St. Cloud State University, where she now serves as the Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees, contributing to the institution that significantly influenced her personal and professional growth.
A strong advocate for unity and diversity, Carrie believes in embracing unique backgrounds locally and globally. She supports multiple charities annually, championing causes that bring positive change throughout Minnesota and across the globe. Beyond her professional and philanthropic efforts, Carrie values her family, cherishes time with friends, enjoys great food, and treasures travel opportunities that broaden her perspective.
49). Jackie Knight
President, Ackerberg
Jackie Knight is the President of Ackerberg. She provides oversight for the Commercial Services division, overseeing the Property Management, Maintenance, Construction Management, and Administrative Services teams. Knight plays an active role in new development activity as the operational liaison and directs the development and implementation of programs and strategies for the department. Her focus is on transitioning new properties into the portfolio, maximizing property cash flow, and tenant and customer satisfaction.
Before joining Ackerberg in 2011, Knight worked on behalf of Madison Marquette Realty Services, Northmarq Real Estate Services, and Jones Lang LaSalle, holding positions in property management, operations management, marketing, specialty leasing, and tenant coordination. In addition to being honored as a top “Woman in Business” by the Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal in 2013, Knight holds her CDP designation (Certified Development Design and Construction Professional) through ICSC, her CPM designation (Certified Property Manager) through IREM, and her LEED GA designation through USGBC.
Knight is an active member in multiple professional and neighborhood groups; this includes serving on the Boards of the Lake Street Council and Uptown Special Service District, as well as the City of Minneapolis Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Knight is also active in numerous commercial real estate associations, including ICSC, MSCA, IREM, the USGBC, and the Uptown Association locally.
50). Laura Hott
Director of Franchise Recruiting & Engagement (DFRE), Ameriprise Financial
As a field leader at Ameriprise, Laura Hott is responsible for driving growth within the geographic territory consisting of Wisconsin, East Iowa, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as well as the Northwest corridor of Illinois - also known as the #UpperMidBest.
Laura leads the annual Advisor Business Planning process for the territory, ensuring a high-quality implementation that drives both high participation and captures advisor growth goals and objectives to align practice growth goals with territory resources. She also is responsible for advisor engagement in programs including region/territory events that drive practice growth by leveraging available resources and uptake in growth programs; connecting top advisors to programs designed to help them troubleshoot issues and drive growth.
Laura creates and manages an onboarding plan customized for Novice/Experienced Associate Financial Advisors and External Practice Acquisition hires, and serves as a key point of contact throughout the process; ensures employees have the right tools, resources, training, and support necessary to onboard effectively, quickly transition their clients/assets and grow GDC to the pre-transition level of production.
Laura leads a high-quality, high-quantity recruiting and career path effort for Franchisee Staff, Novice/Experienced Associate Financial Advisors, and External Practice Acquisition hires for the territory. She develops and manages comprehensive diversified sourcing strategies- driving a consistent level of high-quality flow. She screens and conducts interviews with candidates, presents the unique value proposition of each opportunity, and guides and manages all steps of the process in partnership with the Franchisee, all the way through sourcing, offering, and hiring for future development.
Laura provides leadership to matrix business partners who are responsible for driving organic growth results in the assigned territory. She presents strategic messaging on behalf of the local leadership team in advisor engagement venues, as well as serving and driving Strategic Imperative committees to align with firm initiatives. Laura performs project work to translate strategies into initiatives and activities to be executed by field and corporate resources. She also provides coaching and training to colleagues during leader meetings, national calls, small groups, and/or mentorships.
View the complete list of awardees.