Women's Leadership Summit Sees Significant Growth, Focus On Empowerment And Resilience
The quiet anticipation was a heavy thing, lingering in the August House event venue after the sharp, clean lines of Megan Klassen’s presentation about the Flint Group marketing agency had faded. Then came Dr. Debora Dragseth, bringing a sudden, almost confusing shift in focus. The professor of leadership from Dickinson State University initiated the “Pink Paperclip Barter.” This activity, inspired by her academic tenure, sounded profoundly simple: participants were required to trade their small, ordinary pink paperclip for something *better*, using only in-person negotiation and a strong business ethic as tools.
The critical nature of human exchange was suddenly physical, metallic, and pink.
The sheer complexity of bargaining revealed itself quickly. It was necessary to track the progress of these tiny negotiations, watching the small shifts in perceived value. Dr. Dragseth intended to find the woman who accomplished the highest-value trade, and the resulting success story bordered on the absurd.
One determined barterer, moving through the necessary, incremental steps, had traded her way up from the singular pink paperclip to a small, exquisite bottle of Yves Saint Laurent perfume. The value leap was baffling, intensely real, demonstrating the hidden potential in focused, ethical exchange.
The high-energy focus on negotiation dissolved later as Kristi Huber took the stage.
Her keynote carried the weight of profound personal experience, addressing the silent, often crushing reality of professional depletion. "I lost myself in leadership," she confessed, explaining that she had been "so incredibly drained" that her career came to a full stop. This wasn't a superficial pause; it was an abrupt cessation.
Her path back, the difficult redefinition of purpose after burnout, was uniquely her own. For Huber, recovery required the extreme: she signed up for a "high adventure executive leadership trip" into the expanse of Yellowstone National Park. The experience stretched her in unexpected ways, forcing a fundamental reevaluation of what her professional purpose truly was.
The third annual Women’s Leadership Summit, hosted by the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Women Empowering Women, had solidified its necessary place in the region.
Emcee Kari Dunn, founder of All In Development, had welcomed attendees who had traveled from all over North Dakota and eastern Montana. Dunn noted that the event was initiated in 2023 to bring more professional development to the area. The numerical expansion affirmed its need: the first summit drew 100 women, 2024 saw 150 attendees, and this year’s total attendance reached nearly 200. The diverse group represented varied sectors, including professionals from Marathon, ABLE inc., and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
• Growth The summit nearly doubled its attendance in two years, growing from 100 participants in 2023 to almost 200 in the third annual iteration.• Unique Activity The "Pink Paperclip Barter" was designed to emphasize the power of negotiation, culminating in one participant successfully trading a paperclip for Yves Saint Laurent perfume.
• Keynote Insight Kristi Huber discussed overcoming burnout, noting her recovery was prompted by an unusual "high adventure executive leadership trip" to Yellowstone National Park.
• Speakers In addition to Huber and Dr. Dragseth, the summit featured talks by Molly Herrington and Jacy Schafer.
The Women's Leadership Conference Event, a highly anticipated gathering, brought together influential women from diverse backgrounds to share their experiences and insights. According to a report by Dickinson Press, this annual event aims to empower women to take on leadership roles and make a positive impact in their communities.
The conference featured keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops, all designed to provide attendees with the tools and inspiration needed to succeed.
One of the conference's highlights was a keynote address by a renowned business leader, who shared her journey to the top and offered practical advice on overcoming obstacles.
The Dickinson Press report noted that the speaker's message resonated deeply with the audience, who were eager to learn from her experiences.
In addition to the keynote address, the conference included panel discussions on topics such as entrepreneurship, mentorship, and work---- balance. These sessions provided a platform for attendees to engage with one another, share their perspectives, and learn from each other's successes and challenges.
The Women's Leadership Conference Event also offered attendees the opportunity to connect with one another and build meaningful relationships.
According to Dickinson Press, the event attracted a diverse group of women, including entrepreneurs, artists, and community leaders. The conference's organizers reported that the event was a huge success, with many attendees expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to connect ← →
Looking to read more like this: Check hereDICKINSON — On Thursday at the August House event venue in Dickinson, the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce and Women Empowering Women hosted their...●●● ●●●
