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Upcoming events

    • June 26, 2025
    • 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
    • Iron Street Distillery-539 E. St. Germain St. St. Cloud, 56304
    • 10
    Register

    Join us for a relaxing night of yoga at Iron Street Distillery! This is a beginners course so no need for experience. Things you need to know:

    Cost is $25/person. Once you register, you will pay online.

    Bring your own yoga mat! If you are looking for an inexpensive one, check out amazon. They have several options.

    Hope to see you there!

    • July 09, 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Iron Street Distillery, 539 E. St. Germain St. St. Cloud, 56304
    • 42
    Register

    We will delve into a crucial aspect of our theme "Changing the Narrative" by discussing how women are challenging and reshaping the stories society often tells about them.

    In a world where assumptions and stereotypes frequently dictate perceptions, it's essential to hear directly from those who defy these conventions. Our panelists will share their unique experiences and perspectives, offering insights into how they navigate and transform the narratives imposed upon them. Through their voices, we aim to uncover the rich, complex realities that often go unseen and to champion a more nuanced understanding of identity and capability.

    Join us as we explore how these remarkable women are not just challenging the status quo but are actively redefining it, paving the way for a more inclusive and authentic dialogue about who they are and what they represent.

    Moderator: Donella Westphal, Owner of Jules' Bistro

    Originally from a small town in the middle of North Dakota, Donella Westphal moved to the “big city” rather unwillingly in 1999 when her husband received a promotion from his employer. A few grocery store panic attacks, two decades and one smartphone with navigation later, she’s happy to call St. Cloud her home and fiercely advocates for a strong and vibrant community, filled with music, art and locally-owned business. From 2004-2018, she owned Your Creative, a marketing strategy company that worked side-by-side with small business clients to cultivate authentic, creative and memorable messages, experiences and connections.

    In 2017, she purchased her favorite place in town: Jules’ Bistro, which combines a casually-sophisticated menu with a cozy, artistic atmosphere. She was a regular customer—three to four times a week for over 10 years—before she bought the business. Under Donella’s leadership over the past eight years, Jules’ Bistro has doubled capacity, grown revenue by more than 800%, creatively expanded into new areas of service (bakery, deli, catering, retail), and given generously to the community through campaigns like Lift Up the Ladies, Kindness Cake and more. Most recently, Jules’ Bistro was named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 2024 Minnesota Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year.

    Donella’s life mantra is, “Why be ordinary when you can be original?” She is married to Brian–her best friend, business partner and landlord…which makes for some interesting dinnertime conversations, especially when he starts talking about raising her rent. She is mother to Caden (passed 3/17/2003), Noah (age 22) and Wilson (age 14).

    Kris Nelson, Marketing Director at Auto Works Motor Repair

    Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. Kris has navigated the roles of wife, mother, entrepreneur and real estate professional, overcoming countless challenges by truly listening to and understanding the needs of others. Her philosophy? A good laugh and a long sleep are the best remedies for anything. You might have heard other speakers reference her motto, “I’m not for everyone.” Kris hopes this encourages you to honor yourself and keep striving for your best life. While someone else’s journey can inspire us, it’s important not to let comparisons distract us from our own path.

    Kris graduated from SCSU and fell in love with the St. Cloud area. Her mission is to build a stronger community in Central Minnesota. After selling her promotional products company in 2018, she transitioned to real estate at Premier Real Estate and was the disposition manager with MN Nice Home Buyers, handling dispositions and transactions. In 2015, she was honored as one of the St. Cloud Times' Five Under 40 area business leaders. Kris is also deeply committed to giving back, serving on several boards and volunteering with various organizations. Currently, she’s on the board of The Starfish Coaching Program, supporting women who have survived domestic and sexual assault.

    Life has thrown many challenges her way, from growing her startup to $1.4 million in sales to selling the business and navigating the complexities of raising her children. Through it all, Kris has both struggled and thrived. After seven years in the real estate industry, Kris had the opportunity to work with Motor Works Auto Repair and currently supports the expansion of their brand as marketing director.

    Lindsay Salzbrun, Founder of White Peony Boutique

    Lindsay is a passionate entrepreneur, podcast host, and boutique owner dedicated to empowering women through leadership, purpose, and heart. As the founder of White Peony Boutique, Lindsay built more than just a successful retail brand…she created a community rooted in confidence, connection, and authenticity.

    With years of hands-on leadership experience, Lindsay is known for her ability to mentor others, lead with perseverance, and bring big ideas to life. She recently launched her podcast, Leveling Up with Lindsay, where she shares stories of growth, interviews inspiring leaders, and offers real, relatable insight for those navigating business, motherhood, and the messy middle of personal development.

    Whether she’s leading her team, curating powerful conversations, putting ideas to action, or building out new opportunities, Lindsay leads with intention and lives by the belief that we rise by lifting others and that the most meaningful leadership is rooted in who we are behind the scenes.

    Sarah Noble, Financial Advisor/Co-Owner at AIS Planning

    Sarah is a financial advisor, speaker, and co-owner at AIS Planning, where she helps business owners and their employees design retirement plans that truly work for their lives. She’s passionate about making financial wellness approachable and empowering—especially for women—and believes financial independence is a powerful tool for confidence and choice. Outside the office, Sarah is a mom to three teenagers, a fan of meaningful conversations, and always up for a good book or spontaneous adventure. She loves connecting with women who are growing, leading, and showing up authentically in their lives.

    • August 13, 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Iron Street Distillery, 539 E. St. Germain St. St. Cloud, 56304
    • 71


    Presenter: Jodi Maus, Training & Development Manager at Magnifi Financial

    The reality is that conflict happens in the workplace, and everyone approaches conflict differently. This session will help you identify sources of conflict and tools to deal with conflict in a way that maintains relationships during difficult conversations. In this session, you will:

    • Define conflict, indicators, causes, and reactions to conflict.
    • Learn tools to communicate openly and honestly with coworkers, managers, and customers.
    • Utilize conflict situations to share ideas and approaches to resolving conflict.
    Jodi Maus serves as the Training and Development Manager at Magnifi Financial, bringing over 18 years of expertise in human resources and training. As a graduate of St. Cloud State University with a degree in Business Management and Human Resources, Jodi is a dedicated leader in employee and organizational development. At Magnifi, Jodi oversees new hire training, employee development programs, and leadership training initiatives. Her expertise is supported by multiple certifications, including DiSC, Gallup Strengths, Prosci Change Management, and Coaching. Jodi also leads Magnifi Training Services, which aims to empower business and community leaders with tools to foster positive workplace transformations. Jodi’s passion for education and leadership development continues to inspire individuals and organizations to thrive.

    Thank you to our August meeting sponsor, ASip Consulting!


    • September 10, 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Iron Street Distillery, 539 E. St. Germain St. St. Cloud, 56304
    • 71

    Featuring Tara Gronhovd, Founder and CEO of ALIGN

    Delegation is often misunderstood as simply assigning tasks—but in healthy, high-performing teams, it’s a form of trust, development, and shared ownership. In this interactive session, we’ll rewrite the outdated narrative that delegation is top-down and transactional. Let’s explore how great leaders use delegation as a coaching tool—clarifying expectations, building capability, and inviting contribution. Expect practical strategies, honest self-reflection, and a new mindset around empowering others without letting go of accountability.

    Learning Outcomes:

    1. Reframe delegation from a task transfer to a trust-building opportunity rooted in collaboration.
    2. Identify personal soundtracks and mindset blocks that get in the way of effective delegation.
    3. Learn a simple framework to clarify expectations, build ownership, and ensure follow-through.
    4. Practice language that empowers, not commands—especially in cross-functional or peer-level relationships.

    Tara Gronhovd is a change agent, an executive coach, CEO and founder of ALIGN where they focus on growing leadership capacity and healthy teams for organizations across the United States. With over 20 years in business operations, marketing, change management, and leadership development, her expertise will assist you in making progress quickly, improving your culture, and meeting your goals. She believes that when teams learn how to see, hear, and value each other, it creates magic and success!

    Tara lives in St. Cloud with her husband, two younger children and their new golden retriever puppy, Pumpkin.

    • October 08, 2025
    • 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
    • Iron Street Distillery, 539 E. St. Germain St. St. Cloud, 56304
    • 71

    Featuring Irmadene Hanson, Coach and Author

Forum of Executive Women is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization. St. Cloud, Minnesota

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