Women United is a group of community-minded women who provide the opportunities and support it takes to build successful lives
through United Way’s building blocks of Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, and Financial Security.
Nominations are now open for the 10th Annual Women United Tribute Awards!
Nominate an exceptional woman and celebrate those who have made the Bemidji community a better place to live.
Nomination Deadline: September 4, 2026
Event Date/Time: October 22, 2026 | 8:30AM - 10:00AM (doors open 8AM)
Location: Beaux Arts Ballroom, Bemidji State University
Women United July Impact Breakfast Update
This quarter's Women United Impact Breakfast brought a new twist to our regular gathering: Meet the Nonprofits. Instead of a single guest speaker, attendees heard directly from a lineup of local nonprofit partners working across our three funded focus areas: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, and Financial Security.
Each panel gave organizations the chance to share their missions, their impact, and the many ways community members can get involved, whether through volunteering, board service, or simply learning more about the needs right here in our region. Thank you to everyone who joined us, and to the nonprofit partners who took the time to share their stories. Read more here: https://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/women-united-impact-breakfast-features-meet-the-nonprofits-activity
Women United Upcoming Meeting Dates
Women United Impact Breakfasts run 8:30 - 10:00AM
Bemidji State University, Beaux Arts Ballroom
October 22, 2026
February 4, 2027
April 8, 2027
July 15, 2027
October 28, 2027
Women United is currently focusing on a mentorship program: United We Grow.
United We Grow is open to the community and we invite you to complete the registration form and profile below to be included in the program. Women United quarterly breakfasts will focus on leadership, mentoring, and influence during 2024 and we invite all United We Grow mentors and mentees to join us for those breakfasts, either as a Women United member or as a guest.
Congratulations to our 2025 Women United Tribute Award recipients
Sarah Cronin, Nikki Brink, Kristi Booth, Muriel B. Gilman, and Karla Eischens.
These incredible women were honored on 10/23/2025 for their dedication and leadership in Bemidji.
See their surprise videos and learn more about the impact they have made in our community by clicking on the images below:
Sarah Cronin
Nikki Brink
Kristi Booth
Muriel B. Gilman
Karla Eischens
Testing
Previous Women United Tribute Award Recipients:
2024: Sue Kringen, Mary Eaton, Sally Corser, Chelsea Oldham, and Linsey McMurrin
2023: Jackie Stoffel, Jill Beardsley, Angela Lyseng, JoDee Treat, Sharon Fruetel, Audrey Thayer
2022: Kayla Winkler, Becky Secore, Kay Mack, Natasha Kingbird, Sarah Guida
2021: Cynthia Borgen, Ashlea McMartin, Barb Houg, Riki Scheela, Robin Wold
2020: Tiffany Fettig, Sandy Hennum, Tuleah Palmer, Jeri Francis, Julia Plum
2019: Sue Engel, Ruth Sherman, Joy Johnson, Andrea Kingbird, Rita Albrecht
2018: Samantha Nienow, Simone Senogles, Rebecca Hoffman, Cate Belleveau, Lou Ann Knorr
2017: Andrea Kent, Jeanne Edevold Larson, Diane Pittman, Noemi Aylesworth, Lori Paris
2025 Women United Tribute Award Committee Members:
Kay Mack, Cynthia Borgen, Sharon Fruetel, Joy Johnson, Andrea Kent, Sandy Hennum, Angela Lyseng, Sally Corser, Kayla Winkler, Ashlea McMartin, Audrey Thayer, JoDee Treat and Mary Eaton