Over 100 civically engaged and socially aware students in 10 years.
Leadership Dickinson is an 8-month interactive program of the Dickinson Area Chamber of Commerce that develops community-minded business and civic leaders of tomorrow.
During this program, high school seniors develop community awareness, volunteerism and leadership skills and culminates in the completion of a community project.
IN LEADERSHIP DICKINSON, STUDENTS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO:
- Gain important knowledge from area business experts.
- Interact with area business professionals.
- Network with students from another school and build a level of teamwork, trust and respect.
- Launch a real and successful business project.
8-MONTH INTERACTIVE DAY SCHEDULE
Sessions are held monthly, September through April.
Session Days
Ag Day
City Day
Energy Day
Health Day
Manufacturer Day
State Government Day
Team Building Day
Tourism Day
PROGRAM DIRECTORS
Suzi, Bridget, and Ashley dedicate their time and expertise to encourage the futures of the participants.
SUZI SOBOLIK, Steffes LLC
Through her involvement in a statewide leadership organization, Rural Leadership North Dakota, Suzi re-started up Leadership Dickinson in 2010. Leadership Dickinson has been a way for Suzi to make an impact on the community through fostering community awareness and involvement in the future leaders of our community.
Suzi is involved in her community in many different areas. She is active in working with her family business, Steffes Companies, through assisting with vision and planning. She is also a physical therapist with RehabVisions here in Dickinson.
BRIDGET BULLINGER, Fay Land Sales
Bridget represents real estate buyers and sellers as the Designated Broker at Fay Land Sales as well as works as the Consultant Dietitian for the North Dakota Beef Commission. As part of Leadership Dickinson, she is pleased to present topics on "Career Success" which includes education on resumes, networking, and application processes based on her experience.
She resides in Dickinson with her husband, Jared, and their three children. They enjoy all that living on the Western Edge has to offer to their family.
ASHLEY TILLMAN, Dickinson State University
Ashley works at Dickinson State University as a Student Success Advisor and part-time at Blue 42! Ashley is originally from Wisconsin but moved to Dickinson in 2015 with her husband, Cris. She has a bachelor's degree in Human Services Leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Ashley has been with Leadership Dickinson since 2018 and loves being able to connect with those in the community and our future leaders each year!
Outside of working life, Ashley and Cris have two little boys.
Madelynn Kadrmas
Madelynn Kadrmas is a high school senior at Hope Christian Academy (HCA). She has played several sports growing up, and she currently plays for the Dickinson High School Mavericks girls hockey team and plans to go out for track in the spring. Madelynn is also a member of HCA’s Science Olympiad team. She is employed by ND Pharmacy and has worked there for a little over two years. In her free time she enjoys weightlifting, baking, and occasional reading. Madelynn plans on going to college in the fall and studying Nuclear Engineering.
Madelynn Bren
My name is Maddie Bren, and I am a senior at Trinity High School! I was born and raised in Dickinson and have attended Trinity Catholic Schools since kindergarten! I am the daughter of Tyson and Teresa Bren and have four younger brothers, ranging from 15 to 3. Throughout high school, I have been involved in volleyball, softball, basketball, and Student Council. After graduation, I will attend the University of Mary to major in biology and continue my education to pursue a career in either optometry or ophthalmology. I am excited for what the future holds!
Hetta Skaare
My name is Hetta Skaare, and I am a senior at Trinity High School. I am involved in a lot of activities. I am a Varsity Cheerleader, Student Council and Class President, President of the Dickinson Youth Commission, NDHSAA Distinguished Student, and I participate in Fine Arts. In my free time I love to read, golf, weightlift, and spend quality time with friends and family. Next year I plan on attending NDSU in pursuit of a business degree. I am excited to be part of this year's Leadership Dickinson team and look forward to what lies ahead!
Alonzo Kudrna
Alonzo Kudrna is a senior at Trinity High School who enjoys hunting, fishing, and playing sports. I participate in football, basketball, and track, and I enjoy staying active and challenging myself. I’m also good at working on vehicles and like learning how things work. After high school, I plan to attend BSC for Automation and Control. I’m looking forward to building my skills and working toward a career I enjoy.
Alyssa Lehman
My name is Alyssa Lehman and I'm a senior at Dickinson High School. Currently, my future plans are to attend NDSU and major in accounting. Aside from Leadership Dickinson, I am involved in SkillsUSA where I serve as the state president, National Honor Society, Speech, and am a varsity bowler. What I look forward to most in Leadership Dickinson is to learn more about different businesses and have a better idea of what I want to do in the future.
Lorelei Emter
My name is Lorelei Emter and I am a proud Titan. I love the daily opportunity to live and learn more about my Faith at Trinity, as it is central to my identity. I enjoy reading, watching movies, baking, walking my dog, singing, and painting. My favorite activities in school include competitive speech, theater, and chapel choir. Outside of school, I have been the Dickinson Youth Commission president and now VP and love going to Search retreats in Medora. I look forward to every opportunity to spend time with my friends, express myself, and lead.
Claire Ernst
My name is Claire Ernst, and I am a senior at Trinity High School. I currently serve as an Assistant Chaplain and am a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of school, I am involved in three sports: basketball, volleyball, and track. Basketball is my favorite of the three. When I am not playing sports, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, going to the lake, and riding horses. After high school, I plan to attend Bismarck State College and earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After college, I hope to become a Labor and Delivery Nurse.
Benjamin Ellerkamp
My name is Ben Ellerkamp. I am the second oldest of six in my family. I participate in multiple activities at Trinity High School, such as Cross Country, Choir, Assistant Chaplain, and Drama. My current future plan is to join NET Ministries, which is a Catholic youth ministry that helps young people grow closer to Jesus Christ through retreats, evangelization, discipleship, and community. I look forward to and am grateful for the opportunity to learn about the businesses in our community.
Hensley Strain
My name is Hensley Strain, and I am a senior at Trinity High School. Aside from Leadership Dickinson, I am also involved in Speech, Drama, Assistant Chaplains, and Dickinson Youth Commission. I also work at Northland PACE as a CNA. In my free time I like to read, do puzzles, and bake. I’m very excited for this year and I plan to finish it out strong.
Olivia Easum
My name is Olivia Easum, and I am a senior at Dickinson High School! I plan to attend the University of Minnesota, Moorhead in the Fall of 2027, and major in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences. I currently serve as the DHS Senior Class President, as well as the ND State Student Council President. Outside of student council, I am involved in Peer to Peer, National Honor Society, SkillsUSA, DHS Cheer, and competitive dance. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of Leadership Dickinson and I am looking forward to seeing the great things of our community!
Jordan Ham
My name is Jordan Ham, I’m a senior at Dickinson Trinity, and a big part of who I am comes from being an athlete. Football and baseball have taught me that success doesn’t just come from talent, but from showing up, putting in the work, and being willing to learn from mistakes. I care a lot about the people around me and try to be someone my teammates and friends can rely on. When I’m not playing sports, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and girlfriend. I’m excited for what comes next and want to leave high school knowing I gave everything I had.
Gianna Kreitinger
My name is Gianna Kreitinger, and I am a senior at Trinity High School. I enjoy various activities such as volleyball, track, choir, theatre, and any new hobby that sparks my interest! I would describe myself as enthusiastic, compassionate, and genuine. My faith and family are my foundation, influencing the way I lead and serve others. After high school, I plan to attend the University of Mary to pursue a degree in occupational therapy.
PROGRAM SPONSORS
Baker Boy Registered Logo
Conoco Phillips Logo
City of Dickinson Logo
Fisher Industries Logo
TMi Logo
steffes logo