The Minot Area Chamber EDC and its Women Connect program will hold an Opportunity Showcase on Wednesday, April 8, at the Minot Area Workforce Academy. The event will take place from 3:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m.

The Opportunity Showcase is aimed at assisting women in connecting more deeply with their community. Attendees will discover meaningful ways to get involved as local organizations share opportunities for volunteering, board service and community participation, with representatives on site to discuss their missions and current needs.

In addition to networking and organization showcases, attendees will hear from a panel of dedicated local women who are making a difference in the community. The panel discussion will feature:

Allison Auch, executive director of Full STEAM Ahead, a high-energy youth nonprofit focused on theater, robotics and all things STEAM. In addition to her nonprofit leadership, Auch serves as a nurse practitioner at Trinity Health and with NW Wound Specialists.

Chelsea Gleich is an enthusiastic community supporter with more than 15 years of experience in communications and marketing in a variety of industries. She currently works as the Business Administration and Internal Communications director at Town & Country Credit Union. Her volunteer experience includes fundraising for North Dakota’s largest work of public art, kickstarting the development of street art in downtown Minot and rappelling down the Parker Center building twice despite a fear of heights, in addition to board service and more typical volunteer gigs.

Laura Mihalick, a community advocate and long-time supporter of public education in Minot, has deep roots in the community that shaped her lifelong interest in education and civic engagement. She has served multiple terms on the Minot Public School Board, volunteered in local schools and with Junior Achievement and serves as an ex-officio member of the Minot Public School Foundation Board. She has also held leadership roles in community events such as The Great Tomato Festival and Norsk Hostfest.

Miranda Schuler is an elected community leader and business owner who has worn many hats — often all at once. Her career has been shaped by saying “yes” before she felt ready and learning that failure is often just feedback in disguise. Schuler is passionate about public service, entrepreneurship and encouraging women to believe in themselves, even when fear tries to take the microphone. She believes confidence is built through action, balance is seasonal and most things are conquerable with grace and a little sense of humor.

All Women Connect events are open to everyone, not just women. To learn more and register for the event, visit the MACEDC website.