NDSU’s Kelsey Horner accepted to 2027 United Way of Cass-Clay 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program

NDSU’s Kelsey Horner has been accepted into the 2027 United Way of Cass-Clay 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership program. Horner is the assistant director of marketing for NDSU Residence Life and Dining.

Horner was ecstatic to learn she was selected for this year’s cohort. “I immediately called my husband and told him that I was accepted into the program. I was so excited that I had gotten in and I couldn’t wait to see who else from the community made it too.”

The six-month leadership program brings together women from different industries, backgrounds and experiences to grow as leaders, build meaningful connections and discover how their strengths and influence can create positive change within their workplaces, families and communities.

Horner, who has a few friends who completed the program, was inspired by their positive experiences to apply. “I love that the program focuses on building up women together and creating a sense of community across different industries with a focus on leadership,” she said.

While only 35 women were selected, 100 applications were submitted, highlighting the competitive nature of the leadership program, according to Sandi Piatz, president and CEO of United Way of Cass-Clay.

“NDSU is fortunate to have a talented professional like Kelsey helping tell our story,” said Rian Nostrum, NDSU director of Residence Life. “The United Way made an outstanding choice in selecting Kelsey for this year’s 35 Under 35 class. While she will undoubtedly gain valuable insight through the experience, I am equally confident that she will contribute meaningfully to the cohort and enrich the learning experience for her fellow participants.”

Horner and other participants will attend six full-day sessions led by local leaders and community voices exploring topics such as goal setting, communication, personal growth, board leadership, public speaking, conflict management and other leadership-based topics.

“I’m looking forward to growing as a leader in my role, but also the connections that I’m going to make with other women who are a part of my class,” Horner said.

The United Way of Cass-Clay 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program, which first launched in 2009, has served nearly 600 local women, with a focus on investing in women and the leadership they bring to the world around them.