NDSU student nominated for YWCA Woman of the Year award
Sarah Kruse, a senior majoring in biology and statistics, has been nominated for the 2026 YWCA Woman of the Year Award, which honors women making significant contributions to the Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo community.
Kruse is among 34 nominees being recognized for their leadership and service.
"This nomination is an incredible honor. To me, it reflects the mentors and communities who have supported, uplifted and challenged me to lead with purpose and create inclusive, positive change,” said Kruse, who is from Plymouth, Minnesota. “To be recognized in this capacity, I am truly humbled to be nominated alongside so many incredible women who do such intentional and impactful work for our community."
Throughout her time at NDSU, Kruse has been heavily involved on campus and in the community. She is involved in the Kappa Delta sorority and has played an active role in empowering local Girl Scouts as part of the chapter’s service and philanthropy program. Additionally, she is involved in Blue Key National Honor Society, the Campus Attraction Programming Board, is a Welcome Week intern for the Student Success Program Office and works as an ambassador for the NDSU Bookstore.
Kruse is also the Executive Commissioner for Access and Opportunity for Student Government. In this role, she serves as a solid advocate for underrepresented students on campus.
Robert Jones, the assistant director of student involvement and leadership, nominated Kruse because of the lasting impact she has had at NDSU and the local community.
“Sarah is the definition of a servant leader who advocates for those who can’t, and she does it without the expectation of recognition. She simply does it because it is reflective of her values and the person she is,” Jones said.
Since 1973, the YWCA’s Women of the Year event has highlighted over 2,000 honorees for their dedication to community service, advocacy for women and children, and contributions to various fields.
This year’s awards event, presented by Sanford Health, will be held on April 20 at Delta by Marriott in Fargo. Winners will be announced live at the event. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The YWCA Cass Clay operates the largest shelter for women and children in North Dakota and northwest Minnesota, providing emergency and supportive housing services. The organization supports survivors of domestic violence and homelessness through trauma-informed programs focused on health, employment, and education.
More information on the YWCA Woman of the Year Award is available online.
Other YWCA Woman of the Year nominees include:
- Madisen Anderson, Fargo Air Museum
- Sue Anderson, Gate City Bank
- Ashley Bates, Blame Bates
- Lacey Bergh, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
- Liz Campbell, Emerging Prairie
- Michelle Carney, Clay County Attorney’s Office
- Kate Coughlin, Nexus-PATH Family Healing
- Leola Daul, Heart-N-Soul Community Café
- Darla Dobberstein, Sanford Health
- Heidi Domier, Central Cass Treehouse; Microsoft
- Lisa Edison-Smith, Vogel Law Firm
- Brenda Jo Gillund, Faith Journey Lutheran Church
- Kayla Goebel, Collective; Unglued
- Dr. Stephanie Hanson, Sanford Health
- Jennifer Janke, University of North Dakota
- Macy Kraemer, BIO Girls
- Erin Larsgaard, Wold Johnson, P.C.
- Sienna Lee, Moorhead High School
- Dori Leslie, Friendship, Inc.
- Sarah Matthews, Red River Children's Advocacy Center
- Sierra Mcfaline, Lakes & Prairies Community Action Partnership (CAPLP)
- Susie Munyer, Sanford Health
- Beth Olson, Jefferson Elementary
- Alexis Potter, BAD ACE Shou Shu Martial Arts Academy
- Lori Sall, Fargo Cass Public Health
- Paris Schnobrich, Elevate Rock School
- Patti Senn, Soul Solutions Recovery Center
- Carla Smith, Ellen Hopkins Elementary School
- Penny Stadick, Herbz and Spicez
- Amy Stoa, Dakota High School
- Savanna Traub, Hearts of Hospitality
- Vanessa Williamson, Farmented Foods
- Kerry Wynne, Tri-City United Soccer Club