Heidi’s Journey of Faith, Service, and Leadership

I was born and raised in a small town on the wide-open plains of North Dakota. My childhood was filled with the smell of wheat, the sound of machinery, and the steady rhythm of hard work. While my dad sold farm equipment in the fields, I played in the dirt, climbed on tractors, and rode in combines by his side. I may have traded digging for dolls as I got older, but those early experiences taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the value of staying grounded.

After graduating from Minot High School, I knew college wasn’t my immediate path — so I joined the U.S. Air Force. I began as an Ammunition Specialist, stepped away to raise my children and explore civilian work, and later returned to the military through the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard.

With 26 years of military service spanning Florida, South Korea, Missouri, Arkansas, North Dakota, and Colorado, I held roles in Human Resources, Medical Records, and other areas of responsibility. I witnessed what it felt like to be overlooked, under-led, and out of alignment with purpose. But I also discovered the quiet strength in serving well, leading from within, and trusting God in every season.