Introducing the Fargo Panel for Gray Matter Series

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am bringing together a group of women to speak on panel discussions in both cities I am launching my film and fall collection of hats/scarves/paintings in. In order to connect with ourselves, we need to understand our interdependence. 

I've got so much to say when it comes to this latest project, Gray Matter Series: Sense of Self. I've been working through the concepts of the heroine's journey, reclaiming what it means for a woman to go to those darker, complex places that come right before massive growth and transformation. It can be humbling. It can be isolating, scary, chaotic. If we don't understand what is going on, it can be downright crazy-making and tap into our biggest fears.

But what if it was a natural process that we can start to understand and help each other through? These women are doing the work to keep us connected, empowered, and engaged with the work that needs to be done to deepen our Sense of Self, while establishing that we are not alone on our respective journeys.

Brenda Weiler // Ecce Yoga // @ecceyoga

Brenda is the owner of ecce yoga, a yoga and wellness studio based in downtown Fargo. Founded in 2008, ecce offers classes in a variety of styles from traditional Ashtanga to Restorative and Prenatal Yoga, as well as hosting Song Circle gatherings and various meditation and yoga courses. Brenda received her Doula (birth partner) training in 2015 and has a passion for women’s health and wellness. Brenda is also a singer/songwriter who spent over a decade writing, recording and touring the US with her six albums. Brenda and her family formed the ND Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in 2005 after the loss of her sister to suicide. She helped bring the first Out of the Darkness Community Walk to our state, raising much needed funds for research, education and prevention programs. Brenda has served on the ND Chapter board since its formation. Most importantly, Brenda is the mother of 6 year old Ruby and loves to bake, read, dance and be outdoors.

Randi Kay Olsen Heinold // Naturally Randi Kay // @

Randi Kay has been in the healing industry for over 10 years. With a background in Massage Therapy, Yoga, and Self Care Mentoring she works with people on getting to the true source of their pain, finding solutions to ease that pain, and educating them how to bring their healing into every area of life. Randi's healing studio is located in Fargo, ND, but she also offers self care education tools online, such as her mentoring program, the Simple Self Care Podcast, and online courses at NaturallyRandiKay.com. When she's not at the studio, you can find Randi cozied up with her husband and goldendoodle, playing folk music around town, or exploring new lands near and far.

Laura Caroon and Danyel Moe // Ladyboss F-M // @ladybossfm

Laura Caroon and Danyel Moe are co-founders of Ladybosses of Fargo-Moorhead, an organization built to support and empower women in the Red River Valley. Ladybosses of FM hosts a yearly summit, monthly events, and supports a growing group of women in their online community.

Laura and Danyel also work in marketing for their alma mater, Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., where they craft and curate the college’s message for prospective students, alumni and donors.

Heather Zinger // Imagine Thriving // @hzinger

Heather is the Executive Director of Imagine Thriving, a nonprofit organization connecting youth with mental health resources. Zinger served as the Board Secretary for the National Alliance on Mental Illness North Dakota (NAMI ND) for two years, where she worked with the national NAMI office on finalizing the North Dakota chapter charter as well as expanding their evidence-based program offerings and outreach. During her time with NAMI ND, she and the current chapter president, sought to build partnerships with local organizations with shared mental health missions such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) North Dakota, Mental Health America North Dakota and the NAMI Moorhead and Sioux Falls chapters. She also has a background in artmaking and community engaged arts having served as Sanford Health’s Roger Maris Cancer Center’s inaugural Artist-in-Residence. She has a BA in French Cultural Studies and a BFA in Intermedia Art.