Acknowledging the Young Professionals and Organizations Which Make Bismarck-Mandan Great

2023 Annual Meeting Awards

The  Network honors deserving members each year with the presentation of five special awards. Nominations for these awards can be made by any YP member and then recipients are voted on by the Board.

Community Champions
Courtney Hamilton & Marathon

Courtney Hamilton is receiving the award for her commitment to the network. She is someone who gives as much if not more than she receives from YP.

Marathon is receiving the award for their continued support of the Young Professionals Network events, numerous sponsorships, and continually encouraging their employees to join the Young Professionals Network.

Thank you to Marathon and Courtney for your dedication to the network.

Theodore Roosevelt Award
Laura Naaden

The Theodore Roosevelt Award is presented to the member who has shown persistence and dedication within the YP network. Someone who has not backed down at a challenge and is resilient, are a few words to describe this person. This award is often given to someone who has made a conscious effort to attend multiple YP events throughout the year.

This year’s Theodore Roosevelt Award recipient is Laura Naaden. Laura is willing to try all types of events and offers positive feedback after events. Often, she is out of her comfort zone, but is willing to challenge herself and put herself in new situations, which is admirable. Despite being new, she reaches out to other new members she’s met at YP and encourages/invites them to attend YP events with her. In fact, she also helps coordinate and attend group events with YP members outside of YP.

Sakakawea Award
Pat Jones

The Sakakawea Award recognizes members who give selflessly of their time and effort. Words to describe the winner of this award is simply someone who does not have to help, but always is willing to step in where needed without being asked. This award goes to someone who takes time to help the network in any way they can without expectations or anything in return. This person is a true servant leader.

This year’s recipient of the Sakakawea Award is Pat Jones. Whenever Pat is at an event, and he sees the need for help he steps up to do so without being asked. He never complains and always maintains a positive attitude, inspiring those around them to do their best. He is a friendly face when you walk into a room and is always willing to have a conversation with any member.

Great Plains Award
Josh Fisher

The Great Plains Award is awarded to a member who shows leadership and innovation in the network. Often this award is given to those who are encouraging to those around them, someone willing to take on new roles and think outside the box to bring new ideas and even friends to the network.

This year’s recipient of the Great Plains Award is Josh Fisher. Josh is an active member of the Network that consistently attends YP events, often inviting friends and coworkers to attend with him. He makes people feel welcome at events and will remember them for the next time.

Pioneer Award
Alyssa Kroshus

The Pioneer Award is given to the member who demonstrates exceptional leadership by going above and beyond the call of duty. Great leaders are not always people we see front and center, but often those behind the scenes working hard to keep things running smoothly. The winner of this award is someone who lifts up those around them and does more than what is expected.

This year’s recipient of the Pioneer Award is Alyssa Kroshus. Alyssa created a whole event series as a non-Board member and handled all of the logistics and marketing all on her own with very little to no assistance from the rest of the Board. She has also donated regularly to silent auctions and volunteers her time to service events in the past, such as Roadside Cleanup. She has been a good resource for YP over the years and continues to give back.

Board Member of the Year Award
Gabby Aboussaly

The Board Member of the Year is awarded to someone who has given selflessly in their leadership role to the network. The recipient of this award is someone who finds creative ways to engage members and support the network with its events. Someone who not only dedicates their time, but is ready and willing to step up without being asked, are often strong attributes of this award winner.

This year’s recipient is Gabby Aboussaly. Gabby has continued to step up in her role on the leadership board this past year. She is great at following through and putting together well- attended events. Her communication is always professional, and she is dedicated to posting on social media to remind and engage with members. She also provides support and feedback to fellow board members to help ensure everyone is successful. Gabby is a friendly face to new and tenured YP members, helping everyone feel welcome as part of the Network.

Crystal Reid Excellence Award
Kenzie Meide

Crystal Reid served as a Social Team co-lead, newsletter publisher, member of the Service Team, and VP of the YPN before unexpectedly passing away in July of 2009. In the 3 years that she was involved in our organization, she touched the lives of many people and made a lasting impact on the YPN. The Crystal Reid Excellence Award recognizes an individual’s leadership in the YPN and the Bismarck-Mandan community. This award is for someone who works tirelessly to get the job done, inspiring and motivating all those around them.

This year’s Crystal Reid recipient is someone who goes above and beyond. This person has demonstrated exceptional leadership, guidance, and support to the Network. They have done a ton of work behind the scenes that have not been recognized as they are graceful about the work. Several of YP’s most talked about events are due to their initiatives. This person consistently exhibits the values of YP and is highly respected by their colleagues. They are truly committed to being an active and contributing part of YP. Congratulations to this year’s Crystal Reid Award for giving their spirit to the network, Kenzie Meide.

Eligibility Requirements

Any employer which serves our community and employs at least one individual between the ages of 21 and 40  is eligible to become a Bismarck-Mandan Top 10 Workplace.

Entry Process

A nominator must be an employee of the nominated company and a YP member. The nominator must complete the current year’s Top Ten Workplace entry form located on the Bismarck-Mandan Young Professionals Network website.

2023 Top 10 Workplace Award Winners:

Bartlett & West
Basin Electric
Bravera
First Community Credit Union
HDR Engineering
HexaHive
Moore Engineering
Sanford
The Title Team
Workforce Safety & Insurance