There’s a new face joining the Emerging Prairie staff, and already she’s bringing energy and spunk to the team. Introducing Annie Wood, Emerging Prairie’s new Director of Community Programs! 
Annie has been working as Assistant Director for Communication and Student Engagement at Minnesota State University Moorhead since 2012. Now, she’s making the transition to Emerging Prairie to take the helm of projects like The Speaker’s Bureau, Internship Experience and Leadership program, and our latest endeavor – the Community Activities Office.
A “Student Union” for Fargo
The idea for the Community Activities Office is based on creating a citywide platform that functions like student unions do on college campuses; a place where organizers of local meet-ups can come to for resources and support.
When long-time friend and Emerging Prairie co-founder Greg Tehven introduced Annie to the idea, she jumped on it.
“I really value the ways in which student unions are able to build community on campus. Greg helped me realize how I can use that to energize the startup community,” she said. “I think it is something that the F-M community is ready for. A way to build a stronger network.”
She was so enthusiastic about the idea that when Emerging Prairie’s Board asked if she would lead the project, “I just couldn’t turn it down,” she said.
Annie, who is now Emerging Prairie’s fourth official full-time employee, will begin work on May 20. She said her first of course of action is to start hammering out three main objectives:
1. What does a Community Activities Office (COA) look like?
2. How do we make it function?
3. How do we support pre-existing meet-ups?
“Down the road, I would hope that COA is providing that same vibrancy that you find on a college campus within the entrepreneurial community,” she said.
Who is Annie Wood?
Naturally, we can’t let Annie get away with only sharing her professional background. To get to know her on a more personal level, we shot her a few Q&As:
1. Hometown?
Minot, ND aka the Magic City
2. Any nicknames?
Annie Banannie
3. What do you do for funsies?
I love the great outdoors – when it’s warm you’ll find me running, hiking, biking, camping, fishing or kite flying. When it’s cold you’ll find me snow shoeing, cross-country skiing or ice fishing.
4. Favorite snack?
I love Sour Patch Kids more than is probably reasonable for an adult.
5. What’s your latest jam?
I have the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt theme song stuck in my head, but it’s so catchy I don’t mind!
6. What’s one of the most influential books you’ve ever read?
No Greater Love by Mother Theresa
7. Coolest place you’ve ever traveled?
I will always remember my first trip to Washington, DC – love the history in our nation’s capital!
8. Why work in Fargo?
Fargo’s atmosphere is unlike anywhere else. It has an energy that I love and there is opportunity for anyone with an idea to take a leap of faith and give it a try with the full support of the community behind them.
Welcome to the Emerging Prairie team, Annie!!!
Photos courtesy of Annie Wood.
