BeBold 2026: Empowering Women in Sports, Leadership, and Beyond

By: Marissa Burian

On Thursday, April 9, the Nistler College of Business & Public Administration welcomed students, faculty, staff, and community members to the 6th annual BeBold UND Women in Leadership Summit, an event dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders to think boldly, lead confidently, and create meaningful impact.

Held in the Memorial Union Small Ballroom, this year’s summit centered on women in sports, bringing together accomplished professionals and elite athletes to share their experiences, insights, and perspectives on leadership across industries.

A Legacy of Leadership

The BeBold Summit continues a long-standing tradition of empowering students through meaningful dialogue and connection. Originally rooted in the Hultberg Lectureship Series, established more than three decades ago, the event has evolved into a dynamic leadership experience.

With the vision of UND alumna Mary Fischer, BeBold was created to support and empower young professionals through education, mentorship, and real-world insight. Today, it stands as a signature Nistler event, connecting students with leaders who are shaping industries and redefining what leadership looks like.

Women Leading in Sports

The summit featured a distinguished panel moderated by Mary Fischer, bringing together leaders from across the sports industry to discuss their career journeys, challenges, and the evolving landscape of women in sports.

Panelists included:

• Holly Corbin, Senior Human Resource Specialist, Minnesota Twins
• Annie Chipman, Vice President of Marketing, Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club
• Mia Treuer, Counsel, On Location

Each speaker offered a unique perspective, from human resources and marketing to sports law and global event operations. Through candid conversation, panelists shared the realities of building a career in sports, the importance of adaptability, and the value of advocating for yourself and others. Their insights reinforced that leadership is not defined by title, but by the ability to create impact, build relationships, and navigate change with confidence.

A Powerful Keynote

The event concluded with a keynote presentation from Olympic gold medalists Monique Lamoureux-Morando and Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson, whose story left a lasting impression on those in attendance.

Raised in Grand Forks, the sisters shared their journey from playing hockey on boys teams to competing on the world’s biggest stage. With no established path for girls in the sport at the time, they relied on grit, determination, and an unwavering belief in their goals to rise through the ranks of international hockey.

Their message extended far beyond their athletic success. Drawing from their experiences, they spoke about the fight for gender equity in women’s hockey, including their role in challenging USA Hockey ahead of the 2017 World Championships to advocate for fair treatment, support, and resources for women athletes. That moment became a defining step not only in their careers, but in advancing opportunities for future generations.

They also reflected on their journey to winning Olympic gold in 2018, their continued efforts to grow the game, and their work off the ice to give back and create access for others. Their story was a powerful reminder that leadership often means stepping forward in difficult moments and using your voice to create lasting change.

Building the Next Generation of Leaders

Throughout the afternoon, one theme remained clear: leadership is built through experience, connection, and the willingness to step outside of your comfort zone.

From panel discussions to networking opportunities, the BeBold Summit provided students with the chance to engage directly with leaders, ask questions, and gain insight that extends far beyond the classroom.

Thank you to all of the students, faculty, staff, and community members who attended and contributed to the energy of this event. A special thank you to our panelists, moderator Mary Fischer, and keynote speakers Monique Lamoureux-Morando and Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson for sharing their time, experiences, and perspectives.

Together, they made the sixth annual BeBold Women’s Summit a meaningful experience for all.