The 2020 Women of Distinction Committee

Ali Mulder

A Canadian Immigrant. Her career varies from writing psychoeducational reports to posting memes on social media (aka she's a school psychologist AND happens to make the Souris Valley Animal Shelter’s Facebook page awesome). She's a supporter of girl squads and petting dogs.

You might find her at Atypical, any pet-related event, or playing volleyball on her rec team. Please give Ali a warm welcome into the YWCA fambam in Minot!

​Becky Amos

Becky is passionate about empowering women to become the best versions of themselves. She loves to travel and try new things, especially food!

​For the last 8 years, Becky has worked in business development and sales for the magnetics industry. In her free time, you might find her at the airport during one of her pilot lessons (you read that right, pilot lessons) or on the couch learning Spanish.

She is a health and fitness enthusiast and avid runner. This University of Wisconsin-Madison Alumni spends her weekends cheering on the Badgers and Green Bay Packers, and spending time with her husband and two dachshunds. Becky is a huge animal advocate and loves to volunteer at local rescues when she finds the time.

WELCOME BECKY TO THE BEST CREW IN TOWN!

Beth Feldner

Beth Feldner is a Public Relations Specialist at Odney Advertising in Minot. A transplant from Ray, North Dakota, Beth and her husband Clay have built their lives in Minot and are passionate community advocates.

As a member of the Rotary Club of Minot and Minot Moose Lodge, Beth loves lending her marketing and events knowledge where needed.

You’ll usually find Beth at the The Barley Pop Bar, playing rec volleyball, walking in Minot Oak Park or chasing her two year old daughter around the city (who by the way is the CUTEST!).

Carrie Evans

Aka Councilwoman. That's right-- Carrie serves on the Minot City Council, and is the first openly lesbian official to be elected in North Dakota. But that's not all, so take a deep breath and enjoy the read.

​She was born in Regina, Saskatchewan but attended Jim Hill Middle School
and graduated from Bishop Ryan. Like all good Minotians, she graduated from Minot State University with a B.A. in Sociology. Her first destination outside of Minot was graduate school at Southern Illinois University Carbondale where she received a Masters in Sociology. She returned to Canada to attend law school at Osgoode Hall Law School of York University
, where she specialized in Indigenous Peoples and the Law. After law school she moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to serve as the Deputy Executive Director at the Battered Women's Program. She was honored to work at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (now The Task Force) and Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

Skip a few years ahead to present day, where Carrie now serves as the Vice President of Minot City Council.

Last but not least, she also loves CATS!

Please welcome Carrie to our team!

Jaime Hauge

Jaime Hauge has been with the Minot Area Development Corporation
for 7 years, which is in the process of merging with the Minot Area Chamber of Commerce.

She is a member of the Kiwanis Club of Minot and a recent Dale Carnegie
graduate who is passionate about becoming her best self and using her abilities to help others where she can. When she’s not working, she enjoys wrangling her 3 boys (4, if you count the pup!).

Like all good North Dakotans, you can find her camping at the lake, trying out new recipes (current fave is Thai – after Baan Rao got her hooked), going for bike rides, and gardening after long strolls through Lowe's Garden Center.

Janna McKechnie

Janna McKechnie is the director of alumni relations and annual giving at Minot State University.

Janna is a Minot native, she and her husband Aaron have two girls, Leia and Kailyn. She is a member of the Minot Optimist Club and active in the Longfellow PTA.

Her hobbies include making cookies (delicious ones) and driving her girls to whatever activity they have every. day. of. the. week (amen momma, we feel you!).

We are proud to have this talented and strong woman on our committee!

Kelly Matalka

You recognize Kelly, I know you do. She's the Minot City Clerk and keeps everyone squared away with the ins and outs of the city. We are lucky to have her on the YWCA Executive Board too!

She likes shopping online, but wanted to remind everyone to BUY LOCAL! A lover of the Pittsburgh Steelers which has led her to her other love... wine.

Like all YWCA women, Kelly loves food, especially good Thai food. As the head of Minot Young Professionals, she is always out and about socializing in the community.

Keyonia Haynes

Keyonia Haynes is an active-duty woman at Minot Air Force Base
serving on our committee. Keyonia is a woman of few words but BIG actions. When asked for her bio, she summed herself up in these few words:
An adventurous southern girl on a mission to influence the world. Leading with love, listening to learn, and living out loud.

Maricruz Gonzolas

Maricruz Gonzolas is from El Paso, TX and serves our great country at
Minot Air Force Base. She's married to Alex Gonzolas and they have two beautiful girls, Sofia and Camila.

Maricruz is the current Vice President of the Shadow Warriors Association for the 891 Missile Security Forces Squadron, which is no easy job!
When she's not running after her girls or doing community service, she is hitting the books in pursuit of her bachelors in Criminal Justice through
UTEP - The University of Texas at El Paso. Go Miners!

Shelbi Waters

Shelbi is the Executive Director of the Souris Valley Animal Shelter and the Interim President of YWCA Minot. Although her heart and time go to both shelters, it's no secret that her favorite nonprofit is Northern Plains Children's Advocacy Center (shh don't tell anyone).

She's an advocate for equality, pitbulls, and craft beer. You can find her at
HomeGoods, Barnes & Noble, or eating a goat cheese and chive scone from
Prairie Sky Breads Minot-- or maybe you can only find her on the couch watching re-runs of Avengers, it's hard to say!

Taylor Heine

Taylor is the Community Relations Director at Independence Inc., a Resource Center for Independent Living in Minot. She is a passionate and creative advocate committed to advancing the rights of individuals with disabilities throughout the Peace Garden State.

On the weekends, you will most likely find her in the stands at Herb Parker Stadium, cheering on her fiancé, Nick and the Minot State Football team. GO BEAVS!

P.S. You might also find Taylor putting in some serious hours with the Minot Optimist Club!