Celebrating the BIA-RRV's Professional Women in Building Council

Professional Women in Building week is an opportunity to recognize the women who are helping shape the future of the building industry. Right here in the Red River Valley, the BIA-RRV's Professional Women in Building (PWB) council is doing exactly that. 

Established to create opportunities for connection, professional development, leadership and community involvement, the PWB council brings together women from across the building and related industries. From builders and remodelers to designers, suppliers, financial professionals, marketers and more, the council represents the many different roles women play in our industry. 

At the heart of the council is its leadership team, led by 2026 Chair, Kristen Carlson of Building Concepts, and 2026 Vice Chair Christine Vangsness of Dabbert Custom Homes. Together, they guide the council's direction, create opportunities for members to connect and grow as well as championing the council's efforts to make a lasting impact both within the BIA-RRV and throughout the community. Their leadership reflects the heart of the PWBC: when women support, encourage and empower one another, everyone moves forward. Empowered women, empower women. 

Since its establishment, the council has already made a meaningful impact. Members have helped create scholarship opportunities for women pursuing a trades-related degree and connected with thousands of female students within the Red River Valley to educate and inform them about the many careers available in the building industry. These conversations help show young women that they have a place and their skills, perspectives and leadership are needed.

The council has also created opportunities for connection to women across the industry, expanding their networks and learning from one another. Through chair and vice chair roles, members have the opportunity to step into leadership, develop their skills and help shape the council's future. Since the very beginning, Jeramie Peterson of Red River Drywall Inc., who served as chair in 2024 and 2025, has gone above and beyond in helping establish its groundwork and advance its initiatives. As a founding member, her dedication, involvement and willingness to propel the council's work helped create the momentum that continues today. 

This Professional Women in Building Week, we are proud to recognize the women who are investing in one another, opening doors for the next generation and helping build a stronger future for the Red River Valley. 

If you are interested in joining, please contact Hailey Bebler at hailey@buildrrv.org or (701)232-5846. Annual membership fee is $100 per company. 

Meet the Women Behind the PWB Council

Karen Anderson — RE/MAX Realty 1

Laura Bowles — Confluence

Tera Cobb — Sherwin-Williams

Allison Carlson — Fabricators Unlimited

Jessica Holen — Accent Remodel and Design

Tiffanie Honeyman — OpGo Marketing

Sheri Jacobson — Brilliant Blinds & Shades

Irena Johnson — Bell Bank

Rebecca Frenning — Pope Design Group

Bridget Gilbertson — Fargo Glass and Paint Co.

Jess Grondahl — Holsen Solar

Emily Gunderson — Urban Prairie Homes

Abbey Heilig — EagleRidge Partners, LLC

Liz Hinz — Allstar Construction

DeAnn Von Rueden — Gotcha Covered

Mikayla Larsen — Northland Truss Systems, Inc.

Sarah Olson — Syverson Tile & Stone

Jeramie Peterson — Red River Drywall, Inc.

Katy Rott — Fabricators Unlimited

Robin Swanson — Robin Swanson Insurance

Valerie Fiske — Park Co. Realtors

DeAnn Von Rueden — Gotcha Covered

Vicki Mund — NewVision Security Systems

Amanda Gerding — Dabbert Custom Homes

Jessica Metcalf — Thomsen Homes, LLC

Nichole Klonowski — Pope Design Group

Desirae Holum — Opatril Concrete Construction Inc.

Sheila Hanson — InterOffice

Angie Kuznia — Titan Homes Inc.

Jessica Holen — Accent Remodel and Design

Rebecca Frenning — Pope Design Group

Irena Johnson — Bell Bank

Vicki Mund — NewVision Security Systems

DeAnn Von Rueden — Gotcha Covered

Valerie Fiske — Park Co. Realtors

Robin Swanson — Robin Swanson Insurance

Mikayla Larsen — Northland Truss Systems, Inc.

Sarah Olson — Syverson Tile & Stone

Tera Cobb — Sherwin-Williams

Bridget Gilbertson — Fargo Glass and Paint Co.

Jess Grondahl — Holsen Solar

Emily Gunderson — Urban Prairie Homes

Abbey Heilig — EagleRidge Partners, LLC

Liz Hinz — Allstar Construction

Jeramie Peterson — Red River Drywall, Inc.

Katy Rott — Fabricators Unlimited

Karen Anderson — RE/MAX Realty 1

Laura Bowles — Confluence

Allison Carlson — Fabricators Unlimited

Jessica Metcalf — Thomsen Homes, LLC

Nichole Klonowski — Pope Design Group

Desirae Holum — Opatril Concrete Construction Inc.

Sheila Hanson — InterOffice

Angie Kuznia — Titan Homes Inc.