One leader. 26 questions. A daily unconventional profile of leaders on the rise.

RISING ICONS

What do you do with a growing network of innovators, journalists, leaders and media professionals? Create opportunity. In 2023, we asked our friends to introduce us to incredible people leading change and their nominations resulted in this series of leadership profiles. Now we celebrate leaders building brands and driving change every day. Nominate an ICON to be featured or meet them below.

Rising ICONS is brought to you in partnership with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

Kadejah Howell Kadejah Howell

Rising ICON #30: Delson Saintal

Delson Saintal, Owner of Xperience Barbers and aspiring Fargo City Commissioner, is a testament to the power of hard work and the courage to chase dreams.

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Kadejah Howell Kadejah Howell

Rising ICON #29: Gia Vitali

Gia Vitali is Vice President of Engagement & External Affairs at Collaboration.Ai where she blends human ingenuity with AI to tackle global challenges.

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Kadejah Howell Kadejah Howell

Rising ICON #27: Jenna Myrland

Jenna Myrland, owner of J. Myrland Workshop, crafts transformative spaces with a focus on authenticity and connection, empowering small businesses through interior design.

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Shelisa Demuth Shelisa Demuth

Rising ICON #26: Angel Uddin

Angel Uddin, at the forefront of Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion at the University of Minnesota, is dedicated to dismantling systemic barriers and championing inclusivity.

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Shelisa Demuth Shelisa Demuth

Rising ICON #25: Nikki Jean

Nikki Jean is the Director of Social Responsibility at Rhymesayers Entertainment where she leverages the power of music to foster community, resilience, and change.

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Shelisa Demuth Shelisa Demuth

Rising ICON #20: Brad Larmie

Brad Larmie is the executive director at University Enterprise Laboratories, the nonprofit biotech incubator and wet lab.

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Shelisa Demuth Shelisa Demuth

Rising ICON #19: Ra’eesa Motala

Ra’eesa Motala is the president of Evoke Partners, the commercial real estate firm built on the intersection of technology and energy innovation.

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Shelisa Demuth Shelisa Demuth

Rising ICON #15: Dr. Artika R. Tyner

Dr. Artika R. Tyner is an attorney, author, educator and equal rights activist and founder of Planting People Growing Justice, a leadership institute for social change.

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Shelisa Demuth Shelisa Demuth

Rising ICON #14: Jeff Lin

Jeff Lin is the founder and CEO of digital experience agency, Bust Out, and video subscription tech platform, Pennant.

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Shelisa Demuth Shelisa Demuth

Rising ICON #13: Chuck Peters

Chuck Peters is the founder of Ambit Media Company, the platform that connects main street to quality news in Minnesota.

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Shelisa Demuth Shelisa Demuth

Rising ICON #11: Laura Best

Laura Best is the founder and CEO of Passion Collective, a community that helps professionals to create meaningful life and work.

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SOMEONE WE SHOULD KNOW?