Meet The Women Of Spotlight

Written by: Brady Drake

We would be absolutely nothing at Spotlight without all of the professional, hard-working and extremely intelligent women that drive us forward every single day. That’s why we’re highlighting them here, to say thank you to all of them and to give you, the reader, a peek at some of our most talented employees.


Jenny Johnson, Client Relations Manager

Jenny Johnson

Why Spotlight?
I had met our CEO Mike Dragosavich in college when we both worked for D-S Beverages (I joke we were both Budweiser girls.) I remember him talking about his big plans to make a website for the community showcasing the cool happenings of the Fargo-Moorhead community. Fast forward a few years, it was fun to see his ideas come to life. I followed by reading Spotlight’s publications and saw all of the cool things they were doing. I was looking for a job and ran into Mike at Business After Hours. I asked if he was hiring and he said, “not really, but let’s talk.” I came in to talk about an advertising sales position. Something in my gut just felt right, even as he and the team were telling me how difficult the job would be.) Four years later, I have had the opportunity to grow as a professional. I started our Client Relations department and was able to put processes and procedures in place to streamline our advertising traffic and hone in my skills as a project manager. I am so glad Mike took a chance and brought me on board and sees the potential in me to continue to grow within the company.

What are some ways you think can help other women achieve prominent roles in their organizations?
Be yourself, don’t ever change to fit into a mold. Be clear about your goals and actively find ways to further your knowledge in your field. Also, be vocal about your dedication to your company and make sure your management team knows that you want to be a leader and find out what you need to do to make that happen. 

Colleen Dreyer, VP of Human Resources

Colleen Dreyer, VP of Human Resources

What has helped you get to where you are?
My mentors. I have acquired many professional women and men mentors in Chicago and Fargo and I know I can turn to them for advice or guidance on all aspects of my life, whether it be professional or personal.

What is one piece of advice you’d offer to a younger you?
Don’t worry if you are not a member of management or making $100,000 right out of graduate school. All opportunities come when they are supposed to. 

Alexandra Martin, Editorial Director

Alexandra Martin, Editorial Director

What made you choose your profession?
I always knew I wanted to be in the story-telling business, whether that be writing, graphic, design or art direction. I came to really love the visual possibilities that print media offers and how I can wrap all my skills and passions into one package: a magazine. Having a physical copy of the magazine stays with people longer than a webpage, meaning that the stories I work hard to tell get to stay with the readers longer.

What has been the biggest challenge in your professional life?
I often struggle with “imposter’s syndrome.” When I’m feeling overwhelmed with my workload, I find myself questioning if I’m the right person for the job or if the company just made a mistake and are stuck with me on accident. When I get in this headspace, I try and remind myself that my company knows what they are doing. I also look back and recognize that I’ve worked so hard to be here and that I DO belong. 

Kayleigh Omang, Photographer

Kayleigh Omang, Photographer

What is a piece of advice would you give to young women who want to work in media?
Never give up. It’s a difficult and ever-changing world that you have to be willing to continually adapt in. Also, stay humble. You won’t always know everything. Your ideas and art won’t always be the best in the room and that’s OK! 

What is your mantra and why?
“Do what most people won’t, and you’ll accomplish what most people haven’t.” Taking risks and being unconventional is fun for me, and, in the end, if that means I help the community and the world, it’s a win in my book.

Laura Alexander, Videographer

Laura Alexander, Videographer

What does the 35 Under 35 issue mean to you?
It means a lot actually. Being able to see and read about women in our community that are making waves is inspiring! It gives young women, like myself, an example that it doesn’t matter the age, if you want something to do something, you can!

What skills do you find most important in your current role? 
Communication and the ability to think on your feet!

Kim Cowles, Editorial Graphic Designer

Kim Cowles, Editorial Graphic Designer

Why Spotlight?
When I moved to Fargo I didn’t know anything about the city, my first interaction with Spotlight was a Fargo Monthly magazine outside the grocery store. I learned a lot about Fargo from it, I started following them on Instagram and I was becoming a fan of what they were doing. I am honored to now be part of this company because all they care about is our community and I cannot be more grateful to be part of this.

What are some ways you think can help other women achieve prominent roles in their organizations?
Networking is really important. Be part of the community, attend events and expose your work to the world.

Christy German, Marketing Designer

Christy German, Marketing Designer

What made you choose your profession?
I have always been a creative person, so attending college for graphic design was sort of a no-brainer. I have been lucky enough to find jobs that allow me the opportunity to work with both digital and print media.

Who has been the biggest influence on your life and why?
My big sister, Heather. She has always been there for me with helpful advice and ready to give me that extra push when I feel out of my comfort zone. 

Cassie Wiste, Account Strategist

Cassie Wiste, Account Strategist

What does the 35 Under 35 issue mean to you?
Humanity as a whole is greatly achieving so much and at such a younger age. You see these amazing young female entrepreneurs, activists and philanthropists popping up everywhere that are so in-tune to the needs and issues of the world and society. It is time for us to move over and let these young minds get to work. The 35 Under 35 issue is a platform to celebrate all the women working their tail off and leading the way.  

Why Spotlight?
I love community and I find there is a deep connection to fulfillment when people are connected and feel as if they belong. Creating a space where everyone can flourish is a passion of mine and Spotlight allows me to stay connected with all the great little pockets of creativity, culture and knowledge our region has to offer. I am constantly finding bits in our magazines that make me say, “Wow…I had no idea that existed,” which is always a fun surprise.

Danna Sabolik, Future Farmer Editor

Danna Sabolik, Future Farmer Editor

What has been the biggest challenge in your professional life?Honestly, getting started. In media, employers want bylines and proof that you can write a good story. I think if I could give my past self any advice, it would be to get started sooner and get my byline out there as much as possible. 

What is one piece of advice you’d offer to a younger you?
Everything happens for a reason. Without mistakes and failure, you would have never learned. Also, you can have everything, but not all at once. 

Kirsten Lund, Inbound Marketing Strategist

Why Spotlight?
I chose to come to Spotlight because their ethics and vision for who they are and where they are headed as a company completely align with who I am and where I want to go with my career. I have been in the agency world ever since I graduated from college, which adds up to almost a decade. In all of those years, I can’t say that I have ever seen a more hard-working, positive group of individuals who truly have their clients’ best interests in mind and will go the extra mile to make sure things are done the right way. 

What is a piece of advice would you give to young women who want to work in media?
Educate yourself. Constantly. This is a fast-paced environment and there’s no time to get behind in the industry, especially when clients are depending on you to have the answers when it comes to the latest trends in digital marketing and technology. Get in the habit of staying on top of it by reading blog posts, relevant articles, listening to podcasts, going to networking events — really anything you can think of to stay ahead of the curve.

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Brady is the Editorial Director at Spotlight Media in Fargo, ND.