Photo by Hillary Ehlen
Each quarter, the FMWF Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Network selects one of its members as its “One to Watch.” The award is peer-nominated and then voted on by YPN’s Membership Engagement Committee. In addition to a write-up in Fargo INC! and the Chamber’s monthly newsletter, “The Bridge,” the One to Watch gets a complimentary ticket to a Chamber event of their choice.
Meet Danne Doering
Born and raised in Fargo, Danne Doering’s high school years took her to the Iron Range of Minnesota. After graduating from Hibbing High School, Doering says she realized how much she missed the Fargo-Moorhead area, so she came back to attend Concordia College and then decided to stay for good.
Doering currently works as a universal banker at Choice Financial, where she helps customers with accounts, consumer loans and cases of fraud — really any kind of issue that arises at her branch.
“I love my position because it’s always something different,” Doering says, “and I love working for Choice because of our company culture of ‘people first.’ I love that if I see someone in need of something, I am empowered to help them.”
Q&A
Why did you initially decide to join YPN?
I joined YPN when I started my first 8-5 job. I was looking to build a professional network, and like most, I started out with Off the Clock, ended up learning about the different things the Chamber had to offer and knew I needed to be more involved. YPN was the perfect fit for me; everyone was like-minded in building their professional network and was so friendly and inviting as well.
Where do you personally get the most value out of being a part of YPN?
YPN does a great job of giving young professionals a place to belong in Fargo-Moorhead. YPN is a great start for young professionals to get involved with the Chamber and (learn) how much the Chamber does for businesses in the FM area — it’s being a part of something bigger.
Looking at it the other way, how do you think you add the most value to YPN?
I think I add value by participating in the different events that YPN/the Chamber have to offer such as Off the Clock, Networking to Business, Business After Hours and the Leadership Program. Telling professionals about YPN and explaining it is so much more (meaningful) when you get involved, and then you are able to get more from it as well. I hope I inspire others to stay involved with their community.
What are some examples of connections you’ve made through YPN that have helped you in your professional life?
YPN has provided me with connections that have helped both my personal and professional growth as a person. I don’t have a specific example, but I know I have a solid network I can lean on.
“One to Watch” is a unique award in that it’s peer-nominated. Who nominated you, and what did it mean to you?
Both Trevor Mathew from Choice Financial and Jenny Johnson from Spotlight Media nominated me. I work with both Jenny and Trevor on the YPN Leadership Committee, and I am grateful to get the opportunity to work with both these individuals. It is an honor to receive one nomination, let alone two. I am very appreciative and value them.
To learn more about the YPN nomination process or to nominate a YPN member as the “One to Watch” for quarter two, please contact the Chamber’s professional development coordinator Alyssa Ralston at [email protected].
