The Bakken is a test of every strength we have as humans. We all know the Bakken is a 24 hour industry that never sleeps and whether it’s negative 30 degree wind chills or scorching 100 degree summer days, the Bakken shows us who we really are and what we are capable of. Women of the Bakken also run the test of the same blistering cold, heat and constant grind and they do it with some flair and real strength of will. That test is getting better for women in the job market too. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2020, “North Dakota women who were full-time wage and salary workers had median usual weekly earnings of $851, or 79.9 percent of the $1,065 median usual weekly earnings of their male counterparts, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Regional Commissioner Jason Palmer noted that the 2020 women’s-to-men’s earnings ratio of 79.9 percent compared to 74.5 percent in 2019.”
The Fact Sheet on the Status of Women in the U.S., a research project that began in 1996, gathers data from the U.S. government and other sources to analyze women’s status in each state and the United States. North Dakota’s overall grade for women’s Employment & Earnings has improved since 2004 according to their research. Its grade for women’s Poverty & Opportunity, C-, has improved to a B- since 2004.
Williston always goes above and beyond for women to close that gap by bringing them together and building their connections to make sure each is successful at their endeavors. Those quality character traits will be the focal point of the Strong Women, Strong Connections Business Seminar happening at the Williston ARC on March 31st beginning at 8am.
This Women friendly event will feature guest speakers, the leaders of the Williston chamber of commerce and Williston Economic Development, financial lenders and relationship building activities. The guest speakers include Cherie Harms, the CEO of Leonardite Products, a mining facility in Williston, Dr. Nadia Watson-Anthony, the owner of the new local H.E.R. Inspiration anti-abortion clinic on Main Street in Williston, and Megan Wold, owner and operator of Meg-A-Latte.
Registration begins at 7:30 AM but you don’t have to worry about breakfast. Meg-A-Latte will be providing a fresh light breakfast and Young Bucks Eatery will have coffee and tea to perk you right up. Ladies, grab your gal pal, your mom, or your sister, and sign up for this power building clinic. It is scheduled until 9:30 AM for the convenience of moms and employees needing to get off to their work but anyone feeling inspired to stay and network is welcome. This event is sponsored in part by ConocoPhillips, The U.S. Small Business Administration, and North Dakota Commerce who remind all women to “Be Legendary”.