🎙️ Episode 20: ""Rural Mental Health Matters: Making a Difference with NAMI"" of 100 Rural Women & Their Stories live!

In this episode, Sheila Piippo, grassroots organizer at National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI MN), shares her journey from growing up on a farm in New York Mills to working across Minnesota to improve mental health access and reduce stigma in rural communities.

She talks about the importance of building relationships, listening to local communities, and making sure people have the resources and support they need. Sheila also shares an important message for young rural women: don’t let self-doubt hold you back, and surround yourself with people who believe in and support you.

Know a woman whose story should be shared? We'd love to hear from you—connect with us at [email protected].

📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday—click the link in our bio for your favorite streaming platforms.

🔗Listen to Episode 20 here:https://100ruralwomen.org/episode-20-sheila-piippo/

#CommunityEngagement #LocalVoices #Empowerment #RuralWomen #100RuralWomen #ChangeMakers #Inspiration #Podcasts #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportWomen #CommunityFoundations #NAMI #MentalHealthMatters"

🎙️ Episode 19: "Returning Home: Continuing a Boundary Waters Legacy" of 100 Rural Women & Their Stories live!

In this episode, Clare Shirley shares her connection to rural Minnesota, her journey home, raising children, and running her family’s generational business, Sawbill Canoe Outfitters, on the edge of the Boundary Waters. She reflects on what makes the area special and the impacts of recent wildfires, especially on the people who call it home.

Clare reflects on finding hope within herself and the strength of rural women who get things done in their communities. She encourages women to let go of “imposter syndrome,” recognize their strengths, and embrace the difference they can make.


Know a woman whose story should be shared? We'd love to hear from you—connect with us at [email protected].

📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday—click the link in our bio for your favorite streaming platforms.

🔗Listen to Episode 19 here:https://100ruralwomen.org/episode-19-clare-shirley/

#CommunityEngagement #LocalVoices #Empowerment #RuralWomen #100RuralWomen #ChangeMakers #Inspiration #Podcasts #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportWomen #CommunityFoundations #sawbillcanoeoutfitters #BWCA

🎙️ Episode 18: "The Power of Place: A Small-Town Mayor Living Her Best Life" of 100 Rural Women & Their Stories live!

In this episode, Alicia Pearson shares her journey from growing up in poverty in rural Mississippi to becoming the Mayor of Lanesboro, Minnesota, while also being a mother of two and building a career in clinical research.

She talks about finding a sense of home in rural Minnesota, the importance of creating opportunities for those in rural spaces, and having access in rural communities. She reflects on all the good that comes from working as a young woman in leadership.

Throughout the conversation, Alicia highlights the power of women supporting, encouraging, and making space for one another.


Know a woman whose story should be shared? We'd love to hear from you—connect with us at [email protected].

📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday—click the link in our bio for your favorite streaming platforms.

🔗Listen to Episode 18 here:https://100ruralwomen.org/episode-18-alicia-pearson/


#CommunityEngagement #LocalVoices #Empowerment #RuralWomen #100RuralWomen #ChangeMakers #Inspiration #Podcasts #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportWomen #CommunityFoundations #AliciaPearsonforMayor #LanesboroMN"

🎙️ Episode 17: Rural Foundation Leader Inspiring Community and Civic Engagement is now live!

In this episode of 100 Rural Women & Their Stories, Anna Wasescha, President and CEO of West Central Initiative, reflects on the experiences and lessons that shaped her leadership journey—from Catholic school nuns and her rural roots to leading one of Minnesota's rural regional foundations dedicated to strengthening communities.

Anna shares why lifelong learning, civic engagement, and meaningful relationships are more important than ever in a rapidly changing world. She recalls stories from her childhood, her work in higher education, community foundations, prisoner education, and international travel, all of which have shaped her perspective on leadership, hope, and our shared humanity.

This conversation is inspirational, full of wisdom and hope. 

🎧 Listen now and be inspired by Anna's story.

#100RuralWomen #RuralLeadership #WomenWhoLead #CommunityLeadership #CivicEngagement #RuralCommunities #LifelongLearning #Leadership #Podcast #CommunityEngagement #LocalVoices #Empowerment #RuralWomen #100RuralWomen #ChangeMakers #Inspiration #Podcasts #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportWomen # CommunityFoundations #Democracy #Climate

🎙️ Episode 16: Fallon Ryan - Practicing Equitable Law

In this episode of 100 Rural Women and Their Stories, Fallon Ryan shares the unexpected journey that led her from working in local food systems in rural Minnesota to becoming a bankruptcy attorney serving rural Vermont.

She reflects on the women who inspired her, the importance of investing in rural places, and how choosing service over convention shaped both her career and her life.

Fallon's story is a powerful reminder that meaningful work isn't always found by following a predetermined plan. Sometimes the most fulfilling path is built through curiosity, resilience, a willingness to fill the gaps where help is needed, and the courage to say yes to new opportunities.

Whether you're navigating your own career journey, passionate about rural communities, or looking for inspiration to embrace the unexpected, Fallon's story will leave you encouraged to lead with purpose and make a difference where you are.

Know a woman whose story should be shared? We’d love to hear from you—connect with us at [email protected].

📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday—click the link in our bio for your favorite streaming platforms.

🔗Listen to Episode 15 here: https://100ruralwomen.org/episode-15-marlene-johnson/

#CommunityEngagement #LocalVoices #Empowerment #RuralWomen #100RuralWomen #ChangeMakers #Inspiration #Podcasts #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportWomen #VermontLaw #FarmLaw

🎙️ Episode 15: "Making History in MN - the 1st female Lieutenant Governor" of 100 Rural Women & Their Stories live!

In this conversation, Marlene Johnson, Minnesota's first female lieutenant governor, reflects on her remarkable journey through public service, leadership, entrepreneurship, and advocacy. Now the author of Rise to the Challenge: A Memoir of Politics, Leadership, and Love, Marlene shares the experiences that shaped her career and the pivotal moments that inspired her.

Marlene shares the experiences that shaped her career, and why encouraging the next generation of women leaders matters now more than ever. She also reflects on the mentors who influenced her path and the lessons she learned from overcoming challenges throughout her career. Her story is a powerful reminder that leadership often begins with taking the first step and believing in your own potential.

Know a woman whose story should be shared? We’d love to hear from you—connect with us at [email protected].

📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday—click the link in our bio for your favorite streaming platforms.

🔗Listen to Episode 15 here: https://100ruralwomen.org/episode-15-marlene-johnson/

#CommunityEngagement #LocalVoices #Empowerment #RuralWomen #100RuralWomen #ChangeMakers #Inspiration #Podcasts #WomenEmpowerment #WomenSupportWomen #MNProud #

In this episode, Teresa talks with Heidi Holtan, the Director of Content and Public Affairs at KAXE, northern Minnesota’s community radio station. She shares the insights learned by spending over 20 years in media, following a varied career including working in the family businesses and the Minnesota legislative reference library.

Heidi discusses the importance of both self-sufficiency and strong community involvement, while emphasizing the crucial role of local media in sharing the stories of rural America.

Join our founder, Teresa Kittridge, as she sets out every week to interview 100 women who have made a difference in rural communities and beyond. These are women who have led positive change while overcoming challenges and breaking barriers.

Do you know of a woman who should be featured? We are looking for more women to celebrate! If there is an amazing woman in your life whose story you think should be told, we want to hear about her. Email us at: [email protected]

📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday

_DISCLAIMER: We are a 501c3 non-partisan organization. We do not wish to demonstrate any bias on behalf of the organization. Our goal is to inspire women no matter where they stand politically.

Support our Work: https://100ruralwomen.org/https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/help-support-our-work

Follow our socials @100ruralwomen

https://www.instagram.com/100ruralwomen/
https://www.facebook.com/100ruralwomen
https://100ruralwomen.substack.com/

In this episode of 100 Rural Women & Their Stories, Nevada Littlewolf shares her inspiring journey as an artist, community organizer, and Indigenous Anishinaabe woman leading. She reflects on her family roots, the leadership challenges she has navigated, and her work with Women Winning, offering valuable insights for women and leaders committed to strengthening communities.

Throughout the conversation, Nevada emphasizes the importance of representation, building strong networks, and trusting yourself to lead. She reminds us that lasting change happens when women support one another, stay connected to their communities, and have the courage to step forward and lead.

Join our founder, Teresa Kittridge, as she sets out every week to interview 100 women who have made a difference in rural communities and beyond. These are women who have led positive change while overcoming challenges and breaking barriers.

Do you know of a woman who should be featured?We are looking for more women to celebrate! If there is an amazing woman in your life whose story you think should be told, we want to hear about her. Email us at: [email protected]

📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday

_DISCLAIMER: We are a 501c3 non-partisan organization. We do not wish to demonstrate any bias on behalf of the organization. Our goal is to inspire women no matter where they stand politically.

Support our Work: https://100ruralwomen.org/https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/help-support-our-work

Follow our socials @100ruralwomen

https://www.instagram.com/100ruralwomen/
https://www.facebook.com/100ruralwomen
https://100ruralwomen.substack.com/

In this episode, discover how Kris Shelstad is transforming her hometown through Madison Mercantile—a vibrant community gathering space where art, hospitality, and connection come together.

Kris shares how she builds meaningful relationships in rural communities by understanding local dynamics, creating welcoming spaces, and bringing people together. She also reflects on her inspiring journey from military service to grassroots community leadership, offering insights into both the rewards and challenges of strengthening rural communities.

Join our founder, Teresa Kittridge, as she sets out every week to interview 100 women who have made a difference in rural communities and beyond. These are women who have led positive change while overcoming challenges and breaking barriers.

Do you know of a woman who should be featured?We are looking for more women to celebrate! If there is an amazing woman in your life whose story you think should be told, we want to hear about her. Email us at: [email protected]

📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday

_DISCLAIMER: We are a 501c3 non-partisan organization. We do not wish to demonstrate any bias on behalf of the organization. Our goal is to inspire women no matter where they stand politically.

Support our Work: https://100ruralwomen.org/https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/help-support-our-work

Follow our socials @100ruralwomen

https://www.instagram.com/100ruralwomen/
https://www.facebook.com/100ruralwomen
https://100ruralwomen.substack.com/

In this episode, Delaine Anderson shares her journey from Southern California to becoming a rural family medicine physician. Along the way, she reflects on the importance of community, resilience, and self-care.

Delaine offers thoughtful insights on rural health, mentorship, and the power of meaningful connections, reminding us that investing in our communities—and in ourselves—can create lasting, positive change.

Throughout the conversation, she reflects on choosing joy, embracing challenges, and finding purpose through service. Delaine reminds us that meaningful change starts with showing up, building relationships, and investing in the people around us.

Join our founder, Teresa Kittridge, as she sets out every week to interview 100 women who have made a difference in rural communities and beyond. These are women who have led positive change while overcoming challenges and breaking barriers.

Do you know of a woman who should be featured?

We are looking for more women to celebrate! If there is an amazing woman in your life whose story you think should be told, we want to hear about her. Email us at: [email protected]

📅 New episodes drop every Wednesday

_DISCLAIMER: We are a 501c3 non-partisan organization. We do not wish to demonstrate any bias on behalf of the organization. Our goal is to inspire women no matter where they stand politically.

https://100ruralwomen.org/
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/help-support-our-work

Follow our socials @100ruralwomen

https://www.instagram.com/100ruralwomen/
https://www.facebook.com/100ruralwomen
https://100ruralwomen.substack.com/