Empowered by AI

Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 4:30 - 6:30 pm
Social: 4:30 pm-5:00 pm
Presentation: 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Social after presentation

Prohibition Room via the Spud Jr.

306 Demers Ave, East Grand Forks, MN 56721This event is free to current 2024-2025 GGFWLC members and $25 for non-members.Advanced registration is required. Complimentary appetizers and a cash bar are available.

ABOUT THE EVENT

Whether artificial intelligence is your new work companion or it scares you to your core, AI is here to stay. Now is the time to talk about how we can leverage this technology to make our workflows more effective, enhance personal learning, and offer new opportunities in our hometowns. At the same time, we must understand the challenges of a new digital landscape.

We’ve gathered leaders from business, higher education, and economic development to discuss the opportunities of the AI age, as well as the obstacles we must be ready to overcome.

Panelists

Abby Hanson
Chief Digital Business Officer, Razor Technology

Abby Hanson is the Chief Digital Business Officer at Razor Technology out of Pennsylvania. Abby leads with passion, transparency, and vision that turns into action. With over 22 years of experience with the Microsoft product line, she has mastered the suite of tools and solutions, driving impactful and customer-centric technological advancements.

Throughout her career, Abby has demonstrated an exceptional ability to understand and address the unique needs of her clients, earning a reputation for reliability and excellence. As a recognized Microsoft Copilot Expert, she supports organizations in their digital transformation journeys, providing valuable insights and recommendations.

Abby recently was recognized by Prairie Business as one of the top 25 Woman in Business for 2025 for the states of North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota. She is a leader as a woman in tech, giving multiple keynotes across the country on Responsible and Ethical AI as well as being recognized as a CRN Woman of the Channel and CRN Woman of the Week.

Outside of her professional life, Abby is a devoted mother of three, (a 15-year-old daughter and 11-year-old twin boys) and enjoys the joys of attending their sporting events. She loves Football both College and the NFL. She has a passion for health, travel and photography, capturing moments from her adventures around the world. Abby Hanson’s legacy is marked by her unwavering dedication, expertise, and leadership in the tech industry, as well as her commitment to balancing a fulfilling personal life.

Anna Kinney
Co-Director of UND AI and Human Innovation Initiative

Anna Kinney is the coordinator of the University Writing Program at the University of North Dakota. In her position she directs the Writing Center, leads the Writing Across the Curriculum program, and helps to facilitate writing across campus by leading writing events and workshops. She is also the co-director of the AI and Human Innovation Initiative, where she supports pedagogical and curriculum development in the changing world of generative AI.

Melissa Beach
Economic Development Administrator, Minnkota Power Cooperative

Melissa Beach is an Economic Development Administrator with Minnkota Power Cooperative, where she brings equal passion to million-dollar regional investments and the smallest Main Street dreams. Whether supporting transformative infrastructure projects or helping a family business turn a spark of an idea into a thriving venture, Melissa is driven by one mission: turning great ideas into successful projects that strengthen communities.

Before joining Minnkota, Melissa served as Economic Development Director for the City of Casselton, N.D., Executive Director for the Traill County Economic Development Commission, and previously worked as an agricultural and commercial lender – experience that gives her both a strategic and deeply practical understanding of what it takes to move projects from concept to reality.

She currently serves as President of the Economic Development Association of North Dakota and contributes her time and expertise to several other boards across the state, as well as organizations close to her heart in her home community of Hillsboro.

Outside of work, Melissa is a dedicated sports mom to three busy kids (15, 12, and 8). She can usually be found in a gym, at the field, or mat-side – and has become an unofficial connoisseur of sideline comfort products. At home, she proudly maintains her title as “favorite human” to the family cat, Bob.