Unlocking women's potential by identifying their wiring and building their confidence.
The 25 is a four-year cohort program designed to empower female students of all majors and interests to use their strengths, passions, and skills to “go beyond.” The experience expands horizons and prompts students to think bigger and establish powerful connections among confident Christ-following women. Building on the premise, “You can’t be what you can’t see,” The 25 exposes students to speakers, special programs, tools, resources, and adventurous experiences to highlight what highly successful women are doing and have done in their careers across various industries.
Why?
We believe we can do more to unlock the value and potential women bring to the table, at Bethel, in the workforce, and in society at large. So, we're leveraging the power of women connected to Bethel who have gone before and helped pave the way for female leaders to come.
A Self-Funded Venture
The 25 will be entirely self-funded through:
- Gifts from the Founding 25
- A Bethel Foundation grant
- A small annual student fee
The 25 in the Media
- Eyewitness News KSTP | Bethel University launches initiative to empower future female leaders
- CBS Minnesota WCCO | How Bethel's '25' program empowers women
- News Talk 830 WCCO | Empowering future women business leaders at Bethel University
Apply to Join The 25
The first cohort of 25 undergraduate female students launched fall 2021. Each year, the program will take on a new cohort of 25 first-year Bethel students.
The Founding Members
The 25 program was dreamed up and continues to be funded by extraordinary women, who've committed to supporting the next generation of female leaders as they become everything God created them to be. An annual contribution from each founding member helps to ensure the program remains self-sustaining. Some founders donate their time, too, through speaking engagements, mentoring, or networking opportunities.
Annie Allen, Bethel University
Ally Baerenwald, Head of Partner Marketing, Google Retail
Dre Barthel, Owner & Creative Director of Covey Events
Leslie Chapman, Retired Senior Vice President, Securian Financial
Rev. Deanna Conrad, M.Div., Staff Chaplain, Allina Health
Amanda Cornelius, MA, LPCC, Founder + Owner, Wellspring Group
Sarah Darr, Head of Financial Planning, Sr. Vice President, U.S. Bank
Deb Harless, Executive Vice President and Provost Emerita, Bethel University
Lisa Harris, Author, Speaker, Poet, Narrative Coach and CEO/Founder of Lisa Harris & Company
Kate Kimmerle, CEO + Founder, Snaproducts
Jody Kobbervig, Senior Director, Best Buy
Amanda Kopischke, Founder and CEO, Incubate to Innovate
Chin-Chin Lin, Solution Leader for Personalization in Healthcare, McKinsey & Company
Kim Montgomery, Vice President, Healthcare Originations Leader, TIAA Bank
Rebecca Morris Hoeft, Chief Brand Officer, Sunrise Banks
Jeanne Osgood, Chief of Staff, Bethel University
Hon. Mary E. Pawlenty, (Ret.)
Kristi Piehl, Founder and CEO, Media Minefield
Lisa Provost, Foundation Director, The Oakfish Foundation
Kari Rihm, President & CEO, Rihm Family Companies
Andrea Schilling, Sr. Managing Director, Head of Internal Communications, Varde Partners
Kelsey Shaw, Sr. Account Executive, Razorfish Health
Wendy Ulferts RN, MBA, Vice President of Patient Care, Chief Nursing Officer, Maple Grove Hospital
Heidi Zwart, Founder of StoryMatters Creative
Become a Supporter
Are you interested in becoming a founding member or supporter of The 25? Let us know by filling out the form below with your contact information, and a member of our leadership team will be in touch.
Contact Us
Have questions about The 25? Don't hesitate to reach out. Get in touch by emailing the-25@bethel.edu.