Women

According to 2024 data, about 1.34 million women worked in the construction industry. Advocates say while that's an improvement over past decades, women still face barriers in this field, including harassing behavior.

Minnesota is below the national rate and most other states but it still outpaces most of America's closest international allies.

Panelists include former Bemidji Mayor Rita Albrecht, current Bemidji council member Gwenia Fiskevold Gould and former Cass Lake Mayor Elaine Fleming.

Smart North offers no-cost, paid training with industry certifications for youth 16 and older and adult women, with additional support like child care and transportation.

The Centers for Disease Control say as many as 9% of American women have an alcohol use disorder.

Plus: MnDOT will host a pre-construction open house ahead of a 3-year project on Highways 10 and 71; and Minnesota public health officials are sounding the alarm of alcohol misuse among women.

"How Women Made Music" by Alison Fensterstock, draws from NPR's "Turning the Tables" series and addresses the historical underrepresentation of women in music.

Dr. Johnna Nynas was recognized on CNN's Champions of Change program for her work in expanding telehealth to pregnant women in rural Minnesota.

Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota has used telehealth services to expand access to maternal health care in rural areas through the Families First Rural Collaborative.

The Northwest Minnesota Women's Fund is a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation.