COMMUNITY PROGRAM MANAGER
& ORGANIZATION LEAD
Nicole Benson
Nicole Benson serves as the Community Manager and Organization Lead for Blue Zones Project® – Grand Forks. Born and raised in the community, Nicole has the energy and resources to create an environment that makes the healthy choice the easy choice for everyone and is passionate about helping her community live longer, better lives. Her advocacy for nearly ten years has helped bring Blue Zones Project to Grand Forks. Nicole’s drive to make her community a healthier place led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Paralegal. She is currently completing her master’s degree in Public Health.
Nicole is married to one of her best friends from high school, Justin, who is a middle school teacher and basketball coach in Grand Forks. Together, they have a son named Julian and daughter named Blake. When they are not in a gym, on a field, or at a golf course, you will find them surrounded by family. Nicole enjoys living an active life by taking advantage of the Greenway, group fitness classes at the YMCA, and through her yoga practice. She is further committing to her yoga practice by beginning her yoga instructor training and can’t wait to share this practice with others in the future.
My Power 9
Nicole’s favorite Power 9® is Family First. She says: “Through tragedy comes strength. When my father passed away when I was young, our extended family wrapped their arms around me, my mom, and my sisters. The value and importance of family being by your side in good times and in bad has made me who I am today. My biggest hero is my 90-year-old grandpa who takes daily bike rides to see his great grandkids and, as a former coach, cheers them on from the sidelines.”
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POLICY LEAD
Shilo Previti
Shilo joins Blue Zones Project® – Grand Forks as Policy Lead after having been a great supporter of the project through their work with University Park Neighborhoods. Shilo looks forward to working with local partners to champion policies that will transform Grand Forks into an even more vibrant and inclusive community.
My Power 9
Shilo’s favorite Power 9® is plant slant, which is no surprise given their enthusiasm for leading community cooking demonstrations.
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FOOD POLICY LEAD
Dawn Rognerud
Dawn joins Blue Zones Project® – Grand Forks as Food Policy Lead after having been a great supporter of the project through her work with Town Square Farmers Market. She looks forward to advancing food policy work and projects with local Blue Zones Project partners that will improve the health and well-being of the entire community.
My Power 9
Dawn’s favorite Power 9® is purpose. She cultivates a deep sense of purpose by embracing her passion for local foods that nourish both her community and her soul.
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