Nicole Benson serves as the Community Manager and Policy 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
My favorite Power 9® is Family First. 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.