September 29, 2020 • 21 mins
There are so many things to admire about Karla Rose Hanson. She is the founder and owner of KRH Communications, is a legislator in the North Dakota State House of Representatives, mom of two boys, smart, community-focused, and driven.
Karla Rose Hanson worked at Microsoft and Great Plains Software for 13 years in various communications and marketing roles before starting her own corporate communications business. She co-founded two grassroots public policy advocacy groups and serves on the Fargo Theatre board. Karla is also the Assistant Minority Leader for the North Dakota State House of Representatives and has provided leadership on issues such as paid family leave, suicide prevention, veterans advocacy, and criminal justice reform.
Karla’s goals every day are to be open-minded, accessible, and to find common ground.
To connect with Karla:
Website: KarlaRoseHanson.com
LinkedIn: Karla’s Profile
Facebook: @karlarosehanson44
Twitter: @karlarosehanson
Email: krhanson@nd.gov (legislative related)
Email: karlarosehanson@hotmail.com (campaign related)
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Karla Rose Hanson (00:00):
A lot of times, I just see a need and
say, you know, someone has to doit.
So if not me then who, and if noone else is stepping up, then at
least I can do what I can.
Right.
So maybe it's not always thatI'm the perfect person for any
given role, but it's like, I cando what I can and that's
something.
And then there's value in that.
And so I would encourage otherwomen to do the same.
(00:22):
Maybe you feel uncertain thatyou're the perfect person for a
certain leadership role, but,but why not?
You and there are certainly somequalities that you have some
skills that could add value inwhatever role that is, you know,
whether it be, uh, a nonprofitboard position or, you know,
being a volunteer for someone'scampaign, or
Jessi Woinarowicz (00:43):
Glaze and Grit is a podcast where honest
and real conversations are frontand center, a conversation where
Fargo, Morehead, area, businessowners, thought leaders,
advocates, and visionaries sharetheir lessons learned and
(01:04):
provide a fresh perspective tobetter inform and support you in
your journey.
It's about sharing the realstory to inspire lead and
encourage.
All right here in my backyard ofFargo, North Dakota, it all
starts with a conversation, anhonest one, I'm Jessi
Woinarowicz and this is Glazeand Grit.
(01:28):
You know, those women who aredown to earth friendly and the
ones that you are so glad,they're your neighbor on the
show today, we have one suchwoman.
She is a successful businessowner and the founder of K and H
communications, which providescommunication strategy and
writing services to a range oflocal and national clients.
(01:48):
Since 2017, she has representeddistrict 44 in the North Dakota
house of representatives is acommunity advocate.
And mom of two boys, wediscussed stepping out of one's
comfort zone, the impact ofgrassroots advocacy, and we end
our time sharing somelighthearted, get to know you
questions.
Here's Karla Rose Hansen.
(02:11):
Thank you so much for coming on.
Karla Rose Hanson (02:13):
Yes.
Thanks for the invitation.
I'm excited.
Jessi Woinarowicz (02:16):
I know you've been busy connecting with
constituents tonight, so thankyou for your time.
You were in the process ofrunning for reelection for
district 44 and then NorthDakota House of Representatives.
I'm always curious what made youdecide to run for office?
Karla Rose Hanson (02:31):
Yeah, it was a combination of decisions or
factors into my decision.
So part of the decision had todo with how I felt that was
being currently represented.
You know, I felt like my current, uh, representatives didn't
adequately reflect what would Iprioritize, what my values were.
And another reason was I feltthat I could do a good job.
(02:53):
I had an opportunity to testifyin front of the North Dakota
Legislature when I was citizenabout an issue I cared about and
I looked around the room and itwas not necessarily reflective
of our population.
And so I thought I could do thisjob and I could maybe do it as
well or better than some of thepeople in the room.
(03:14):
And it's been a greatexperience.
It's been really fun to dig intopolicy, especially I really
enjoy doing research on issues.
And I really love working with awide variety of stakeholders to
gather different points of viewand really come to the best
solution that we can as a group.
And that's been reallyrewarding.
Jessi Woinarowicz (03:35):
I would find serving in a political capacity
to be very challenging at times,especially with all the
negativity and devices,divisiveness.
How do you work through some ofthe potentially trolling you on
Twitter or the negativity ingeneral?
Karla Rose Hanson (03:49):
Yeah, a lot of people do associate politics
with kind of a negative feelingbecause they see a lot of that
in the media.
They see it on social media,especially at the national
level.
Uh, my personal experience hasnot really seen too much of
that.
Uh, so I've been really luckyand really fortunate.
Really the partisan politicsdoesn't seem to really play too
(04:11):
big of a role.
The more local you are with yourpolitical office and national
level, it certainly does, butthe closer you get to home, it
doesn't seem to be quite as bigof a factor.
People see you as their neighborand as their neighbor, you're
representing them and theirpriorities and their values in
the legislature.
(04:31):
And so it doesn't seem to be asmuch of a factor now that said,
you know, it can, it canoccasionally be packer, but you
just don't take it personally.
Jessi Woinarowicz (04:40):
Do you like so many women confidence plays a
factor in not stepping intopolitics, statistics show, it
takes asking a woman three timesfor her to decide to run for
office.
And I think confidence in how weview ourselves, places that
statistic.
What words of advice would youshare with women who is thinking
of starting her own business asmuch as you did or running for
(05:02):
office stepping out of hercomfort zone in a way?
Karla Rose Hanson (05:05):
Yeah, you have it exactly right.
Statistically women have to beasked multiple times before they
even consider running for publicoffice and it shouldn't have to
be that way.
It's not the case with men.
And when women run, they win atthe same rate that men do.
We also know that women areunderrepresented at every level
(05:26):
of government national level, aswell as in state legislature, as
well as in a lot of our localpolitical entities, like the
County commission or the citycommission.
So I absolutely encourage womento think about running for
office.
And sometimes that might seem alittle scary to put your name on
the ballot and really jump intothat.
(05:47):
So a couple of first steps thatsome women might want to
consider are looking at beingappointed to government boards.
So the city has a lot of words,like a human relations
commission.
For example, the state has a lotof boards and commissions.
And so you can apply and ask tobe appointed to some of those.
(06:09):
And that can kind of give you ataste of what public service
looks like.
It can expand your networkbeyond what your current network
is.
Another path that a woman couldtake is working on someone
else's campaign.
That's what I did.
So in 2012, I really startedconnecting with some old
friends, were involved withpolitics and I would knock doors
(06:31):
for them and talk to voters andstuffed envelopes and make phone
calls and do some of thosethings.
And it gives you a good feel forwhat campaigning looks like and
what some of the issues are thatpeople at that level of office
would deal with that familiaritywith those issues will give you
(06:51):
a better idea of what level ofoffice you might be interested
in running for.
What's a good fit for you whenyou're skilled.
Jessi Woinarowicz (06:58):
Great advice.
Is there a piece of legislationor an experience that you're
most proud of?
Karla Rose Hanson (07:04):
Well, there's been a few different pieces of
legislation I've worked on that.
I been very happy that theypassed.
You know, for example, I workedon a bill that provides more
funding for a specifichealthcare services, like
glasses and dentures forveterans.
And obviously we all care aboutmaking sure veterans have the
(07:25):
healthcare they need.
So I was glad that that passedan issue that hasn't quite
passed yet, that I'm passionateabout is that pink family leave.
So I sponsored a bill last yearand I'm looking at revising it
and introducing it again in2021, if reelected and that's
around creating a program inNorth Dakota that provides a
paid family leave options.
(07:45):
And it's not just parentalleave, taking care of a new
child, but also even caring foran elderly parents.
Some of us are in a situationwhere we might have a parent who
is dealing with cancer or maybein the last months of their
life.
And, um, too many families inNorth Dakota have to make a
choice between seeing in theirjob in order to get a paycheck
(08:07):
or caring for themselves or aloved one.
And it's unfortunate that theyhave to make that really
difficult choice said, you know,it'd be nice for them to be able
to financially be able to stepaway from their job temporarily.
They can take care of that lovedone or themselves sometimes in a
healthcare situation.
So we'll keep trying for thatthis year, more than ever, it's
(08:27):
become very evident that peopleneed the ability to have paid
leave as an option.
For sure.
I definitely agree.
You also co-founded to grassroots, public policy advocacy
groups related to privacy andhealthcare and face-paced social
justice work.
Jessi Woinarowicz (08:45):
How did that come about?
Karla Rose Hanson (08:46):
Yes, those organizations were very much a
grassroots organic effort.
So the organization that wasrelated to privacy and
healthcare was the result of afriend of mine and I who, um,
heard that the legislature wasgoing to be considering some
bills related to IVF andpeople's pregnancies.
(09:10):
And my friend happened to be anIVF doctor.
She's a physician whospecializes in reproductive
endocrinology, and I caredpassionately about it because
our family tried to use IVF tobuild our family.
This was a while ago.
I have teenagers now, but, uh,and I felt very passionately
that we in North Dakota shouldkeep IVF as an option for
(09:35):
families who needed that inorder to build their families.
And the bills that were going tobe coming in front of the
legislature would haveprohibited the practice of IVF
here.
So she and I got together and,um, really just gathered a
coalition.
It was really a coalitionbuilding effort of families who
used IVF physicians and otherhealthcare providers.
(09:58):
Also a faith coalition as well,got brought into that.
And some cause it was a whileago, but it was a broad
coalition.
And we basically asked each ofus would activate our personal
networks to contact legislatorsand ask them to please vote no
on these bills because we feltpassionately that we wanted to
keep things the way they are.
We want to keep IVF as an optionin North Dakota.
(10:19):
And we were able to defeat thosebills.
And before the legislativesession began, we were told,
well, they have the voltsthey're going to pass.
And we said, well, we understandthat, but we still have to try.
We still have to make our voicesheard.
And so that was my first tasteof activism and political
involvement and also testifyingin front of a legislative
(10:42):
committee.
So it was nerve-wracking, but itwas really empowering too,
because you saw how peoplestories and people, neighbors
talking to neighbors andneighbors talking to their
neighborhood legislator reallymade a difference in changing
the outcome of those potentialpolicy proposals.
Our family building storystarted out with IVF and, you
(11:03):
know, trying to go through theinfertility path and that didn't
work for us.
We experienced, uh, a couple oflosses, pregnancy losses, like
many families personally do.
Um, and then, uh, so our, afterwe experienced that for awhile,
we then decided to go down thepath of adoption.
And we adopted a boy from, wasborn in Oklahoma, his name's
(11:26):
Jake, and he's 15.
Now he was a high score.
So that was a while ago.
And so that was a wonderfuladdition to our family.
And then about two years later,we found out we were expecting
and, uh, not using IVF.
Our second child was born andhis name's Andy.
So we have one adopted child andone biological child and two
boys beautiful.
Jessi Woinarowicz (11:48):
You graduate from North Dakota State
University and earned yourdegree in what made you decide
to go into communication.
Karla Rose Hanson (11:55):
I really, I guess always had a knack for
writing and say, I always lovereading, but I always would
write as well.
And I have to say my firstexperience realizing that I
could do it as a career happenedat college at NDSU.
So I had a wonderful teacher who, um, was a, the journalism one
(12:16):
Oh one teacher basically.
And just tell him love with thatas a subject and in realize that
this is something I could do fora living as such as something
fun to do on the side.
And, uh, so that was my firstjob was being a journalist after
college.
I worked at a daily newspaperfor about four years in Fergus
Falls.
(12:39):
And then I, um, came to Fargo,came back to Fargo after, um,
after working there for a whileand joined Great Plains Software
in the marketing field.
So I was still doing a lot ofwriting in that role and did a
couple of different jobs, youknow, both with Great Plains
Software.
And then, you know, Microsoftpurchased, the company, started
doing more product managementand product management.
(13:00):
If you're familiar with that isthinking about how things are
priced and packaged and well asthe marketing of it.
And then I got from that intomore executive communications at
Microsoft.
So helping an executive team dointernal communications with
like a global staff of a couplethousand people around the
world.
And that was a lot of fun, youknow, working on strategic
(13:21):
issues with an executive teamand especially a team that works
all around the world.
So you could travel.
And I loved working with all thedifferent offices around the
world.
That was, that was a realhighlight.
I do miss that.
Jessi Woinarowicz (13:33):
You left Microsoft and Great Plains
Software after 13 years to startyour own company.
Karla Rose Hanson (13:39):
I did.
I left in 2011.
If I remember, right.
Jessi Woinarowicz (13:42):
How was that transition?
Was it nerve-wracking leaving orwhere you're like, Oh, I got
this.
Karla Rose Hanson (13:48):
S o l eap, you know, it was certainly a
leap of faith to start your ownbusiness.
N o, I didn't necessarily have awhole bunch of clients lined up
right away or anything likethat.
But I did some networking andtalked to lots and lots of
people had lots of coffee datesto really see what a need is out
there in our community and wasable to find separate clients
(14:10):
both locally, as well as aroundthe country.
Because even, even then peoplewere still comfortable hiring
someone they had never even seenin person.
So I did have some clients, youknow, in different cities who
had never met me in person, butit's more forced.
It was a leap of faith, but Iwas really, really blessed in
that.
I always had enough work.
(14:32):
So it was nice situation for me.
Jessi Woinarowicz (14:36):
You are a mom of two boys, which we talked
about Jake and Andy you're ownerof your own communications
company.
And we talked about theco-founding grassroots, all the
policy advocacy groups servingon numerous committees.
It seems like when there's a youstep in and you just, you do it.
I wonder where that drive andthat passion comes from,
(14:57):
especially for people that maybe, you know, they see a need,
but they're not sure if maybethey're qualified or if they
should step in, what are, what'ssome advice that you would give
as well as where does thatdrive?
Karla Rose Hanson (15:11):
Well, I don't know her drive and passion.
That's a good question.
Um, now obviously, you know howyou're raised.
So I definitely credit myparents for giving me a good
work ethic.
A lot of times I just see a needand say, you know, someone has
to do it.
So if not, if not me then who,and if no one else is stepping
up, then at least I can do whatI can.
Right.
So maybe it's not always thatI'm the perfect person for any
(15:34):
given role, but it's like, I cando what I can and that's, and
that's something and that's,there's value in that.
And so I would encourage otherwomen to do the same.
Maybe you feel uncertain thatyou're the perfect person for a
certain leadership role, but,but why not?
You and there are certainly somequalities that you have some
(15:55):
skills that could add value inwhatever role that is, you know,
whether it be, uh, a nonprofitboard position or, you know,
being a volunteer for someone'scampaign or running for office
yourself.
So I absolutely encourage womento just go for it.
And what's the worst thing thatcan happen.
You know, it's, that's one, onething that I always would ask
(16:16):
myself when taking these bigleaps, whether it be, um, moving
from one job to another ortrying out a new experience is
what's the best thing that couldhappen in this situation.
What's the worst thing thatcould happen in this situation.
And what's likely to happen inthis situation.
And can I live with the worstthing if that should happen?
(16:40):
And if you can live with theworst thing that could ever
happen and go ahead, do it andprobably not going to happen
anyway, it's probably going tobe most likely to happen or
maybe even the best thing tohappen.
So that's how I would weigh thesituation.
Jessi Woinarowicz (16:57):
I'm currently reading this book by Claire
Shipman, and she talks about theconfidence factor and, you know,
we're born with a level ofconfidence already, or a
percentage of confidence, butshe also mentioned in order to
gain confidence as competence isdifferent than self-esteem, you
have to continually step out ofyour comfort zone in order to
build that confidence.
(17:18):
And so you have to beuncomfortable with being
uncomfortable.
I look at your career, it feelslike you have just built
confidence, confidence with somany of the situations and
experiences that you've gonethrough.
Karla Rose Hanson (17:31):
I think of courage maybe a little bit more,
because sometimes it does takestepping out of your comfort
zone, like you had said, whichis important.
So I guess I never think ofmyself as confident, but more,
maybe more like willing to takea risk and be maybe brave in an
situation.
But yeah, there they are tiedtogether.
(17:51):
It's really interesting that youquite, that, that tile, Carl
hope inspires you.
I think people with courageinspire me building off the
conversation we just had aboutconfidence and how it's related
to courage and bravery andstepping outside your comfort
zone.
I always admire women who speakout, you know, even when it
(18:13):
might not be comfortable tospeak out and say hard truth
sometimes, but doing so in arespectful professional way, as
much as possible.
So I admire women who do that,and there's a lot of women who
do that.
You know, there's a lot of womenin public service, both locally
and nationally that, that I canthink of with that too.
(18:33):
And of course my own motherwould definitely qualify in that
category as well.
What is your finish line?
Oh, I guess I haven't thoughtthat far ahead.
You know, I think my finish lineis when I'm not able to leave my
home and not able to connectwith people.
(18:53):
I mean, I can, some of thepeople who I admire so much
right now talking about peoplewho inspire me are people who
are my, my mother's generationand my grandmother's generation
who continue to speak the hardtruth and continue to stay
active in different ways.
You know, they're doinginitiated measures and they're
(19:16):
doing voter education andthey're helping the next
generation.
And that inspires me.
And I hope that I can follow intheir footsteps when I'm in that
age as well.
So I think this, this is mychapter for now public service
is my chapter for now and whatmy service looks like might look
(19:36):
a little different in 10 years,20 years, 30 years.
But you know, I see how women ofdifferent generations continue
to either serve in a formal wayor an informal way and fully
expect.
I'll continue to do that.
You know what that looks like.
It could be anything, theopportunities are limitless.
Jessi Woinarowicz (19:57):
Well, let's end our time then at the little
lightning round of questions.
And are you ready?
Karla Rose Hanson (20:05):
Okay.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:06):
Alright.
Climb a mountain or skydive.
Karla Rose Hanson (20:09):
Ooh, climb a mountain.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:10):
cake or pie.
Karla Rose Hanson (20:10):
Pie
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:10):
Have you ever worn socks with sandals?
Karla Rose Hanson (20:14):
Yes.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:15):
What is the best age?
Karla Rose Hanson (20:18):
Oh, Hmm.
I guess the age I am right now.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:22):
So love it.
Coffee or tea
Karla Rose Hanson (20:26):
coffee
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:26):
dark chocolate or milk chocolate.
Karla Rose Hanson (20:28):
dark chocolate.
A hundred percent.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:31):
wine or martini.
Karla Rose Hanson (20:32):
wine.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:33):
How many hours of sleep do you get at
night?
Karla Rose Hanson (20:36):
Probably seven and a half.
(20:38):
If you could speak another language and maybe you do, which
would it be.
Karla Rose Hanson (20:43):
Spanish.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:44):
And are you politically correct?
Karla Rose Hanson (20:46):
I think I am.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:48):
All right.
That ended it.
So you're good.
You're off the hot seat.
Karla Rose Hanson (20:52):
A lot of fun.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:54):
Karla, thank you so much for being on the
podcast.
I really appreciate it.
Karla Rose Hanson (20:58):
Thanks for having me and thanks for doing
these too.
It's great to highlight thedifferent people in our
community.
Jessi Woinarowicz (21:02):
Hey, thanks so much for listening in today.
If you would like to learn moreabout Glaze and Grit and the
incredible community leadershighlighted on the show, check
out glazeandgritpodcast.com.
Also, if you enjoyed thisepisode, please let us know by
subscribing rating and sharing.
(21:24):
Thanks again for listening.
Talk to you soon.
A lot of times, I just see a need and
say, you know, someone has to doit.
So if not me then who, and if noone else is stepping up, then at
least I can do what I can.
Right.
So maybe it's not always thatI'm the perfect person for any
given role, but it's like, I cando what I can and that's
something.
And then there's value in that.
And so I would encourage otherwomen to do the same.
(00:22):
Maybe you feel uncertain thatyou're the perfect person for a
certain leadership role, but,but why not?
You and there are certainly somequalities that you have some
skills that could add value inwhatever role that is, you know,
whether it be, uh, a nonprofitboard position or, you know,
being a volunteer for someone'scampaign, or
Jessi Woinarowicz (00:43):
Glaze and Grit is a podcast where honest
and real conversations are frontand center, a conversation where
Fargo, Morehead, area, businessowners, thought leaders,
advocates, and visionaries sharetheir lessons learned and
(01:04):
provide a fresh perspective tobetter inform and support you in
your journey.
It's about sharing the realstory to inspire lead and
encourage.
All right here in my backyard ofFargo, North Dakota, it all
starts with a conversation, anhonest one, I'm Jessi
Woinarowicz and this is Glazeand Grit.
(01:28):
You know, those women who aredown to earth friendly and the
ones that you are so glad,they're your neighbor on the
show today, we have one suchwoman.
She is a successful businessowner and the founder of K and H
communications, which providescommunication strategy and
writing services to a range oflocal and national clients.
(01:48):
Since 2017, she has representeddistrict 44 in the North Dakota
house of representatives is acommunity advocate.
And mom of two boys, wediscussed stepping out of one's
comfort zone, the impact ofgrassroots advocacy, and we end
our time sharing somelighthearted, get to know you
questions.
Here's Karla Rose Hansen.
(02:11):
Thank you so much for coming on.
Karla Rose Hanson (02:13):
Yes.
Thanks for the invitation.
I'm excited.
Jessi Woinarowicz (02:16):
I know you've been busy connecting with
constituents tonight, so thankyou for your time.
You were in the process ofrunning for reelection for
district 44 and then NorthDakota House of Representatives.
I'm always curious what made youdecide to run for office?
Karla Rose Hanson (02:31):
Yeah, it was a combination of decisions or
factors into my decision.
So part of the decision had todo with how I felt that was
being currently represented.
You know, I felt like my current, uh, representatives didn't
adequately reflect what would Iprioritize, what my values were.
And another reason was I feltthat I could do a good job.
(02:53):
I had an opportunity to testifyin front of the North Dakota
Legislature when I was citizenabout an issue I cared about and
I looked around the room and itwas not necessarily reflective
of our population.
And so I thought I could do thisjob and I could maybe do it as
well or better than some of thepeople in the room.
(03:14):
And it's been a greatexperience.
It's been really fun to dig intopolicy, especially I really
enjoy doing research on issues.
And I really love working with awide variety of stakeholders to
gather different points of viewand really come to the best
solution that we can as a group.
And that's been reallyrewarding.
Jessi Woinarowicz (03:35):
I would find serving in a political capacity
to be very challenging at times,especially with all the
negativity and devices,divisiveness.
How do you work through some ofthe potentially trolling you on
Twitter or the negativity ingeneral?
Karla Rose Hanson (03:49):
Yeah, a lot of people do associate politics
with kind of a negative feelingbecause they see a lot of that
in the media.
They see it on social media,especially at the national
level.
Uh, my personal experience hasnot really seen too much of
that.
Uh, so I've been really luckyand really fortunate.
Really the partisan politicsdoesn't seem to really play too
(04:11):
big of a role.
The more local you are with yourpolitical office and national
level, it certainly does, butthe closer you get to home, it
doesn't seem to be quite as bigof a factor.
People see you as their neighborand as their neighbor, you're
representing them and theirpriorities and their values in
the legislature.
(04:31):
And so it doesn't seem to be asmuch of a factor now that said,
you know, it can, it canoccasionally be packer, but you
just don't take it personally.
Jessi Woinarowicz (04:40):
Do you like so many women confidence plays a
factor in not stepping intopolitics, statistics show, it
takes asking a woman three timesfor her to decide to run for
office.
And I think confidence in how weview ourselves, places that
statistic.
What words of advice would youshare with women who is thinking
of starting her own business asmuch as you did or running for
(05:02):
office stepping out of hercomfort zone in a way?
Karla Rose Hanson (05:05):
Yeah, you have it exactly right.
Statistically women have to beasked multiple times before they
even consider running for publicoffice and it shouldn't have to
be that way.
It's not the case with men.
And when women run, they win atthe same rate that men do.
We also know that women areunderrepresented at every level
(05:26):
of government national level, aswell as in state legislature, as
well as in a lot of our localpolitical entities, like the
County commission or the citycommission.
So I absolutely encourage womento think about running for
office.
And sometimes that might seem alittle scary to put your name on
the ballot and really jump intothat.
(05:47):
So a couple of first steps thatsome women might want to
consider are looking at beingappointed to government boards.
So the city has a lot of words,like a human relations
commission.
For example, the state has a lotof boards and commissions.
And so you can apply and ask tobe appointed to some of those.
(06:09):
And that can kind of give you ataste of what public service
looks like.
It can expand your networkbeyond what your current network
is.
Another path that a woman couldtake is working on someone
else's campaign.
That's what I did.
So in 2012, I really startedconnecting with some old
friends, were involved withpolitics and I would knock doors
(06:31):
for them and talk to voters andstuffed envelopes and make phone
calls and do some of thosethings.
And it gives you a good feel forwhat campaigning looks like and
what some of the issues are thatpeople at that level of office
would deal with that familiaritywith those issues will give you
(06:51):
a better idea of what level ofoffice you might be interested
in running for.
What's a good fit for you whenyou're skilled.
Jessi Woinarowicz (06:58):
Great advice.
Is there a piece of legislationor an experience that you're
most proud of?
Karla Rose Hanson (07:04):
Well, there's been a few different pieces of
legislation I've worked on that.
I been very happy that theypassed.
You know, for example, I workedon a bill that provides more
funding for a specifichealthcare services, like
glasses and dentures forveterans.
And obviously we all care aboutmaking sure veterans have the
(07:25):
healthcare they need.
So I was glad that that passedan issue that hasn't quite
passed yet, that I'm passionateabout is that pink family leave.
So I sponsored a bill last yearand I'm looking at revising it
and introducing it again in2021, if reelected and that's
around creating a program inNorth Dakota that provides a
paid family leave options.
(07:45):
And it's not just parentalleave, taking care of a new
child, but also even caring foran elderly parents.
Some of us are in a situationwhere we might have a parent who
is dealing with cancer or maybein the last months of their
life.
And, um, too many families inNorth Dakota have to make a
choice between seeing in theirjob in order to get a paycheck
(08:07):
or caring for themselves or aloved one.
And it's unfortunate that theyhave to make that really
difficult choice said, you know,it'd be nice for them to be able
to financially be able to stepaway from their job temporarily.
They can take care of that lovedone or themselves sometimes in a
healthcare situation.
So we'll keep trying for thatthis year, more than ever, it's
(08:27):
become very evident that peopleneed the ability to have paid
leave as an option.
For sure.
I definitely agree.
You also co-founded to grassroots, public policy advocacy
groups related to privacy andhealthcare and face-paced social
justice work.
Jessi Woinarowicz (08:45):
How did that come about?
Karla Rose Hanson (08:46):
Yes, those organizations were very much a
grassroots organic effort.
So the organization that wasrelated to privacy and
healthcare was the result of afriend of mine and I who, um,
heard that the legislature wasgoing to be considering some
bills related to IVF andpeople's pregnancies.
(09:10):
And my friend happened to be anIVF doctor.
She's a physician whospecializes in reproductive
endocrinology, and I caredpassionately about it because
our family tried to use IVF tobuild our family.
This was a while ago.
I have teenagers now, but, uh,and I felt very passionately
that we in North Dakota shouldkeep IVF as an option for
(09:35):
families who needed that inorder to build their families.
And the bills that were going tobe coming in front of the
legislature would haveprohibited the practice of IVF
here.
So she and I got together and,um, really just gathered a
coalition.
It was really a coalitionbuilding effort of families who
used IVF physicians and otherhealthcare providers.
(09:58):
Also a faith coalition as well,got brought into that.
And some cause it was a whileago, but it was a broad
coalition.
And we basically asked each ofus would activate our personal
networks to contact legislatorsand ask them to please vote no
on these bills because we feltpassionately that we wanted to
keep things the way they are.
We want to keep IVF as an optionin North Dakota.
(10:19):
And we were able to defeat thosebills.
And before the legislativesession began, we were told,
well, they have the voltsthey're going to pass.
And we said, well, we understandthat, but we still have to try.
We still have to make our voicesheard.
And so that was my first tasteof activism and political
involvement and also testifyingin front of a legislative
(10:42):
committee.
So it was nerve-wracking, but itwas really empowering too,
because you saw how peoplestories and people, neighbors
talking to neighbors andneighbors talking to their
neighborhood legislator reallymade a difference in changing
the outcome of those potentialpolicy proposals.
Our family building storystarted out with IVF and, you
(11:03):
know, trying to go through theinfertility path and that didn't
work for us.
We experienced, uh, a couple oflosses, pregnancy losses, like
many families personally do.
Um, and then, uh, so our, afterwe experienced that for awhile,
we then decided to go down thepath of adoption.
And we adopted a boy from, wasborn in Oklahoma, his name's
(11:26):
Jake, and he's 15.
Now he was a high score.
So that was a while ago.
And so that was a wonderfuladdition to our family.
And then about two years later,we found out we were expecting
and, uh, not using IVF.
Our second child was born andhis name's Andy.
So we have one adopted child andone biological child and two
boys beautiful.
Jessi Woinarowicz (11:48):
You graduate from North Dakota State
University and earned yourdegree in what made you decide
to go into communication.
Karla Rose Hanson (11:55):
I really, I guess always had a knack for
writing and say, I always lovereading, but I always would
write as well.
And I have to say my firstexperience realizing that I
could do it as a career happenedat college at NDSU.
So I had a wonderful teacher who, um, was a, the journalism one
(12:16):
Oh one teacher basically.
And just tell him love with thatas a subject and in realize that
this is something I could do fora living as such as something
fun to do on the side.
And, uh, so that was my firstjob was being a journalist after
college.
I worked at a daily newspaperfor about four years in Fergus
Falls.
(12:39):
And then I, um, came to Fargo,came back to Fargo after, um,
after working there for a whileand joined Great Plains Software
in the marketing field.
So I was still doing a lot ofwriting in that role and did a
couple of different jobs, youknow, both with Great Plains
Software.
And then, you know, Microsoftpurchased, the company, started
doing more product managementand product management.
(13:00):
If you're familiar with that isthinking about how things are
priced and packaged and well asthe marketing of it.
And then I got from that intomore executive communications at
Microsoft.
So helping an executive team dointernal communications with
like a global staff of a couplethousand people around the
world.
And that was a lot of fun, youknow, working on strategic
(13:21):
issues with an executive teamand especially a team that works
all around the world.
So you could travel.
And I loved working with all thedifferent offices around the
world.
That was, that was a realhighlight.
I do miss that.
Jessi Woinarowicz (13:33):
You left Microsoft and Great Plains
Software after 13 years to startyour own company.
Karla Rose Hanson (13:39):
I did.
I left in 2011.
If I remember, right.
Jessi Woinarowicz (13:42):
How was that transition?
Was it nerve-wracking leaving orwhere you're like, Oh, I got
this.
Karla Rose Hanson (13:48):
S o l eap, you know, it was certainly a
leap of faith to start your ownbusiness.
N o, I didn't necessarily have awhole bunch of clients lined up
right away or anything likethat.
But I did some networking andtalked to lots and lots of
people had lots of coffee datesto really see what a need is out
there in our community and wasable to find separate clients
(14:10):
both locally, as well as aroundthe country.
Because even, even then peoplewere still comfortable hiring
someone they had never even seenin person.
So I did have some clients, youknow, in different cities who
had never met me in person, butit's more forced.
It was a leap of faith, but Iwas really, really blessed in
that.
I always had enough work.
(14:32):
So it was nice situation for me.
Jessi Woinarowicz (14:36):
You are a mom of two boys, which we talked
about Jake and Andy you're ownerof your own communications
company.
And we talked about theco-founding grassroots, all the
policy advocacy groups servingon numerous committees.
It seems like when there's a youstep in and you just, you do it.
I wonder where that drive andthat passion comes from,
(14:57):
especially for people that maybe, you know, they see a need,
but they're not sure if maybethey're qualified or if they
should step in, what are, what'ssome advice that you would give
as well as where does thatdrive?
Karla Rose Hanson (15:11):
Well, I don't know her drive and passion.
That's a good question.
Um, now obviously, you know howyou're raised.
So I definitely credit myparents for giving me a good
work ethic.
A lot of times I just see a needand say, you know, someone has
to do it.
So if not, if not me then who,and if no one else is stepping
up, then at least I can do whatI can.
Right.
So maybe it's not always thatI'm the perfect person for any
(15:34):
given role, but it's like, I cando what I can and that's, and
that's something and that's,there's value in that.
And so I would encourage otherwomen to do the same.
Maybe you feel uncertain thatyou're the perfect person for a
certain leadership role, but,but why not?
You and there are certainly somequalities that you have some
(15:55):
skills that could add value inwhatever role that is, you know,
whether it be, uh, a nonprofitboard position or, you know,
being a volunteer for someone'scampaign or running for office
yourself.
So I absolutely encourage womento just go for it.
And what's the worst thing thatcan happen.
You know, it's, that's one, onething that I always would ask
(16:16):
myself when taking these bigleaps, whether it be, um, moving
from one job to another ortrying out a new experience is
what's the best thing that couldhappen in this situation.
What's the worst thing thatcould happen in this situation.
And what's likely to happen inthis situation.
And can I live with the worstthing if that should happen?
(16:40):
And if you can live with theworst thing that could ever
happen and go ahead, do it andprobably not going to happen
anyway, it's probably going tobe most likely to happen or
maybe even the best thing tohappen.
So that's how I would weigh thesituation.
Jessi Woinarowicz (16:57):
I'm currently reading this book by Claire
Shipman, and she talks about theconfidence factor and, you know,
we're born with a level ofconfidence already, or a
percentage of confidence, butshe also mentioned in order to
gain confidence as competence isdifferent than self-esteem, you
have to continually step out ofyour comfort zone in order to
build that confidence.
(17:18):
And so you have to beuncomfortable with being
uncomfortable.
I look at your career, it feelslike you have just built
confidence, confidence with somany of the situations and
experiences that you've gonethrough.
Karla Rose Hanson (17:31):
I think of courage maybe a little bit more,
because sometimes it does takestepping out of your comfort
zone, like you had said, whichis important.
So I guess I never think ofmyself as confident, but more,
maybe more like willing to takea risk and be maybe brave in an
situation.
But yeah, there they are tiedtogether.
(17:51):
It's really interesting that youquite, that, that tile, Carl
hope inspires you.
I think people with courageinspire me building off the
conversation we just had aboutconfidence and how it's related
to courage and bravery andstepping outside your comfort
zone.
I always admire women who speakout, you know, even when it
(18:13):
might not be comfortable tospeak out and say hard truth
sometimes, but doing so in arespectful professional way, as
much as possible.
So I admire women who do that,and there's a lot of women who
do that.
You know, there's a lot of womenin public service, both locally
and nationally that, that I canthink of with that too.
(18:33):
And of course my own motherwould definitely qualify in that
category as well.
What is your finish line?
Oh, I guess I haven't thoughtthat far ahead.
You know, I think my finish lineis when I'm not able to leave my
home and not able to connectwith people.
(18:53):
I mean, I can, some of thepeople who I admire so much
right now talking about peoplewho inspire me are people who
are my, my mother's generationand my grandmother's generation
who continue to speak the hardtruth and continue to stay
active in different ways.
You know, they're doinginitiated measures and they're
(19:16):
doing voter education andthey're helping the next
generation.
And that inspires me.
And I hope that I can follow intheir footsteps when I'm in that
age as well.
So I think this, this is mychapter for now public service
is my chapter for now and whatmy service looks like might look
(19:36):
a little different in 10 years,20 years, 30 years.
But you know, I see how women ofdifferent generations continue
to either serve in a formal wayor an informal way and fully
expect.
I'll continue to do that.
You know what that looks like.
It could be anything, theopportunities are limitless.
Jessi Woinarowicz (19:57):
Well, let's end our time then at the little
lightning round of questions.
And are you ready?
Karla Rose Hanson (20:05):
Okay.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:06):
Alright.
Climb a mountain or skydive.
Karla Rose Hanson (20:09):
Ooh, climb a mountain.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:10):
cake or pie.
Karla Rose Hanson (20:10):
Pie
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:10):
Have you ever worn socks with sandals?
Karla Rose Hanson (20:14):
Yes.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:15):
What is the best age?
Karla Rose Hanson (20:18):
Oh, Hmm.
I guess the age I am right now.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:22):
So love it.
Coffee or tea
Karla Rose Hanson (20:26):
coffee
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:26):
dark chocolate or milk chocolate.
Karla Rose Hanson (20:28):
dark chocolate.
A hundred percent.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:31):
wine or martini.
Karla Rose Hanson (20:32):
wine.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:33):
How many hours of sleep do you get at
night?
Karla Rose Hanson (20:36):
Probably seven and a half.
(20:38):
If you could speak another language and maybe you do, which
would it be.
Karla Rose Hanson (20:43):
Spanish.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:44):
And are you politically correct?
Karla Rose Hanson (20:46):
I think I am.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:48):
All right.
That ended it.
So you're good.
You're off the hot seat.
Karla Rose Hanson (20:52):
A lot of fun.
Jessi Woinarowicz (20:54):
Karla, thank you so much for being on the
podcast.
I really appreciate it.
Karla Rose Hanson (20:58):
Thanks for having me and thanks for doing
these too.
It's great to highlight thedifferent people in our
community.
Jessi Woinarowicz (21:02):
Hey, thanks so much for listening in today.
If you would like to learn moreabout Glaze and Grit and the
incredible community leadershighlighted on the show, check
out glazeandgritpodcast.com.
Also, if you enjoyed thisepisode, please let us know by
subscribing rating and sharing.
(21:24):
Thanks again for listening.
Talk to you soon.
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