Together We Rise: Investing in Curiosity, Connection and Community

cachristian2000
1 hour ago
2 min read

Greg Tehven, Sally Opp, Hannah Opp at the TEDx Fargo Meeting

At TEDx Fargo last week, I had the honor of sharing a vision shaped not just by hope, but by imagination, community and collaboration. The Grand Forks Children’s Museum is rooted in a powerful idea: that curiosity, connection, and hands-on learning can build a stronger, more inclusive future for our Grand Forks community.

What moved me most wasn’t simply standing on that stage, it was the shared energy in the room. Thought leaders, funders, educators, and changemakers leaned in, signaling that this isn’t just a dream. The Grand Forks Children’s Museum is a strategic, community-driven initiative with real momentum.

From mission-driven collaboration to partnerships anchored in our community values, the museum is becoming a story we are writing together. Every contribution - whether financial, an idea, an inspiration or a shared vision - is helping shape a space where all children can explore STEAM-based learning, engage with North Dakota heritage, and discover, create, and connect through play.

What we give as a community, we get back tenfold. The museum is poised to be an economic catalyst, drawing visitors, supporting workforce development, and igniting regional pride. The museum will also serve as a cornerstone of lifelong learning, sparking curiosity and providing educational access that strengthens our future workforce and civic engagement.

I am grateful to Emerging Prairie of Fargo, ND for inviting me to share the vision of the Grand Forks Children’s Museum. Their commitment to elevating innovation, entrepreneurship, and community-driven initiatives across North Dakota is both energizing and deeply aligned with our own mission.

TEDx offered the microphone, but the message is collective: Grand Forks is united in its commitment to a bold and inclusive future. Let’s keep building—with heart, with purpose, and above all, with one another.

Sally Miskavige, Grand Forks Children’s Museum Board Vice President