People Behind BIO | Leslie Wolf

Leslie Wolf

Board Member and Mentor, fargo, nd

Meet Leslie Wolf! Leslie has sat on the BIO Girls Board of Directors for two years, and last spring decided to become a mentor to further her impact in our program. She is a mother of two young children, and works as a Finance Advisor for Sanford Health.

What is your connection to BIO Girls?

Board member and Mentor at West Fargo, ND - Triumph 

How long have you been involved with BIO Girls?

On the board for two years, a mentor for one.

What drew you to become involved with BIO Girls?

I had a mutual friend with Missy who connected us when she was looking for another board member. As Missy was explaining the mission I was drawn in and wished that I had this program when I was younger. I liked the aspect of physical activity, faith-based devotions, overall self-esteem and empowerment. All of the aspects that BIO Girls pulls together and embodies the things that I value.

The BIO Girls mission is "to improve the self-esteem of adolescent girls through empowerment of self and service to others." How do you resonate with the mission?

It’s so important for girls to use their voices and lift each other up. God made all of us to be a unique masterpiece and we all shine in our own way.

Do you have an impact story from your involvement with BIO Girls?

As I was a mentor this spring I got a first-hand look at the lessons and it's amazing how those lessons are still important for adults. I may be leading something for the girls, but there is still something that I am taking away from the lessons. There's still a lot to learn and remember as an adult. 

What is your favorite part of being on the BIO Girls board?

I’m surrounded by amazing women who are so passionate about the BIO Girls mission.

Name one-way BIO Girls has impacted you personally. 

I’m also a mentor at the West Fargo - Triumph site and thought that so many of the lessons that we did with the girls were still relatable and impactful as an adult. I feel so lucky to have been pulled into this group. There are so many amazing women and it's such a great organization. I have so much respect for Missy and what she's done, I think it's incredible. This is such a great community to be a part of. 

Did you have a favorite lesson that you found value in?

The first lesson talks about how we are all a masterpiece that God created. There's so much internal comparison with young girls (and adults) and it is a great reminder that we are all different and meant to be unique. We should be proud of that and celebrate those differences in ourselves and others. I love that message, it's definitely my favorite lesson. You sit in a room watching the girls, you can see all their differences during a time where they just want to fit in. I think being different is very cool 

What changes have you seen in the girls you have mentored?

In the first few weeks, I had the youngest group, second graders. They were so open and vulnerable and I was so shocked by that, their innocence was so endearing. They opened up to me almost instantly and they would always relate their past week to BIO Girls. 

In one sentence, how do you summarize what BIO Girls provides participants?

BIO Girls helps girls find their confidence! 

Mentoring is a big commitment.  Why did you decide to be a mentor this year?

Being on the board you see the organizational side of things. I wanted to be a mentor to really see what the impact was on girls and be more involved. I have really come to enjoy BIO Girls and I wanted to grow my impact. I think I can be a better contributor on the board by having been on the "front lines" as a mentor. I now have personal experience with the lessons and the impacts, so I can use my own experiences instead of just hearing stories from others. I definitely look forward to being involved in the future too! 

What is one thing that surprised you about BIO Girls?

The community has gotten so large but it still is close-knit. It takes a lot of people to run a site and we have a great core group at our office. I admire that so many people are so invested in BIO Girls. 

If you could go back in time, what year would it be and why?

I think that question is hard because every year gets better. I have two kids, I'm in my thirties. I look back to my twenties and I am now more comfortable in my skin, in my body, and my life. for those reasons, I don't think I would go back. I feel more complete right now than I have ever felt in my life. 

What is the last book you read?  Would you recommend it?

Dare To Lead by Brené Brown

What's your favorite guilty pleasure thing to watch?

I have always been a big fan of Days of Our Lives, and also any reality show! My favorite ones are Siesta Key and Below Deck.

Thank you, Leslie, for your commitment to BIO Girls! We are so grateful for your passion and dedication to the girls and the BIO Girls mission.

Learn more about how you can get involved!