Moorhead mayor honored with Dragon Impact Award

This spring, Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson will be recognized by the MSU Moorhead Foundation Board with the Dragon Impact Award.

Carlson has left her impact in the community through her professional and volunteer work advocating for victims of abuse. Beyond her public service, she works as a special projects manager at the Minnesota Elder Justice Center. Carlson is excited to be recognized by her alma mater.

"It's a reminder that the hard work I've done has made a positive difference in our community, and that others see value in what I'm doing," she says.

In a previous story, Carlson shared how public service was something she saw modeled by her professors at MSUM.

"They encouraged me to think about ways to be engaged and active in my community," she says. "They taught me that every person has the ability to contribute and make good things happen."

Just like how her professors inspired her, Carlson encourages others to find ways to leave an impact - whether it's donating money, learning more about an issue, or volunteering your time.

"The key is to take that first step and reach out. Everyone can help create change, and it all starts with a willingness to get involved," she says.

With many years of service under her belt, Carlson still looks forward to continuing to find other ways to give back. She expresses how lucky she is to have found a career she is passionate about and allows her to make a positive difference in other people's lives, something that started right here at MSUM.