Leading Ladies, an Independent Women’s Network initiative, showcases and honors women who make a significant impact in their communities and beyond. Join us in sharing their inspirational stories and celebrating their remarkable achievements!
Margo is a thoughtful and principled leader based in North Dakota. A strong advocate for common-sense policy, personal responsibility, and the protection of women’s and girls’ sports, she became involved with Independent Women’s Network after engaging in state-level advocacy and connecting with like-minded leaders. We admire her courage, clarity, and commitment to standing up for families and ensuring a stronger future for the next generation.
We asked Margo…
Where do you live?
North Dakota
How did you get involved with IWN?
I became involved with Independent Women after attending the Steamboat Institute’s annual Freedom Festival. Around that time, I had recently testified in support of legislation in North Dakota to protect women’s and girls’ sports. The legislation successfully closed a loophole that would have allowed men claiming to be women to compete in the women’s category. Carrie Sheffield, who was a featured speaker and fellow, kindly introduced me to the organization and its meaningful work connecting women across the country who are similarly engaged in these important issues.
Where do you fit politically?
I consider myself a centrist with a strong lean to the right. Above all, I value common sense and support sound policy regardless of political labels. For example, even when I disagree with certain organizations on issues like women’s sports, I may still strongly agree with their positions on other issues. I believe in working with others who share my convictions, because good policy should be guided by principle and practicality, not political affiliation.
Have you changed politically over the years?
Before COVID, I was politically aware but not deeply involved. That changed when lockdowns and mandates infringed on people’s ability to make their own informed decisions. Seeing so many people rely on the government as a caretaker led me to recognize an immense need for people like myself to become willing to advocate for common sense, personal responsibility, and liberty. A conversation with Senator Cramer during that time further shaped my view, especially his observation that the real surprise was not government overreach, but how willing people were to comply with “guidelines” being instituted into mandates.
What do you consider the most important issues facing our country today?
There are many issues I care about, but recently I have become especially concerned about the material in K-12 education textbooks. After reading an elementary education textbook commonly assigned in state educational programs, I was alarmed by the extent of taxpayer-funded propaganda. The material discouraged the use of the word “parent,” portrayed teachers as more important parental figures, blamed conservatives for education pay issues, suggested avoiding the celebration of Christmas, promoted far-left radical viewpoints, and encouraged teachers to guide emotionally distressed students toward sexuality clubs. To me, it underscored how deeply broken our nation’s education system has become and the immense amount of work that parents and concerned citizens will need to engage in to correct the problem.
How do you spend your free time?
I enjoy spending free time with my husband, our three children, and my family. My father has shared his love for skiing with our entire family as a favorite thing to do. Scuba diving is also high on the list. In the summer, you will find me watching our kids wake surfing behind the boat. And when not doing something active, my mother has shared her love of painting with my daughters and me as a particularly relaxing pastime.
When did your Chapter launch?
2022
How many members are in your Chapter?
10
What are the main issue areas and goals of your Chapter?
Although North Dakota does not currently meet in-person regularly, we continue to network and are especially encouraged by the results of our advocacy to protect women’s sports.
An issue of particular concern in recent legislative sessions are the barriers to expanding school choice and participation in open enrollment. Currently, when families transfer their children to a new school for better educational opportunities, students being transferred after ninth grade can be barred from participating in varsity sports for up to one year, as a penalty for parents who dare make such a choice. This penalty system hidden within high school athletics has discouraged families from fully using school choice and open-enrollment opportunities which expand educational access and encourage healthy competition between school systems to provide the best possible education for students.
