Join us on April 29, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at the UND Memorial Union for LAUNCH, a high-energy demo day where startups showcase their products and progress to investors, mentors, and industry experts. Experience dynamic pitches, live demos, networking over appetizers, and connect with a vibrant mix of venture capitalists, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. Whether discovering the next big idea or making valuable connections, LAUNCH is a spark for innovation and growth. Don’t miss the chance to witness the future of startups in action!
Adrian serves as our Process Improvement Specialist at CFI. Whether he’s managing events, helping members and guests, or brainstorming with the team, he’s always on the go. His contributions are vital to the smooth operation of CFI, and we’re incredibly grateful to have him on board! Read on to learn more about Adrian!
Adrian Luevano
1. What do you typically do during a day at work?
On a typical day at work, I help manage events in our meeting rooms, assist with creating policies and processes, and help visitors at the Center for Innovation.
2. What college did you attend and what was your major?
I studied International Relations at the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in Monterrey, Mexico, and after that, I earned my Master’s degree in Prospective and Strategic Studies at Tecnológico de Monterrey.
3. What is your favorite book or movie?
My favorite book I would say is Cloud Atlas
4. If you could drop everything and go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
My favorite city is Kyoto, but right now I would love to go to the beach.
5. What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
My favorite thing to do in my free time is spend time with my wife and play with my dog.
6. What is your favorite part of living in Grand Forks?
My favorite part of living in Grand Forks is that it has the best of both worlds – it has the advantages of a big city, like having plenty to do, but also the perks of a small town, like no traffic, low pollution, and a really peaceful atmosphere.
7. What is your favorite part about working at CFI?
My favorite part about working at CFI is the positive and supportive work environment. I really enjoy how everyone is always willing to collaborate and help each other.
47% of 2018-19 participants have stayed in Grand Forks region, InternGF officials say
Becca Cruger (left), workforce development director for the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corp., and Amy Whitney, director of UND’s Center for Innovation, welcome attendees at the Feb. 21 launch of the 2025 InternGF program. The program was held at the Center for Innovation on the UND campus. Photo by Mark Maliskey, Marketing & Communications manager, Grand Forks Region EDC.
The UND Center for Innovation and Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation hosted the 2025 launch of InternGF on Feb. 21, marking the program’s second annual kickoff event.
At the event, attendees reflected on six years of growth since the program’s inception in 2018, calling attention to key milestones in workforce development. Employers and former interns shared firsthand experiences, showcasing the program’s lasting impact on students, businesses and the regional economy.
Local employers, high-wage careers
The InternGF partnership between the Center for Innovation and the Grand Forks EDC began when both organizations recognized a need to help the region’s recruitment and retention efforts. The organizations came together and designed InternGF to introduce UND students to high-wage, unique and in-demand careers with local employers in the Grand Forks region.
The program funds up to $3,500 per internship for selected employers, with the focus being on start-ups and Grand Forks EDC members.
Center for Innovation Director Amy Whitney and Grand Forks EDC Workforce Development Director Becca Cruger opened the event with a look at InternGF’s impact over the past six years, highlighting its role in strengthening the regional workforce and creating new opportunities for students and employers.
At the second annual InternGF kickoff event on Feb. 21, participants learned more about the program and its success at serving students, businesses and the regional economy. Photo by Mark Maliskey, Marketing & Communications manager, Grand Forks Region EDC.
148 internships since 2018
A key element of their presentation was the program’s significant wage impact on the Grand Forks region. Since its launch in 2018, InternGF has funded more than 148 internships, providing $268,000 in reimbursements to participating companies — contributing to a total regional wage impact exceeding $500,000.
The InternGF program has not only made a significant impact on the region’s economy, but it has also enriched UND students’ experiences and shaped their futures. Gracie Lian, a UND alum who participated in the program during the summer of 2019 as an administration intern for Grand Forks County, shared how her mentorship experience influenced her career path:
“I found my internship during my sophomore year while searching for opportunities in the nonprofit public sector,” Lian said. “Through that experience, I learned about UND’s Master’s in Public Administration degree program and applied during my junior year.
“Once accepted, the skills and insights I gained from my summer internship played a key role in helping me succeed throughout the program.”
Lian has continued her work with Grand Forks County, now serving as a project coordinator, fully embracing her passion for nonprofit work. Building on the foundation her internship provided, she continues to make a lasting impact in the community — just as many of her peers have.
In fact, 47% of participants from Lian’s 2018-19 InternGF cohort have remained in the Grand Forks region, living and working where their careers first began.
Gracie Lian (center), UND ’21, a project coordinator with Grand Forks County and a panelist at InternGF’s recent 2025 launch event, talks about her previous experience as an InternGF participant. Photo by Mark Maliskey, Marketing & Communications manager, Grand Forks Region EDC.
Six years of strong connections
InternGF creates unique local internship opportunities, allowing students to find positions aligned with their interests without having to look elsewhere.
Consider Aethero, a UAS and AI technology startup that focuses on analyzing building infrastructure and collecting critical data on structural health. Having support for interns has increased their success in identifying UAS drone pilots and technical talent, as highlighted at the event by Karthik Balaji, head of Technology and Product Development at Aethero and a UND alum.
“InternGF was one of the crucial programs that helped support us through powering the research and development phase into our commercialization,” Balaji said.
To conclude the event, Chelsea Mellenthin, director of Career Engagement at UND’s Experiential Learning Center, and Kate Larson, assistant director of Experiential Learning, encouraged employers to expand internship and mentorship opportunities for UND students, highlighting the importance of increasing opportunities for international students as well.
InternGF continues to forge strong connections between UND students and the expanding regional job market, boosting both the local economy and students’ career prospects in the Grand Forks region.
The program’s evolution and impact on participants such as Gracie Lian and innovative companies such as Aethero show InternGF’s capacity to introduce and retain talent in the region, speakers said at the Feb. 21 event. By creating a symbiotic relationship between academic talent and local businesses, InternGF has established itself as a pipeline for student achievement and regional economic development.
Running a small business in Grand Forks is no small feat. From juggling daily operations to planning for growth, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. Winter months bring their own set of challenges—slumps in sales, staffing shortages, and questions about how to expand into new markets.
What if you could tackle these challenges head-on and leave with a plan you’re excited to put into action?
The Solution Sprint Workshop on December 7th is your opportunity to step away from the daily grind, focus on your business, and walk out with a concrete, actionable plan.
Why You Should Attend
If you’re a small business owner looking to:
Attract more customers and boost sales.
Overcome the winter sales slump.
Find and retain reliable staff.
Explore and plan for expansion into new markets.
Then this workshop is for you.
This is a high-impact, hands-on workshop tailored to business owners who want results. Together, we’ll dig into your biggest challenges and work step-by-step to create a strategy that works for you.
Photo captured doing strategy planning
What to Expect
Here’s how the day unfolds:
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Clarify
We’ll start by exploring your vision, gathering insights, and clearly defining your most pressing challenges.
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Ideate
Using creative thinking techniques, you’ll brainstorm potential solutions, identifying ideas with the most potential to move forward.
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Lunch
Take a break and enjoy a delicious lunch on us while connecting with fellow business owners.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM: Develop
Refine, evaluate, and strengthen your top ideas to turn them into actionable solutions.
1:30 PM – 3:00 PM: Implement
You’ll finish the day by creating a practical, step-by-step plan that you can execute immediately to grow your business.
Solution Sprint Agenda
Why This Workshop Works
Practical, Hands-On Approach
Forget boring PowerPoints. You’ll roll up your sleeves, work through your real business scenarios, and leave with tools you can use right away.
Collaborative Energy
Connect with other Grand Forks business owners who share your challenges and aspirations. Share insights, learn from their experiences, and leave with fresh perspectives.
Expert Guidance
You’ll be guided by an experienced facilitator who knows how to help you clarify your vision, prioritize what matters, and take action.
Workshop Details
📅 Date: Thursday, December 7th
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Lunch included!)
📍 Location: Center for Innovation, 4200 James Ray Drive, Grand Forks
💡 Cost: $250 per participant
👉 Sign up now and save $50 with the early bird discount! Use code EARLYBIRD at checkout.
