| Macy Bolinske grew up in Minot, North Dakota and is a homeowner with her husband Ben Bolinske. She graduated from Bishop Ryan Catholic School and went on to get a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of North Dakota, graduating Summa Cumma Laude at the top of her class. In 2014, Macy was chosen as Miss Norsk Hostfest representing her Scandinavian heritage. That led to her involvement with the Miss America Organization and in 2016, she was crowned Miss North Dakota. She then went on to represent the state at the 2017 Miss America competition. During her year of service within the organization, she dedicated herself to preventing drinking and driving and promoting positive decisions among our young people. Macy did a school tour speaking to thousands of North Dakota students of all ages with her presentation, You Decide the Road Ahead. In addition to her school tour, she partnered with the North Dakota Department of Transportation on a campaign, worked closely with Northern Lights Students Against Destructive Decisions and met with our Representative and Senators in Washington, DC. At UND, she served as a student representative on two separate committees dedicated to addressing high-risk alcohol and drug use both among students and community members. Tackling substance abuse became a focal point for her after visiting centers like the Heartview Foundation and seeing the struggle of people in the city of Minot through our local shelters.
Macy's first job out of college was as a Case Manager for the YWCA women and children's shelter in Minot. It was in this job she was exposed to the reality of so many people's struggles in our community. She was privileged to help dozens of women and children find permanent housing and jobs. She later went on to work within the Minot Public School district as a paraprofessional. Something near and dear to her heart is working with our vulnerable populations and doing her best to serve those with disabilities. Macy serves on the board for the North Dakota Miss Amazing pageant, a competition for women and girls with disabilities, and has been involved since its inception.
Macy currently works as a financial administrator for her family's business. She has been involved firsthand with seeing the impact just one business can have on a community in terms of keeping families fed and the economy growing. She is honored to call North Dakota home where our midwestern values and morals are of top importance. In addition to working in our business sector, Macy has worked and volunteered as a coach for girls' basketball for both Bishop Ryan and Minot High School. She believes having strong female role-models can be a difference maker in the lives of so many young girls. Macy and her husband Ben welcomed their first daughter into the world this past year and look forward to raising her in the Magic City. Macy believes North Dakota is the best place to start a business and raise a family. She says family values are what makes our state so special and the feeling that anywhere you go, nowhere compares to home. |