Churches United lead shelter advocate named to United Way 35 Under 35

Ariel Borgen will participate in programs to develop her leadership skills

Lead Shelter Advocate Ariel Borgen was named to the United Way of Class-Clay’s 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program class of 2026.

One of Churches United's own is making waves in the community and is certain to make even more as she develops her leadership skills thanks to a coveted United Way of Cass-Clay program.   

Ariel Borgen, a part-time lead advocate at Micah’s Mission, was selected as part of the United Way’s 2026 35 Under 35 Women’s Leadership Program class. Brogen, who works full-time doing marketing for Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch Thrift Stores, found her way to Micah’s Mission in pursuit of part-time work that was fun and meaningful.

“I was looking for something part-time to do on the weekends when my husband watched football that had a good impact,” Borgen said. “When I got here, I just fell in love with it. I like being here.”

As part of the 35 Under 35 program, once a month for six months, Borgen will participate in training for different leadership skills like communication, conflict management, public speaking and personal growth, all of which will be applicable to her roles at Churches United and Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch.

“I’m looking forward to the networking aspect,” she said. “I’m a very shy person until you get to know me, until I get comfortable in my environment.”

While she may describe herself as shy, that didn’t hold her back from applying for the program, and in the end, her persistence paid off in being selected for this year’s class.

“I have been applying for four years, so it was a pretty big relief (to be selected),” she said. “This is the last year, too, that I could qualify. It’s something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time because it’s such a prominent thing in our community.”

Borgen is grateful not only for the opportunity for self-growth but the spotlight it brings to both of her employers.

“I’m just excited to get both missions out there,” Borgen said.

Churches United CEO Pastor Devlyn Brooks congratulated Borgen on her achievement and praised her contributions to Churches United.

"It is no surprise to any of us at Churches United that Ariel was selected for this prestigious leadership program,” Brooks said. “Since the first day Ariel started as an advocate she demonstrated her leadership qualities. She has the utmost respect for all of her colleagues, and the passion and compassion to serve the hundreds of neighbors who visit Micah's Mission every day. We are fortunate that Ariel chose Churches United as a place to utilize her many talents!"