Nora Sandstad, 39, Duluth
What do you do?
Assistant St. Louis County Attorney, Duluth School Board Member and mom. I solve problems.
ADVERTISEMENT
Education
University of Minnesota Morris and University of Minnesota.
Community involvement
I am currently serving on the Duluth School Board and the Planned Parenthood Regional Advisory Committee. I’ve had previous involvement with the Volunteer Attorney Program, Chester Bowl Improvement Club and Minnesota Women Lawyers.
Tell us about your loved ones
Partnership of 20 years with Nate LaCoursiere, with whom I joyously parent (and/or patiently tolerate) Henry, 7 years old, and Charlie, 5. Nate and I once nearly divorced in a tandem kayak but now successfully helm a sailboat together. It's all about sharing the tiller, dear. Henry, uber theatrical, wants to grow up and be a Pokemon; Charlie is a barnacle who loves all sporting activities. My dad, sister and brother and their partners live in the Twin Cities and my in-laws are in Frazee and Moorhead. It takes a geographically challenging village.
ADVERTISEMENT
What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy gathering with friends, reading mysteries, hiking in Chester Park, bonfires, paddle boarding, rabble-rousing and sailing.
Tell us about an influential person in your life
I met my friend Chris Bue in college in the late 1990s. We share a strong friendship, a hope that Ruth Bader Ginsburg will outlast the current president and an interest in helping other women succeed. Chris took a different path in life: She's the big city to my Duluth, cutting-edge tech work to my government lawyer gig, and child-free by choice (but appreciates a goofy Snapchat from my boys). She's shown me how to be unapologetic, to shake off mistakes and charge ahead, to change direction when your path no longer fits you, to ask for help when you need it, and to invest energy and resources in the people and things you love. She also knows how to enjoy life anywhere and everywhere. Just ask the wait staff.
What's the best decision you've ever made?
ADVERTISEMENT
To transfer college after my first ho-hum year at the U of M in Minneapolis and move out to Morris. Among the cow pastures and ceaseless prairie wind I found a gem of a community filled with smart and quirky folks intent on making the world a better place. These are my people. Morris is where I met my husband, Nate, who was a pretty good decision, too.
What is your biggest accomplishment?
Building so many relationships with extraordinary, caring people who showed up when I was in need.
What keeps you in the Twin Ports?
The lake, its sunrises, the friends, the parks and the meaningful work I get to do.
ADVERTISEMENT
Describe your happy place
It involves a giant inflatable swan, sunshine and gentle breeze, and a gorgeous lake in Kandiyohi County.
What’s your five-year plan?
To chip away those things in my life that don't make me the best Nora I can be. Also to do more yoga and continue to be able to outrun my kids.
What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?
You can and should be both passionate and adaptable. Invest yourself - your energy, your voice, your gifts - in those people and actions you value.
