Legacy & Leadership

Who we are, how we came to be.

Community Built on Connection

Lakselaget brings together women who believe curiosity, courage and collaboration can change communities!

Our members include business leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, artists, students, nonprofit professionals and community volunteers — women from many backgrounds who share a spirit of engagement and generosity.
Check out our board of directors

OUR MISSION

Lakselaget is a professional network of women interested in contemporary Norwegian business, government, and culture, and provides educational scholarships for Minnesotan and Norwegian students and professionals to study in both countries. 

Our History

In the early 2000s, a group of Norwegian-American women (read Co-founder Leslee Lane Hoyum’s story) set out to create a professional networking group of their own. Laks, the Norwegian word for salmon, was chosen as a playful nod to their heritage and over time, came to symbolize something even greater: resilience, determination and the courage to swim against the current.

Like salmon, Lakselaget members are willing to swim against the current, pursuing education, strengthening community and creating opportunities for future generations.

OUR VISION AND VALUES

Lakselaget advances the connection between the United States and Norway by bringing visionary cultural programming to life and by providing educational scholarships for Minnesotan and Norwegian students and professionals in both countries.

Empowerment

Confidence to choose
your path

Heritage

Traditions and values
carried forward

Community

Connection through
shared interests

Learning

 Curiosity
throughout life

Opportunity

Possibility to
grow and achieve

What We Do

Build Community

Our programs bring women together for thoughtful conversations, networking, cultural experiences and shared learning throughout the year.

Invest in Women

Scholarships and educational opportunities help women pursue academic study, research, travel, and professional growth while deepening connections between Minnesota and Norway.

Strengthen Connections

We foster relationships across generations, professions, and borders, creating opportunities that benefit individuals and communities on both sides of the Atlantic.

Board of Directors