Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Heino.
Hi Heidi, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Right after the September 11 attacks, I moved to Minnesota without ever having visited the state. What started as a leap of faith quickly became home, and it’s where I raised my family.
For a season, I was a stay-at-home mom and didn’t use my college degree, even though I had worked hard to earn it. After my divorce, I found myself with a gap in my resume and two young children to support. That season required resilience, and it ultimately reshaped the direction of my life.
I began rebuilding through the fitness industry, which opened the door to an opportunity in corporate fitness at an insurance company. From there, I was able to grow my career, take on leadership roles, and complete two master’s degrees. It was a time of both professional and personal transformation.
A few years ago, I felt called to step away from the corporate world and move into public service. I knew I needed to strengthen my voice and leadership in a new way, which is when I was introduced to the Fellowship of Extraordinary Women.
The experience was powerful. It was a community of women who genuinely supported one another as they pursued their individual callings. At the time, the organization had chapters in Milwaukee and Atlanta, but nothing in Minnesota. I saw a gap, especially for Christian women in business and leadership, and felt led to help fill it.
That led me to bring the Fellowship of Extraordinary Women to the Twin Cities, creating a space where women can grow, lead, and serve, living out their faith through their work and their impact in the community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. Like anything meaningful, it has come with real challenges, and it still does.
This isn’t a traditional business with a storefront or steady revenue. I rent space through the City of Roseville once a month just to create a place for women to gather in person. From the beginning, this was never about making money or building something for profit; it was about impact. It’s about touching the lives of these women, and by extension, their families and communities.
Financially, there have been sacrifices. But the connections, the personal breakthroughs, and the growth I’ve seen in these women far outweigh any of that. Watching someone realize their voice matters, and that they have something meaningful to offer the world is incredibly powerful.
At the same time, I’m still working in corporate while building the Fellowship of Extraordinary Women and running for State Senate. It’s a lot to carry, and there are definitely moments that stretch me. However, I believe that when you’re walking in your calling, it’s not always easy, but it is always worth it.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
The Fellowship of Extraordinary Women Twin Cities is a community designed to equip and connect women who feel called to lead, whether in business, ministry, or their everyday lives. We create space for women to grow not just professionally, but personally and spiritually, so they can step fully into the impact they’re meant to have.
What we’re known for is the depth of connection and the intentionality behind everything we do. This isn’t surface-level networking. It’s a place where women are challenged, supported, and sharpened alongside others pursuing purpose. Our gatherings include teaching, mentorship, and real conversations about what it looks like to lead with both strength and integrity.
In addition to our community gatherings, we offer structured training programs, including courses in keynote speaking, leadership development, and the FEW Institute of Trainers. These programs are designed to give women practical tools and confidence to communicate their message, lead effectively, and multiply their impact.
What sets us apart is that we center the whole woman. Many professional spaces focus only on business outcomes, but we recognize that true leadership flows from who you are at your core. When a woman is aligned in her faith, her values, and her vision, everything else, from her business to her relationships, begins to grow in a more meaningful and sustainable way.
I’m most proud of the culture we’ve created. Women walk in unsure of their voice or direction, and over time, you see them step into confidence, clarity, and boldness. That transformation is what matters most.
What I want readers to know is that this isn’t just an organization, it’s a movement of women choosing to lead differently. Women who are committed to making an impact, supporting one another, and using their gifts to influence their communities in a lasting way.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
When you step out to build something, you have to be prepared for the full range of challenges: emotional highs and lows, financial pressures, and uncertainty. It’s not a straight path, and it rarely goes the way you expect.
That’s why adaptability and tenacity are essential. You have to be willing to adjust, to learn as you go, and to keep moving forward even when things feel difficult or unclear.
For me, success hasn’t come from having everything perfectly planned; it’s come from the willingness to stay committed, keep showing up, and continue moving forward no matter what comes.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://twincities.thefewwomen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fewtwincities
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572719493944
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fellowship-of-extraordinary-women-twin-cities/
