2024 Alumni Honors: Emily O'Brien

Alumna honored with the 2024 Young Alumni Achievement Award.

Hometown: Lakeville, Minnesota

Major: Entrepreneurship

On winning office at the age of 23:

The district chair reached out to me to ask if I would run. I got on a call with Cynthia Schrieber-Beck, who represents a district in Wahpeton. She encouraged me to do it and offered to take me under her wing and teach me the ropes if I won. 

So, I end up winning and I’m hiding in the bathroom of the Hilton Garden Inn freaking out a bit when Bruce Gjovig calls and says, “Representative O’Brien.” And I thought, ‘What did I just sign up for?’

Those first two years I took the mentality that you have two ears and one mouth, and you should use them proportionally. I believe you can do anything if you put your mind to it and listen and learn. 

Favorite experience at UND:

I struggled my first semester getting involved in meeting people. I had an advisor who suggested I check out sorority recruitment. I joined Gamma Phi. It was a blast. I loved it and wouldn’t change that experience for the world. 

On becoming a mom:

During my second session, I was pregnant with my first child [O’Brien now has two girls while her boyfriend has three children]. After having a kid, the bills you pass hit differently. You realize that you are impacting future generations. 

Both my kids spent a lot of time with me in Bismarck and were exposed early to the process. It’s rewarding to be an example for them and to set the standard that you can be whatever it is you want to be.