Anne Hoefgen Named YWCA 2025 Woman of the Year

Anne Hoefgen, executive director of Legal Services of Northwest MN (LSNM), was awarded the YWCA 2025 Woman of the Year Award at the annual celebration hosted by YWCA Cass Clay on April 28th. The event recognizes women and organizations that have made significant contributions to the Fargo-Moorhead community through their passion, service, and achievements.   

Hoefgen was nominated in the “Advocating for Equality” category, which honors an individual whose work or community involvement promotes respect, inclusion, and equal rights for everyone. The honoree challenges discrimination and advocates for removing barriers, helping to ensure the community is welcoming to all.

Hoefgen’s work as executive director makes it possible to provide increased access to civil legal services and justice for the most vulnerable community members. Her volunteer efforts and community involvement center around youth sports, childcare, PTA, and domestic violence prevention, demonstrating her commitment.to the award’s aspirations.

The breadth of Hoefgen’s advocacy for equality impacts thousands of Minnesotans each year both in terms of the number impacted and the vulnerable populations it reaches, including low-income residents, racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA community members, women, seniors, the unhoused, and survivors of domestic and sexual violence. Her approach is creative and collaborative, and she seeks to build culturally competent solutions and a shared commitment among stakeholders to honor the experiences of people in need.

As one of her colleagues so eloquently stated, “The very mission of her work is everything this award stands for. Anne has shown her willingness to take the hard cases and stand up and be a voice for those less heard.”