Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC) named Laura Kulsrud the 2026 SHERO Award recipient. Established by JRMC’s OB-GYN department, the award recognizes women in the community who exemplify courage, outstanding accomplishments and noble qualities that inspire others.
As a Help Desk Specialist at Dakota Central, Kulsrud has built a career focused on helping others. She delivers exceptional customer service, patiently instructs customers and consistently goes above and beyond those she serves. Colleague Nikki Boote nominated her, praising her unwavering strength and devotion to her family, career and community.
“There are people who inspire through words, and there are those who inspire through the way they live every single day,” Boote wrote in her nomination. “Laura is the latter.”
Kulsrud makes her greatest impact as a devoted mother, advocate and caregiver.
Laura and her husband, Jay, dedicate their lives to caring for their three sons, all of whom were diagnosed with Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration (PKAN), a rare genetic disorder. While balancing a full-time career, Kulsrud tirelessly advocates for her sons, securing opportunities that improve their quality of life. Beyond advocating for her own family, Kulsrud helped advance North Dakota’s Right to Try bill, expanding access to experimental treatments for patients with life-threatening conditions when no other options remained.
She also ensures her sons can fully participate in activities they love, including 4-H, while building relationships with policymakers and advocates to expand opportunities for families affected by rare diseases.
“She does not complain. She does not seek recognition,” Boote wrote. “Instead, she shows up day after day with resilience, compassion and a positive spirit that uplifts everyone around her.”
Kulsrud’s commitment to serving others reaches throughout her Grace City community. She volunteers as an EMT, serves on her local school board, mentors youth through 4-H, stays active in her church and continues to support Make-A-Wish after the organization touched her family’s life. Together, she and her husband own a construction business and recently transformed a barn on their farmstead into the County Line Barn event center.
The award came as an unexpected honor for Kulsrud.
“Receiving this award was a complete surprise,” Kulsrud said. “I have never considered myself anything but a regular person who is living life and having fun while doing it. I am honored to be thought of as someone who has made a difference or inspired others. My faith is what keeps me grounded and whether it’s helping a customer or advocating for my children, I believe kindness and a caring attitude can change someone’s life.”
JRMC presents the SHERO Award annually to honor women whose strength, compassion and perseverance make a lasting difference in the lives of others. The organization recognized Kulsrud during a special ceremony at Dakota Central on June 29 attended by family, friends, colleagues and JRMC team members.