Empowering the Next Generation: Lori Moen on the Mission Behind 2025 Polk County All Skills Day

A Note from A Wandering Fire

We believe in the spark that ignites when people come together with purpose. That’s why we’re proud to shine a light on community leaders like Lori Moen, whose story and service continue to inspire the next generation of people across the Northwoods.

The Polk County All Skills Day is a movement built on mentorship, access, and hands-on learning. And at the heart of that movement are people like Lori, who show up year after year with passion, creativity, and an unwavering belief in what’s possible.

This article honors Lori’s contributions, her journey through multiple industries, and her tireless work to help young people find their place in the world. We’re honored to share her story as part of the AWF Hero Project, celebrating the people lighting the way in our greater community.

—Maaren & Sean
Founders, A Wandering Fire

Lighting the Spark for Future Careers in Polk County

As the Polk County Fairgrounds prepares to host the 2025 All Skills Day, the energy behind the event continues to build, thanks in part to dedicated advocates like Lori Moen. A recently retired construction professional with a diverse background spanning healthcare, food service, and emergency response, Moen has been a driving force behind the event’s outreach and development since its inception in 2017.

All Skills Day is more than just a career fair: it’s a collaborative, hands-on experience designed to expose students to the full spectrum of skilled trades and workforce opportunities across the region. Moen, who began her career in an entry-level construction role, is quick to remind students that their starting point doesn’t define their future.

“You can do whatever you put your mind to,” she says. “Don’t quit. Don’t throw in the towel if you hit a roadblock. Look at it as a detour, and sometimes that detour is the exact road you needed.”

Transformation From Construction Career Day to All Skills Day

Initially launched as a Construction Career Day, the event emerged from brainstorming sessions between professionals who recognized the growing gap in workforce development, especially in the trades. 

“It started as a collaboration of like-minded people from a couple of local companies,” Moen recalls. “We thought, if we wanted to see change, it had to start with us.”

As enthusiasm spread and other industries expressed interest, the event evolved into an All Skills Career Day, highlighting everything from manufacturing and healthcare to hospitality, agriculture, and beyond.

For Moen, the annual event is an opportunity to get creative with employers and help them design interactive booths that truly showcase what they do. She’s particularly passionate about using her own story to inspire women and minorities to see themselves in fields like construction.

“Being a woman breaking into the industry years ago, I know the challenges firsthand,” she says. “Now, I want to be the person who says ‘You can do this, too’ and provide support and answers for those seeking something better.”

Connecting Passion to Purpose

Moen’s mission closely mirrors the goals of All Skills Day: to educate and empower. The event isn’t just for students; it’s also for parents, educators, and communities that may not always realize the broad range of career pathways available without a traditional four-year degree.

“Success doesn’t always come from college. There are other pathways, and a lot of them start right in our backyard,” she says. “We’re here to support those students who might be undecided, or who learn best by doing.”

She emphasizes the importance of helping “hands-on learners” discover options that suit their strengths. From operating equipment to exploring public safety or culinary arts, the day is designed to ignite interest and inspire exploration.

Shaping the Future Workforce

As someone who has worn many hats, including Certified Nursing Assistant, EMT, night shift manager, bartender, and construction worker, to name a few, Moen believes that adaptability and persistence are two of the most critical skills young people can develop today.

“Every job I’ve had has taught me something valuable,” Moen says. “That’s what I want these students to see: that no experience is wasted.”

Her hopes for future All Skills Day events include expanded participation from both businesses and schools, as well as more regional collaboration to amplify their impact. She also dreams of seeing more employers create immersive experiences that let students try their hand at different trades.

“We want to continue bridging the gaps between students and opportunity, between schools and employers,” she says. “The more connections we make, the more we all benefit.”

Learn more about attending the Polk County Career Skills Day here. 

About A Wandering Fire

A Wandering Fire is a mobile wood-fired catering company dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences with artisan pizza and open-fire hospitality. Through fresh ingredients, creativity, and intentional partnerships, we help turn gatherings into lasting memories — one slice at a time.