To Seeand Be Seen

Sharon’s 50th Birthday Dinner

On December 8 I will turn 50. And on December 5 I’m thrilled to celebrate that with remarkable women like you.

Saturday
December 5, 2026

6:30 p.m.

Sharon’s House
8555 Red Oak Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55347

The Vision

To see and be seen is one of life’s great treasures. Each of you has seen me in ways that make me feel valued and more fully alive. Even more precious, you have each allowed me to see you—beyond the surface, to the heart and hopes that shape you. What a beautiful sight.

But seeing isn’t everything. I try to live a life that walks by faith, not just by sight—embracing mystery, trusting God at work beyond what I can see, and joining a story larger than my own. For my birthday, I want to delight in both the joy of seeing and the goodness of discovery, and do so in the company of women who have taught me about both.

The Plan

It may sound high-concept, but the plan is simple: food, drinks, conversation. We’ll eat dinner around a shared table, but also have time to mix and mingle around the house. All of you know at least one other guest, but no one knows more than a few. That’s because I’ve always been more of a one-friend-at-a-time person than part of a group.

So having you all together is a true treat for me—and I think you’ll love each other, too. I know some amazing women, if I do say so myself. I’ve given you a glimpse below of who will be around the table. Some of you I’ve known for decades and some for months; all of you mean something singular to me.

Who You’ll See

A little about each of the women coming, so you can put a face to a name before the night.

Jen Boardman

What I seeLooks cool, loves school. Never runs out of questions in the best way. She’ll make you laugh so hard you wet your pants. (Ask me how I know.) Treasured sidekick at both CPC and Open Book.
Rachel Dyrud

What I seeBrilliant lawyer, bold dresser, and authentic person. I got to cheer for her in the NYC marathon. We met nearly 20 years ago at a church neither of us have been to since. Best lipstick, best laughs.
Liz Emmerich

What I seeEmbodies a spirit of “I’m for you” in how she loves people. Known for honest words, thoughtful walks, and great crab salad. The wind beneath the wings of Open Book.
Kristin Evenson

What I seeWise and loving nurturer of the soul. Has also nurtured the evolution of my house with both elbow grease and taste. The unofficial muse of this event.
Susan Harris

What I seeA giver to the core. Has twice been a client, twice a co-worker, and forever a friend. Has cool clothes, cool kids, and is all-in on Hallmark movies.
Jess Johnson

What I seeA listener and joy-bringer. One of the highest-capacity people I know and yet always keeps her chill. Her mind is fascinating and her heart beautiful. Ask to see her photography!
Emily Kevan

What I seeOne of Minnesota’s best doctors and someone who breaks into my house to leave me banana bread. Friend since 2nd grade. She and her family are why I live in Eden Prairie.
Taina Luhtala

What I seeNew friend, brilliant woman, looks you deep in the eye and means it. What started as a business inquiry became a 4-hour lunch and grew into a kindred spirit. Married to the senior pastor of the church I’m now attending.
Lauren Mulonda

What I seeListener and truth-teller. We’ve overlapped at two Open Book clients, but it’s the after-hours conversations as friends I cherish most. Lauren goes deep, and she’s walked deep waters. I think she’s remarkable.
Dawn Rynders

What I seeNew friend, old soul. We bonded at a party where she knew everyone and I knew almost no one. She’s been showing me that kind of joyful welcome ever since, because now I apparently go to her church and am in her small group. This woman is gold.
Jen Schnaible

What I seeGrace incarnate. Jen spent 8 years keeping me sane and Open Book solvent by managing our finances and admin. In me, she got a boss who could barely read a spreadsheet. In her, I got a pillar of integrity, stability, and kindness. In other news, she’s happy she no longer owns chickens.
Meghan Scott

What I seeStrong and courageous. A friend since 2nd grade who lived all over the world and came back into my life in a big way a few years ago. Can be relied on for both belly laughs and a tender head on your shoulder. Speaks the language of plants and pets.
Wendy Stromberg

What I seeEncourager and champion of people. After I heard her speak at an event, I cold-emailed her and asked her to lunch. Grateful to now call her friend and consultant to my business! Wendy unlocks insight.
Kailey Tachick

What I seePatron saint of generous words and Wisconsin cheese. Friend, client, and soulful seeker of truth. Leads a family business that is a force multiplier for good in the world. Wishes she loved sports.
Susan Umlor

What I seeA woman of valor. We maybe (?) met in high school, but several years ago she made me cry in my living room by sharing about IJM’s work around the world. Now we have to be friends forever. Great taste in podcasts.

Who You’ll Unfortunately Not See

These women have conflicts and can’t attend, but I honor them all the same!

Tess Bademan

What I seeThe original ambassador of All Saints Church. I’ve known her husband for 10+ years and am so happy to now know her. Has great taste in books and burgers.
Caity Graves

What I seeCame to Open Book two years ago as we were both making changes in our life, work, and how we relate to both. I learn from her every day. Matron of leopard print.
Julie Rybarcyzk

What I seeThe role model whose example first gave me the courage to be self-employed—and has supported me at every step since. Style icon and owner of pink appliances.

There are so many other women I could include in this gathering. To keep the evening intimate, the guest list is local friends only, and just enough to fit around one (large) table.

Thank you

for seeing me,
and for letting me see you.

See you December 5