Amy Longtin

A bit about Amy!

Amy Longtin is an IT professional leader, that invests in leadership of young women in technology and a positive role model for young women in her community. Longtin is the Founder and President of Tech4Kids, a non-profit designed to repurpose used laptops, Ipads, and MacBooks that are donated to children that do not have access to technology in their home. She is also a Senior Systems Administrator Lead at Tharaldson Hospitality Management. Longtin holds a Master of Science degree in Business management from University of Mary, and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Minnesota, Crookston. After 20+ years in the technology industry as a Helpdesk Technician, Network Administrator, Web developer, Senior Systems Administrator Longtin has focused her time to be an advocate for women in technology.

Mrs. Longtin is also the current Mrs. North Dakota America, 2020, a graduate of the 2018 North Dakota Business Center. Mrs. Longtin is very involved in her community and always tries to add value to those around her. Longtin is committed to inspire, empower, and give opportunity to women of all ages to help build self-confidence, invoke inspiration, and help mold young girls into becoming strong independent women. Amy and her husband Mark, live in Horace, ND and have two beautiful girls Brooke and Alayna.

When did you know you wanted to be…?

About 5 years ago I was sitting at job that was going no where, I had no advancement, I felt unappreciated, under paid and felt down right crappy about myself in general. I was over weight, stressed and tired. I remember saying to a particular women that was just rocking her career and side gig, "Wow you are so lucky." She fast replied I do not consider myself lucky. I put the work in. I am constantly out there working on my dream. When your out for happy hour I am at home grinding away on my computer making my business work. Establishing connections and making sales. It is not about luck. It is drive, want, and the desire to make a difference in your own life. That was when I started my journey to make a difference in my own life.

Did you think your life journey thus far would have led you to where you are at today?

Yes. I always knew I had a greater purpose than the regular 8-5 stagnate job. I guess it took a pandemic to finally find my niche.

Who inspires you?

The underdogs of any success story.

Whether it be the Cara Munds in pageantry. On September 10, 2017, she was crowned Miss America 2018 in Atlantic City and became the first contestant from North Dakota to win the competition. OR the Gary Tharaldson's in the business world. Gary was a school teacher and insurance salesman when he started out. He went out on a limb and bought his first hotel a Super 8 motel in 1982 in Valley City, N.D. From there on the rest is history. In Forbes magazine he is listed at ND richest man at a net worth of 1Billion. That is impressive! Also my children inspire me to make each day count. Each day is a blessing that is robbed of many -- make every second count. They keep reminding me to get going, I am doing this for a better future for them.

What is something you think everyone should do at least once in their life?

Travel. I love to explore different countries and cultures.

Can you share a piece of advice you've learned thus far in your journey?

Find a group of friends that are encouraging and get rid of the haters.

Anything else you would like to share?

Please follow or like Tech4Kids on Facebook. There is also a online store for Tech4Kids apparel. Very neat stuff!

The Mrs. America pageant where I will be competing and representing North Dakota is on March 19th-27th in Las Vegas and the beautiful Westgate resorts. Follow me on Instagram @mrsndamerica for more information leading to nationals.

Thank you, Amy!