2013 Inductee - Constance L. Bakken

Connie graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Medical Technology and worked for six years in the laboratory of Abbott Northwestern Hospital. After marrying, she became a full-time mother to her four children. Connie’s career as an entrepreneur began at the age of 56 when she bought Citizens Independent Bank in St. Louis Park in 1980 on the advice of her divorce lawyer. He said she would need something to keep her busy after her divorce.

Connie grew the business assets of the Citizens Independent Bank from $44 million to over $300 million with four branches. In 1994, Connie received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Minnesota Chapter of NAWBO. For many years, from the late 1990’s through the early 2000’s, Connie was listed each year among the Top 25 Women Business Owners by City Business (now the Business Journal newspaper). By 2006, Connie’s bank was identified as the largest woman-owned bank in Minnesota. She was named one of eleven “Distinguished Women in Banking” by Northwestern Financial Review in1990 and has been honored with the Career Achievement Award from Women in Business.

Connie has been a member of several banking associations, as well as the National Association of Women Business Owners. She was also a member of Rotary. Connie has served as a director of Youth Encounter Foundation, the Foundation HealthSystem Minnesota and the TwinWest Chamber of Commerce. She has served on the board of directors of Presbyterian Homes Minnesota, Minnesota Bankers Association/MAIB, Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis and she was a trustee at Hamline University. Connie is a supporter of many community programs and non-profit organizations. She also advocates for women's education and athletics in Minnesota.

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