20 Under 40 Awards 2017

Whatdoyouactually do?Mybackground isbusinessandpublic health.Myjobistwofold.FirstIleadtheinterdisciplinarypartnership ofthefiveEs:enforcement,engineering,emergencymedicalservices andtrauma,education andeveryone(including you)inadata-driven, evidence-basedapproach toreducefatalandseriousinjuriesonnorthern Minnesotaroads.Myjob istobringthesepartnershipstogethertolookat eachseriousinjuryand fatalcrashinourregion andlookatthecontributingfactors—speed, impairment(drugor alcohol),distractionand seatbeltuse—toseeour trendsandmakeimprovements.SincetheinceptionofTZD,Minnesotahasdecreaseddeaths onMinnesotaroadsby 40percent.Iofficein DuluthandBemidji,and coverthemostnorthern 19counties.

Yearsinyourjob:Seven Education:Bachelor’s degreeinbusinesscommunicationandhuman-

itiesfromtheCollege ofSt.Scholasticaanda master’sdegreeinpublic healthfromWalden University,whereI’m pursuingadoctoratein publichealth.

Family:Daughterof GaryandDr.Diana Kostrzewski;sistertoTiffanyVanVooren;proud aunttoZacharyand MatthewVanVooren; andproudhonorary aunttoTyler,Mireyeand TeniqueMoose.

Nativeofthearea?I recentlybegancalling myselfaDuluthianwhen IrealizedI’velivedhere longerthanwhereIgrew up.Iwasraisedinthe RedRiverValleyona potatoandgrainfarmin thefarnorthwestcorner ofthestateinStephen, Minn.

Whatdrewyouhere? Thisstorymakesme laugh!Myparentsmoved toDuluthafterIgraduatedhighschool.Icame toDuluthkickingand screaming,planningto stayforonlyonesemesteratSt.Scholastica.Not onlydidIstaypastthat onesemester,Igraduated fromCSSandhavenow livedinDuluthfor18 years.

Favoriteplaceinthe Northland:Superior HikingTrail

Howdoyouspend yourfreetime?MyDad

sustainedaspinalcord injurythreeyearsago andisparalyzed.Iput asidefinishingmydoctoratesoIcouldhelpmy parentswiththishugelife change.Ihavereturned tograduateschoolto finishmydissertation andearnadoctoratein publichealth.Ihavevery littleextratime.WhatI maketimetodoishike theSuperiorHikingTrail. Thereisnotabadsection onthattrail.Ialsoenjoy servingasamotivational speakerandtraumatic braininjuryeducator. HowcantheNorthland retainyoungerpeople? Providejobsandhelp employeespayofftheir studentloans.Perhaps helppayoffstudentloans forthosewhowentto collegehereandstayed. Influentialpersoninyour life:Iamsurroundedby strongwomenwhohave beenrolemodelsandpillarsofstrength,andwho havehelpedmakeme thewomanIamtoday. ThesewomenincludeDr. TammyOstranderand BarbKing,whowithout themIwouldnothave succeededincollegewith abraininjury.

Iappreciate“TheLady Slipper”hikinggang,a groupofwomen30-to 60-years-oldwithwhom Ihike.Aswehikethe SuperiorHikingTrail,we

talkandlaughaboutlife andprovidesupportto eachother.

Finally,mymainpillars ofstrengtharemymom, Diana,andmyolder sister,Tiffany.Mysister hasbeenever-present, cheeringmeonthrough mydarkestofdays.Iam alsofortunatetohave beenraisedbyamazing parentswhohavebeen marriedfor43yearsand havebeenthroughso manytrialsinlife,includingmybraininjuryat 18,andnowmyfather asaparaplegic.Mymom earnedadegreeperdecade,whileworkingfull timeandcaringforher family.Sheisthemost brilliant,dedicated,compassionateandcaring personIhaveevermet. Sheinstilledinmethe valuesIusetopullmyself upbymybootstrapsand haveapositiveattitude, despitethetwistsand turnsinlife.

Biggestaccomplishment?SinceIbecame brain-injuredatage18, Ithinkthatfilledmylife withextraordinaryvalue —whenyouhavetofight tolearntowalk,talk, readandwriteagain,you valuerelationships,experiencesandpeoplemore. Iknowwhomysupport teamwasthen,andthose arethepeopleIhave carriedwithmeasmy familymovingforward. TherearemanyaccomplishmentsI’mproudof; however,thetopofthe listmaybegraduating withhonorsfromcollege

despiteneurologicaltestingsuggestingIwould notsucceedincollege. Ijustre-launchedmy braininjuryeducation/ motivationalspeaking businessandwillbekeynoteatseveralupcoming rehabandneuroscience conferences.Partof mybusinessisworking withhigh-functioning, brain-injuredwomen. Therewasnotaservice likethisforwomenlike mewhenIneededit.I’m notatherapistorcounselor,butIhave18years ofexperiencelivingwith abraininjury. WhenIwas24yearsold andthekeynotespeakerforaninternational conferenceonvocational outcomesafterbrain injuryinVancouver, BritishColumbia,I presentedtoanaudience filledwithneurologists, neuropsychologistsand rehabilitationtherapists. WhenIfinishedmypresentation,all500inthe roomgavemeastanding ovation.Noteveryone withabraininjuryhas theabilitytoarticulate whatit’sliketolivewith abraininjury.Godgave methatgiftsoIcanhelp educatethoseserving peoplelivingwithTBI. Iamsoproudtobea partoftheTowardZero Deathsteamworking towardeliminatingseriousinjuriesanddeaths onMinnesotaroads.I alwayssaytosharethe roadanddrivelikeyou’d wanttodrivearound yourchild.Everyoneis

someone’schild. Threepeople–dead oralive–you’dliketo havedinnerwith:Walter Matthau,as“Grumpier OldMen”ismyfavorite movieandhemakesme laugh.JamesCordenbecauseIenjoyhiscarpool karaoke,butIstruggle withthetrafficsafetyaspectofwhatishappening inthecarandwouldlove tohaveachatwithhim aboutthat!MaryEllen Weir,mybelovedballet teacher,whohelped makemethewomanI amtoday.Shediedtoo soonandIdidn’tgeta chancetotellherwhat shemeanttomeandsay goodbye.

Five-yeargoals:HopefullyIwillfinishmy doctoratewithinthenext twoyears.Ihaveanidea forabookthatI’dlike toseepublishedbymy mid-40s.I’dlovetodance inDuluth’sDancingwith theStars—notsurewhat constitutesastarinour finecity,butIwouldlove tohavethatopportunity todanceagain!

What’sthebestbook you’vereadrecently?It wasn’tabook;itwasa scriptfor“SenseandSensibility,”theplayscheduledforlaterthisfallat TheLittleTheatreatSt. Scholastica.I’mdoing someofthechoreographyfortheshow.

Socialmedia:www.minnesotatzd.organdwww. hopehumorinspiration. com

Whatdoyouactually do?Iamaboard-certifiedurologicsurgeon, whospecializesinthe medicalandsurgical treatmentofthemaleand femaleurinarytractas wellasthemalereproductivetract.Mymain areaofclinicalfocus isminimallyinvasive surgery,andmanyofthe proceduresandsurgeries Iperforminvolveno incisions.Ninety-nine percentofthecancer operationsIperformare withthesurgicalrobot,a highlysophisticatedtool thatallowssurgeonsto performhighlycomplex operationswithaminimallyinvasiveapproach. Themajorityofour patientsusuallyexperienceextremelylowblood loss,minimaldiscomfort andoftenreturnhome within24to36hoursof theoperation.

Asmedicaldirectorof roboticsurgery,Iwork withateamofphysicians, nursesandadministratorstobringnational-level-qualityrobotic surgerytotheTwin Ports.Werecentlymade amultimilliondollar investmenttopurchase oursecondsurgicalrobot andtobringthenewest generationsurgicalrobot withadvancedtechnologytoourDuluthsite. Thisisthefirstofitskind intheTwinPortsandis allowingustoperforma widervarietyofminimallyinvasivesurgeries

forourpatients.Wehave alsopurchasedarobotic surgerytrainingsimulator,andareintheprocess ofreleasingasimulator trainingcurriculumfor our15roboticsurgeons whoworkinDuluth.This simulatorwillallowour newsurgeonstopractice skillsonthesimulator, notonpatients,andwill alsoallowforasurgical “warmup”priortostartinganactualoperation

Onepointofclarification:Surgeonscontrol therobot,nottheother wayaround.Thatwould beterrifying!We’vebeen doingroboticsurgeryat Essentiasince2004and havecompletedthousandsofcases.Ihopeour readersdon’tneedthis service,but,ifyoudo, youareingoodhands

Yearsinyourjob:Seven Education:Iattended CarletonCollegeandthe UniversityofMinnesota Duluth,andcompleted mysurgicalresidencyat MedicalCollegeofWisconsininMilwaukee

Family:Mywife,Emily, andIhavebeenmarried for13years. Wemet whileworkinginDuluth atNorthwoodChildren’s Servicesbeforeweeach wentbacktograduate school.Wehavetwo amazingdaughters, Kendall,9,andBrooke, 7.Thesetwoyoungladies aresmart,funny,empatheticpeoplewhomake theworldabetterplace Communityinvolvement:Ihavebeen

“cookiemom”forGirl ScoutTroop4006for thepasttwoyears(my affectionforthinmints andpeanutbutterpatties gotthebetterofme).This hasbeenmoreworkthan Iwasexpecting.Isalute allTroopleadersand volunteers.

Iserveontheboardof theLesterParkElementarySchoolFoundation, withmymainrole fundraising.Weorganize andfinanciallysupport Legorobotics(introand competition),DestinationImagination,Spanish Clubandschoolwide programsandassemblies.Wealsoactively supportourteacherswith annualteachergrantsfor classroomprojectsand initiatives.

DuringthispastyearI partneredwithLester Park’ssecond-grade teacherSherryWilliams tohelpcreatetheRoots andWingsGarden. Sherry’svisionwasto turnanemptyspaceinto somethingfunctionaland appealingtopullchildren andteachersoutside.My maincontributionwas toconvinceSherrythat sheshoulddreambigger andthatwecouldfind thefundingnecessaryto supporthervision.We arenowworkingtoward anoutdoorclassroom andaharvestablegarden. Mymainmotivationisto helpdrawtheconnection betweenourenvironment,thefoodweeatand ourhealth.Weallneedto betterunderstandwhere ourfoodisfrom. Nativeofthearea?Even

TONKIN: Page 4

Your leadership matters.

Special recognition to our own:

Congratulations to this year’s 20 under 40 winners.

Our community is a better place because of your dedication.

Dr. Tonkin is an outstanding example of our more than 15,000 employees who make a healthy difference in people’s lives, every day.

Urologist

Essentia

From Page 3

thoughIwasnotborninDuluth,Iconsidermyselfa fourth-generationDuluthian.Myparents,grandparentsandgreat-grandparentsalllivedandworkedin Duluth.Myparents,TomandLauraTonkin,moved fromDuluthtotheTwinCitiesduringtheVietnam drafteraasmyfatherhadreceivedanexemptionfrom thedrafttoteachhighschoolinurbanMinneapolis. WemovedtoEdenPrairiein1977whenthepopulationwasapproximately8,000.IattendedEdenPrairie HighSchoolandplayedvarsityhockeyforcoachLee Smith.

IspentthesummersofmyyouthinDuluthfishingfor brooktrout,mountainbikingandattendinghockey camps.ItwasalwaysmydreamtoreturntoDuluth toworkandraisemyfamily.IreturnedtoDuluthin 2000tofindwork,spendtimewithmyaginggrandparentsandtoapplytotheUniversityofMinnesota DuluthSchoolofMedicine.WhenIarrived,Ihadno job,nomoneyandnolocalfriends.AllIhadwasa rustedPontiacGrandAmandapoorlybehaved,but veryloveable,blackLabrador-mixdognamedDow Overthenexttwoyears,Iworkedseveralshort-term jobs(includingastintaspizzachefatSammy’s),met mywifeandstartedmedicalschool.I’mconvinced IwasacceptedtomedicalschoolbecauseIbasically refusedtoleavethecampus.Iwasthegoalieforthe medicalschoolhockeyteamlongbeforeIwaseveracceptedasamedicalstudent.Isimplylovethatmedical schoolandallthefacultyandstaffthatcontinueto makeitatopmedicalschoolinthecountry. Howdoyouspendyourfreetime?Fishthelocal troutstreamsinDuluthandnorthernWisconsin. I’mveryfortunatetohavemanypatientswhoarein thetwilightoftheirlivesandarewillingtotradesome

oftheirsecretfishingholesforredcarpetmedicalcare (Iamonlypartiallykidding).Ilovespendingtimeon localwaters,especiallytheoneshiddenwithinthecity limitsofDuluth.

Mywife,Emily,andIarebecomingseriousgardeners, andweenjoyworkingourLakeSuperiorplotofland. Wehaveexcellentsunexposure,andouryardisturningintoanediblelandscape. Ourgoalistoincrease oursustainabilityeveryyear.

Ofcourse,spendingtimewithmykidsisatoppriority.WeliketobiketheLakewalkandstopatAmity Coffeewheneverpossible.Ialsobroughtmydaughter KendallonherfirstBoundaryWatersCanoeArea WildernesscanoetripthisAugust.

Influentialpersoninyourlife:Dr.BrantBarrhas beenthemostinfluentialpersoninmyprofessional life.WemetwhenIpursuedanontraditionalmedical curriculumduringmythirdyearofmedicalschool calledtheRuralPhysiciansAssociateProgram.I spentthatyearinFaribault,Minn.,whereheworked asanobstetrician/gynecologist.Hequicklybecame amentorandfriend.Heisnowsemiretiredfrom clinicalmedicineandworksasaphysiciancoach,and continuestoaskmethecriticalquestionsaboutmy lifeandmyprofessionalpursuits.

Biggestaccomplishment:MybiggestpersonalaccomplishmentcameinFebruary.Thegreatpeople ofHanabiSushichosemy“TonkinRoll”creationas theirfeaturedspecialtysushirollofthemonth.The “TonkinRoll”featuresfriedsoft-shellcrab,cream cheese,avocadoandistoppedwithspicymayoand bacon.Boom!

Inoneword:savory.

Intwowords:lifechanger. Ihaveonlyoneremaininggoalformylife:tomake the“TonkinRoll”thefeaturedpremiumspecialtyroll atHanabiSushiandtogetitformallyaddedtotheir menu.

SomefriendsandIhaveofferedtomakeadonation toCHUMforevery“TonkinRoll”thatissoldifthis weretohappen.

Comeon,Hanabi!

Threepeople–deadoralive–you’dliketohave dinnerwith:JeffTweedy,ShjonPodeinandMichelle Obama.

TweedyistheleadsingerofthebandWilco.I’dwant tohearwhathehastosayabouttheevolutionofhis bandoverits22yearsandwhatheandhisbandmateshavedonetokeepthebandtogether.I’malso curiousonhisinsightspertainingtoworkingwithin themusicindustryandspecificallywithintheeraof digitalstreamingmusic.IloveWilcoandtheband heformedwithhissonSpencercalledTweedy.Ifyou haven’t,checkthemout.

PodeinisthehighschoolhockeycoachatSt.Louis Park(Minn.)HighSchool,butbetterknownforbeing agreathockeyplayeratUMDandforalongcareer intheNationalHockeyLeague.HewontheStanley CupwhenhewaswiththeColoradoAvalanche, wontheKingClancyMemorialTrophyin2001and wasrecognizedforbestexemplifyingthequalitiesof leadershiponandofftheiceandformakingsubstantialhumanitariancontributionstohiscommunity.I knewPodeinasacounselorfrommysummerhockey camps.Hewasagenuinelyniceperson,andhiswork ethicwassomethingthathasstuckwithmeallthese years.

Obamaisanamazingwoman.I’dlovetohearhow shekeptnormalcywithintheWhiteHousewhileher daughtersweregrowingup,aswellasherideasabout theimportanceofnutritionforournation’schildren andhowwemightdobetterasanationinproviding high-qualityfoodforourpublicschools.Iwouldlove topitchhertheideaofanediblelandscapeatevery publicschool.Whyaren’tthereappletreesatbusstops andnearplaygrounds?

What do youactually do? In addition to doing hair,owningmyown businesshas givenme thefreedom to be an artist andanactivist.

I’ve cultivated aclientele that values my creativity andpassionfor social justice.Ibelieve hair is asensory organthat contains within it our grief andstrength, and am trulyhonored that people allow me to take care of them throughall of life's upsand downs.

Ienjoy usingmysalon space to invite community memberstopartake in localart,activism, writing, classesand music.

Yearsinyourjob: 20.

Education: Attended

PerpichCenterfor Arts

EducationinGolden Valley,Minn., and ModelCollegeofHair

DesigninSt. Cloud, Minn. I’ve hadadvancedtrainingatJon

EnglishSalon in Minneapolis andparticipate in industry specific ongoingadvancededucation throughout Minnesota.

Family: Husband, Allen Killian-Moore;daughter, Gala Wright,and hersweetheart, Marc Hill;mother, Cathy Wright;and father,Tony Katzmarek.

Community involvement: During my 16 yearsinbusinessin

Duluth, I’ve volunteered at Loaves &Fishes,Program forAid to Victims of Sexual Assault, Duluth Superior Pride,Lifehouse, DuluthCommunity Garden Program, Save OurKids, Jefferson People's House, Black LivesMatter, Standing Rock,supportedprogressive localpolitical candidates, Duluth ArtInstitute, Together ForYouth,Progressive Immigration Policy Reform,Queer andAllied StudentUnionatthe

UniversityofMinnesota

Duluthand Many RiversMontessori, among others.

Native of the area? Yes

What keepsyou here? Iboomerangedback here when Iwas pregnant with my daughter in 2000. Sincethen, I'veparticipatedin there-invigoration of ourartsand cultural community.Watching athrivingcityemerge from ruinshas been an inspiration,keeping me interested in contributingtothe development of adiverse andbeautiful city.Duluthisa place whereanindividualcan make adifference simply by getting involved.

Favoriteplace in the Northland: Park Point. Howdoyou spend your free time? Ienjoy hospitalityagreat deal andlovecookingand sharing meals with travelers, friends, family andothers. I love spendingtimewith animals, includingthe wildbeastsand birds in my yard,and I’man artist andavidpainter as well.Ilovespending time with my daughter, who’salsoabudding hairstylist, andI enjoy

exploring thehidden stairwaysthroughout ObservationHillon frequentwalkswithmy husband. Ienjoy workingbehindthe scenes to create or support political policies that ensure safety andequal rights forall people,particularlythose who'vebeen marginalizedinour culture. Howcan the Northland retain youngerpeople? Have affordablehousing foreveryoneacrossthe socioeconomic spectrum, especiallyrecent collegegraduatessaddled with student loan debt.I supporta$15/ hour minimum wage andearnedsickand safe time.I personallyknow alot of youngpeople wholeave Duluthbecausetheycannotafford to stay here duetolow wage jobs andhighrent. Duluthneedsto actively recruitand support culturaldiversity to enhancethe experience of living in theNorthland. Influential person in your life: I’ve been heavilyinfluencedby everyone Icomeinto contactwith. Iemulate thebestIsee in people andactivelyworkto avoidembodying qualities Ifind problematic.

Icannotwinnow my list down to asingleperson since my influences are fartoo numerous to count.

Biggestaccomplishment? My biggest accomplishment is continuingthe work started by my maternal grandmother —and thesteps takenbymymother

—tohealthe historical trauma of alcoholism andabuse in ourfamily. Itakegreat pridein beinga mother,and nowthatmydaughteris

16 Ican seethe fruits of my labor. Itry my best to modelhonesty,self responsibility,unconditional love,the abolition of shameand resiliency so my daughter has all thetools she needsto continue this work also. Three people –dead or alive– you’dlike to have dinner with: NikolaiTesla.He fascinates me with his generosity andinnovative soul

AgnesVarda.She has made some of my favoritefilms.

My Great-grandmother Modesta.I miss her dearly.

Five-yeargoals: My goal is to live alife whereIdon't need to take avacationfrom my

life.

Wheredoyou seethe Twin Portsinthe next fiveto10years? Ihope to seeahighspeed trainupand running betweenDuluthand the Twin Cities. Ibelieve this will have agreat culturaland economic impact.Ialsobelieve we canend homelessness in theNorthland.First Nationsleadersand artistsare ushering in abeautiful newera we canbearwitness to and support. I'd also like to seeDuluthcontinueto preserve ourhistoric buildings andretainthe aesthetic soul of our community. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

“Fun Home,” agraphic novelbyAlisonBechdeland it's companion volume,“AreYou My Mother?”Thesevolumes offer an honest reflection of thelove andcomplexity within adysfunctionalfamily. They're writtenbya queerfeminist author whoisamasterarchivist of herown history. Social media: adelineofduluthonInstagram andadeline.wrighton Facebook.

What do you actually do? Oversee the strategy, planning, management and leadership of both corporations.

Years in your job: Six. Education: Attended the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Family: Wife, Sarah Steinbach; and children, Haiden, Quinlynn, Ethan and Eowyn. Community involvement: Served on eight different non-profit boards over the last 10 years. I’m currently the incoming chairman of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors.

Native of the area?

Yes, born and raised in Duluth.

What keeps you here?

Opportunities, great tourism/hospitality industry and the great Lake Superior. Favorite place in the Northland: Lake Superior.

How do you spend your free time? I spend time with my wife and kids doing the activities

JUSTIN STEINBACH, 34

they’re involved in. How can the Northland retain younger people? Continue to support small businesses and entrepreneurs which will create job growth in the area. This is ultimately what will recruit and retain young professionals

Influential person in your life: My wife Sarah. She has embarked on these crazy adventures professionally with me as my equal business partner in every venture. She grounds me, motivates me and supports me. My success wouldn’t have happened personally or professionally without her.

What is your biggest accomplishment? Being a good dad.

Three people – dead or alive – you’d like to have dinner with:

Abraham Lincoln as I have read a ton of literature on his background and history. He truly was one of the greatest leaders in our country during the most tumultuous time for our nation.

Tim Ferriss as I am an avid follower of his podcast and novels Steve Jobs as he was

responsible for the most radical innovation of our generation that changed just about every other operating industry around it. Five-year goals: New and exciting growth with Vista Fleet through new tours, new vessels and exciting adventure opportunities and new store locations in multiple surrounding states for Lake It. Lakeit.com has had great success and we’ve had a ton of input from various communities hoping to have a brick-and-mortar store. Also, I spent 15 years working in and running hotels prior to purchasing Vista Fleet, so I am always looking to find exciting hotel properties that could use a fresh new perspective.

Where do you see the Twin Ports in the next five to 10 years?

The Twin Ports has two emerging issues that could limit it from growing. Currently, job growth and housing issues limit the Northland from continuing to add services and amenities that will continue to attract and grow Duluth's population. If Duluth

can find solutions to these hard issues I see the Twin Ports continuing to grow in its national and global appeal to tourists and potential residents. There are exciting things happening — such as the updating and development in Downtown and Canal Park and the emergence of the Lincoln Park Craft District. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

“Tool of Titans” by Tim Ferriss. Through his podcast and books, Ferriss details people in all industries who've had national or global success. His detailed profiles on these folks show it’s the practices that people perform regularly and consistently throughout their career that lead them to success. There are no shortcuts, but simply commitments to be in practices that enable them to be successful in their particular domain of activity. Additionally, Ferriss’ book provides hundreds of other recommended books for those looking to continue to learn.

Social media: vistafleet. com and lakeit.com or our respective business Facebook pages.

2007

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What do you actually do? Promote Life House’s mission of reconnecting homeless youth to their dreams in the Duluth community through fundraising, community outreach and marketing.

Years in your job: One. Education: Bachelor's degree in history and political science from the College of St. Scholastica and master’s degree in advocacy

MARGIE NELSON, 28

MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER AT LIFE HOUSE IN DULUTH

and political leadership from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Family: Husband, Steve, and cat, Bruno. Community involvement: I serve on the city of Duluth Planning Commission, as well as the Boards of Directors for Homegrown Music Festival and Duluth Curling Club.

Native of the area? No, I was born and raised in the San Diego area. What drew you here? I grew up visiting family in the area and decided to attend St. Scholastica.

I loved Duluth and was looking for a change

Favorite place in the Northland: Grand Marais. It’s a beautiful location and a great town. I could spend all day sitting on Artists’ Point.

How do you spend your free time? I live adjacent to Chester Park and love hiking there. My husband and I also enjoy spending time engaging in the local music and craft beer scene. During the winter, I can be found playing at Duluth Curling Club. How can the Northland retain younger people? More affordable housing. Duluth

is a place young people want to live, and we have the culture and outdoor activity to retain them. The business growth is helping with finding jobs, but most young people can’t afford the current market rate housing options. Influential person in your life: Through the Masters of Advocacy and Political Leadership program I met Marcia Avner. She is an inspiration to me for making change in the community through the intersection of nonprofits and government. I hope I can be an influence in the nonprofit community in Duluth as she has been statewide. Three people – dead or alive – you’d like to have dinner with:

Mark Twain. He can provide some humor for the occasion and, more importantly, we both love cats.

Sabrie Akin. She lived in Duluth in the late 1800s, founded Labor World newspaper and helped start women’s labor unions in town. She had a lot of power and connections for her time as a woman, and I would love to hear her full story

J.R.R. Tolkien, my favorite author. Special insight into the world of Middle Earth would be incredibly fun to hear.

Five-year goals: I intend to stay involved in the Duluth civic and nonprofit communities. I enjoy serving on the Planning Commission and looking ahead at

JUDGE’S NOTE

Earlier this summer, a handful of judges were given some heavy reading — literally. A fat stack of nominations for the News Tribune’s annual 20 Under 40 Awards, which recognize the community's young do-gooders.

For every nominee, someone went to the trouble to collect information, fill out a form, make a case, hit submit. Whittling the picks to 20 is never an easy task. As judges — a group that included News Tribune business reporter Brooks Johnson, 2015 award-winner Katie Erickson, and 2016 award

winners Garner Moffat and Princess Kisob — we look for big ideas brought to fruition and people who have traded free time for the greater good. We also look for anecdotal evidence of awesomeness.

We scribble notes, we throw paper, we make impassioned pleas

When Moffat explained that Chani Ninneman of Wise Fool Theater provides free copies of books to young theatergoers, we all nodded and added her to the "yes, definitely" pile.

This year's winners include people like Abigail Mlinar, who woke up on a No-

the growth of the city.

I’m open to new opportunities for me to give back to and serve the community.

Where do you see the Twin Ports in the next five to 10 years? As a place with opportunities for people of any background, with living wages being offered in all industries and sectors. If we work together as a community, we can make this happen. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

“Twin Ports by Trolley: The Streetcar Era in Duluth-Superior,” by Aaron Isaacs. It was fun to learn more about the early days of public transportation in Duluth.

Social media: @margienelson on Twitter

vember morning with an idea to start a group to empower women. Boom: Feminist Action Collective was born; Laura Mullen, who is the point-person for the hyper-engaged Bent Paddle Brewing; and Joe Wicklund, on staff at Marshall School and in the field coaching young athletes. Do this judging job long enough and you start to get tunnel vision: You walk into any room and immediately look for the young person who made the event happen by simply wondering "hey, what if ..."

What do youactually do? Idofreelance marketingfor various Northlandclients. I’m co-producinga firsttime festival forfeminist empowerment, and Ifounded andfacilitate afeminist nonprofit, ForEventsand MarketingNeeds(FEMN).

Yearsinyourjob: One Education: Bachelor’s degreeinmarketing from theUniversityof MinnesotaDuluth.

Family: Ihavethe best people around me —a family,for sure —but no spouse or kids of my own.

Community involvement: In addition to my job-likecommunity involvement, I’malso involved in Community Development Commissionwiththe city of Duluth, Leadership Councilfor Fuse Duluthwiththe Duluth

Chamber of Commerce, co-managinga school boardat-large campaign,executive boardfor theDuluth DFL, AmericanAssociationofUniversity

Womenmember, Girl Powervolunteer,and Feminist Action Collective committeesand campaigns.

Native of the area? No What drew youhere?

The city!I did go to UMD, but Ichose it becauseI wanted to liv in Duluth—the charm thelake, theambiance chosethishome. Again andagain. Imoved away acoupletimes fo work andfor experience,and came back fo thesamereasons

Favorite placeinthe Northland: Park Point

The longest freshwater peninsula —perfect sand andshoreline— it nevergets old. This is whereIgowhenI getbacktotownafter beingaway, andwhere IgowhenI have stray thoughts of moving. Howdoyou spend your free time? With my people.Gofor hikes/walksand enjoy thenaturalworld of Duluth. Take trips, enjoymusic andrefine my library. Dance"like no one’swatching" in my apartment.

Howcan the Northland retain younger people? Furthering ou reputation of progressive values, strengthen ingour arts communit encouraging business

developmentand gettingmorepress youngpeoplelike hip(read: instagramable) places Influentialperson in your life: I have so many influencers androle models,but themostinspiringpeopleofmy last year are my Feminist Action Collective team members. These women weren't apart of my lifebefore Nov. 9, 2016, and Iowe them so much now. What is your biggest accomplishment? Accomplishment, forme, is strange. The momentsof my lifethatI'm most proud of are things Inever had expectedwould happen —things I "accomplish," but neverthelessfeel like accidents. A fewofthese are: thecreationofthe Feminist Action Collective,when Tall ShipsDuluth wasfeaturedin Snapchat's news, making my favorite musician laugh,

DonNessgivingme

ahighfive at Homegrown, beingonthe Take It With Youpodcast,surviving akayak flipinrapids, climbing avolcano through mudand getting thehighest honor at my high school’s dance team camp. Three people– dead or alive– you’d like to have dinnerwith: Prince,Hillary Clinton, my mom.

Five-year goals: Help greatwomen get elected.Makethe Twin Portseven more gender equitable. Always feel like I'm growing.

Wheredo you seethe Twin Portsinthe next five to 10 years?

Living up to it's history of nationally renowned feminist achievement.

Continuing to flourish through maintaininginvest-

ment in public Attracting eve youngprofessi via growingth sector.Being leader in home prevention by to improveou market.

What’s the bes you’ve read re Embarrassingl just read “We S AllBeFeminis Chimamanda zi Adichie.For whodon't kno book, I'm emb becausesince publishedin2 eryone in the f community du a"must-read," believedto be didn't actinan priately prom ion. These cla 100 percenta It’s seriouslyt explanationof I'vereadinaw it's extremely s There’s no excu wait threeyear yousee it in pe Now, I'vere-re fewtimes, and re-readanythi to memorize it more easily res everycurious (orhopeful fem denier) Iencou Social media: abmlionInsta Twitter

c arts. nmore ionals heprivate a national elessness persisting rhousing stbook ecently? ly, Ionly Should sts”by Ngor folks owthis barrassed it was 014, evfeminist ubbed it whichI true,but n approptfashims were ccurate. hebest f thecause while.And short. use to rsonce erson. ead it a d Inever ing.Iwant t so Ican spond to feminist minist unter @femn_ agram and

Whatdoyou actually do? Ihandleall formsof affirmative anddefensive civillitigationfor thecity; representcity planning, buildingand developmentstaff; serve as lead counseltothe DuluthCityPlanning Commission; advise our city energy coordinator; andhelpcityadministration, department headsand councilors achieve specific public goalsand objectives

Years in your job: Practicedlaw for10years fivewiththe city,four withDuluthlaw firm Hanft Fride,and ayear as clerkfor JudgeDavid Mingeatthe Minnesota CourtofAppeals.

Education: Bachelor’s degreeinEnglish from theUniversityofMinnesota,Morrisand my juris doctor from the UniversityofMinnesota LawSchool.

Family: Wife,Nora Sandstad,who is far more deservingofthis recognition,bythe way; andsons, Henry, 6, and Charlie,4.

Community involvement: Assistantprofessor,Departmentof

NATE LACOURSIERE,37

ASSISTANT

PoliticalScience,UMD, whereI coachthe Mock Trialteam; co-chair, SallyTrnka forSchool Boardcommittee;member, YMCA Advisory Council(Downtown); member,UMD Medical School Community Advisory Board; Executive Councilmember, Public LawSection,Minnesota StateBar Association andSenateDistrict 7 DFL; advisor, YMCA YouthinGovernment Program(Courts); and volunteerdrummer at LawLawPalooza.

Native of the area? No IgrewupinFrazee, Minn.

What drew youhere? I wasina’90s rock band in highschoolled by Duluth’sown Lucas Mistelske(Involta), whoperformed each summer during Grand Marais’Fisherman’s Picnic. Ifellhardfor theNorth Shore, and jumped at theopportunity to startmylegal career in Duluthwhen offered ajob at Hanft Fride.

Favorite placeinthe Northland: TiebetweenHawkRidgeBird Observatory, andLester-Amityand Mission Creekmountainbike trails in Duluth.

Howdoyou spend your free time? Run or bike our incomparabletrail systemand,

accordingtomywife, evangelizeabout renewable energy,electricvehicles andcraftbeerto anyone whowill listen. Howcan the Northland retain younger people? Keep doing what we’redoing!The DuluthTraverseisnearly completed;wehave world-class outdoor recreational offerings; ourcraftmicrobreweries, distilleries and restaurantsare garneringnationalattention; andour musicand arts scenehas exploded. By making Duluthsuch afun, healthyand rewardingplace foryoung people to stay after college—and even relocate from otherparts of thecountry —young professionals acrossall industries arefinding ways to stay here,even if that meansemploying themselvesand starting their ownbusinesses. Influential person in your life: Ihad the opportunity to work for former U.S. CongressmanDavid Mingein collegeand latertoclerk forhim at theMinnesota CourtofAppeals.

JudgeMinge’s blendof compassionand commonsense,coupled with abrilliant analyticalmindand abelief in thepower andimportanceofreachingacross all divides to achieve

fair,equitable andjust results, has served as aconstantinspiration throughout my career. What is your biggest accomplishment? By thesummer of 2013, Duluthhad been recognizedas“ground zero” in thenation’sfight againstsynthetic drugs. The former Last Place on Earthheadshopin downtown Duluthwas sellingsyntheticstoupward of 1,000 customers aday andearninganestimatedrevenue of $610 milliona year.Iwas askedto serveaspoint in thecity’slegalfight to endthe nuisance conditions flowing from thesaleofsynthetics at LPOE,a challenge I accepted.

With supportfrom the mayorand working side-by-side with a number of extraordinary partners,weeventually abated this public health crisis

Itakegreat pride in thedifference it made throughout our region, andcities acrossthe countryhavereached outtoDuluthfor guidance in their own syntheticdrugbattles. Three people –dead or alive– you’dliketo have dinner with: U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone. I methim in 1999 while researchingcampaign finance reform in Washington,D.C. He knew everythingabout thetinyturkeyfarming community Igrewup in. He made ahumble,

small-townkid believe anything is possible,and that thoselucky enough to be able to advocate forotherslessfortunate have an absolute duty to do so.I’d tell him that he is missed and remembered,and would askhim forguidance, optimism andstrength during atimeofdifficult divisioninthiscountry Elon Musk.I’d instead askfor toursofTesla’s battery, solarand electric vehicle production facilities, ask what he hopesto accomplish betweennow and2050, andhow he plans to get there.

My great-grandfather, EmilBoock, whowas struck by polioand lostthe useofhis legs as ayoung boy, yetled an extraordinarylife. He wasthe last horsedrawn mail carrier servingthe very ruralarea betweenDetroitLakes andPonsford, Minn.; served as assessor for Erie Township formany years;was awell-known fiddler whoplayedall thelocal weddings; andraisedafamily, maintained afarmstead andstayedtrueto the love of hislife, Nanna JuliaRanghilda Olson Boock(my great-grandmother), formorethan 70 years.Hepassed peacefullyatthe ageof 96. Iwould love to meet andtalktohim when he was37.

Five-yeargoals: To grow as afather, husband andpublic ser-

vant;tospend as much time with my boys before Iblinkand they’re leavingthe nest;do everythinginmypower to help this community achieve itsenormous potential; anddoas much mountain biking as possible whiledoing all of that Wheredoyou seethe Twin Portsinthe next fiveto10years? We face significantchallengesinthe next 10 years basedonthe age of ourinfrastructure. The extraordinaryclass of currentand emerging leadersinthiscommunity will solve those challenges, propelling Duluthtonational prominence as ahub for innovation, healthcare, sustainability andthe arts, all fueled by the desireofyoungergenerations to stay andmake their mark alongthe shores of Lake Superior. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

U.S. Sen. Al Franken’s “Giant of theSenate.” Frankenisabrilliant comedian andwriterby trade,but Ireallyappreciated hishonestand soberassessmentofthe challengesfacingthis country, coupledwith thepowerfulunderlying optimism andmessage that we cansolve these problemswhen we find common ground and work together.

Social media: Facebook, Instagramand @nateoftheunionon Twitter.

What do youactually do? Lots of hats (asdo my otherthree co-founders):marketing coordination, public relations, mediacontact, crisis communication lead,run ourrobust charitable initiative programs, bigger picture legalcoordinationfor thecompany,leadplannerofour 4,000 person Festiversaryevent each May,neighborhood and community outreach work andbusiness visionary work,and dailydecisionmaking alongside my partners Yearsinyourjob: Bent Paddle wasfounded in 2013 but wasconceptualizedin2010, so four to seven years.

Education: Graduated from Marshall School in Duluth andearned abachelor’sdegreein behavioral science and lawfrom theUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison.

Family: Parents, Richardand Elizabeth Fryberger; husband, Bent Paddle co-founder Colin Mullen;daugh-

LAURA(SALYARDSFRYBERGER) MULLEN,38

ter, Adella Mullen, 5; Siamesecats, Gus andClover; anddog, Hilde.Weall laugh andsay Colin andIare also "married"toour othertwo Bent Paddle co-founders, Bryonand KarenTonnis.

Community involvement: I'vevolunteered my leadership and eventplanningskillsto severalnon-profit organizationsoverthe years includingbeingone of theoriginalfounders of AdvancingLincoln Park,the LincolnPark businessgroup whereI served as interimboard President; theboard of MinnesotaCraft Brewer's Guild, whereI served as vice president; UnitarianUniversalist Congregation of Duluth;FamilyTreeClinic of St.Paul; Northeast MinneapolisChamber of Commerce Board of Directors,where I actedasBoard co-chair; Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association Board; WomenWho ReallyCookBoard;and others.I’m also alongtime O-reagentblood donorand overseeBent Paddle’s charitable programming, connecting brewerytomorethan

400 localand regional non-profits. Native of the area? Born andraisedinDuluth, but left forabout 15 years.I movedback to startBentPaddle. What keepsyou here? Lake Superior’s"pull," thesmall town feel, the abilitytoaffect change in thecommunity and my parents.

Thursday, September 14, 2017

ng

Favorite placein the Northland: Our taproom. It makesme so happyseeingpeoplelovingaproduct I helpedcraft. Howdoyou spend your free time? Ienjoy reading, traveling, cook ing, drinking craftbeer visiting localrestaurants, dancing, enjoying family,planningevents playingwomen's ice hockey,and canoeing andcabiningonthe BruleRiverinWisconsin, whereColin andI were married in 2008. Howcan the Northland retain younger people? We arepoised to become an Asheville Austin, Athens,ora smaller Portland of the North. Keep an eyeon creating acommunity that has agood,excitin work/lifebalance with outdooractivities, the

arts andauthentic crafters,and the youngerfolks will flock seekinganalternative to bigcitylife. Influential person in your life: My parents together somehow instilled in me asense of fearlessness plus atrue zestfor life, but mixed with a deep concern forthe greater good andwhat we candoto affect positive change.

What is your biggestaccomplishment? My daughter seemstobeakind, compassionate loverof all of natures' creatures, so her.

Three people –dead or alive– you’dlike to have dinnerwith: Erwin Kelen, my originalmentorwhose love of thegood lifemixed with adeepphilanthropicspirithas always inspired me.Also, Colin Mullen andEmilyHicks-Nys, my best

friends andsoulmates. Ionlychose people I know becausefamous people would intimidate me if I'm eating. Five-yeargoals: My personal goal is to focusonenvironmental causes and localenvironmental change. My business goal is to work with my co-foundersto take Bent Paddle to the next levelvia internal entrepreneur structure to better furtherour mission: “...tobrewcraft beer with aconcentrationonsustainabilityfor our business, employees, theenvironment andthe greater community —all while ‘Bendingthe Traditions’ that we encounter, for amoreunique and interestingcraftbeer experience.”

What’s the best book you’ve read recently? If only Ihad time to read …I miss it terribly!

Socialmedia: bentpaddlebrewing.com, on Facebook, @bentpaddlebeer on Twitter andbentpaddlebeer on Instagram.

What do youactually do? Ieducate,teach and inspireyoung learners.

Yearsinyourjob:Six.

Education: Bachelor’s degreeincommunication from theUniversity of MinnesotaDuluth;graduate teacher licensure certificationin elementary education

K-6 andmaster’sdegree in teaching, both from theCollegeofSt. ScholasticainDuluth.

Family: Husband, Andrew;and twosons, Maxwell, 9, andMateo, 6.

Community involvement: Cofounder of multiculturalblog

“Mommies in blackand white”;founded Ebola BlockAid fundraising initiative forLiberia; wasa member of

Nettleton Site Council Committee;Blandin Community Foundation leadership alum; Duluthpublic schools service learningtrained; MinnesotaReading Corps-Teacher Corps Scholarshiprecipient; andservedonthe

Duluthpublic schools

AfricanAmerican EducationalAdvisory Committee,the ELA AdoptionTeamwith MichaelCarey andthe ProfessionalDevelopment committee

Native of the area? No

What drew youhere?

Iwas born in Liberia andimmigratedtothe U.S. with my parentsin 1982. IattendedUMD, whereI metmyhusband amonth before graduation andstayed.

Favoriteplace in the Northland: Anyplace with greatfood

Howdoyou spend your free time? Ilove to spendtimewithmy family andfriends,

andlovegoing on date nightswithmyhusband.Ihavefamilyall over theworld,so Ilove connecting with them throughsocialmedia Ilovetowrite on the multiculturalblog I co-founded with my bestie JenReiersonand Ilovetodance.I'm also ahockeymom,which takes up alot of my time.

Howcan the Northland retain younger people? We need more opportunities for mentorshipswithlocal businessesand universities to encourage youngprofessionals to stay in theNorthland. If Ihadn't hadwonderfulprofessors at both universities Iattended, Idon't thinkI’d have stayed as long as Ihave. Influential person in your life: My mother, she'salsoaneducator. She'sbeenmycultural, spiritualand educational guidemywhole

life. Every momentI'm with her, I've learned so much aboutwhat it meanstoshowtrue strength andgrace in this world. What is your biggest accomplishment? Becominga parent has been my biggest blessing. Ilearn adaily doseofhumility and patience in thepresence of my twoboys. Being amotheristhe hardest andbestjob ever Three people –dead or alive– you’dlike to have dinner with: OprahWinfrey, Whoppi Goldberg and Madame Ellen Johnson

Sirleaf.

Iwanttoknowmore

abouthow Oprah became oneofthe most influentialpeopleon Earth. Iwanttolearn more abouthow Whoppi influences people with hergreat senseof humor. Madame Ellen JohnsonSirleaf,the PresidentofLiberia, becauseI want to learn abouthow it reallyfeels to be thefirst-ever elected female presidentin thecontinent of Africa. Five-yeargoals: I'm alifelonglearner and would love to further my educationinaway that wouldhelpmein

my practice of teaching.

I’dalsoliketotraveland continue my writing.

Wheredoyou see the Twin Portsinthe next fiveto10years? Iwould seeamore vibrantand welcoming community What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

“PurpleHibiscus,”by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.It'sagreat story aboutAfricathat people don't seeorhear in themedia.Itkeeps youonthe edge of your seat.

Social media: mommiesinblackandwhite. com

What

do youactually do?

My work is currentlyfocused in theareas of municipallaw, businessplanning, economic developmentand real estate.

Yearsinyourjob: Irecently graduatedfrom lawschool but have worked in thelegal field,primarily in municipal law, formorethan10 years. Ipreviouslyheldpositions with thecityofDuluthand theLeague of Minnesota Cities.

Education: Bachelor’sdegree in politicalscience from the UniversityofMinnesotaDuluth, andjuris doctor from MitchellHamlineSchoolof LawinSt. Paul.

Family: Husband, SteveHanke;and son, Ryden, 6. Community involvement: CurrentPresidentofthe League of WomenVoters Duluthand actively involved in theorganization forthe past sixyears,serving as secretary, vice presidentand programplanningchair.I’m a newbie PTAmemberand my husbandand Iare enjoying coachingmyson’s soccer team this year

Native of the area? I’m aproudnative of Duluth Township (CloverValley), agraduate of TwoHarbors High School andattendedthe UniversityofMinnesota-Duluthfor my undergraduate

degree. My family is originally from West Duluth, Hermantownand Lakeside. What keepsyou here? The region is trulyunique. We are blessedtohaveabundantand accessiblenaturalresources, qualityoflifeand an engaged andactivecitizenry. In my professionalcareer, andin my work with theLeague of WomenVoters, I’minspired by thelevel of activism within thecommunity.People areengaged in their schools, churches andorganizations, andalwayswillingtohelp their neighbors. Iloveliving in acommunity that challengesmetodo more.The factthatIcan walk 10 minutes from my frontdoorand be in thewoodsoronthe edge of thegreatestlakein theworld doesn’t hurt either. Favoriteplace in the Northland: Anyofour parksand trails,onthe edge of the lake,orsimply sittingbythe campfirewithfriends and family

Howdoyou spendyour free time? My husband, son andIenjoy hiking,biking, paddlingand Nordic skiing in thewinter. I’manobsessive gardener andcook, and have grandplans to turn our yard into Pollinator Habitat (I am halfwaythere). We love to travel andI’m lucky to have crossedoffa number of places on my bucket list.I formerly ownedand competed with American Quarter Horses andhopetoreturnto showing in thefuture.

Howcan the Northland

retain youngerpeople? Continue to buildonthe strengthsofthe community.Thereare threethings in particular that canhelp theregiongrow: support entrepreneurs, support workingfamilies andutilize thenaturallandscape of the region.Theregionhas seen aburgeoningentrepren ialculture.Ithinkregi cities andorganization canbuild support syste through fundingmech andbrandingthatwill support andattractnew businessowners. We n to provide theunderly support systemfor fam includinggreater acces childcare, accesstoqua educationand abusine culturethatsupports fa lies. Lastly,local comm have alreadydonea go of connecting quality o to ourregionalenviron We’relucky to live in a whereyou have theabi to accessa trailsystem spendseveralhours in woodsorwalking alon lake.Ihavethe ability t to work,to thelake, or area park with a10-mi drive. Iwouldn’t have t living in theTwin Citie Metroarea.

Influential person in y life: Iamextremelyfor to have hadseveralme throughout my profess career andmyfamily h always been agreat sou of strength andsuppor mother is astrong, ind pendentwoman who I always sought to emula

neuronal ns ems hanisms help w need ing milies, ssto ality ess amimunities ood job oflife nment. place ility m and the ngthe toget r to an inute that es your rtunate entors sional has urce rt. My dehave ate,

andmyfatherinstilled the importance of hard work.

What is your biggestaccomplishment? My family.I couldnot have hada successfulacademic or professional career withouttheir support.

Five-yeargoals: Professionally, Iwanttoprovide thegreatestpossibleservice

the greatest possible service to my clients. Iintendto developapractice thathelps drive economic growth in theregionand Iparticularlywanttoworkwith womenentrepreneurs in establishingand managingbusinesses in thearea.

In the community,I hope to continue to buildonthe work that theLeague of Women Voters has done to educateand advocate fordemocracy in our region.I feel it is critically importantinthe current political climate to have a non-partisanorganization providing information andsupport to voters in our community andI

intend to continue that work. I’dliketo findadditional ways to provide information to voters anddevelop a programwhere theLeague partners with localschools in providingcivicseducation. Wheredoyou seethe Twin Portsinthe next fiveto10 years? The Twin Portsis

Ports is on trackto buildadiverse andenergizedeconomy. Through thedevelopment andsupport of locally-owned businesses, there is greatopportunity to develop astrongand self-determined regional economy.

What do you actually do? I oversee all things related to running a successful women’s college hockey program — from coaching the players and recruiting future Bulldogs, to managing a budget and staff. Years in your job: 14 overall, three at UMD.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in German from Colgate University in Hamilton, N.Y., and a master’s degree in teaching from Connecticut College in New London. Family: Wife, Shelby. Community involvement: Fundraising events with the women's

hockey program such as “Cram the Am,” which brings food donations to Second Harvest Northern Lakes Food Bank; Military Appreciation Day, which raises money through jersey donations; coins and hats for “Operation One Voice;” and “Pink the Rink,” which raises money through jersey donations for Essentia Health Foundation/ Cancer Center.

Native of the area? No What drew you here? The great hockey community and the success of both the men's and women's programs at UMD. Plus, it's beautiful!

Favorite place in the Northland: Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory. How do you spend your free time? Run,

bike, hike, travel and explore

How can the Northland retain younger people? Continue to grow and maintain the area, whether through new businesses, housing options, or outdoor activities. It's a great place to live!

Influential person in your life: My parents. They’ve always shown me the importance of a strong work ethic, humility and strength in all aspects of life. Biggest accomplishment? Getting hired as head coach at UMD. Three people – dead or alive – you’d like to have dinner with: My grandmother. I wish I’d more time with her. She was born in Sicily, Italy, and I'd love to hear about her childhood

and her journey to the U.S.

Herb Brooks. He was an outstanding, yet hard hockey coach. I'd love to hear his retelling of the year leading up to the 1980 gold medal game. Ernest Hemingway. I love his books, especially “The Sun Also Rises,” and think he lived a very adventurous life. It would be really interesting to hear his stories in person.

Five-year goals: I'd like

to bring more national championships to UMD. Where do you see the Twin Ports in the next five to 10 years? The area has grown tremendously in my two years here already, so I expect that trend to continue, especially downtown. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

“Grit.” It talks about the importance of resilience, perseverance and toughness in developing

leaders in many different fields. It's a hard word to describe, but if someone has grit, you know it. Those are the types of people who tend to find success in life.

Social media: @MauraCrowell on Twitter

CONGRATULATIONS COACH MAURA CROWELL

Engaging a new generation of leaders

The Young Leaders Fund of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation supports leadership opportunities for young adults in the Twin Ports.Through strategic grant making and community activities, the fund spreads a message of philanthropy through programs that enrich the lives of 21to 35-year-olds in Duluth and Superior Activities of the fund are directed by a volunteer Advisory Committee.

You can help develop young leaders in our community by donating to the fund or by applying for a grant. More information is

available online at dsacommunityoundation. com/young-leaders-fund, by email at grantsinfo@dsacommunityfoundation.com or by calling 218-726-0232.

Grant priority is given to projects providing financial assistance for leadership skill development, civic engagement, special events, entrepreneurship, technology, public relations, college community connections and awareness of career and economic opportunities. Grants range from $500 to $3,000, but special situations may allow for larger grants to be awarded.

‘Young Leaders are leaders now’

Jim Paine is not sure he’d be Superior mayor without his experience on the Young Leaders Fund Advisory Committee.

“It taught me so much, starting with some nuts and bolts things like raising funds,”he says.“It also helped me understand that you have to be good at engaging people, talking and especially listening to make a difference. You can’t be a good leader without being a good listener.”

Paine, 36, was elected Superior mayor in April. He is an example of how the work of the fund can have impact all the way to encourag-

ing young people to run for top elected office.

“Young leaders are leaders now, and they can have impact over a long period of time,” he says.“They’re also likely to have some of the most creative ideas. It makes sense to empower young leaders because it allows a community to use all of its assets.”

Paine loves living—and leading—in his community.

“This is one of the greatest outdoor cities in the country,”he says.“Superior also is a very authentic working-class town We like to work hard and then have fun.”

‘I feel supported and loved here’

Amanda Imes has found warmth and friendship in the Twin Ports. It’s so ever-present that it still sometimes catches her—pleasantly—by surprise.

“I go out to an event or to a yoga class and know almost everybody there,”she says.“I feel really supported and loved here.”

Imes, 30, is a senior financial analyst for Ascena Retail Group, the parent company of maurices She and her husband, Drew, also run their own outdoor adventure business, SUPerior Paddle.

She volunteers for Mentor Duluth, serves on the Board of Directors of St. Luke’s and also is a member of the Young Leaders Fund Advisory Committee.

“It’s important to have a group here focused on young leaders and the activities young people care about,”Imes says.“We need to make sure young people have the education, the opportunities and the training to become leaders.”

She adds,“People my age often think that there’s no way for them to get involved.They have work and kids.They’re busy. But we need young people to get involved so they can make a difference. I tell them,‘Volunteer. Serve in a board job Share what you have.’”

What do youactually do? Iteach Calculus

I-III andIntro to ContemporaryMathematics at UMD. Ialsorun the Math Prep forScience, Technology, Engineeringand Mathematics Careersbridgeprogram forincomingfreshmen

from underrepresented groups, co-advise theAmericanIndian Science andEngineeringSocietychapter and advise studentswith Udall Foundation scholarships. Forthe last few yearsI’veworkedwith colleagues to develop EarthScience programs at LeechLakeTribal Collegeand Tribal Natural Resource Stewardship programs at UMD. Yearsinyourjob: Seven.

Education: Bachelor’s degrees in geologyand geophysics from the UniversityofMinnesota-Twin Cities; and post-baccalaureatein teachingmathematics anda master’sdegree in appliedand computational mathematics

RACHEL BRECKENRIDGE,39

COLLEGE MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS INSTRUCTOR UNIVERSITYOFMINNESOTA DULUTH

m theUniversityof nnesotaDuluth.

mily: Husband, dy; anddaughters, naand Mariska. mmunity involve-

nt: Girl Scouts of erica troopleader teacheratGidamanaaniwigamig nce campsthrough dduLac Tribal and mmunity Collegein quet..

ive of the area? No. at drew youhere? movedheresomy bandcould work h TomJohnson at MDfor adoctorate eology. We lovedit e,mostlybecause of e Superior andthe ortunities foroutrrecreation. After husband finished his ree,wemoved away his work,but were h able to findjobs

e andmoveback. elslikewe’re back me.

orite placeinthe

rthland: Duluthcity

ks, in particular, ngdon Park,Hartley, esterPark, Enger wer,LesterParkand

k Point.

w do youspend rfreetime? Ilike un, hike,canoe, ss-countryski and y hockey.Ialsolike

to spendtimewithmy family,especiallyon campingtrips. Howcan theNorthland retain youngerpeople? Continue supporting outdoorrecreation opportunities andincrease supportof children and youthinour community, especially education. Influential person in your life: It’s hard for me to just mention oneperson, so I’ll mentiona bunch. My husband and kids inspireand support me daily; they’re themost influential people in my life. My momhas been aconstantmodel of strength and persistence. My parents showedmethe importance of serving others throughtheir work.Students moti-

vate me to improvemy teaching. I’mgrateful to colleagues who’ve mentored andworked with me,including Chad Pierson, HowardMooers,Susana Pelayo-Woodward,Penny Morton,Diana Dalbotten, HollyPellerin, Lowana Greensky, Rick Smith andTadd

Johnson. What is your biggest accomplishment?

Creating, running andsustaining theMath

Prep for STEM Careers bridge program for incoming freshmen from underrepresented groups since 2013. Three people– dead or alive– you’dlike to have dinnerwith: Apotluck dinner with threepeoplefrom

prehisto be inter

Five-ye goinggo MathPr Careers program UMD. is to see uralRes ship pro with en What’s t you’ve r My husb read the of graph Kazu Ki daughte there’s girl as th andtha nuanced standab

orictimes would resting ar goals: An onoal is to keep the rep forSTEM s (orsimilar mming) goingat A five-yeargoal e theTribal NatsourceStewardogramsinplace rolled students. the best book readrecently? bandand Ihave e “Amulet”series hic novels by ibuishitoour ers.I love that a strong, willful heprotagonist atthe plot line is d but stillunderble forkids.

Whatdoyouactually do? Ihelpstudents and families make important decisions abouttheir educationand future.

Yearsinyourjob:Four yearsatMarshall,but I starteddoing this type of work at theCollegeofSt. Scholasticain2007.

Education: Master’sdegreesinbusinessadministrationand management from CSS, whereI also earned abachelor’s degreeincommunication/journalism.

Family: My partner; Kate Horvath, andmy 450 or so Marshall kids, nottomention two incredible parents, Gitzy andDave, awesome in-laws, andawonderful assortment of brothers, nieces andnephews. Communityinvolvement:Iserve on the boardofdirectors for Grandma’sMarathon andJohnBaggs Foundation,and I’mabaseball coachfor American Legion Post 71-WestDuluth, at Marshall School andfor VFW Post 173-Marshall School.

Nativeofthearea? Yes. IgrewupinSolon Springs.

Whatkeepsyouhere? The opportunity to make adifference in acommunity whichtruly matters to me.Inthe Twin Ports andsurroundingareas, youcan begintomake an impact rightaway; youdon’t have to wait your turn or wait for someoneelsetostep aside.Mix in wonderful, caring people andthe most incredible lake in theworld andit’seasyto stay put.

Favoriteplaceinthe Northland: Wade Stadium; IfeellikeI grew up thereplaying legion baseball,playing forthe St.Scholastica Saints andnow as acoach with Marshall andWest Duluth. That’salways been aspecial placeto me,and nowwiththe investmentsand TLC it’s even better than when Iplayedthere as a 17-year-old.

Howdoyouspend yourfreetime? Itend to dive into volunteering with Grandma’sMarathon events or coaching baseball,somyfreetime probably looksa bit like work to otherpeople. Beyond that,I’m also a runner,soI’m usually poundingout afew

miles in theremainder of my free time.

HowcantheNorthland retainyoungerpeople? Continuedgrowthand promotionofsomeof thegreat things going on in Duluthright now, such as ourworld-class mountain bike trails and top-notch theatreand arts. There’s no other place whereyou cansail, ski, snowboardand surf. We need to continue to highlight thoseparts of ourcommunity paired with professional opportunities

We need to be quickto say“yes” to newopportunities to drawinvestment anddevelopment, rather than have barriers or resistance in place to slow thosechances down.Other communities in theUpper Midwest have hadsome successingrowing their populationsand attractingnew businesses withoutthe advantages of ournaturalbeautyand community balance, so theplaybookfor removingany real or perceived barrierstoadvancement andchange is thereand doesn’t need to be entirely builtfrom scratch.

Influentialpersonin yourlife:When Iwas in highschoolIwas lucky enough to be recruited

by John Baggstoplay baseball at St.Scholastica,and he became the most importantmentor of my lifeoutside of my parents. Hislessons in leadership,team buildingand character continue to shapemy lifetoday,longaftermy baseball-playing days ended. CoachBaggs recruitedmebackto Duluthasecondtime (2007) to join theadmissions team at CSS as well as helpcoach baseball. Thismovehelpedme findacareerItruly love,interms of helping others with important educationaldecisions, butalsoallowingme to mentor many young baseball players, includinghis son, Maddux. John passed away suddenly in 2009, but he’s still with me everyday in howI live my lifeand supportothersaround me

Whatisyourbiggest accomplishment?With agroup of my closest friends,Iwas part of a coachingstaffnamed UpperMidwest Athletic Conference Baseball Coachesofthe Year in 2009, as we all worked together to navigate the season in whichCoach Baggspassedaway. Whilethe awardwas certainly an honor, the

accomplishment Ihold most dear washelping ourplayers,coaches, alumni andgreater CSS baseball family navigate hisunexpectedpassing. Iknowhe’dhavebeen proudofboththe season we puttogetheronthe field that year,aswellas howcloselyweworked to make sure others were supportedinthat challenging time

Five-yeargoals: In my boardmemberroles,I’d like to continue to help Grandma’sMarathon provide amazingcommunity-wide events that showcaseagreat deal of what’s specialabout our community andwhich stretchfar beyondthe thirdweekend in June.

I’dalsoliketocontinue to connectpeopletothe John BaggsFoundation, whereverysmall philanthropiceffortscan have averysubstantialimpact on thelives of families dealingwithcancer and thelives of studentsatSt. Scholasticathrough our scholarshipprogram. At Marshall,I’d love to visitwithmorefamilies aboutthe opportunities that trulymight be availabletothematour unique school. Toooften Ihearpeoplesayingthey wish they couldafford it,whenthey’ve never metwithmetofind out

if that’s actuallytrueor not. Nothingcan be a bigger game-changer foryoung people than apositive,transformational experience at their school.

Finally, I’dliketocrack that sub-two-hour-mark more consistently during my half-marathons.

Wheredoyouseethe TwinPortsinthenext fiveto10years?Continuetoinvestinwhat makesDuluthunique —our trails,our waterfront, ourbalance of arts,culture,volunteerism— then we cangrow in away that reallyfits theareawe’ve already startedtoevolve toward. What’sthebestbook you’vereadrecently? Kate recently gotmea 25thanniversarycopy of PauloCoelho’s“The Alchemist” anditstruck aperfect note with me this summer.I thinkit’s such an uplifting story aboutthe choices we make versus ourdestiny, andhow onecan look at thosetwo sides so similarlyordifferently.

Socialmedia:Beyond thehighlyinformational andoccasionally wittyposts on Marshall School’s Facebookpage andTwitter account, I’m foundatfacebook.com/ wicklundjoe

What do youactually do? Imanagethe Lake County Highway Department,which includes engineeringdesign,roadconstruction andhighway maintenanceservices.

Yearsinyourjob: Almost four.

Education: Engineeringprogram at Itasca Community Collegein

GrandRapids, bachelor's degreeincivil engineeringfrom University of Minnesota-Twin Cities in Minneapolis, anda master'sdegreein businessadministration degreefrom theCollege of St.Scholastica

Family: Asupportive husband, ourtwo rescue dogs andatight-knit extendedfamily

Community involvement: UMD'sCivil EngineeringAdvisory Board, FIRSTRobotics regional competitions, Silver Bay's BayDays committee,TeamDangervolunteer andNorth ShoreRotary.

Native of the area? My parentsand grandpar-

ents live on theIron Range.

What drew youhere? Lake Superior andmy career.

Favoriteplace in the Northland: NorthShore StateParks; Superior Hiking Trailvistas during leaf season; my kayakona sunny Saturday;agood game at Amsoil Arena; Moose Mountain at Lutsen on a winter Sunday;and On theRocks ArtStudio.

Howcan the Northland retain youngerpeople?

Ithinkthisquestion should be broader becausethe region's future plansshouldaddress retainingand attractingresidents, property owners,visitorsand a workforceofall ages.

Influential person in your life: Someoneonce told me that everyone sets an example,and my list of mentorsorrole models is toolongto singleout oneperson.

Some people seta good exampleinone wayor another, andI'm grateful formanypositive influences since childhood

Othersshowuswhatwe shouldn't do,whichis equallyimportant.

Three people –dead or alive– you’dlike to have dinnerwith: Chad Greenway;non-

fiction author Edgar Schein; andThomas H. MacDonald, whose contributionstowards theInterstatesystem preceded itsimplementation by almost twodecades, becausethe best planssometimes take time andalwaysrequire vision, leadership and teamwork.

Five-yeargoals: At the very least, maybeI'll learntohit agolfball on my first swingbythe time I'm 40.

Wheredoyou seethe Twin Portsinthe next fiveto10years? If I thinkabout thevalue that Generation Ygenerallyplaces on work/ lifebalance,Ithinkthe Twin Portsand North Shorewill grow in popularity.I'm excited aboutthe coming opportunities ahead forthisregion, such as continuedexpansionof outdoorrecreationand newbusinessesthatare responsibly developed. What’s the best book you’ve read recently? “LeadYourselfFirst”by Kethledgeand Erwin, becauseIneededareminder to unplug every nowand then.

Social media: LinkedIn

What do youactually do? Ihelpcommunities, coalitions,organizations, schoolsand individuals whowanttoprevent youthsubstance abuse andmisuse. Iprovide support, facilitate, and consultonwhere to begin, gettingthe right people to thetable,creatingaplan, puttingthe plan into action andfiguringout what's working andwhat's not. The goal of my work is to help create saferand healthier communities.

Yearsinyourjob: 10 Education: Bachelor’s degreeinhealthsciences from theCollegeofSt. ScholasticainDuluth. Family: Husband, Steve; daughter,Abigail,2-½; dog,Maddie; andparents,David andBonnie Nikko. Ihavefour siblings andmanynieces andnephews.

Community involvement: My work with coalitions in northeast Minnesotaoverlapspersonallyand professionally.I’m member of the TriCampusand Com-

munity Coalition, the Driving4Safe Communities Coalitionand the Opioid AbuseResponse Strategies Workgroup, whichall servethe Duluthcommunity. I’minvolvedinraising awarenessofcysticfibrosisand helping to raise fundingfor researchto findacureand add more tomorrowsfor my nephew andotherslikehim.

Native of the area? No What drew youhere? I came to Duluthtoattend CSSand metmyhusband.Duluthiswhere we wanted to callhome. Favorite placeinthe Northland: Everywhere. Itravelalot formyjob andthisregionisincredibly beautiful —fullof treesand water, andit’s funtoexplore.I especially love living in Duluth, whereIcan easily be on theWestern Waterfront Trailand theMunger Trail; in CanalParkand Park Point; on aboaton theSt. LouisRiver, Lake Superior,ormanyofthe smaller lakes;and many otherfantastic places. Howdoyou spendyour free time?Withfamily andfriends exploring newplaces or just hangingout together.Ialso love photography, gardeningbringsmepeace andI enjoydiscovering

newplaces to visit. Howcan the Northland retain youngerpeople? Continue to promote opportunities forall ages as Duluthand the Northland region is somewheretostayand notjustvisit —thatthis is aplace youcan spend your wholelife.

What is your biggest accomplishment? Being amom.Ihavegrown more in thepastfew years as aparentthan Ieverexpected. It’s the hardestand most wonderful role in my life.

Three people– dead or alive– you’dliketo have dinner with: My greatauntToini,because Imissher andwehad alot in common;and my GrandmaEllen and GrandpaJack, because we don’tget to spenda lotoftimetogether.

Five-yeargoals: Personally Iwanttopursuemy hobbies more andspend more time with family andfriends.Professionally Iwanttogrowmy skillstoofferbetterhelp in thenortheast Minnesota region to create more opportunities for substance abuseprevention efforts to be successful.

Social media: www. linkedin.com/in/laurajeanbennett/

What do youactually do? Criminal prosecution.

Yearsinyourjob: Oneplus.

Education: Bachelor's degreeinpolitical science andsocialwork from Bemidji State University, andmyjuris doctor from Hamline School of LawinSt. Paul

Family: Sons,Leonard, 3, andTheodor, 1.

Community involvement: I’macurrent member of Hibbing Community College Foundation Boardof Directors, andformer member of theMinnesota HouseofRepresentatives, whereI representedthe central Mesabi Iron Range,the IRRRB andMinnesota DiscoveryCenter.

Native of the area? Yes; Hibbingbornand raised

What keepsyou here?

Family,friends andthe community.

Favoriteplace in the

Northland: Ilo ingthe Mesabi thesummer an winds through past picturesqu pitsand throug Iron Range tow mininglocation greatway to see Range.

Howdoyou sp your free time?

ove walkTrailin dfall. It thetrees, emine ghsmall wns and s. It's a e theIron pend ? With havelittle , but I eand .I often e Mesabi kidsin ehind ter I ski locally kiat also love r small, storesin

twotoddlersI h to no free time, like beingactive beingoutdoors ride bike on the Trailwiththe k abiketrailer be me.Inthe wint cross-country s anddownhillsk Giant's Ridge. I shopping at our locallyowned s Hibbing.

Howcan the N land retain you people? Educat opportunities fo children areim foryoung famil reationaloppor areimportant f people andyou lies. People wan in aplace they c andplay.

Influential per your life: My m probably hasth influence on me givesmelotsof andsometimes

Northunger tional oryoung mportant lies. Recrtunities for young ung faminttolive can learn rsonin mom hemost e.She f advice Ieven

take it

What is your biggest accomplishment? Authoring andpassing theWomen's Economic Security ActwhenI wasinthe Minnesota House. It expanded workplace protections for working families and working pregnant mothers. My biggest personal accomplishment happens every weekday andinvolves gettingtwo toddlersout thedoorand still gettingto work as afunctioningadult at 8a.m.

Three people –deadoralive–you’dliketohave dinnerwith: Eleanor Roosevelt; she used

herroleasFirst Lady to effectuatepolicychange andmakea difference in thecountry and world. Ilikethatshe took theinitiative to do thosethings even though she didn't have to Robert Zimmerman,aka BobDylan;I want to hear from him directlywhat it waslike growingup in Hibbing. Iamraising my sons in a housenot far from hischildhood home. My grandma, Elva Melin, whopassedaway in 2010 at 97, becauseI miss her andshe wasone of thestrongest, smartest women I'veeverknown.She also didn't like cookingsoshe'd probably make me herusual creamedred potatoes andpeasand that would be just finewithme.

Five-yeargoals: Continuetogrowinmy legalprofessionand be involved in politics in some manner even though I'm outofelected office (for now).I've

always seen po tool to effectua tive progress in Wheredoyou the Twin Port next fiveto10 Probably still 7 to my southeas aplace Ilove t What’s the bes you’ve read re I'mjustfinishi “OptionB”by Sandberg. Ien herfirstbook “ In,” whichwas empowerment sionally. “Opti aboutfacinga unexpectedad andhow to de Ifound it to b beneficialadvi Social media: andTwitter

olitics as a ate posin society. u see tsinthe 0 years? 70miles stbut still ovisit. stbook ecently? ing up Sheryl njoyed “Lean s about t profeson B” is personal, dversity al with it. e full of ice. Facebook

What do youactually do? Isupervise ateam of people whohelp CongressmanNolan’s constituents navigate federalagencies. I’ve helpedveteranswith disability claims or schedulingmedical appointments,seniors with MedicareorSocial Security benefits, immigrantspetitioning to live or work in the U.S., folkswaiting on a delayedtax return,and many otherexamples. We correcterrorsand area partnerwhenpeopleneedhelpnavigating or understandinga government structure. The goal is to make government work and provide resources for people whomight not be able to navigate these systems by themselves.

Yearsinyourjob: 4½ Education: Bachelor’s degreefrom theUniversityofMinnesota Duluth.

Family: My partner, Zach,and ourdog and twocats.

BRYNNSIAS, 28

Community involvement: Ifill much of my free time with volunteer work.I enjoyvolunteeringfor candidates runningfor office,the localDFL partyand TakeAction Minnesota. I’ve also coachedyouth soccer,softball and trackand field.

Native of the area? Yes, IgrewupinPiedmont Heights, graduatedfrom DenfeldHighSchool andcurrently reside in Denfeld. If yes, what keepsyou here? Much of my family livesinDuluth andIenjoy beingclose to them.I also love that through my work and volunteering Iget to give backtothe community that raised me Influential person in your life: The most influential person in my lifeismygrandmother, Mary Kirsling. Sheis thoughtfuland kind, whilealsobeingincredibly fierce when she commits to something. Shecared forpeople through hercareeras anurse andnow gives care to hercommunity through unionactivism andadvocacyfor universal health care.Her commitmenttomaking hercommunity more bright comesinbig and

small ways, w lobbying at th itol or baking forpeopleas of gratitude. inspiration a shouldask h hersingle-pa care book clu What is your accomplishm proudofeve comesthroug gressman No but thereare acouplethat to me.

Iworkedon in particular than ayear. A whodiedin W II wasnever Hisyounger still living an his90s, so th greatdeal of when remain recoveredtha similarities to soldier.Alon cessfollowed theremains s disinterred fo testing. Ultim pushedthe P to sign off on DNAresults wasinfactth member they trying to find home formo years. Hisrem broughthom family invite join them on

whether it’s heCapg treats s agesture She’san and you er about ayerhealth ub. r biggest ment? I’m ry case that gh Conolan’soffice certainly t standout onecase formore soldier World War identified. brotheris ndwas in herewas a urgency nswere athad o thefallen ngprod toprove should be orDNA mately, we Pentagon n this and proved this hefamily y’d been d andreturn ore than 70 mains were meand the dmeto n thetarmac

when hisflight came in. It wasanincredibly moving moment to witness. He was buried with full military honors andhis family finally found closure. I’m so grateful that Iwas able to provide support forthis family through the processand that they invited Congressman Nolan andIto the memorial service. Where do yousee the Twin Portsinthe next fiveto10 years? Ihope to see Duluthimplement earned safe and sicktime and ahigher minimum wage in a much shortertimeframe than fiveto10years.I also hope that because of thosepolicies we see a more equitableDuluth, wherefolks who work hard canliveoff their wagesand never have to choose between apaycheckand the health andwellbeingof themselvesoraloved one.

What do youactually do? Idirectmostofour shows, performinthem when Ican,and do all themarketing.It’smy job to make sure the shows arewonderful, that we have thebest artistsand findmoney to payfor it all. I’mvery good at twoout of three ofthose things.

Yearsinyourjob: I startedWiseFoolseven years ago.

Education: Istudied music andtheater at the UniversityofWisconsin-Superior.

Family:I live with afat, blackcat namedKaiju My parentsliveinthe Milwaukeearea.

Community involvement: I’ve been fortunate enough to work with Renegade Theater Co., DuluthPlayhouse, LyricOpera of theNorth,Colder by theLakeand Rubber ChickenTheater. Ialso volunteeredasa dog walker with Animal Allies foraveryshort amount of time,because

Iwantedtotakeevery dog home with me and Ihaveridiculouslypoor impulsecontrol.

Native of the area? No. IgrewupinWauwatosa,Wis., asuburb of Milwaukee.

What drew youhere? I looked atamap ofthe UW systemschools, andSuperiorwas the farthest away from my home.Beenheresince 1998 andI can’timagine living anywhere else.

Favoriteplace in the Northland: Lake Superior.Evenjustseeingit from adistance—not a singleday goes by that I don’tget excitedabout that lake.

Howdoyou spend your free time? I watch an embarrassing amount of Netflix, but I’musually workingon otherthings at thesame time

Howcan the Northland retain youngerpeople?

Cultivatea thriving arts scene. Youngpeople want greatjobs, but they also crave cultural enrichment—music, theater, greatrestaurants. To me,that’swhat makesa place worth stayingin.

Influential person in

your life: Ruth Jacobson,myold voice teacheratUWS.She passed away about seven years agoand Imissher constantly. Shewas awildlytalented sopranoand gifted teacher, but she was also thekindofhuman this worldneedsmore of.Kindand warm,but notadoormat.Fearless, but notreckless. One of themostlaidback people I’ve ever met. I’mprettysureRuth hung themoon. She told me during oneof my lessons that she was goingtostart an opera company, anditshould have soundedinsane to me,but it didn’t. Of course Ruth could do that.Ruthcould do anything. And she did.Lyric Opera of the Northisstill running todayunder theleadership ofCal Mettsand SarahLawrence. Ruth’s braverywas abig reason IfeltlikeIcould take theplunge andstart Wise Fool Theater. What is your biggest accomplishment? I’m proudofthe inclusivityI’veachievedwith Wise Fool. We’rethe only theatercompany

in theTwinPorts that offerspay-what-you-can performances forevery production.Theater shouldbefor everyone, notjustpeoplewho can afford theeverincreasingcostoftickets. It’s thrillingtobeable to at leasttakeaway thefinancialbarrier.I also thinkwe’re doing consistently high-qualitywork. SometimesI can’tbelieve something this real couldexist just becauseIdecidedit should.

Three people –dead or alive– you’dlike to have dinnerwith: JamesCorden from the Late Late Show.When Ifirstsaw avideoofhis Carpool Karaoke (with Stevie Wonder), the pure joyradiatingfrom that manwas inspirational.Working in the arts canbesoulcrushing— youwanttocreategreat things to share with otherpeople, but youhavetospend most of your time begging for moneyand doingother administrative things that have nothingtodo with that beautiful thing youwanttoput on stage. SeeingCorden’s absolutelychildlike glee in what he wasdoing remindedmetoalways remember whyIdo what Ido—because it really is worthit. Lin-ManuelMiranda, creatorofHamilton. I’m

awed by thesincerity of this wildlysuccessful man. Gettingaticket to seeHamiltonon Broadway —oreven on tour —isnext to impossible.He’satthe topofhisgame,but still this humble,dorky guy whoissoclearly excited aboutevery aspect of his work.Hegets compared to Shakespeare, the greatest playwright who ever lived, all thetime. AndIthinkthat’stotally fair.He’sanincredible storyteller. NowthatI’vebeen thinking about heras the“influential person in my life,”Iwould give just aboutanything to have onelastdinnerwithmyold voice teacher, Ruth.Iwould love theopportunity to saythank youfor everythingshe did for me.I’veprettymuch forgottenhow to sing (sorry,Ruth), but her example of howtobea good humanwill never leaveme.

Five-yeargoals: Right now, Wise Fool Theater performs wherever we can. We’renomads. I wouldlovefor us to findapermanent home. There’s so much more we coulddo. Annual Shakespeareinthe Park is on thelist, too.

Wheredoyou seethe Twin Portsinthe next fiveto10years? Small businessesare on the

rise,and Ithinkthat’s reallygoing to shape theculture of theTwin Portsinthe future. The people of Duluth and Superior arefiercely proud of this area, andthatmakes foran incredible environment forgrowing newventures. We like to support ourown.Right now we have energeticand innovative mayors on both sides of thebridge. It’s an exciting time to be in theTwinPorts. What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

I’mreadingawonderful bookonactingcalled “Mastering Shakespeare”byScott Kaiser Instead of just giving the reader theinformation andleaving us to apply it on ourown,which canbereallytough, Kaiser presents hisbook as afictionalactingclass with aprofessorand his students. Each lesson comesinthe form of theprofessorcoaching astudentthrough a monologue,and applyingthatinformation.It’s fantastic. I’masocially awkwardintrovert,so books areprettymuch my favorite.

Social media: Facebook on theWiseFoolTheater page and Instagram at wisefooltheater. We’re on Twitter, too, but I’m notverygood at that one.

What do youactually do? Representsexual violencesurvivors in various civillegal matters,whichlooks very differentfrom onecase to thenext. Ispend a lotoftimelistening to people.I can’tchange thetraumathey’ve experiencedorwaysour legalsystems respond to survivorsofsexual violence, but Ican help survivors understand theiroptions and resources so they can make informed andempoweredchoices, which hopefullysupporttheir healingprocess(es). My jobisunique and sometimesdifficult, but overall I’mgratefulto bedoing work Ihavea passionfor.

Education: After getting my GED,Iwent to community college in Oregon andearned abachelor’sdegreein psychologyatSmith CollegeinMassachusetts. Igraduatedfrom lawschoolin2010 as apartofthe weekend programatthe HamlineUniversitySchool of Law(nowMitchell

Ham in St Dulu and w the w miss Fam other kids, busy

mline School of Law) .Paul. Iworkedin uth during theweek enttoschoolon eekends.I don’t thosedays.

ily: My significant andIhavethree , whokeepuspretty .They are3,6 and smom,grandher andmanyfamembers live in the n Ports. My parents sisterbothlivein area. My sisteralso ksfor alocal nonfit. My brother lives hemetro area.

8. Hi moth ily m Twin and s the a work profi in th Com men few n At th the b for M Hoop prov techn to tri arou regar and s I’m a the S Colla comp nity p toget integ preve inter child Nativ not, b alon longe

mmunity involve-

nt: I’ve been on a nonprofit boards hemoment, I’mon board of directors Mendingthe Sacred p,a nonprofitthat vides training and nical assistance ibal communities nd thecountry rding domestic sexual violence alsoamemberof St. LouisCounty aborative, whichis prisedofcommupartnersworking thertoprovide grateddeliveryof entionand early rventionservices to drenand families. veofthe area? I’m but I’ve been here ngtime. Thisisthe est I’ve ever lived

somewhere. What drew youhere? I went to graduate school at theUniversityof MinnesotaDuluth brieflyand ended up staying, no matter howoftenI swearI’m moving away Howdo youspend your free time? I spend alot of time with my kids and family We try to go to different events,activities and funthings. I’mstillata pointwhere my liferevolves around work or thekids. I’m sure that will change in afew years,but fornow thekidsare still pretty little,sotheyneed that. Howcan the Northland retain younger people? Keep building on themomentum. There arereallyinteresting things happeninginDuluth, which wasnot always so true

when Ifirstmoved here.Now thereare new restaurants, businesses, community events, artistic endeavorsand otherexciting things happeningthathelp make Duluth even more attractive.

Influential person in your life: There have been many people whohave greatlyimpacted me, including many peopleinmy lifetoday that continue to influence andinspireme.

Biggest accomplishment? Certainly graduating from Smithand being admitted to the bar, none of whichcameeasilyfor me.SomedaysI thinkitmight be that I’ve spentmostofmy workinglifeworking with domestic or sexual violence survivorsand I’mstill doingit. Other times, I’dliketothink my biggestaccomplishmentsare yettocome.

Three people –dead or alive– you’dlike t have dinnerwith: Zo NealeHurston, Frida Kahloand Prince.The areso many people th wouldbefascinating t talk to:Wilma Manki er,Oscar Wilde, Joy Harjo, random people from different time periodsfrom allover theworld.

Five-year goals: Five 10 yearsisa little long than my usualplannin range,but I’dliketo thinkthatthe things I doingnow willcontin to developand grow i apositive direction. Wheredoyou seethe Twin Portsinthe ne fiveto10 years? Ihop we continue to grow in mindful ways, so w don’tlosesomeofthe things that make our community so wonde ful.

What’s the best book you’ve read recently? The entire “Gameof Thrones”series. Waitingfor thenext book killingme. Imight giv up andwatch theTV show. Also,aco-wor recommended“The Perfume Collector.”I wasamazing.