Hannah Alstead 26

Federal Office of U.S. Senator Smith

What do you do professionally?

I am the Northeast Regional Outreach Director and Constituent Services Representative on behalf of U.S. Senator Tina Smith. I am also the head cheerleading coach at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Go Bulldogs!

How are you involved in the community? Do you volunteer with any organizations?

I have spent a large portion of my life volunteering and working within political organizing for local, state, and federal campaigns. After college at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities I moved back to Duluth to serve as a field representative on behalf of Congressman Rick Nolan where I was able to gain strong connections to my community through volunteering, sitting on committees, and meet incredible leaders in every industry. I currently sit on the board of directors for First Witness Child Advocacy Center and the Upper Midwest Film Office. Through my work I have been fortunate to participate in the Military Affairs Committee through the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce, the Master Plan Advisory Committee for the Duluth International Airport, the Affordable Housing Coalition, and the St. Louis County Mental Health Task Force Clarity Project. I am also a lifelong athlete from the area and being able to serve as a coach for my alma mater, Duluth East and now at UMD, has been one of the greatest highlights of my life.

What is important to you?

Being able to live and work in a community that values people for who they are and lifting up the voices of the most unheard. There is a lot of work to be done in these regards and I look forward to continue being a part of the ever growing mission of justice in and around the Northland. As the late Senator Paul Wellstone said, “We all do better when we all do better.”

How do you spend your free time?

I love spending time outside when able to with my family, friends, and dog Norman. I especially love time with my best friend Morgan and her two children who are my beautiful Godbabies. They are the people who keep me going in the toughest of times and I am so

From the nominators

“In the Navy we would say Hannah is a ‘hard charger.’ She routinely is invited to tables where she is the youngest. But that invitation is not a token, but well-earned by a reputation for being thoughtful, connected, pragmatic, and a hard-worker. In an era where politics is divisive and extremist, Hannah’s work is helping the rest of us believe we still matter.”

— Roger Reinert

thankful for them all. I also tend to spend my free time lately volunteering on local campaigns for my many friends running for office!

Favorite things about living and working in the Northland?

There are so many reasons to love living and working here. I would have to say being able to represent a 14-county region in Northeast Minnesota has given me the greatest gift in natural scenery. From the shores of Lake Superior up to the Canadian Border and all the way to the Brainerd Lakes Area, I am beyond fortunate to be able to surround myself in its beauty every day. It helps that my mom and dad aren’t too far away either!

What advice would you give to up and coming professionals?

One of my favorite coaches used to say, “Never settle for less than your best.” This has stuck with me throughout the years as a staple in all that I do. That’s all we can really give of ourselves and to others is our best, which can come in many forms. It’s okay to fail. It’s okay to go through hard periods in time, and it is more than okay to ask for help.

Favorite moment in life?

I have two. The days that my Godchildren, Evianah and Raymie, were born are two of the best days of my life. I was so lucky to be able to be there and see the strength my best friend exhumed after 40-plus long weeks of carrying them both. They are my greatest gift and making them proud is something I will work towards for the rest of my life.

Who has inspired you or your favorite motivational quote?

My mom is my greatest inspiration. Together we went through every extreme of happiness, sadness, trauma, and success. She is so kind, generous, and loving to every person she meets. Above all she is strong and has allowed me to see my strength in ways I never thought I would.

Anything else you want to add?

Thank you so much to those who nominated me for this award. I have been extremely lucky to be surrounded by incredible mentors who have become some of my greatest friends.

“She is a true public servant at heart and outside of her work in government, she volunteers many hours on several boards. I believe Hannah deserves this recognition because at the ripe old age of 26, she has already done more in government service, politics and civics than most people twice her age. She has a bright future and we are lucky to have her working on our behalf in the U.S. Senate and in Duluth.

Jeff Anderson