20 Under 40 Awards 2018

What do you do?

Own and operate convenience stores — Gary Milk House, Korner Stores

Education

Denfeld High School

Community involvement

I have served on the Gary-New Duluth (GND)

Recreation Center board. As a business, we sponsor local athletic teams, reward students who achieve educational milestones and donate to various local charity events.

Tell us about your loved ones

I consider myself lucky. I am surrounded by many caring, loving people in my life — from family to friends, my community, and in particular my dog, Bandit.

What do you do in your free time?

What free time? My work is my passion and my hobby,andIenjoynothingmorethandedicatingmy time to my business and my community.

Tell us about an influential person in your life

My mom, Sharon, has been my best friend, my rock and my inspiration. My work ethic is the product of a single mother who raised two kids, fought for a better tomorrow, provided no matter the obstacles, budgeted with pennies to spare, loved unconditionally, took no crap and never gave up. With her recent passing, I have come to appreciate everything she has done for me and my sister She is deeply missed and will be forever loved. She is and will always be the most influential person in my life.

JUDGE’S NOTE

Rest assured, the Twin Ports’ U40 scene is strong. Some of these young people are artists, advocates, nonprofit workers, civil servants and entrepreneurs — and their friends and colleagues are noticing. This year’s stack of 20 Under 40 nominees was thick with accomplished individuals.

As judges — 2017 winners

Katy Eagle and Nathan LaCoursiere and News Tribune reporters Jana Hollingsworth, Brooks

Johnson and myself — we met in a conference room on a summer morning to consider this year’s picks. We flung paper, we consulted Facebook, we shared anecdotal evidence of nominee greatness, and sometimes we lost count. We drank coffee, we debated the savory croissant.

At the apex, LaCoursiere took over at the dry-erase board and we got serious with a roster that we think accurately portrays this area’s great young people.

By Christa Lawler clawler@duluthnews.com

Among them: Clinton Nienhaus is a naturalist who can make a case for the common gull, and business ownerDerekMedvedlearned his work ethic from his late mother.ElizabethPollingwas raised in Duluth, spent three yearswithTeachforAmerica, andnow isanassistant public defender. Heather Doty Johnson founded Tender Loving Care and coaches the Salvation Army’s Rookie Basketball Association

Jane Pederson is drawing more and more tourists to

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

To become an entrepreneur.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

Buying my first store at the age of 19.

What keeps you in the Twin Ports?

As Judy Garland once said, “There is no place like home.”Icomefromacommunityofloyal,dedicated, caring individuals. I plan to continue my endeavors within the Twin Ports for years to come.

Describe your happy place

Spending time at the cabin surrounded by family.

What’s your five-year plan?

Continue my growth in the convenience store business.

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?

Never give a dream a deadline. Even though it may not happen overnight, a dream structured with patience, determination and hope is a dream worth waiting for. And you need to work really, really, really, really hard. Stay true, stay focused and stay positive. Be you.

Glensheen mansion and Terresa Moses is creative director at Blackbird Revolt and an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Duluth.

tschank@duluthnews.com

Truth is, even the cuttingroom floor contained enough greatnesstocreatea40Under 40 award.

From left: Jana Hollingsworth, Nate LaCoursiere, Katy Eagle, Brooks Johnson and Christa Lawler work to judge this year’s 20 under 40 nominations on July 12. Tyler Schank /

JODI BROADWELL, 39 . DULUTH

Whatdoyoudo?

I run a small nonprofit, Lincoln Park Children and Families Collaborative. Our mission is to strengthen the Lincoln Park community by connecting families who care about young children.

Education

• High school diploma: Denfeld.

• Associate of Arts degree: Lake Superior College.

• Bachelors of Fine Arts in studio art, Master of Arts in art history and certificate in nonprofit management: University of Wisconsin-Superior.

Communityinvolvement

• Community Action Duluth board of directors for six years, two years as chair.

• Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial, Inc., board of directors for four years, two years as co-chair Currently an emeritus board director.

• Co-organizeroftheAlabama35,adelegationof DuluthianswhotraveledtoMontgomery,Ala.,toattend theopeningoftheLegacyMuseumandtheunveilingof theNationalMemorialforPeaceandJustice.

• Duluth-Superior Pride Committee for five years.

• League of Women Voters-Duluth board of directors for three years, and a member for six years

• Election judge for Duluth for five years, chairperson at my assigned precinct several times.

• City commissioner, in my fourth year of service on the Duluth Public Arts Commission.

• Caretaker of a Big Red Bookshelf for over five years.

• NAACP, Duluth branch member

• Board of directors for Ecolibrium3.

Tellusaboutyourlovedones

I have one child, Kaosu. He is 16 and will be a senior this year at Harbor City International School. He is duallyenrolledthroughthePSEOprogramandattends Lake Superior College full time. Kaosu and I have one pet,Pawsha.Sheisasweetcatthatweadoptedtogether nine years ago.

Whatdoyoudoinyourfreetime?

I enjoy reading and watching documentaries about art and history, experiencing art at museums and galleries, as well as making art, traveling as much as possible, workinginmygardens,continuingtolearnhowtocook, practicingyoga,bowling,walkingwithinnature,sharing amealwithfriendsandfamily,catchingacomedyshow oraplay,andmentoringyouthinmyneighborhood.

Tellusaboutaninfluentialpersoninyourlife Shor and I met in 2012. Shor identifies as transgender and shared with us some of their experiences being transgender, the importance of using preferred pronouns, and why access to hormone therapy is an issue to support and advocate for.

A few years later my son came out as transgender. Because I had met Shor and learned so much about pronouns, hormone access, and other issues around being transgender, I was able to support and advocate for my son in a way that I would not have been able to otherwise. Shor continues to be an inspiration and source of support for me on this journey together.

What’sthebestdecisionyou’veevermade?

ServingtwoyearsintheMinnesotaReadingCorpsasan early literacy teacher in a Duluth Head Start classroom. ItwasthroughthisnationalservicethatIwasintroduced to issues around generational poverty, systemic and institutional racism, and how they intersect with the links between low literacy levels and incarceration rates.EverythingIexperiencedasaMinnesotaReading Corps member has influenced employment, volunteer work and projects I worked on after my service and has helped lead me to where I am today.

Whatisyourbiggestaccomplishment?

Oneofmybiggestaccomplishmentsprofessionallywas a three-year effort (2015-18) to help create community garden plots and demonstration gardens at Harrison Park. This effort included:

• The Lincoln Park Children and Families Collaborative receiving the Communities Eliminating Tobacco Inequities Award to create healthy spaces in the Lincoln Park neighborhood.

• Successfully aligning this goal with the city of Duluth’s Harrison Park Mini Master Plan, which included a desire for community garden plots and demonstration gardens.

• Leveraging funding from three additional sources for workshops in the park and collaborating with more than 10 partners to get the work done

WhatkeepsyouintheTwinPorts?

•OurgreatLakeSuperior.

•Thepeoplewholive,workandmaketheirhomeshere.

•Therevitalizationworkthatistakingplacein neighborhoods;

•Myprofessionalandpersonalworkinmy communities.

•ThepotentialDuluthhastobecometrulyequitablefor allcitizens.

Describeyourhappyplace

Places that make me happy include being close to the St. Louis River, specifically the Western Waterfront Trail. I also enjoy hanging out on the shores of Lake Superior, hunting for rocks and beach glass, taking in the sights and sounds, feeling the cool breeze on my skin and the water splash onto my feet. I especially enjoy the peacefulness of relaxing next to a small lake when the fireflies are out or listening to loons call for each other as the moon rises.

What’syourfive-yearplan?

Getting my kiddo off to college next fall, working on making art and completing my house and garden projects, traveling as much as possible, and exploring becoming a foster parent. At the Collaborative, we are working on starting a family daycare, creating a threeyearstrategicplan,andseekingsupportandsustainability for our current and upcoming programming.

Whatwordsofwisdomdoyouhave foryoungadults?

My words of wisdom to young adults who are seeking employment is to network, network, network. It’s not always what you know, but who you know.

Mywordsofwisdomforyoungadultsingeneralistobe mindful about everything you do and be sure to make time to take care of and get to know yourself, your families, your communities and your environment.

What do you do?

I’m an environmental educator and naturalist — the headnaturalistwiththeFriendsofSax-ZimBogand educationmanageratHawkRidgeBirdObservatory

Non-paidrolesincludesecretaryandEducationand Field Trip Committee co-chair for Duluth Audubon Society, and Young Birders Committee chair for the Minnesota Ornithologists Union.

Education

Bachelor of Art in environmental biology from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, Winona and Master of Education in environmental education from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Community involvement

My community involvement stems from the work and volunteering I do through Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory and Duluth Audubon Society. The fall season at Hawk Ridge includes interactions with local school groups, adult groups and passersby. With Duluth Audubon, I lead field trips and programs. I’m active in the local and greater Minnesota birding and dragonflying communities.

Tell us about your loved ones

I am thankful for my parents and grandparents for their support and daily inspiration. My younger brother amazes me with his accomplishments. I am lucky and ever grateful to have found an amazing and inspiring partner in Kristina. I am doubly lucky to have found community in Duluth, and those friends are family to me.

What do you do in your free time?

Much of my free time is spent in the field with Kristina — hiking or snowshoeing, or chasing arounddragonfliesanddamselflies,birding,looking for orchids or moths or butterflies or fish or reptiles and amphibians ... you get the idea! The outdoors take up much of my time, but the little that is left is filled with music, reading or exploring Minnesota’s state parks with my sweetheart.

Tellusaboutaninfluentialpersoninyourlife

Onepersonthatdoestendtostickouttimeandtime again was a professor who taught me at St. Mary’s University, Dr. Phil Cochran. Dr. C, as we called him, passed away a couple of years ago, but there isn’t a day that goes by where something I do hasn’t been influenced by him. He inspired my brother and I to write our first publication and he allowed me to test my teaching chops by letting me teach a portion of an ichthyology lab, simply because he saw that I was able and interested in teaching. He truly is an inspiration in my life as being both an educator and a scientist.

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

One of the best decisions I’ve made was joining the Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity at St. Mary’s. It was great to be part of a group of folks as invested and interested in music as I was and continue to be. I met some astounding musicians and men in the fraternity and they made a major impact on my development as a person; pushing me outside of my comfort zone, little by little, and all the while being there to support me when those challenges seemed too great.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

It’s the role I play in this community as an environmental educator. When I am sharing a

passion for all species, I can have an impact through small achievements that make a huge influence on people’s lives: encouraging folks to take a longer look (or listen) at what is around them, or under their feet, or up in the sky. I hope that I can make the outdoors a place for lifelong learning.

What keeps you in the Twin Ports?

We are in a special part of Minnesota ecologically and many of the birds and bugs found here are unique. We also are amazingly lucky in this area to have an incredible environmental education community that collectively is doing special things.

Describe your happy place

One of my favorite places is the Driftless Area. This un-glaciated region — making up much of southeastern Minnesota, northeastern Iowa, southwestern Wisconsin and northwestern Illinois — makes me incredibly happy; the ecology is diverse, as is the landscape My other happy place can be found at Mounds View Grassland, in Iowa County, Wis. I spent two summers there doing prairie restoration work and got to intimately know every inch of the 576 acres of this incredible prairie complex. I grew up “on the prairie,” as I like to say, and the wide-open spaces and compass plants on Mounds View Grassland sing to me constantly

What’s your five-year plan?

I don’t have a defined plan, honestly. I am in a pretty goodplaceinmylifeandIhopeIcanstayinDuluth and continue to educate and inspire about the natural world.

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?

Don’t be afraid to take a chance on an opportunity outside of your comfort zone. This is one of the best pieces of advice I’ve received and it has resonated with me ever since.

HEATHER BRADFORD,38 . DULUTH

What do youdo?

IworkatSafe Havenshelter as an advocate. This involves ensuring theshelterisasafe,welcoming, healthyplacefordomestic-violencesurvivors.Italso involves answeringcrisiscalls,safetyplanningand connecting survivorswithcommunity resources. I also work part time at theWomen’s Health Center, whereI checkinpatientsand makeappointments forabortions andother medical procedures.

Iamalsoasubstituteteacher forthe Duluth school district.

Education

Bachelor of Arts ininternational studies, history andpolitical science andMasterofScience in teachingfrom theCollegeofSt. Scholastica. BachelorofScienceinsociologyfromtheUniversity of Wisconsin-Superior.

MasterofArtsinSociologyfromMinnesotaState University-Mankato.

Community involvement

Iama member of SocialistAction, aTrotskyist politicalparty,and serveasthe branch organizer for ourlocalgroup.SocialistActionattemptstomagnify itsimpactbybuildingsocialmovementsaroundantiwar,labor,feminism,environmentalism,indigenous rights, criminal justicereform, immigrantrights, racial justiceand housingissues.

Iamafoundingmemberofthe Feminist Justice League,whichhosts events such as asymbolic strike forInternational Women’sDay,Glo forRoe picket,panels, small protests andparticipation in the40 Days of Choice.

Iamalsoa member of theH.O.T.D.I.S.H. Militia alocal fundthathelps individualsfinanceabortion andotherreproductivehealthservices.Iamaboard member of theNorth CentralWindows Program, whichseeks to enrich ourcommunity andthe lives of domesticabusesurvivors throughart.Iam also a member of AFSCME-3558,through whichI serve as asteward ande-board member.

Tell us aboutyourlovedones

Iam fortunatetohavemanydearpeopleinmy life, includingDan,who ispatient, hard working, andwarm; Adam,who ishumble, generous andan amazingactivist;Jenny,whoisadedicatedadvocate

andmypartner in feminist activism;mycreative comrade andcriminologistLucas;and my sharp, sarcasticcomrade Chris. Ialsovalue my friendship withmybrotherLonnie,whoisaneuropsychologist andfatherofthree cute kids,and my mother, Melinda,who sometimesgoesbirdingwithme. I am also thankful formyfather, GrandmaBradford andother friends,comrades andfamilymembers fortheir love andsupport.

What do youdoinyourfreetime?

Ienjoy outdooractivities andattendingoutdoor educationalevents. Oneofmyfavoriteoutdoor hobbies in recentyears has been birding. Ilove learningabout nature andam happytolearnmore abouteverythingfrom wildflowers to moths.

Tell us aboutaninfluential person in your life

Ihavebeenmostinfluencedbymyteachers, professors andgrandparents. My teachers and professors taught me howto thinkcritically aboutsociety. My GrandpaBradfordtraveledthe worldwhenhewas in theNavy, so he always had interestingstories.Hewas afun, friendlyperson, with many friends andhobbies andanopenmind. My GrandmaWallialwaysworeblue, kept acrystal chandelier in herfarmhouse,loved mysterynovels, painted,wrotepoetry,lovedparadesandcostumes, enjoyedtrivia andhad aflairfor thedramatic.

What’s the best decisionyou’veever made?

Becominganegg donorwas aunique decision that Imade in my late 20s. Thisallowed me to pay off some studentdebt, travel to Cuba,learn more aboutreproductivetechnologiesandhelpthreeegg recipients have children.

What is your biggestaccomplishment?

The accomplishmentsIam most proudof areovercomingthe depressionand anxietyI experiencedinmy20s, my pursuit of education andmytravels.IamparticularlygladthatIhave hadthe privilegeoftravelingto over 65 countries. Iam fortunatefor theseexperiences, whichhave enriched my lifeand challengedmy mind.

What keepsyou in the Twin Ports?

Ifeelasense of purpose, belongingand community here.

Describe your happyplace

MyhappyplaceissittingonthebeachonWisconsin Point, readingabookand enjoying solitude and sunshineonawarmsummer afternoon.

What’s your five-year plan?

Iwould love to reach100 countries within thenextfive years. Iwanttogrowinmyknowledge of birdsand nature.I want to continue my communityactivism. I wouldn’tmindteachingsociologyasanadjunctatalocal collegeinaddition to my currentemployment. Taking language,scienceorartclasseswouldalsobenice

Whatwords of wisdom do youhave foryoung adults?

It is importanttocreateyourown measuresof successorabandon theconceptentirely. So,live wellbyyourownstandardsandbravelyfaceaworld that mayridiculeorignore. The main rewardsare authenticity andclarity.

Congratulations to Heather Bradford for being recognized as ayoung leader in the greater Duluth community.

ANDREA WELLS, 31 . SOLON SPRINGS

encouraged me to do whatever I put my mind to. She was always positive, never would talk ill of anybody. She was my caretaker when I was young, and then I becameherhusband’s(mygrandfather’s) caretaker when he became ill later in life. We have had a lot of situations that wehaveworkedthroughtogether,andit has led us to never take life for granted and live to the fullest each and every day. I thank her for everything she has taught me and will always cherish our moments together.

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

To apply for graduate school.

What do you do?

I am a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor.

Education

Masters degree from University of Wisconsin.

Community involvement

IvolunteerfortheRedCrossaswellas do pro bono work with children and families.

Tell us about your loved ones

I have a boyfriend of seven years, three dogs and two cats who all mean a lot to me. I also have a new nephew who plays a big role in my life, as well as my family and extended family

What do you do in your free time?

I enjoy running, making jewelry, gardening and being outside.

Tell us about an influential person in your life

My paternal grandmother — Grandma Marge. Growing up, she was my inspiration, the person who always

ELIZABETH ANN POLLING, 39 . CLOQUET

What do you do?

I’m an assistant public defender for the 6th Judicial District, serving St. Louis, Cook, Lake and Carlton counties.

Education

Juris doctor degree.

Community involvement

Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota board and executive committee member, city of Cloquet Planning Commission board member, First Witness Child Advocacy Center board member.

Tell us about your loved ones

What is your biggest accomplishment?

Helpingmorepeopleinmycommunity than I ever thought I could reach.

WhatkeepsyouintheTwinPorts?

Myjobandpassionforhelpingothers. I continue to see the rising need in Duluth and the limited resources there are to offer. I continue to work collaboratively with others to reach moreindividuals,connectandsupport them;wherevertheyareatintheirlife.

Describe your happy place

My happy place is outside, in the sun, enjoying the moment.

What’s your five-year plan?

In five years I plan to be more off the ground with my private practice and hope to open a mental health facility. I want to keep working toward locating resources and grants to assist the underserved population’s mental health needs in the Duluth area.

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?

Follow your dreams and advocate for yourself

My mom and step-mom, Sunny and Randi; my brothers, Alan and Neil; sister-in-law, Jessica; niece, Kambrey, and lots of extended family.

What do you do in your free time?

I train my three pet parrots and work on my gardens (currently working on teaching Gandalf, my African grey parrot, to say “fly, you fools,” and my Amazon parrot, Izzy, to say “help! they’ve turned me into a parrot.”)

Tell us about an influential person in your life

My grandmother, Ruth Dishington, started teaching in rural Minnesota in 1939 and continued teaching until her retirement in the mid-80s. She was a public school teacher in western Duluth for many years, and started and designed the first special education program for mentally disabled youth.

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

After I graduated from college, I joined Teach for America and spent the next three years teaching in an underresourced rural community in North Carolina. I learned a lot about life and myself from that experience

What is your biggest accomplishment?

Becoming an assistant public defender, and every day standing up for the rightsofcitizenstobetreatedfairlyand honestly by the criminal justice system.

What keeps you in the Twin Ports?

My family has deep roots in the area, and I couldn’t see myself living anywhere else.

Describe your happy place

On the patio at the Rendezvous in Cloquet on a beautiful summer evening.

What’s your five-year plan?

Continuing my work as an assistant public defender — it is inspirational work that I truly enjoy.

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?

Prioritize and spend time and experience deciding who you want to be and what you want your life to be, or circumstancewillmakethosedecisions for you. Revisit periodically.

TERRESA MOSES, 32 . DULUTH

What do you do?

I am the creative director at Blackbird Revolt, an assistant professor of graphic design at UMD, and the creator and design researcher of Project Naptural.

Education

A Master of Fine Arts in design research and anthropology from the University of North Texas.

Community involvement

I serve on the executive board of the Duluth NAACP as the recording secretary and chair of the Young Adult Committee. I serve on the board of the Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Committee as one of the co-chairs of the 2020 Planning Committee. I also serve on the board of AIGA Minnesota as the director of diversity and inclusion.

Tell us about your loved ones

My husband, Jordon, is a social-justice activist and community advocate in Duluth. He’s my best friend, my support system and the realist I need on my side. My mother, Christine, is a psychologist, professor and veteran. She is my inspiration. My father, Oscar, is a retired veteran now working for the government in the private sector.He’swhereIgetmyloveofallthingsnerdy and/or animated. I have three older siblings — Nicole, a mathematics professor and associate dean; Jennifer, a health care professional, and Randy, a small-business owner. Growing up as the baby of the family taught me to be tough. In each of their own ways, they encouraged and supported me I have one niece, Jade, studying to become an actress. She’s incredibly talented and I hope she doesn’t forget her aunty when she’s famous. My gram, Marian, is a retired nurse. She mastered being loving and stern and is one of the funniest people on earth. I have a large chosen family: Ashley, Lisa, Sandra, Daniel, Jara, Charern, Diona, Princess, Ivy,

Susana, Paula, Sara and Stacy. Thank you all for the work you do, your support, encouragement and texting back.

What do you do in your free time? With the bit of free time I have, I love to be around my close friends over a good meal and just be silly. I also binge-watch TV shows, play with my silly dog and occasionally create pretty things.

Tell us about an influential person in your life

Hands down, Jordon Moses. He is a most progressive person — unafraid to call out truth, no matter how hard it may be to hear. He continually pushes me to be a better person and considers my affect on others in my decision making. He is a creative and critical thinker, exactly who we need in our community to create equity.

What’sthebestdecisionyou’veevermade?

Acceptingmyteachingpositionattheuniversity.

What is your biggest accomplishment? I’mnotsureIhaveone“biggest”accomplishment. It might be graduating with my MFA and becoming a professor while becoming a survivor of domestic violence. It might be starting Blackbird Revolt and seeing it flourish and become a way to progress this community. But perhaps my biggest accomplishments are found in the classroom, when I can influence young folks to use their abilities to change the world

What keeps you in the Twin Ports? The potential and hope in the community to become one of equity, and the part I have to play in that process.

Describe your happy place NEXUS.

What’s your five-year plan? My five-year plan includes a tenure promotion and a physical location for Blackbird Revolt to create and work with creatives to affect positive change

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults? Equity isn’t fair; it’s right.

What do you do?

I am a pharmacist and assistant professor at the University of Minnesota-College of Pharmacy, Duluth. I work closely with public health professionals and community members throughout Northeastern Minnesota on efforts to reduce substance use and eliminate drug overdose.

Education

University of Minnesota and University of St. Thomas.

Community involvement

I am a member of numerous substance-use coalitions throughout Northeastern Minnesota, where I work closely with community members to find solutions to reduce substance use, abuse

LAURA PALOMBI, 39 . DULUTH

and overdose. In this role, I have worked with Northeastern Minnesota communities to plan and implement nine Community Forums on Heroin and Opioid Abuse to provide community members with education on substance use prevention and intervention, and resources for recovery. I am also a member of the Carlton County Drug Court team and been active in planning Carlton County’s Operation Community Connect, a resource day for the homeless, since 2012.

Tell us about your loved ones

I have two adolescent children (my son is 14 and my daughter is 12) and a husband who I am very proud of. They inspire me to do the work that I do

What do you do in your free time?

My family and I love to visit national parks; we like to take our old pop-up camper whenever we can. We live on a hobby farm and I also enjoy hanging out with the dogs and chickens, and making jams with raspberries from our farm.

Tell us about an influential person in your life

I have been most influenced by former Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin. I’m inspired not only by her incredible work ethic and impact on ruralandpublic health, but also by the wisdom she once shared with me and other students when she encouraged us not to be afraid to pursue uncharted paths in public health.

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

The best decision that I made was to become a pharmacy educator with a public health focus. I get to work with fantastic and energetic students and be inspired by the work of community partners working diligently to make Minnesota — and the world — a better place. I appreciate having the flexibility to pursue work that really matters to me and having a job that allows me to work with public health professionals, university faculty, healthcare providers, drug court teams, community coalitions and inspiring individuals in recovery.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment is in raising two kind and generous children who make me proud with their care of others and the community.

What keeps you in the Twin Ports?

I love the Twin Ports and have always wanted to live here.

Palombi continued on page 11

CHARLIE DEVILLE, 38 . DULUTH

What do you do?

I work with area businesses and organizations to underwrite programming on WDSE-WRPT TV.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in outdoor education from UMD.

Community involvement

PresidentoftheLincolnParkBusinessGroup.Board member and city liaison for the Lake Superior Disc Golf Community. Creator/curator of the Lincoln Park Disc Golf Course. Member of the FUSE Leadership Council. President of the Lake Superior Chapter of BNI.

Tell us about your loved ones

I would not be able to do all that I do without the love and support of my wife, Jessica, and my children, Sophie and Nadia. They are what gives my life purpose and meaning. To know that they are proud of me is all that matters.

What do you do in your free time?

Being with my wife and kids is my ideal free time. I alsoenjoyplayingdiscgolf,homeprojects,exercising, hikes, beach days and watching comedies.

Tell us about an influential person in your life

I learned a lot from Jake Winchell who was the sales manager at FOX 21 when he hired me back in 2011. Jake saw my potential, took me under his wing and taught me how to be successful in sales. I owe any

LAURA PALOMBI, 39

Continued from page 10

I most enjoy the fabulous people that I’ve met over the years, but also appreciate the opportunities for outdoor fun (hiking, skiing, running, snowshoeing) that the Twin Ports provides.

Describe your happy place

My happy place is on a quiet and secluded lake in Northeastern Minnesota.

and all of my successes since then to Jake taking a chance on me.

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

I have made two equally good decisions in my professional career. The first was taking the job at FOX 21 and learning the ropes of local advertising sales. The second was taking the job at WDSE where all of my experience is being used every day to help grow WDSE as a station and community partner

What is your biggest accomplishment?

WhereIfeelthemostaccomplishedisinbeingpartof therevitalizationoftheLincolnParkneighborhood. Every day new and exciting things are taking place in Lincoln Park and it is very fulfilling to have been involved. This accomplishment is ongoing and thankfully has no end in sight

What keeps you in the Twin Ports?

The Twin Ports has been my home for almost 20 years. From beach days, to the fall hawk migration, to winter disc golf leagues, to springtime hikes and everything in between, there is no place on earth I’d rather be.

Describe your happy place

Anywhere with my family makes me happy. However, the moments leading up to my first throw of a round of disc golf always make me smile.

What’s your five-year plan?

Five years from now I plan on having all WDSE

What’s your five-year plan?

Infiveyears,Ihopetobeworkingwithcommunity members to implement programming that reduces stigma toward substance use disorders and increases community support for individuals in recovery and their families. I hope that we will find ways to make substance use a less-appealing option for youth and adults alike by leveraging the strengths of our Minnesota communities.

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?

My words of wisdom would be similar to those

programming underwritten by area businesses and organizations.Fiveyearsfromnow Iplanonhaving all storefronts in Lincoln Park filled with successful businesses. Five years from now I plan on the Twin Ports being a nationally recognized destination for disc golf.

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?

The words I live by are: “Don’t tell me why I can’t, just tell me how I can.” Hard work is the only way. There are no shortcuts.

sharedwithmebyDr.ReginaBenjamin,asIwould advise young adults to follow their passion and to dowhattheythinkneedstobedoneintheirjoband in the world and whenever possible what they feel called to do (even if nobody else is doing it yet) It might seem risky to pursue ideas that are “outside of the box” or new collaborations, but that’s how some of the most exciting, rewarding and effective programs and solutions are discovered.

It’sa special place where young leaders can makea difference.

Big enough to be interesting. Surprising. Special. Small enough to know your neighbors. And right on the shores of Lake Superior. The Twin Portshave become adestination for ageneration. Young people have made Duluth and Superior aplace to call home. Part of the attraction?Anability to get involved, lead and have impact One way young people do this is through the Young Leaders Fund of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation.

Young Leaders Fund Afund

What do you do?

I am the executive director of the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center. I manage the day-to-day operation of the center. That includes fundraising, membership development, program development and volunteer recruitment. Basically, if the center does it, I am involved somehow.

Education

I have a Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Minnesota Duluth.

Community involvement

Rotary Club (Superior).

Friends of Edna G. and City of Two Harbors Tugboat Commission.

Defeat of Jesse James Days (Northfield, Minn.). Northland History Coalition.

HAYES SCRIVEN, 35 . TWO HARBORS

Tell us about your loved ones

I have a wife, Jenny. We have been married for 11 years, and she is a paraprofessional for the Lake Superior School District in Two Harbors. My daughter,Aneliese,is10andanamazingballerina who loves bunnies and camping. My son, Devin, is 7 He is learning karate and football, loves camping, riding his bike and anything outside.

What do you do in your free time?

My family loves to camp in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This year, I will make four trips to that amazing wilderness I also love hunting turkey, pheasant and ducks I host trivia at Castle Danger every Tuesday and I am an avid video gamer.

Tell us about an influential person in your life

One of the many influential people in my life is my grandfather When I was young he exposed me to the BWCAW and the wilderness. He instilled in me the importance to be outdoors and enjoy it. I have taken that approach with my kids and am very happy that they would rather be out in the woods than sit inside.

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

It all started when I decided to follow my nowwifetoUMD.Iobtainedmyhistorydegree,made some lifelong friends, found my passion for local history and started a family at an early age.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

It was probably the last 15 months of my job as executive director of the Northfield Historical Society In that timeframe I was able to finalize the loan of an exhibit development of the Henry Wheeler long gun that was used by Wheeler in defending the town’s bank against the JamesYounger Gang. I also finalized the transfer of the Malt-O-Meal Cereal Company archives/ collections to the museum and also set up an endowment to care for the collection long term.

Those last few months were full of activity and great success for preserving important history.

What keeps you in the Twin Ports?

We just moved here. I believe this is the most amazing, beautiful area in Minnesota and Wisconsin. There are so many outdoor activities, you could never be bored.

Describe your happy place

On a lake up north, in a canoe, with a fishing pole in my hand and a loon just in front of me in the water.

What’s your five-year plan?

My five-year plan is to be here, still running the Bong Center, increasing attendance and membership each year. Personally, I will hope to have completed a destination hunting and fishing trip. I also hope I will be able to travel a little bit more.

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?

Believe in yourself. Don’t doubt your skill level. I became an executive director at 22 and it took many years before I believed in myself and what I wasdoing.Surroundyourselfwithpeoplethatare experts in the areas that you are weak in because you are not good at everything. Then, don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you believe in yourself and surround yourself with good people, you will go far. Finally, don’t be afraid to ask for the moon and take a chance.

What do you do?

I am the executive director of Breakwater Health Network, a health center controlled network, for which I lead the strategic, financial, operational and implementation aspects of Breakwater. I get to work collaboratively with Federally Qualified Health Centers and Migrant Health Centers to optimize the critical work that they do in their communities. I also consult rural health networks and organizations across the country in the areas of strategy and development. I am lucky to love all that I do.

Education

Undergraduate studies at the University of Wisconsin, Eau Claire Graduate studies at the College of St. Scholastica.

Community involvement

I am an At-Large member of the Duluth School Board and I chair the business committee and sit on the early childhood committee, the transportation committee and the intergovernmental affairs committee. I am a member of the advisory council fortheDowntownYMCAandsitontheBoardofthe GreaterMinnesotaTelehealthBroadbandInitiative. Ialsodovolunteerworkforpoliticalcampaignsand am a member of Peace United Church of Christ.

Tell us about your loved ones

I have an incredible family. My partner, Peter, and myself, along with two other amazing parents, are raising our son, Noah, who is 9 We have a spirited andlovinggoldenretriever,StellaLouise.Myparents and in-laws are all in the Duluth area and we spend quite a bit of time with them. I also have a fantastic brother and two beautiful sisters and their families who are also all in the area. Family is foundational for me and I’m lucky to have everyone so close.

What do you do in your free time?

When I do find some free time, I love to run, take oursweetdog tothelake,watchNoahplaybaseball, ski, cook and travel. I am blessed with amazing friends who I wish I could see more often.

Tellusaboutaninfluentialpersoninyourlife

My mother, Cindy Macaulay. She is endlessly joyful and isquick to laugh at agood — or bad — joke. She put herself through graduate school while raising three small children, which taught me more than I knew about having a strong work ethic. She is a tirelessadvocateforjusticeandgivescountlesshours to organizations across our wonderful community and seems to do it all without losing any enthusiasm or momentum. You won’t find a more effervescent and loyal cheerleader; I’m so thankful for her.

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

Learningasecondlanguage.I’vehadtheopportunity to live in and travel to other countries, and those language skills have exposed me to experiences and people I would not have had otherwise. It’s time to add another language to that list.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

ThisisahardquestiontoanswerasI’mgenerallynot onetofocusonthefinishlinebutratherthejourney.I wouldsaytheconfidence,gritandstick-to-itiveness to run for public office. It’s a hugely vulnerable and consumingexperience,butIlearnedsomuchabout myself and about our incredible community My family also really stepped up to support me and the campaign. I have lived here nearly all of my life and running for office made me love this city even more than I did before. People across this great city are engaged, interested, passionate and committed and it was humbling to have people open their doors for me to hear me out and, ultimately, believe in me.

What keeps you in the Twin Ports?

My family, this wonderful community and the lake. All three have always had a strong magnetic pull that kept me coming back and, now, keep me grounded and home.

Describe your happy place

There is a little spot on the shore of Lake Superior where I love to take Stella swimming. She loves to jump off the rocks to fetch sticks and there are great rockstositonandtakeinthebeautyandtranquility

of the lake. I’ve even caught a bagpipe player while I’ve been up there, which created a magical Duluth experience!

What’s your five-year plan?

I’ve never been one to establish a strict “five-year plan.” I try to be resilient and open to opportunities in life. I would love to figure out some sort of work/ life balance. I would like to run a couple more marathons and spend more time traveling.

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?

My grandmother shared with me, shortly before she died, that she only had two regrets in life: that she hadn’t been more authentic to herself and she wished she had laughed more I wish I had the courage to be truly authentic earlier in life; so find out who you are and rock it! And laugh … a lot!

What do you do?

Assistant St Louis County Attorney, Duluth School Board Member and mom. I solve problems.

Education

University of Minnesota Morris and University of Minnesota.

Community involvement

I am currently serving on the Duluth School Board and the Planned Parenthood Regional Advisory Committee I’ve had previous involvement with the Volunteer Attorney Program, Chester Bowl Improvement Club and Minnesota Women Lawyers.

Tell us about your loved ones

Partnership of 20 years with Nate LaCoursiere, with whom I joyously parent (and/or patiently tolerate) Henry, 7 years old, and Charlie, 5. Nate and I once nearly divorced in a tandem kayak but now successfully helm a sailboat together. It’s all about sharing the tiller, dear. Henry, uber theatrical, wants to grow up and be a Pokemon; Charlie is a barnacle who loves all sporting activities. My dad, sister and brother and their partners live in the Twin Cities and my in-laws are in Frazee and Moorhead. It takes a geographically challenging village

What do you do in your free time?

I enjoy gathering with friends, reading mysteries, hikinginChesterPark,bonfires,paddleboarding, rabble-rousing and sailing.

Tell us about an influential person in your life

I met my friend Chris Bue in college in the late 1990s. We share a strong friendship, a hope that Ruth Bader Ginsburg will outlast the current presidentandaninterestin helping otherwomen succeed Chris took a different path in life: She’s thebigcitytomyDuluth,cutting-edgetechwork to my government lawyer gig, and child-free by choice(butappreciatesagoofySnapchatfrommy boys). She’s shown me how to be unapologetic, to shake off mistakes and charge ahead, to change direction when your path no longer fits you, to askforhelpwhenyouneedit,andtoinvestenergy and resources in the people and things you love. She also knows how to enjoy life anywhere and everywhere. Just ask the wait staff.

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

To transfer college after my first ho-hum year at the U of M in Minneapolis and move out to Morris. Among the cow pastures and ceaseless prairie wind I found a gem of a community filled with smart and quirky folks intent on making the world a better place. These are my people. Morris is where I met my husband, Nate, who was a pretty good decision, too

Whatisyourbiggestaccomplishment?

Buildingsomanyrelationshipswithextraordinary, caring people who showed up when I was in need.

What keeps you in the Twin Ports? The lake, its sunrises, the friends, the parks and the meaningful work I get to do.

Describe your happy place

It involves a giant inflatable swan, sunshine and gentle breeze, and a gorgeous lake in Kandiyohi County.

What’s your five-year plan?

To chip away those things in my life that don’t make me the best Nora I can be. Also to do more yoga and continue to be able to outrun my kids.

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?

You can and should be both passionate and adaptable. Invest yourself — your energy, your voice, your gifts — in those people and actions you value.

2007

Erin Aldridge

Lisa Augustine

ChristyCase-Strohm

Anne Dugan

Jesse Frye

Bill Gronseth

Leslie Hanna

Lisa Heyesen

Leslie Hoffman Bucar

Caralee Isbell

Jamar and Deyona Kirk

Suzanne Kritzberg

Don Ness

Kristi Schmidt

Matt Schoeppner

Jennifer Smith

Kristi Stokes

Zachary Walters

Sarah Wilcox

Catherine Wolff

2008

Andrea Altmann

Laura Amendola

Jen Bertsch

Jeff Borling

Breanne DeFoe

Nathan Glockle

RaeAnn Hamlin

Daniel Hartman

Jennifer Hawkins

Edye Howes

Nicole Kurtz

Julie Munger

Lesa Radtke

Paula Reed

Roger Reinert

Shawn Roed

Laura Sieger

Melissa Swor

Rae Villebrun

Heather Winesett

2009

Josh Aerie

Patrick Boyle

Amanda Burcar

Kim Chick

Kerry Fierke

Jim Filby Williams

Jessica Flaherty

Stacy Holden

Mat Johnson

Stephanie Love

Pascha Parks

Steve Patronas

Elizabeth Probst

Gordon Ramsay

Mike Reuter

Martin Sawinski

Mike Seyfer

Jennifer Shepherd

PAST WINNERS

Cheryl Skafte

AmyVanderscheuren

2010

Jeff Anderson

Shane Bauer

John Bennett

Nick Clingman

Brandon Clokey

Tony Cuneo

SherylWilliamsFilby

Mark Hanna

Pat Heffernan

Kate Horvath

Linnea Betzler Mirsch

Crystal Pelkey

Russ Salgy

Lorrie Sandelin

Nathan Sandman

Christopher Swanson

Crystal Taylor

Kate Tesch

Jon Vinje

Lara Wilkinson

2011

Clint and Andrea Agar

Andy Bennett

Ryan Boman

Melissa Boyle

Kyle Elden

Sarah Erickson

Terri Fitzgibbons

Brian Forcier

Jennifer Madill

Hagen

Monica Hendrickson

Michael Latsch

Pakou Ly

Saprina Matheny

Stacy Nylund

Jena Ogston

Branden Robinson

Katie VollerBerdan

Annita Winkels

Mike Malone

Chad McKenna

2012

Chelsea Morgan

Dave Nolle

Emily Kalligher

Dawn Johnson

William Shelton

Anna M. Downs

David Chura

Jeremy Craycraft

Pastor Gabriel Green

Jennifer Webb

Jenice Meyer

Cara Lindberg

Travis Hansen

Amy Lukasavitz

Briana von Elbe

Jason Manning

Dan Bart

Kenneth Kolquist

Frank Bucar

Chris Francis

2013

Lynn Hanson

Al Sands

Dr. Amanda Bruce

Carly Coulson

Elissa Hansen

Randy Bolen

AliinaHawkCharging

Ryan Kern

Rachael Kresha

Traci Marciniak

David Schaeffer

Nathalie Crowley

Mark Johnson

Thor Underdahl

Ryan Stauber

Tom O’Rourke

Mayra Gomez

Daniel Fanning

Adam Pine

Jill Doerfler

2014

Ahna Pelto

Andy Reierson

Angie Nolle

Bob Monahan

Bryce Nixon

Carol Ann Furchert

Dori Streit

Joel and Emily Vikre

Eric Faust

Gaelynn Lea Tressler

JacquelineBuffingtonVollum

Janaki FisherMerritt

Jonathon Otis

Josh Berlo

Krysta Kaas

Lynne Williams

Maicie Sykes

Matthew Olin

MelodyKrattenmaker

2015

Alina Heydt

Basem Goueli

Harry Anderson

Jennifer Peterson

Calvin “Cal”

Harris

Jamie MacFarlane

JoEllyn Steele

Matt Traynor

Johanna R. Kirk

Laura Gapske

Jamie Tolaas

Laura Whittaker

Tony Sertich

David Cowardin

Matt Rosendahl

Bret Amundson

Liz Olson

Katie Erickson

Nahom Abegaze

Sarah Agaton Howes

2016

Suzie Baer

Zack Filipovich

Chelsea Froemke

John Geissler

Joe Gunderson

Melissa Hellerud-Storie

Princess Awa-ada Kisob

Gabriel Mayfield Sr

Erin Metzger

Garner Moffat

Todd Morrison

Keely Pearson

Ross Perko

Paula Polasky

Callie Ronstrom

Joe Schingen

Danielle Westholm

Karla and Robb

Winterfeld

Tiersa Wodash

2017

Laura Bennett

Rachel Burshiem

Breckenridge

Martha “Maura”

Crowell

Katharine “Katy” Eagle

Jebeh Edmunds

Krysten Foster

Chelsea Helmer

Phil Jents

Holly Kostrzewski

Nate LaCoursiere

Carly Melin

AbigailMlinar“Abby”

Laura Mullen

Margie Nelson

Chani Ninneman

Brynn Sias

Justin Steinbach

Paul Tonkin

Joe Wicklund

Adeline Wright

What do youdo?

Iama social worker with St.Louis County. Iworkacrossdivisions anddepartments in ourPlanning, Resource andOrganizational Developmentunitto buildpartnershipsand increasecapacity to work with andserve ourcommunity.

Education

Ihavemymasters in social work from the University of Wisconsin. IalsohaveaBAin

FineArtsand Peace andJustice from St.Norbert College. Iamcurrently pursuingmyLICSW (licensedindependentclinicalsocialworker)

Community involvement

IserveassecretaryontheLeagueofWomenVoters Duluthboard,AFSCME Local 66 andCouncil 5 executiveboard member,amactivewithVision Duluth, aSURJ (Showing Up forRacial Justice) member,servedasa co-chair of theEarnedSick andSafe Time (ESST)campaign, andhelpwith organizingour neighborhood festival,Hillfest.I am aDuluthCommunity Garden member (and gardener of theRockNut garden on SixthStreet) andjoyfullysupervise Collegeof St.Scholastica MSW (masterofsocialwork) students in their community field placements.

Tell us aboutyourlovedones

Leading through public service

St. Louis County congratulates Laura Birnbaum and Nora Sandstad for being recognized as young leaders in our community.They are two of the more than 1,800 employees working hard to provide outstanding service to the citizens of St. Louis County.

Iamfull of gratitude formywonderful family —bothblood andchosen(andtwo-and fourlegged). Ihavea sweet, sweet9-year-oldwho is acreator of artand all things Lego (aswellasan active CentralLittleLeaguer). Iammarried to a wonderfulwoman wholiftsmeupand grounds me daily. And,ofcourse, my incredible parents whoare fullofunconditional love andwho Iam forevergratefulfor.And many,manybeautiful friends both near andfar

Whatdoyou do in your free time? Ilovetoread, camp,paddle,garden,run andbe with chickens. Iamanartist, workingonmaking more time with paints.

Tell us aboutaninfluential person in your life

There aremany, my wife beingone.She isa brilliant individual whohas leaned into hertruth despitejudgmentand prejudice.She is afierce leader whoadvocateswithand forothersand moves ourfamilyand community forward.

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made? To move back to Duluth to be with family.

What is your biggestaccomplishment? Parentingisone of thehardest,ifnot thehardest, jobIhavehadthusfar.Eachdaythatourlittleguy growsupand maintains his sensitivity, creative spirit andopenmindisanaccomplishment.

What keepsyou in the Twin Ports? It is easy to stay here —becauseofmyfamily, work andour communityaswellasthe beautiful environment that we share.Duluthismyhome.

Describe your happyplace

Aworld whereall humans andsentientbeings arehonored.

What’s your five-year plan? Iplantoremainopentoopportunity and possibility andfollowmyintuition.

What wordsofwisdomdoyou have for youngadults?

Challengeyourselftomeetandbuildrelationships with others whoare differentthanyou.Makeart.

What do you do?

I am a founding owner/partner and executive director at Tender Loving Care. Tender Loving Care serves vulnerable adults and children living in the Twin Ports. We offer an array of innovative in-home supports and employment services fostering independent and fulfilling lives for the individuals we serve, while helping them fully integrate into our communities. Our bywords are respect and dignity, for both our 50-plus staff members and those we serve.

Education

Undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth in criminology and sociology withaminorinpsychology.Mastersdegreefrom the College of St. Scholastica in management.

Community involvement

Northland Youth Basketball Alliance Board president and founding member.

Salvation Army Rookie Basketball Association: youth basketball coach and coach of the year.

HEATHER DOTY JOHNSON, 39 . HERMANTOWN

Hermantown Youth Basketball Association: board officer and youth basketball coach.

The Landing Church Proctor: Sunday school teacher.

Tell us about your loved ones

Brooks Johnson, age 11 — attended Lakeview Christian Academy and is currently a Hermantown Middle School student.

Chloe Johnson, 9 — Lakeview Christian Academy student.

Greg Johnson — husband of 12 years and owner/ partner and CFO at Tender Loving Care.

What do you do in your free time?

As a part of a closely-knit extended family, I enjoy taking advantage of having them within a 10-mile radius of our home and participating in a wide variety of Northland adventures together I also enjoy trail running, mountain biking, swimming, camping and gardening.

Tell us about an influential person in your life

My mother, Marcia, and my father, Gary, are the most influential people in my life. They raised me in a home filled with love where family always came first. They taught me the value of hard work along with the rewards that come from being honest and loyal. They are incredibly generous, something I try to imitate. They give of their time and their resources without desiring any attention or praise. Their marriage is also something I admire. They love each other deeply, likely more than the first day they were married By watching them work as a team, I’ve become a better wife and mom.

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

First, deciding to live for Jesus Christ and committing my life to Him. Second, saying “yes” to Greg and becoming his wife.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

My biggest accomplishment is my ability to be a wife, a mother and a business owner

simultaneously. It’s rewarding to see lives being changed through TLC’s work, to see my kids thriving in all they do, and to know I have found the perfect life partner in Greg.

What keeps you in the Twin Ports?

I was born and raised here. My business is here, and my family is here. I stay in the Twin Ports because it’s beautiful, safe and a great place to raise a family.

Describe your happy place

My happy place is in my home, specifically when it is filled with my family and my children’s friends. I love nothing more than having many extra kids stay for dinner

What’s your five-year plan?

Iwillcontinuemydedicationtothegrowthofthe Northland Youth Basketball Alliance nonprofit. I’d like to raise enough money to build a gym under the NYBA umbrella, where programming will focus on youth gaining confidence, developing communication skills and respecting authority. Through this programming, I’d love to see diversity valued, socio-economic prejudices eliminated and cohesiveness created. As a result of their involvement with the NYBA, I hope to see youth become passionate about their school, home and community responsibilities, as well as develop a desire to serve others and resist negative peer pressure. My plan is to continue pouring into our community and those who live in it.

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?

Put others first; be less about yourself and more about others.

“Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” James 1:19

What do youdo?

Iaman assistantcityattorneyfor theDuluth City Attorney’s Office.More specifically, Iama prosecutorfor thecityofDuluth.

Education

Undergraduate from theUniversityofMinnesota andthenthe UniversityofSt. Thomas School of Law.

Community involvement

OrdeanFoundationBoard of Directors (member), EqualJustice Committee(member), Community Intervention Court(prosecutor).

Tell us aboutyourlovedones

Iwas raised by my mother,Margo,and my aunt Julie.Ihaveanolder brother, Perry, andyounger sister, Jonica.I’m married to thesweetestperson ever,Emily.She andIhavea daughter anda pug, Marais andSophia-Marie, respectively.

What do youdoinyourfreetime?

Changediapers,playbasketball,readand tryto maintain adecentyard.

Tell us aboutaninfluential person in your life

Iwould be remiss to limit this to oneperson, sorry… but Ican keepitdowntotwo.

My mother,MargoSalberg,and my aunt Julie

001778473r1

Harrington. Iwas raised by asinglemotherand her childhood best friend. As my wife and I begin to navigate thechallengesand joys of parenting, Ihavedeveloped aprofound appreciationfor single-parent homes— more specifically,the one Igrewupin.

It is beyondmycomprehensionhow someoneis abletoraiseachildbythemselves;it’sremarkable. Perhapsevenmoreimpressiveisthatneither of theincrediblewomen whoraisedmeever complained or allowed my siblings or me to feel asthoughweweremissing something, or in some waylacking.Instead,weweretaughtto appreciatewhatwehad,but also to work hard to getwhatwewant.

If Ican manage to be half of theparentthatmy momand aunt were to me,Iwill have done very well by my daughter.

What’s the best decisionyou’veever made?

Moving to Duluth.I hadonlybeentoDuluth once before accepting my position with theCity Attorney’s Office.Itwas notaneasydecisionto leaveMinneapolis, but it ended up beinga great one. Duluthhas been an ideal place formyfamily andme, andweare lookingforward to raising ourdaughterhere.

What is your biggestaccomplishment?

My biggestaccomplishment is workingfor the city of Duluth as acriminalprosecutor. In this role,Iamtaskedwiththe importantfunction of reviewingand pursuingcriminalcharges. As aprosecutor, Iamalsothe first line of defense whenchargesshouldnotbepursued.Prosecutors have tremendous discretion,and beingentrusted with this typeofresponsibilityisahugehonor, andone that Ido nottakelightly Ialsounderstandthe importance of beinga person of colorinthisprofession. Simply stated, thereare notenoughpeopleofcolor whopursue becomingprosecutors.Inmyposition,Ihavehad theopportunity to encourageotherstoconsider this profession,and theimportanceofdiversity in this role —not only forthe profession, but also forthe communities that we serve.

What keepsyou in the Twin Ports?

It’s funto be part of acitythatisheadinginthe direction that Duluthis. The people here are very invested in thecityofDuluth, andhelping it to continue itsforward trajectory.Whenacity has engaged citizens to complementthe type of leadership that is in place here,somereally spectacular things canhappen. I’mexcited to be apartofit.

And thelake. Ilovethe lake.

Describe your happyplace

The airport.

What’s your five-year plan?

To continue to grow as apersonand aprofessional. In my personal life,Iwanttomakeprogressin teachingmy daughter to be an empathetic, hardworkingand mindful person.Professionally, Iwant tocontinuetochallengemyselfandtokeeplearning.

What wordsofwisdomdoyou have foryoung adults?

Be mindful of your intentions,pursuethemwith integrityand do your best.

Thankyou toDanNeffandLake SuperiorArtGlass forcreatingthis year’sunique hand-madeawards.

oneofthe recipients of this year’s 11th annual20under 40 Awards,which recognizes high-achieving individuals under the ageof40from the greater Duluth community.

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management 11 East Superior St., Suite580 Duluth, MN 55802

Phone: 218-720-0156

Fax: 218-723-1185

Email: Karis.Boerner@morganstanley.com

Website: https://fa.morganstanley.com/ thegreenorchardgroup/

NMLS ID: 1479422

What do youdo?

I’mafinancialadvisor at Morgan Stanley. Education

Iwas trainedasaU.S. Navy Hospital corpsman andemergencymedical technician.I hold a Bachelor of Arts in politicalscienceand aMasterofBusiness Administration in finance.

Community involvement

Iwas newtotown, had finished graduate school, startedanew joband wanted to getinvolved in my newcommunity. The first organization to fillmyinternetsearch wasthe JuniorLeague of Duluth. JLD’s mission to developthe potential of women, improveour communities andpromote volunteerism resonated with me.Thelegacythisorganization hasinourcommunityisatestamentto themembersandleaderswhodedicate theirtimeandenergytobeingactivein ourcommunity.Iwas honoredtohave ledthe organization as itspresident from 2016-2017.

10 yearsinDuluthfor me —and enjoy theareasomuchweconvinced my mother to movehereaftershe retired.

What do youdoinyourfree time?

NOTICE:MorganStanley is not acting as amunicipal advisor and the opinions or views contained herein are not intended to be, and do not constitute, advice within the meaning ofSection975oftheDodd-FrankWallStreetReformandConsumerProtectionAct.Ifyou have received this communication in error,please destroy all electronic and paper copies andnotifythesenderimmediately.Mistransmissionisnotintendedtowaiveconfidentiality or privilege. Morgan Stanley reservesthe right, to the extent requiredand/or permitted underapplicablelaw,tomonitorelectroniccommunications,includingtelephonecallswith MorganStanley personnel. This messageissubject to the Morgan Stanley General Disclaimers available at the following link:http://www.morganstanley.com/disclaimers. If you cannot access the links, pleasenotify us by reply message and we will send the contents to you. By communicating with Morgan Stanley you acknowledgethat you have read, understand and consent,(where applicable), to the foregoing and the Morgan Stanley General Disclaimers

Recently, I’ve become aboard member of thePropeller Club of DuluthSuperior.Propeller Club hasopened my eyes to thepower of ourport. The monthlymeetingsbring thelocal maritime community together and Iamenjoyinglearningabout topics relevant to ourTwin Portscommunity throughguestspeakersand other members.

Tell us aboutyourlovedones

My husband, Steve, andI love Duluth. Wearetransplants—Septembermarks

Unlike most Duluthians, Ilovethe summer heat.Onahot summer day you’ll findmebiking,swimming, runningorgolfing. Anythingtobe outsidesoakingupsunandwarmth.In thewinterI keep active snowshoeing, cross-countryskiingand workingon my telemarkskiing.

Tell us aboutaninfluential person in your life

I’ve hadthe opportunity to work alongside many amazingwomen mentorswho have been tremendous leaders, trailblazersand advocatesfor mealongmyjourney.IonlyhopeIcan payitforward andadvocate forothers.

Boerner continued on page 21

Karis Boerner FinancialAdvisor

Morgan Stanley is proudto congratulate Karis Boerner

KARIS BOERNER, 39 . DULUTH

What do you do?

Work at the Cartier Agency, an independent insurance agency.

Education

Graduated from the College of St. Scholastica.

Community involvement

PastpresidentoftheLincolnParkBusinessGroup,twotime past president of the Duluth Art Institute, past presidentofSkylineRotary,pastHermantownChamber BoardMember,currentManyRiversMontessoriBoard Member and current DEDA Commissioner.

Tell us about your loved ones

IammarriedtoMichelle,anextremelygiftedmother, yoga instructor and business woman. We have three kids — Maggie, our 9-year-old, fun-loving carefree daughter; North, our 8-year-old analytical, athletic son; and Ada, our 5-and-a-half-year-old sweet, snugglingdaughter(thehalfisveryimportanttoher).

What do you do in your free time?

I really enjoy being outdoors rock climbing, mountain biking, snowboarding and sailing with the Strawman crew.

Tellusaboutaninfluentialpersoninyourlife

In high school there were a handful of influential people in my life — coaches, teachers, etc. — but the one that stands out the most is Lee Englund, my art teacher.Duringthattimeofmylifesportswerereally all that were on my mind. Lee was the one to show me there is more to life than sports and that I had other talents outside of sports. That realization has

KARIS BOERNER, 39

Continued from page 20

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

JoiningtheU.S.Navy.Asayoung person I had the opportunity to experience different cultures, visit parts of the world I would likely not have ever traveled and serve with others from various backgrounds.

been extremely beneficial throughout my life when dealing with different adversities.

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

My answer is going to be a little off considering it involves two polarizing decisions. When we first started our family, Michelle and I purchased an old, dilapidated farmhouse. We remodeled the house and raised our kids in a homestead-based environment. It was a really grounding experience, which gave us the ability to determine what was important to our family going forward. On the flip side of that, two years ago as our kids have grown and our lives have changed, we moved back to Duluth. This recent move has allowed us to get back into the community and closer to the things we love in the Twin Ports.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

BeingapartoftheManyRiversnewfacilitybuild-out team. We have been remodeling the old Cobb school buildingtofittheneedsofaMontessorienvironment. It has been a great, fun and intense project that allowed me to work with unbelievably talented board members, staff members and constructors. I am really proud of the facility we built.

What keeps you in the Twin Ports?

The water, trails, the outdoor accessibility, great restaurants and great friends (all the great beer doesn’t hurt).

Describe your happy place

I am happiest when I am on the water, either on my father’s boat or my friend’s sailboat. It has a calming effect on me.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

I enjoying finding new challenges, setting goals and achievingthem.Mymostrecentaccomplishmentwas completing my first sprint triathlon in August. Next year I plan to hike part of the Camino de Santiago.

What keeps you in the Twin Ports?

To me, living in the Twin Ports is like permanently living on vacation. The park system, trail system, access to water, and community gardens throughout the area offer endless opportunities to explore new things.

What’s your five-year plan?

I really don’t spend a lot of time thinking on the future. I am really a here-and-now type of person. I guess I hope I can continue to balance family, work and fun. Now that you asked me this question, I realize I will have a 15-year-old, so thanks for that.

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?

Volunteeryourtime.Allnonprofitsandcommunities will definitely take your money, but they also need your time Time is precious and involves a lot of sacrifice from you and your family, but it is valuable to those entities that you are passionate about and in most cases they cannot offer services without it.

Describe your happy place

Sun, warmth and water.

What’s your five-year plan?

I hope I wake up every day!

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?

There are only three things in life you can control: Your attitude, how hard you work and how you take careofyourself Don’tgetboggeddownbywhat’sout of your control.

What do you do?

I am the district attorney for Douglas County, Wisconsin.

Education

I graduated from Superior High School in 2002. I received my Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin in 2006, double majoring in political science and history. I graduated from Hamline University School of Law in 2009 with my Juris Doctor.

Community involvement

I coach mock trial for both Superior High School and the University of Wisconsin-Superior. I am a member of the advisory board for Mentor Superior. I have been a member of the Superior Jaycees. I was an ambassador for the Real Men Wear Pink American Cancer Society fundraising drive in 2017.

Tell us about your loved ones

I have been married to my wife, Julie, since 2013 She works at Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College in Superior as an academic support teaching assistant. My mom and dad live in Superior; my mom is retired after working for the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office for more than 30 years. My dad is a social worker for St. Louis County My younger sister is a pharmacist in Duluth. My younger brother works as an associate project manager for a digital company in the Twin Cities.

What do you do in your free time?

I love Wisconsin sports, so I watch a lot of Packers, Badgers and Brewers. My wife and I like to go see live music. I like to read. Every now and then I’ll get out for some kayaking, a bike ride, or a good game of racquetball

Tell us about an influential person in your life

Ruth Kressel, who is currently an assistant prosecutor in Ashland County, joined the Douglas County DA’s office a few months after I started there as an assistant prosecutor in 2010. She had more than two decades of experience and was instrumental in helping me grow. She embodied the fairness, toughness and professionalism that a prosecutor should have. I would not be the prosecutor I am today without her influence.

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

Marrying my wife, Julie. My life would be completely different if we would never have met. She has challenged me and pushed me to always expand my horizons and try new things.

What is your biggest accomplishment? Successfully running for office and getting elected district attorney. I would have thought you were out of your mind if you would have told me three years ago that I was going to get involved in a contested election for public office.

What keeps you in the Twin Ports?

This has always been home to me I was born here. I have roots here, having grandparents and parents who have contributed to this county. My family lives here. Many of my friends live here. I have always wanted a job that involves decisions of importance and consequence. I’ve worked for some great people and places before, but I have never felt more like I am exactly where I am supposed to be than with the job I have now.

Describe your happy place

Enjoying a celebratory drink with friends after a jury trial win.

What’s your five-year plan?

I want to be able to look back at this time in my life and recognize how much I have grown (and continuetogrow)asapersonandasaprofessional. Just five years ago I was starting a new journey, jumping from assistant prosecutor to private practice. Looking back at the person I was then, I can see how much I’ve changed personally, how my prosecuting style has been refined, and how my understanding of the law has developed.

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?

If you have a dream or a goal that will require hard work to achieve and may result in failure, do it anyway. Do not hesitate; do it. Running for office took me out of my comfort zone in a big way and in the months that led up to my deciding whether to run, I stressed out and tossed and turned at night wondering what I should do. I had a good job at the time working in private practice, and it would have been easy to take the path of least resistance and stay out of the public spotlight. But I would have regretted it for the rest of my life and always wondered what would have been if I had just decided to take the plunge. Making decisions like that change who you are and make you a better, stronger person Even if you fail to achieve the goal you want, you gain the character to get up off the mat and tackle the next challenge.

Thursday, September 20, 2018 PAGE 23 Duluth News Tribune | 20Under40

JANE PEDERSON, 28 . DULUTH

What do you do?

As the marketing manager of Glensheen Mansion, public relations, media relations, social media and overall marketing strategy make up most of what I do. Basically, I tell the world about Glensheen and get people excited to visit the mansion on vacation.

Education

Bachelor of Arts in communication and Bachelor of Applied Science in psychology.

Community involvement

Duluth Chamber of Commerce FUSE Council, John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Marketing Committee, NORTHFORCE Advisory Council

Tell us about your loved ones

My significant other, Mike, recently started his own videography business and I couldn’t be more proud. I knew he was a keeper from the moment we both ordered a Castle Danger Cream Ale on our first date.

WE COULDN’T BE MORE PROUD. KEEP BEING YOUR AWESOME SELF!

CONGRATS, JANE!

Duluth’s 20 UNDER 40

Honeybee is our shepherd-mix dog that we adopted last year as a puppy. She is named after a Tom Petty song. My mom, dad and brother — whom I am very close with — all live in Woodbury, Minn. (where I grew up). I wear a Minnesota ring that has a heart on the Twin Cities, so they are with me every day

What do you do in your free time?

When we are not hanging out with friendsortravelingtovisitourfamilies in Crosby, Minn., (Mike’s hometown) or the Twin Cities, we love to get outside, whether it is hiking with our dog or drinking a craft beer on a patio in Duluth. Living a block from Lester Park, we are there every day and love driving all the way to the end of Park Point to walk “The Pines.”

Tell us about an influential person in your life

I feel extremely fortunate to have smart, kind and loving parents. My momisahumanrelationsprofessional and my dad is a sales professional. Both continue to challenge me and share their unique strengths and perspectives.

Pederson continued on page 24

What do you do?

Youth Restorative Justice Coordinator

Education

• General education at Duluth Area Learning Center

• Lake Superior College

• Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College

Community involvement

• Board member and fundraiser for Superior African Heritage Community

• Save The Kids

NATASHA LANCOUR, 32 . SUPERIOR

• Safe Haven

• Positive Energy Outdoors

• YWCA Girl Power! program coordinator

• Presenter for Adverse Childhood Experiences

• Current “commissioner” for People of Color Voices of Racial Justice

•MenasPeacemakers(Restorative JusticeGirlGroup)

• Social Justice Social

•YWCA125thanniversary(emceeingandperforming)

Tell us about your loved ones

• Brody Lancour — husband

• Eimony — daughter

• Andrew — son

• David — son

• Braylon — son

• Mother — Angela

• Father — Roosevelt

• Siblings — Nashonia, James, R.I.P. Melvin

• Nieces — Avoni, Aniyah

• Nephew — Jayce

• Squad — Men as Peacemakers and Solace Studios Family

What do you do in your free time?

Home life with my babies, hubby and family, especially bonfires on the beach

Songwriting and performing my music as I am an emcee and rapper … so collaborations are my new thing. Staying grass-rooted in my community.

Tellusaboutaninfluentialpersoninyourlife

My daughter, Eimony Conito.

JANE PEDERSON, 28

Continued from page 23

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

Moving to Duluth.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

Iamsuperproudtobeapartoftheteamresponsible for Glensheen’s record attendance year in 2017.

What keeps you in the Twin Ports?

Glensheen is an amazing place to work Not only

is it a stunningly beautiful place to come to work every day (right next to Lake Superior), but I get to becreativeeveryday,Iamvaluedandwearealways working toward something bigger than ourselves Duluth is a wonderful place to live. For me, it’s the perfect mix of city and rural.

Describe your happy place

Snuggled in a tent in the woods with Mike and Honeybee.

What’s your five-year plan?

Professionally: continue to grow Glensheen to

What’s the best decision you’ve ever made?

Loving beyond understanding, all while staying true to me and my experiences, and not allowing anyone to tell my story or hurt my feelings about my choices.

What is your biggest accomplishment? My biggest accomplishment is realizing my value and the value of the people in my everyday life.

What keeps you in the Twin Ports? The community and awareness and drive for equity and liberation.

Describe your happy place

Prayer

What’s your five-year plan?

Founder of the Annual Royal Resilient Risers — an award ceremony-fundraiser-dinner that acknowledges youth of color in our community, not only through academics but as well as through their extraordinary differences, talents, kindness and resilience.

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?

Love beyond understanding, fight for liberation, including the liberation of others, and align your talentswithyourknowledgeandpassion,thenafter, remain consistent in who you say you are because one day they will have no choice but to believe you. And never remind someone of pain.

become one of the top two house museums in the country. Personally: get married, go to Hawaii and have babies.

What words of wisdom do you have for young adults?

Make connections, build relationships. (You’ll be happy you did.)

Don’tbeafraidtoditchthepeopleandthingsthat don’t make you happy. Honestly listen to people who have been on this earth longer than you Life is all about what you make it ... reframing isn’t just a marketing tactic.