20 Under 40 Awards 2021

Meet the helpers, solution generators and change-makers

BY CHRISTA LAWLER Duluth News Tribune

One great part of creating the “20 Under 40” section is meeting all of the award winners when they come to DNT HQ (or, in the case of 2020, an open-air outdoor space) for a photo-video shoot. It’s a chance to see up close what prompted one or more people to click a link on the News Tribune’s website and spend time dishing the goods on, say, Emily Ekstrom, the small-business owner behind Hucklebeary who shifted her store to include curated boxes during the pandemic; Kate Ferguson, who recently became a volunteer firefighter; and Alice Schroeder, who created the theater company Zenith City Horror.

The News Tribune’s “20 Under 40” award is given annually to young adults in Northeastern Minnesota who are initiating change, acting on ideas, finding creative solutions and helping other humans. A selection committee that includes News Tribune staff members and former “20 Under 40” winners sift through the nominations and then do the tricky job of narrowing the list to 20 people.

For the second-consecutive year, because of the pandemic, there is no big public celebration, so please remember to give each of these people a friendly elbow bump or hoot of recognition when you see them doing their award-winning thing.

Editor’s note: Duluth Media Group photographers

Jed Carlson and Steve Kuchera contributed the photos for this edition of 20 Under 40.

Recent Winners

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

► Abigail “Abby” Mlinar

► Laura Mullen

► Margie Nelson

► Chani Ninneman

► Brynn Sias

► Justin Steinbach

► Paul Tonkin

► Joe Wicklund

► Adeline Wright

2018

► Laura Birnbaum

► Karis Boerner

► Heather Bradford

► Jodi Broadwell

► Matthew Cartier

► Charlie Deville

► Mark Fruehauf

► Heather Doty Johnson

► Marcus Jones

► Natasha Lancour

► Derek Medved

► Terresa Moses

► Clinton Nienhaus

► Jane Pederson

► Laura Palombi

► Elizabeth Ann Polling

► Nora Sandstad

► Hayes Scriven

► Sally Trnka

► Andrea Wells

2019

► Helen Clanaugh

► Abbie Clarke-Sather

► Chiamaka Enemouh

► Kaitlin Erpestad

► Annie Harala

► Cameron Kruger

► Brittany Lind

► Ashley Lindsey

► Bella Maki

► Alison Moffat

► Erin Moldowski

► Ashley Northey

► Renee Passal

► Kevin Pillsbury

► Jonathan Reznick

► Brittany Robb

► Jeff Stark

► Moira Villiard

► Shawna Weaver

► Martha Bremer

2020

► Wendy Anderson

► Laura Bellamy

► Daniel Cebelinski

► Sarah Crowell

► Topher Davis

► Breanna Ellison

► Arik Forsman

► Chelsea Grandmaison

► Nathan Holst

► Alicia Kozlowski

► Mak Mars

► Emily Nygren

► Daniel Oyinloye

► Jim Paine

► Charity Reynolds

► Ciarra Santodonato

► Michele Statz

► Dr. Harmony Tyner

► Em Westerlund

► Jaylah Willis

Alice Schroeder 30, Duluth

What do you do? (job, community involvement): Executive artistic director of Zenith City Horror, administrative nurse consultant for Duluth Regional Care Center.

What is important to you? I’ve always been proud of my ability to communicate with all people, especially those who are unable to communicate in ways society deems as “normal.” What is “normal” even? I grew up in a small redneck town that was an extremely dangerous place for a young feminine kid to grow up. I’ve experienced the absolute worst of the worst when it comes down to homophobia/transphobia and the deep-rooted damage it causes in a young mind. I’ve never felt normal.

When I first began thinking about developing Zenith City Horror, I could see that there were so many people around this area that also felt out of place or maybe they didn’t belong in the “normal” groups or performance venues. I fully embraced this idea of creating an environment that legitimately encompasses everyone, regardless of body size/ race/gender/sexuality/age/art form/experience level. I was met with skepticism and doubts, but it’s obvious now that this community needed such an outlet.

I want the young LGBTQ+ community to see our ZCH logo attached to an event, and know that they’re welcome to join us, they’re safe with us, and most importantly, that they’re not alone in this world. It’s our responsibility as queer adults to show the young generation that they deserve to be exactly who they are, and that they are going to be loved for it.

How do you spend your free time? I love horror movies, chicken nuggets, chain smoking, sarcasm and bonfires. I’m a horrible driver. I cuddle with my naughty dog, Venkman, who really enjoys eating wigs and panties. I’m actually an immortal swamp witch who sucks the souls out of unworthy men to stay looking young (don’t tell anyone I’m actually 736).

From nominator: “Alice is a shining light in our community, someone that is a beacon of hope, inspiration and support for many, and she has created a vital space for artistic and minority voices that are often not seen or heard. … I am always inspired by the heart and humor that Alice brings to everything she does.”

— Sarah Crowell

EmilyKuenstler

What do you do? (job, community involvement): I am the director of community health for Essentia Health, a nonprofit, integrated health system serving communities in Minnesota, Wisconsin and North Dakota. In my role, I develop and identify strategic activities that support health and vitality with our communities. This includes conducting community health needs assessments to understand the key health issues in each community, leading strategic planning with communities, and working with partners to advance ideas and solutions to solve regional rural health problems.

I serve as the co-chair of Bridging Health Duluth, a coalition of local health care and public health partners that have combined resources, skills and expertise to improve the health of all people in Duluth.

Outside of my work with Essentia Health, I am involved in the community through serving on the board of directors at Whole Foods Co-op.

What is important to you? One of the things that is most important to me is having a sense of purpose. I feel lucky to have a meaningful career that I truly believe is making an impact on health outcomes in rural communities. I have a public health background and am passionate about building healthy communities. On a personal level, it’s important to me to spend time in nature every day.

I also love living near family and friends — having a strong social network of people that support each other is so important for well-being. Lastly, it’s important to me to find a way to contribute to the community I live in. I seek to understand the history and current issues facing the community. I think that we all have a role in fostering the change we want to see in our own community. For me, I want to be a part of creating a community that values well-being, diversity and environmental stewardship.

How do you spend your free time? I spend a lot of my free time hiking in the woods with my husband and dog around our home on the Sucker River. Also, I’m an avid reader and heavy user of the Duluth Public Library system. I love having a new hobby with each season: gardening in the summer, snowshoeing in the winter, and in the spring, my family makes enough maple syrup that we can eat pancakes all year round.

From nominator: “Emily has a genuine passion for improving health at the community level in Duluth and throughout the northland region. Her passion is infectious as it draws people to want to be engaged in the many initiatives she has launched and leads. She does her homework and initiates well-researched projects based on the community’s priorities. Her work is grounded in improving health for all, with added focus on the health disparities affecting people of color and marginalized populations.”

— Jenny Peterson

27, Duluth

Duluth

Emily Ekstrom 35,

What do you do? (job, community involvement): Owner of Hucklebeary, member of Greater Downtown Council board.

What is important to you? Serving our community through collaborative small-business practice! It is important to me to support Northland artists/makers and help showcase their talents. I’m passionate about making Duluth a destination for residents and tourists alike.

How do you spend your free time? I love exploring the trails around town with my dog, Bear. I really enjoy dining out, grabbing a drink with friends, and shopping — all locally! I have dreams of learning how to roller dance and make my own stained-glass art someday, but for now, you can find me at the beach enjoying the waves until winter arrives.

From nominator: “Emily has navigated the pandemic with brilliance in both personal and business realms. She has pivoted from a store dependent almost solely on foot traffic to a dynamic, online presence (and back again!). She has helped maintain the morale of the HART District and assisted fellow business owners with increasing their visibility/ viability during the most trying economic year in recent history. She has done it all with a smile and grace, and she continues to inspire her employees, customers and contemporaries. She’s the best.”

— Brent Ekstrom

35, Duluth

Hannah Marie Stevens

What do you do? (job, community involvement): Group services director at Wheeler Associates. As the GSD for Wheeler Associates, I am privileged to provide expertise, guidance and support for businesses to obtain and administer employee insurance benefits. More so, I share my knowledge and experience in the field with employees directly through education and ongoing customer service for which I am very passionate. Here’s why: I get to be their trusted adviser when there is a concern with a claim or to answer questions about their benefits. It is through this work I find enjoyment and purpose. If I have helped one person resolve a claim or understand a little bit more about their benefits than they did previously, I feel a great sense of gratification. In addition, I provide support to our Duluth team assisting in HR-related duties and training on our benefits side of the business.

I am a member of the Chamber Ambassadors and Northland Human Resources Association. It is through participation in these two entities that I’ve had the opportunity to learn about local businesses both new and long-standing and connect with the community. I make a point to attend education sessions, client events, Chamber gatherings and partake in local business happenings. Getting to know the people that make up our community has been a joy.

What is important to you? My husband, Ryan, and our dog, Auggie. They are my stronghold. They bring me love, support and joy every day. My parents and siblings, niece and wonderful friends keep me grounded, humble and are the backbone to my being. My work family! Shout out to my teammates who push me to be a better human and are incredible people. Truly, an extension of my family. I value education and find great satisfaction in ongoing learning. I feel you can never learn enough, or stop challenging your brain to think critically and strategically. I believe it is the path to growth and selfdiscovery. I welcome and practice open communication, transparent conversations and inclusivity.

Lastly, this community. I am proud to be a Duluthian.

How do you spend your free time? I LOVE to walk and explore our city! There is so much I still haven’t even seen after living here for 16 years! Taking classes at Duluth Yoga — getting my strength and Zen on in one happy place. Delighting in good food we are fortunate to enjoy from Duluth restaurants, and traveling — experiencing the world is so crucial and I’ve been raised with a strong push to go places I’ve never been, broaden my horizons and appreciate the beauty of diversity. Listening to podcasts, audiobooks, music, partaking in book club, reading, spending time with friends and family.

From nominator: “Hannah has a passion for detail in everything she does. She takes great pride in her work and always goes above and beyond what is required of her. Hannah enjoys finding the intricacies in every problem and works hard to solve them. She is a team player and is known to put the needs of her team above her own.”

— Chelsea Roy

Heather Drees 39,

Duluth

What do you do? (job, community involvement): Safe Haven Resource Center manager and can’t wait to be a PTA mom this year.

What is important to you? A healthy work-life balance is really important to me. It’s always important, but with two young kids I really strive to be fully present for my family outside of work. I want my kids to be invested in their community, so supporting local, taking them to community events/fundraisers and having them participate in activities has been a priority of ours. Family really has been a cornerstone in my life, so even though both my husband’s family and mine live out of town, we make a point to visit them often.

Being around people that are supportive, share your same passions and challenge you, keeps you moving forward. I value that and is one of the reasons I’ve enjoyed my job all these years.

I also can’t forget about the importance of a good cup of coffee and ice cream.

How do you spend your free time? Does that exist as an adult? My free time is primarily spent with my family enjoying the outdoors — exploring the local parks, hiking, going to the beach — playing countless games of Uno or the board game of choice for that day; playing games that my daughter makes up that I never understand; cooking meals my kids won’t eat; and in the summer, we spend a lot of time in our backyard having fun on the homemade slip-and-slide waterslide my husband builds, complete with a landing pool. I enjoy binging a good series (thanks to the many recommendations from the people I work with); dreaming and planning home renovations for our old Duluth home; and sports (can’t wait to be at the UMD hockey games again).

From nominator: “Heather is the calm after the storm. She handles crisis with grace, challenges fear with strength, and speaks truth to power. Her professional achievements tell the story of Heather’s hard work. So much of Safe Haven’s success is attributable to her innovation, spirit and passion. Our agency wouldn’t be what it is today without her boundless hope for — and dedication to — improving the lives of those affected by violence.

Heather has a brilliant mind for anticipating the needs of others and acting in a meaningful way to support challenges that lay ahead. She is a realist with a sense of purpose and optimism — a unique triad of competing traits that blend perfectly together to make Heather who she is.”

— Brittany Robb

Jazmin Wong 27, Superior

What do you do? (job, community involvement): Indigenous First Art & Gift Shop coordinator (website designer), AICHO’s Indigenous Food & Art Market coordinator and private piano teacher.

What is important to you? My family and friends are what keeps me grounded and is what is most important to me. I also love being a leader in community work. Over this last year, I have enjoyed working with small businesses and diverse entrepreneurs to help keep their businesses going though COVID. I have taken my work at AICHO very wholeheartedly because making sure diverse entrepreneurs stay represented has been important to me.

How do you spend your free time? I spend my free time with my family and friends often going swimming, playing baseball, basketball and piano. I enjoy spending time on the Wisconsin Point or any great lake!

From nominator: “Jazmin is ridiculously gifted for her age and hopes to reach youth who don’t have access to professional musical tutors.”

— Moira Villiard

Jeremy ‘JayGee’ Gardner 28, Cloquet

What do you do? (job, community involvement): Studio coordinator at FDLTCC Ojibwemowining Digital Arts & Storytelling Studio (ODAS). I also freelance as a videographer and music producer/performer/artist with DanSan Creatives.

What is important to you? True love; treating myself and others with respect; the message of the one we call Christ Jesus; freedom; financial literacy

How do you spend your free time? In my free time outside of work, I enjoy hanging out with my wife, Krista; we have been renovating our home. I spend time making and planning music and video projects. It’s always good to see family and friends when I get free time. Lately, I have been playing Call of Duty Warzone and listening to podcasts. I like learning about history, science, health and wealth! I also spend time in prayer.

From nominator: “Jeremy is just naturally gifted; he has great energy, wonderfully humble and holds himself and his work to an incredibly high standard.”

— Moira Villiard

Jordan van der Hagen 26, Duluth

What do you do? (job, community involvement): Founder of Duluth Waterfront Collective, landscape designer at Architectural Resources Inc.

What is important to you? I’ve been thinking about this a lot during the past year or so. My family is the easy answer here, but beyond just doing my best to care for the incredible people in my life, I also find that honesty, openness and dedication are things that I find important — both in terms of my own attitude and what I look for in other people. I think it’s critical to look at the world with eyes wide open and to approach people with empathy. I also feel it’s important to understand the past, live in the present, and plan for the future.

How do you spend your free time? I spend as much time as I can outside. I love to bike, swim, skateboard and hike. I take long walks; it’s simultaneously an adventure and a form of therapy.

I also spend a lot of time with food — growing it, cooking it, eating it, reading about it. I love to find a new ingredient and go on Wikipedia to read its history and learn what nutrients it has. I actually do that with pretty much everything. Discovering new people, places, objects, etc., is almost always followed by some time on Wikipedia. We’ve got so much information at our fingertips, so I try to use it to my advantage.

I do a lot of random urban design work just for fun, and I talk more about infrastructure than any person should in their free time. I also make music under the name Studio Kid, and take lots of pictures.

If it sounds like I do a lot, let it be known, one of my favorite things to do in my free time is absolutely nothing.

From nominator: “Jordan is able to think about cities both as visionary concepts and as actual places people live. He understands that how an urban area is designed affects the health and vitality of that area’s economy and social structure, but also the residents who live there. He cares about reimagining Duluth’s downtown waterfront because he deeply cares about the city and sees its potential. He goes out of his way to meet with community members about the Highway 61 Revisited project (highway61duluth.com), even — and especially — those who disagree with him. He has his whole heart in making Duluth a better place and making sure the community is involved in the decision making for that process. .… Jordan’s work has been recognized on a national and international scale. He will change Duluth for the better — and the world!”

— Abigail Blonigen

37, Duluth and Makinen

Kate Ferguson

What do you do? (job, community involvement): I am the director of trade and business development for the Duluth Seaway Port Authority. In that role, I advocate for industry, manufacturing, transportation and port-facing businesses. I also track market and commodity trends, help businesses grow and expand by helping find supply chain solutions, and act as a convener and active board member for several groups.

My second position is as a certified firefighter with the Colvin Township Volunteer Fire Department. It is a pleasure to serve my community in an active and meaningful way. Thank you to all first responders! What is important to you? My relationships are most important to me. My families, trusted friends, Great Lakes business folks, my partner and doggies mean the most. As a child of an open adoption, I strive to ensure that both my family and my birth family know how thankful I am every day for their love and support. Adoption is an amazing gift that gave me a big brother, amazing parents and the best shot at life! Now, living 500-plus miles away from my families, I’ve worked hard to create a circle of trust with people of differing backgrounds.

Compassion, support, positivity and usually a ski, hockey game, run or triathlon really strengthen relationships with my friends and family. My work is a passion and the Great Lakes are my home. Relationships with businesses in, on, and around the lakes are important and I am energized by the Great Lakes market and maritime community that welcomed me into the fold 15-plus years ago.

Last, but definitely not least, my partner and our two crazy dogs keep me grounded. The personalities in our home complement one other, which allows me the down time that this introverted extrovert needs. And the two crazy dogs keep us hiking, running and boating. The dogs even climb the pontoon ladder, one with his toy so as to get another launch off the bow!

In addition to building and maintaining these relationships, I’m also committed to encouraging students and youth to explore the transportation industry for a great career, especially women and minorities. Transportation, like many other professions, is historically a white male-dominated industry. I regularly work with our local universities to encourage and welcome anyone into the field of supply chain logistics and transportation. I try to be accessible for any student wanting to learn more about the field or connect outside the classroom. I especially focus my time on ensuring women feel supported in the maritime industry, as, based on an event I recently attended, we still have a long way to go.

How do you spend your free time? I sometimes refer to myself as “over-active.” When not at the fire hall, my free time is spent doing an abundance of activities. In the great outdoors, I love hockey, soccer, fishing, boating, skijoring, etc.

I also love to keep my mind and hands busy, so a lot of my time is devoted to learning a skill and then using it. For instance, I recently worked with several of my talented friends to build an addition on my house. Thanks to their tutelage and a lot of research, I now really enjoy framing, running electrical, laying floors, installing windows, building decks, etc. Fun fact: I was voted most mechanically inclined female my senior year of high school, which I always thought was odd, but it has turned out to be a huge asset for me. I’m always looking for projects and love to learn skills to build things with my hands.

From nominator: “Kate is wicked smart, cares deeply and works tirelessly to help others. She gives without asking in return. She is determined like nobody I have ever seen. She is positive and happy. She is a leader and I also consider her my friend.

“To honor Kate’s determination and illustrate the same, I urge you to choose her as a very deserving recipient of this award. If you do not, I will model Kate’s determination and drive by submitting a nomination every year until she is awarded the ‘20 Under 40’ award. Even after she is 40.”

— Patrick Huston

37, Duluth

Kate Van Daele

What do you do? (job, community involvement): I serve as the public information officer for the city of Duluth. I coordinate messages from eight out of the nine departments within the city, in addition to messages coming from city administration. I work closely with local, regional and national media partners to share programs, initiatives and emergency responses with the public. I also create messaging on the city’s social media pages and coordinate all internal communication. I also currently serve on the board of directors of Bentleyville Tour of Lights and the University Nursery School.

I get asked a lot about what my favorite part of my job is. For me, that is an easy question. I have always loved writing and telling stories. Getting to lift up the work being done inside City Hall, on the streets, private residences and businesses in Duluth, in our parks and libraries is by far my favorite part. Each of the 850-plus staff that is employed by the city is so talented and dedicated to the services that they provide. I love getting to connect with staff members and publicly share the work that they are doing and why they feel called to serve our community. Whether that is a firefighter who helped to deliver a baby and reconnected with them a few years later; an Aerial Lift Bridge operator who donated his COVID checks to a local food shelf; a maintenance worker who took a vacation to volunteer to fight the Greenwood fire; or a staff member who created an innovative way to take city property that was vacant and create a pollinator area that also doubles as a stormwater initiative to protect valuable trout streams. There are so many stories to tell about the work that happens within the city every day.

Seeing a story run in print or online and the impact that it has on a specific staff member, or a division, or department is by far the best part of my job.

What is important to you? My family, my work, my values and my community are important to me. My husband and I relocated to Duluth from Denver a little over five years ago, and one of the biggest reasons we moved was the open arms that we felt when we visited. In five years, we have seen how this community steps up to support one another in ways that just doesn’t happen in big cities. We knew we had found a special place, with great people and superior views that we couldn’t get anywhere else. We are often asked if we would leave Duluth, and we are always quick to answer “No!”

How do you spend your free time? I spend my free time with my family. My husband, Scott, and I have two children; our 2-and-a-half-year-old son, Colton, and a 3-year-old sheepadoodle named Nala. Together they keep us very busy! We love spending time outside exploring different parks in Duluth, and adventuring up the North Shore. We spend a lot of time at the Great Lakes Aquarium, Lake Superior Zoo and the Duluth Children’s Museum, too.

A sports fan to the core, this past year, we also were lucky to go to several UMD hockey games. Colton has since wanted to be a hockey player so that he can be like his heroes Cole Koepke, Blake Biondi and Hunter Lellig.

Nala and I spend a lot of time walking around our neighborhood. Our nighttime walks are a huge part of slowing down, and taking in the views of Lake Superior. I will never take for granted how beautiful that lake is!

From nominator: “Kate is one of the hardest-working, most dedicated professionals that I have had the opportunity to work with. In her work for the city of Duluth, she strives to find positive stories that highlight the important work being done on a day-to-day basis and often appropriately focuses on unsung heroes. Her love of her work and community is palpable. Kate brings a positive attitude and boundless energy to projects and is always generating fresh ideas.”

— Chelsea Helmer

25, Duluth

KellyHinseth

What do you do? (job, community involvement): Sports director, CBS 3 Duluth.

What is important to you? My family and friends! If the past year has taught me anything, it’s that I never want to stop showing and telling the people that I love how much they mean to me.

How do you spend your free time? Currently, I am training for the Twin Cities Marathon in October. Most of my free time is spent running, eating and sleeping these days. I also bake.

From nominator: “Her on-air talents are one thing, but her character is another. Kelly has been open about dealing with anxiety, and she’s been open with her struggles as her mom battles an awful brain tumor. This is how someone who has a platform like she does can help people, making clear that no one is fighting alone. And neither is she.”

— Bruce Ciskie

Kevin Jacobsen

37, Duluth

What do you do? (job, community involvement): lots of dreaming and planning, my wife, Annie Harala, and I launched Story North Productions, a storytelling-focused video production company this past June. I serve as the company’s creative director and handle client relations. Previously, I worked in television news for nearly two decades, 13 (years) in Duluth.

I proudly serve as a board member for the Duluth Children’s Museum, which recently opened its new location in Lincoln Park. While my time in news is over, I continue to serve the Midwest Broadcast Journalism Association as the board president. I’m also a contributing photographer to Destination Duluth.

What is important to you? If you know me, then you know I love to “hygge.” It’s typically described as the Danish concept for cozy, comfortable and contentment. It’s so much more than that, however. It also translates into having strong, healthy relationships with family and friends and the intentional time spent with each of them. That could range from having a glass of wine on the deck to a dinner out or a simple Zoom call to catch up. Beyond that, hygge is about surrounding yourself with the things that make you happy. Being happy motivates me to do my best, whether on the job or at home. Life is too short for anything less.

How do you spend your free time? In my free time, you’ll find me dabbling in photography and golfing. My wife and I also love traveling. We’re great road trip partners, as a matter of fact. We love visiting spots along the North Shore with our dog, Rory, in tow. Some bucket list destinations include, but are not limited to, Italy, Australia and the Faroe Islands.

From nominator: “Hygge sets Kevin apart. He has adopted the Danish ideal into every part of his life, sharing comfort and conviviality with others!”

— Cameron Kruger

Laura Johnson

37, Duluth

What do you do? (job, community involvement): I like to say that I went to college and never left. I’ve worked at my alma mater, the College of St. Scholastica, since 2008 and in February transitioned into a new role as associate director of communications. Put simply, I get to help tell the story of who we are and what makes us a special, transformative place. And I am living proof! Nearly 20 years ago, I was a first-generation college student, pursuing a degree in communications and dreaming about the stories I would someday tell. Somehow I ended up right where I am supposed to be. Similarly, as a native Duluthian, giving back to this community has shaped me just as much as my experience in higher education has.

I currently serve on Grandma’s Marathon and Northwood Children’s Services boards of directors and am an active member of the Duluth NAACP Education Committee. I’m also a part of a newly established group called Minnesota Arrowhead Region of Transracial Adoptees, a place where fellow adoptees can build affinity and find connections with one another in the Twin Ports.

What is important to you? My family. My friends. Our collective wellbeing. This vibrant and innovative community. Belonging. Authenticity. Compassion. Curiosity.

My Korean ethnicity and my identity as a person of color have also become increasingly meaningful to me, especially as I consider how these shared identities will impact the worldview of my 9-year-old daughter, Layla, and 6-year-old son, Felix. Parenthood is funny, though, they have already learned to embrace and celebrate their differences and now they’re teaching me about radical self-love. I’m pretty lucky to be theirs.

And through it all, I have the greatest partner in my husband, Keith. We met our freshman year of college and he’s been by my side ever since, supporting and loving me unconditionally.

How do you spend your free time? Usually outside. Hiking Lester Park or swimming at our top-secret spot in the summer; skiing at Spirit Mountain or skating the rinks at Portman in the winter. Right now, I’m training for an October marathon so most all of my free time has been spent logging miles along the Lakewalk (and crossing my fingers for a tailwind). If I’m inside, I’m probably reading. Or watching “Ted Lasso.” Or tending to my plant babies. Or mindlessly scrolling through TikTok, a pandemic-related pastime that has brought me a ridiculous amount of joy.

From nominator: “Laura’s recent promotion to associate director of communications has allowed her to expand her work in diversity, equity and inclusion at the college. She is overseeing and executing collegewide communications, but she is also working closely with our Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to not only influence change at the college, but also ensure we are positive social actors in the broader Duluth community.”

— Erin Kreeger

Matthew Koshmrl

34, Chisholm and Duluth

What do you do? (job, community involvement): Filmmaker, educator and community organizer.

What is important to you? I value growth and have found that documentary filmmaking as an art form has brought about growth on a personal and community level. As an individual, filmmaking has been my way to learn more about the world around me. On the community level, I am motivated to build, organize and bring people together around the art form. My practice as a filmmaker has led me to explore complex themes, such as the evolution of tradition, generational trauma, humankind’s relationship with place, and human dominion over nature.

My work is now focused on underrepresented rural stories; after spending time abroad, I returned to the Iron Range to explore my roots, to spend time listening to the oral history of my family and to those in the community. Filmmaking is an incredible privilege and has large cultural, financial and geographic barriers. My goal as an educator and community organizer is to address this lack of access to the art form.

I started working on developing community film production classes at the Minnesota Discovery Center in summer 2020. We co-wrote grants to supply class participants with professional film equipment and a computer lab to edit in. Just over a year later we have held six classes and worked with dozens of first-time filmmakers. We recently had a screening of student work from a class. These films explored a variety of topics, including the process of mining iron; the nature of regional waterways; experiences of racism on the Iron Range; the history and importance of a local orchestra; an accordion-heavy music video about productivity; and many more. I saw growth within each new filmmaker and I saw people in our community coming together to share local stories. It was inspiring.

How do you spend your free time? I enjoy cooking during my free time. The last film I made took just over six years to complete. I love that it only takes me an afternoon to make fresh pasta or a jar of kimchi. There is also nothing better than sharing a home-cooked meal with friends and family.

From nominator: “Matt brings a wealth of experience as a filmmaker and educator to the region that does not have a large presence in film. He is driven to provide film access and education to an area and to people who would not have access otherwise. He also has an understanding and commitment to the region with his grandparents’ family being immigrants to the region of the Iron Range.”

— Dahee Kim

PaigeMcGrath 32, Superior

What do you do? (job, community involvement): Director of IT project management at Maurices.

What is important to you? With having two little kids at home, my family is most important to me. Ensuring they feel supported, loved and having fun with them. I want to make sure I have a balance between work and life so I don’t miss out on their life. Maurices is very encouraging of a work-life balance, so it makes it so easy to do so!

How do you spend your free time? My free time is spent with my family. I enjoy playing with my kids outside; going to the beach; playing in a pool in our backyard; going for walks/bike rides; going to the park; or playing sports in our yard (my son is into anything and everything)! I also enjoy hanging out with our friends, going on summer family vacations and traveling, which typically includes warm weather and sandy beaches!

From nominator: “Paige is a wellrespected leader in an industry (IT) that has a history of being male-dominated. She is an exceptional leader in the project management space and instills confidence with her global business partners through her ability to build strong relationships and drive value to our customers. And did I mention, most of this has been accomplished during a global pandemic?”

— Fred Argir

Kachinske Rikki 26, Duluth

What do you do? (job, community involvement): I founded Peach Tattoo: a worker-owned, profit-sharing, artist collective. As a nonbinary and queer artist, I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive space for the queer community.

What is important to you? Being tattooed is an inherently vulnerable experience. We want the process to be affirming and celebratory, especially for those who have been marginalized for their race, size, ability and queerness. Tattoos are for every body.

How do you spend your free time? I enjoy making art, playing video games, cooking and caring for my plants.

From nominator: “Rikki is an up-and-coming queer artist in Duluth who wants to make more affirming and positive spaces for those on the margins.”

— Adeline Wright

Sam Luoma 35,

Duluth

What do you do? (job, community involvement): I am the programs and operations manager at Chester Bowl. Prior to entering this role, I had been a volunteer in several different roles at Chester. I am a member of the Spirit Mountain Patrol and recently served on the Spirit Mountain Task Force helping to develop a long-term plan for Spirit Mountain.

What is important to you? My family is really important to me. I am thankful to have a fantastic wife, Lizzy Luoma, and two amazing boys, Charlie, 7, and Louie, 3 months. We spend most of our family time outdoors as Lizzy and I were lucky to grow up in households that valued outdoor recreation and time spent outside.

Through my work at Chester, I get the opportunity to help young people foster a connection to the outdoors. Our summer camp is focused on this specifically while our winter ski and snowboard program helps families build a connection with each other while providing an opportunity to learn how to ski and snowboard.

The most important thing I do is reduce barriers like cost of entry or provide access to the equipment needed to take part in outdoor recreation. I am proud to be a part of so many families becoming lifelong skiers and snowboarders. Once a person falls into one of those two groups, they look at the winter season much more fondly. The families I work with during the winter season and the campers at summer camp all develop a connection with the outdoors, specifically Chester Bowl. This connection creates a sense of ownership that leads them to make better choices about how they treat outside spaces. This is a really rewarding part of my work.

How do you spend your free time? I spend most of my time snowboarding or thinking about snowboarding. I also mountain bike, fish, swim, skateboard and spend as much time outside as possible with my family.

From nominator: “The ‘20 Under 40’ awards often go to people who are involved in lots of things — and there is great benefit to people being involved in their community in many different ways. Sam is different; he gives everything to Chester Bowl. Instead of spreading his energy out between lots of causes and organizations, he focuses on two things: his work at Chester and his commitment to his family. I believe that kind of deep commitment to one passion and one community deserves to be recognized just as much as someone who gives a few hours a month to five different groups. Depth of involvement, in Sam’s case, creates an enormous impact on the Chester Bowl community.”

— Dave Schaeffer

Tricia Hobbs 31, Duluth

What do you do? (job, community involvement): I work as an engagement specialist at Thrivent, where I am responsible for membership and community events and initiatives, as well as marketing, communications and regionwide partnerships and campaigns. I also serve as the vice president for our regional board of directors.

In addition to my day job, I am also the founder and leader of Badass Lady Gang Duluth, a women’s running community focused on empowering and encouraging women to be active in ways that make them feel strong and celebrated. We are a somewhat unusual running group — our focus is community first, running second. It’s not about pace or distance, but instead how running makes you feel. We host meet-ups every Tuesday (5:30 p.m. in Leif Erickson Park), as well as regular pop-up runs across the Twin Ports.

I am also a proud board member at SOAR Career Solutions and the Head of the Lakes United Way.

What is important to you? Making an impact is very important to me. When committing to a project or opportunity, I definitely spend time thinking through “What is the impact I can make with this?” This sense of civic and communal responsibility is why I love Duluth. Our city fosters a strong sense of engagement and pride and provides community members with so many opportunities to make an impact around causes that are important to them.

How do you spend your free time? I love spending time outside (no matter the season), so I try to do that as much as possible, running with my dog, biking, hiking, ice fishing or just hanging out on the beach. I am a very social person, so I also spend a lot of time with friends and family. And, though I don’t always enjoy it, my husband and I do spend a fair amount of time renovating our home in West Duluth.

From nominator: “Tricia has a great mix of grit, positivity, detail-oriented passion and drive. When she commits to something, she doesn’t just do it — she knocks it out of the park. Duluth is lucky to have Tricia serving as a leader and employee. She is always welcoming more people (and animals) to the table to make our community stronger.”

— Annie Harala

29, Duluth

Winonah Ojanen

(Gaagige Aanakwadikwe), member of Bad River Band of Ojibwe in Wisconsin

What do you do? (job, community involvement): I am an Ojibwe immersion teacher with the Misaabekong Ojibwe Immersion Program. I currently teach a second and third grade split. I also take part in creating Ojibwe Immersion curriculum for our program, especially focusing on science. My goal is to help create physics and astronomy curriculum for Ojibwe immersion schools, and my future plans are to pursue a master’s degree in astrophysics.

What is important to you? My friends, family, dreams, love for the Ojibwe language and culture, and my passion for learning astronomy are all deeply important to me. They are the inspiration for my journey of intertwining Ojibwe, science and teaching. There is a beautiful parallel between the world of science and Ojibwe culture. Discovering patterns in nature has always been present within the Ojibwe culture, and it contains a fascinating way of teaching respect and the interconnectedness of all things. I believe that bringing the Ojibwe cultural worldview into the sciences can help humanity solve problems that we are currently struggling with. It will also help the language and culture to grow, modernize and adapt to issues in the world today at a faster pace. The Ojibwe language is alive to the Anishinaabe; Anishinaabe people have always adapted, and the language has adapted as well. Like nibi (water), it transforms and changes states with us over time.

I think the modern message of living between two worlds is important: living the Anishinaabe way of life, and pursuing what we love within the modern world. The culture gives us strength and a unique viewpoint for guidance in our lives. I teach these methods to my students.

I focus on what they are good at, what they love, and what they dream about. I also teach them to remember who they are within the culture, their name, their strengths, and their roots to Gidakiiminaan (Mother Earth).

How do you spend your free time? Just as my career focuses around studying those two areas, I spend my free time learning about them as well.

I participate in Ojibwe cultural activities, and collaborate with elders and other Ojibwe language speakers to learn more traditional language and help create new words.

I also study physics and astronomy on my own time. I attend sciencefocused events in the greater Duluth area, and work on self-paced physics, math and astronomy curriculum at home.

I also enjoy reading books and practicing my beadwork.

From nominator: “I was seriously blown away entering her classroom and hearing no English whatsoever. Even when the kids had the choice to talk to me in English, they spoke in Ojibwemowin (Ojibwe Language).

I would love to see a young language preservationist be recognized for her important work and bring attention to this program.”

— Moira Villiard

Chibuzo CJ Osuchukwu

What do you do? (job, community involvement): Coaching Marshall girls basketball, mentoring kids.

What is important to you? My morals, having a code to live by. Also respect showing respect while giving it.

How do you spend your free time? Helping people, working out at the gym and watching lots of basketball.

From nominator: “CJ has a big heart. He’s all about helping kids be the best versions of themselves. We are so grateful for the life lessons CJ is teaching these kids. He is an amazing mentor to these boys especially. He pushes them hard, but they know he cares about them.

“I first met CJ last summer during the pandemic. We would drive 30 minutes across town to the outdoor basketball court near Stowe Elementary School. He would be there waiting for the boys with a smile on his face. The boys knew they would be working hard and sweating a ton in the hot summer sun. CJ made it fun, though.

“CJ has been steadfast in his support of these young players. He is breaking barriers and building community one young player at a time.”

— Laurie Johnson

27, Duluth