RUTH’S VEGETARIAN & VEGAN GOURMET

earned a master’s degree in public administration.

Children

Around this time, the couple were thinking about starting a family. Adoption was close to Stokes’ heart, and they began the process of international adoption.

“I had always wanted to adopt as a little girl,” Stokes said. “I came from a blended family, so I thought, ‘why not?’”

Upon returning to Minnesota, Stokes was hired to run the northern Minnesota

The couple later adopted another child, Maria, from Colombia, and also have two biological children, Sam and Sophie. The kids are all grown up, and today, Stokes and Cerkvenik also relish the role of being grandparents to Eli’s son, Oliver, who is 3.

Work, boards, and other duties

Today, Stokes works as vice president of compliance and internal audit for American Bank, which has thirteen branches and administrative offices across the

Stokes has also served on the Virginia School Board. She has participated in numerous other volunteer and community efforts along the way. Stokes’ political resume also includes a 1994 bid for lieutenant governor, alongside running mate Tony Bouza.

When she isn’t working, Stokes enjoys canoeing, walking, and the family pontoon. She belongs to two book clubs and an investment club, and she and Gary parch wild rice to give away as gifts.

Nomination

Stokes was nominated for the Rosie Award by her husband. From his nomination, Cerkvenik shared, “Kimberly has an exceptional, but quiet, record of achievement and involvement in northern Minnesota. Kimberly is a gift to the community and quietly gets things done, including everything from building a playground to solving mental health issues; from helping people adopt children, to working in the highest levels of U.S. government.”

“I was very surprised to be nominated, and especially by my husband,” Stokes said. “Receiving this award validates volunteerism, and the work that women have always done in the background.”

Start with your own community

Stokes’ list of accomplishments is truly remarkable, yet she remains humble. “I feel so grateful for everything that’s been given to me,” she said. “That’s why I feel I have to give back.”

Stokes’ stresses that there is plenty of work to do — right in our own communities.

“I used to want to change the world,” she said. “But now, I know that serving my community and living a full life is enough. You can be a big fish in a small pond, and really get things done.” D

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