From the Community of Anoka

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I am currently attending Anoka Ramsey Community College to receive my Associate of Arts with Applied Sciences degree in spring of 2024. I plan to transfer to University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire and join the Athletic Training program to receive my masters in sports medicine and athletic training. Outside of school, I work at a small clothing boutique in downtown Anoka called I.Appeal, which is so much fun! I enjoy spending time outdoors with my friends and family when I get the opportunity, whether that be hiking, kayaking, swimming or soaking up the sun. I'm usually always outside! This year I am most excited to volunteer more and represent my own community through AAO at the various events we will attend.

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Jason DeKeuster co-owns Northern Prairie Financial, a financial planning and benefits firm that specializes in retirement planning and wealth management. Jason grew up in Roseville, Minnesota before obtaining his Bachelor of Finance and Economics from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire. He worked for TCF Bank for ten years and ended his career as Senior Vice President in Colorado managing the lending operations. He now lives in Saint Anthony, Minnesota, and has been in the financial services industry for 27 years. Jason is active in his community, volunteering with Saint Paul Rotary, Saint Paul Winter Carnival and Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity. Jason’s volunteer experiences have given him a unique perspective on community – whether it be at a local or national level. He is passionate about giving back to those in need and focuses his time on helping others develop strong leadership skills. Jason believes leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping personal and organizational success, and raising up effective leaders not only brings out the best in an individual, but it builds up their community as well.

From the Community of Delano
 

I will be attending North Hennepin Technical College to pursue a career in dental hygiene. I enjoy volunteering at the Delano Public Library, Delano Elementary School, singing in local assisted living facilities, singing the national anthem around town at local sporting events. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, playing tennis, baking, fishing, and singing. I am looking forward to meeting new people, creating new friendships and getting to experience Minneapolis. This year, a few goals of mine are to embrace change, continue gaining leadership skills, gain confidence, try new things, and make more memories.

Kelly Karwoski-Reykdal is a proud resident of South Minneapolis. She grew up in Oakdale MN, graduated from Tartan Senior High School and gained a business degree from the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Since college Kelly has spent her career working in the grocery industry, recently celebrating 10 years with ConAgra Brands, as a Customer Business Manager. 

She enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Brent Reykdal, family and friends, traveling, live music, golfing and visiting the wonderful restaurants in their South Minneapolis neighborhood. Kelly served as the 2009 South Wind Princess for the Saint Paul Winter Carnival, was the 2013 Winter Carnival Royal Family Coordinator and served as President of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival Ambassador Organization. Kelly continues to stay active in her community. Taking on leadership roles, serving as Co-President of the 622 Education Foundation, which brings equity by distributing resources to district 622 schools to create, enrich, and expand programs that enhance the quality of education in their community, and also Spent 10 years as the One Mile Registration Committee chair with Twin Cities in Motion. 

Kelly thrives and understands the importance of an inclusive community. Living by her family mantra “to be kind, be selfless and be present.” Kelly is looking forward to representing Minneapolis, the city where she calls home.

From the Community of  Monticello

This year I plan to begin my studies towards obtaining a degree in elementary education with a minor in communications through Grand Canyon University. I have spent the duration of both my middle school and high school careers being extremely active in both sports and clubs. I finished out my senior year as a swim and dive captain, all american academic team member, track captain, lead trumpet, Arion award winner, national honor society member, and student council committee chair all while continuing to volunteer in my community and at my local church. As an Aquatennial Ambassador I would love to be able to share my love of travel, communication, connection and outreach.
 

Jen Tamburo was born and raised on the east side of Saint Paul. This is where her love of community was born. A proud east side graduate of Harding High School, Jen continued her education at the University of Minnesota where she obtained her degree in Kinesiology and minored in coaching. Jen spent time working for the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx before she started her career in medical and pharmaceutical sales. Jen has spent the last 10 years at AstraZeneca, working in a variety of areas from sales and sales leadership. Currently Jen is the National Account Director responsible for midwest regional health plan payers and Medicaid for all 50 US states.

Jen has a deep appreciation for community ambassador programs and represented her east side community as a princess for the Payne Arcade Harvest Festival and served as the 2005 Princesses of the East Wind for the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. Jen then went on to serve as Ambassador President for the Ambassadors of the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. She was elected to the board of directors for the Saint Paul Festival and Heritage foundation, proudly serving the board for 12 years. During her tenure Jen served as festival chair for 3 years 2014, 2015, 2016 and served as board chair in 2018 & 2019 and was a key member of the planning of the 2018 Ice Palace.

Jen and her husband Nick live in the beautiful city of Afton and have been married for 18 years and have two boys Dominick and Vincent who keep them running from the hockey rink to the baseball diamond. Jen is a proud military spouse and sits on the board of the United Heroes League, an organization that gives back to military families and ensures military kids stay active and healthy during deployments and continued support for veteran families. Jen enjoys traveling with her family, hanging by their pool or other body of water, golfing and working out.

Jen is looking forward to representing the Aquatennial and connecting with the many communities and ambassador programs.