NOTE: The contestants were alphabetized by last name on 5/24/07

One additional contestant (Tressa Avestruz) is also competing but was having computer problems and was unable to send her photos and information.

Jenn DeFoe (Mrs. Wright County 2007)

Hi, my name is Jennifer DeFoe and I am ecstatic to be representing Mrs. Wright County this year!! I was born and raised in Dallas, TX and moved to Minnesota for the last and final time in September of 2003. I like to think that I am funny, outgoing, and personable.

I met my husband, Todd in 2000, although there were no romantic connections between us at the time, we hit it off and became instant friends. It wasn’t until a few years later, when I was visiting him and his family that his feelings for me were brought to light. A month later I decided to move from Texas to Minnesota to pursue this relationship. We were married July 23, 2005 at Fox Hollow Golf Course in St. Michael. It stormed the day of our wedding, which happened to be an outdoor wedding. My brother walked me down the aisle and as he handed me over to Todd, the sun came out. It was such a neat experience. We boogied down the aisle as husband and wife to the song, “Another One Bites the Dust”. Todd is a wonderful husband and friend. He often tells people that he out kicked his coverage, but I think I out kicked my coverage.

Todd and I are proud parents of two little 4-legged girls. Gabriel Princess DeFoe (Gabby) is 2 years old. Samantha Ann DeFoe (Sammy) is 1. They are fun to be with and most times provide much needed laughter from anyone who is willing to watch them. Both are Pekinese and come from the same mother. Gabby is the protector and Sammy is afraid of everything, but both are loveable. We tend to get them mixed up since they look so much alike. We do not have kids of our own yet, it will happen when it happens. But we look forward to when that day comes.

I work full time as a Facilities Assistant where I spend most of my day working with others to develop and implement CMS (Computer Managing System) software. I also attend school in the evenings as a legal student at Minnesota School of Business. I am pursuing a B.S. degree in Paralegal Studies. I am interested in International Business and Law most, but feel that God will lead me where I should be. I am also the Social Chair for our legal club, The Barely Legal’s. We host and organize fundraisers, discuss hot topics and provide networking resources for other legal students.

If chosen as the Mrs. Minnesota 2007, I will actively promote ”Awareness for U.S. and Global Poverty”. Alleviating extreme poverty is an issue that I feel strongly and passionate about. Statistics show that 30,000 children die everyday from diseases caused by unsanitary water. This is just one aspect involving poverty that not only affects those living in extreme poverty, but it also affects the rest of the world. Educating impoverished communities on AIDS/HIV is an important step towards ending poverty. I also feel that providing general education to these communities, such as reading, writing and math will provide them with the tools and resources needed to help save one another.

As a first time pageant contestant, I am looking forward to meeting other young ladies that share the same passion as I do, helping others. I am excited for the changes this experience brings and will bring. I am grateful for the opportunity to share the stage with a handful of wonderful, intelligent and beautiful women.

Best wishes,
Jenn DeFoe
Mrs. Wright County 2007

Deb Erpelding (Mrs. Golden Valley 2007)

Greetings from Mrs. Golden Valley 2007!

My name is Deb Erpelding and I am happy to represent my hometown of 14 years--Golden Valley. I have been married for 16 years to my husband Rand and together we have 4 children, Gabe 12, Caleb 10, Julianna 6, and Aaron 3. I have been a stay at home mom for 12 years now and truly love my job. They say, "It's the hardest job you'll ever love!"

As a stay at home mom, I have enjoyed many years of ECFE programs with my children. I am currently a member of the Steering Committee as the Care Coordinator of a MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group at Crystal Evangelical Free Church (soon to be renamed New Hope Church). This has truly been a lifeline for me the past several years. Most of all it is a safe place to share motherhood frustrations with others and enjoy the affirming nods of Moms who have been there, too.

I chose to do the Mrs. Minnesota pageant after my neighbor nominated me last summer. I thought it would be challenging and fun! The past few years of my life have been very tense and difficult. I am a survivor of breast cancer, and it will be three years in September! During my battle my Mother was diagnosed also, so I have a lot to share from my heart about the journey I've been on. I also thought it would be an excellent example to my children to show them that no matter what storms you face in life--positive can come with the help of your faith, family and friends. Besides all of that I don't want to be afraid to try new things ever again!

To all of the contestants, I look forward to spending time with you all! It was great to meet you on Saturday.

Your friend,
Deb Erpelding
Mrs. Golden Valley 2007

Bessie Giannakakis (Mrs. Edina 2007)

Hello to everyone! My name is Bessie Giannakakis as Mrs. Edina (yes, a very hard name to spell and pronounce) ☺ I was born in Athens, Greece and Minnesota is now my home. I taught modeling, did many fashion shows and pageants while I was growing up, as well as being an anchor woman on cable news for 9 years. I am fluent in written and spoken Greek, taking six grueling years of Greek school (getting my Bachelor's degree in English was much easier), and if you haven’t yet seen “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” you should rent it, as that was my life growing up. And yes, we still roast a lamb outside in our yard every Easter!

I met my husband, Sam, on the internet on a Greek website, which is something I thought I would NEVER do, but it worked for me. We have been married now for almost 3 years. I am currently a Realtor for Remax in Edina and my husband and I own a custom home building company called Metropolis Custom Homes, LLC. We have two dogs, a maltese named Poochie and a beagle-lab mix named Angel, we love to take walks around the lake and play with them. They are sometimes a handful!

The issue I would champion as Mrs. Minnesota would be to inform and educate adults and youth about emotional and physical abuse in relationships. There are too many men and women who believe there is no way out of an abusive relationship. Statistics show that 1 out of every 4 couples in a relationship will experience some kind of abuse. Through the Mrs. Minnesota-America program, I want to inform men and women that they can recognize what the signs of an abuser are and they can choose to stand up for themselves and leave an unhealthy relationship.

I decided to compete for Mrs. Minnesota-America because I love meeting new people and making new friends. What I love about this particular pageant are all the events that lead up to the big pageant. They are truly a blast and I think many of you will agree. I am very excited to get to know each and every one of you.

Looking forward to having a great time,
Bessie Giannakakis
Mrs. Edina 2007

Valentina Godes (Mrs. Eagan 2007)

Hi-My name is Valentina Godes and I am proud to represent the city of Eagan! As much as I would love to say I was born and raised in Minnesota, I can not credit myself to that. I was born in California and lived the majority of my life in the beautiful state of Minnesota. I am extremely ambitious and I love to try new things. Currently, I work full time at Gabriel Financial Group. I originate and process mortgage loans. I am a part time student at the University of Minnesota….striving hard to complete my degree in Strategic Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations and Advertising. Just to spice things up a bit, I bartend catered events on the weekend. Like I mentioned before, I am ambitious.

Blaine and I were married a year ago on the shore of Lake Superior. He has been my mentor, love, strength and best friend for 5 years. Blaine and I are complete opposites that compliment each other well. Together we are learning to build a life based on trust, patience and teamwork. In addition to our marriage, we have two pleasantly plump dogs named Spike and Cash. One is a miniature German short-haired pointer and the other is a shar pei. With the wonderfully chaotic life I live, it is nice to come home to a comfortable place that always puts a smile on my face☺

Education is important to me. Reading and writing are vital skills in ensuring a fair and substantial future within American culture. I strongly believe in implementing social justice programs within schools to help curve the gap between social inequities and finding resolutions to the conditions they have evolved from. Illiteracy is a problem with in the United States. The most rewarding experience I have had while volunteering is watching a child strive to reach their goal of reading a book and then expressing their thoughts in writing.

Best Wishes,

Valentina Godes
Mrs. Eagan 2007

Barbara Kaiser (Mrs. Woodbury 2007)

Greetings from Barbara Kaiser, Mrs. Woodbury 2007! As I look at where I have been, and forward to where I am going, I know I would not be where I am today without the love and support of my family. This has truly become OUR journey. I am blessed to have my wonderful husband, John, and two amazing daughters, Jamie and Brooke, by my side, supporting me through all of life’s new challenges.

Very happily married today to my BEST friend, I cannot say that it was love at first sight for my husband and me. Initially, I tried to avoid him, but his overtures eventually won my heart. His patience paid off, and three and a half years after meeting, we were husband and wife. John and I are not only partners in life, but together we co-manage our company, AmeriSpec, which has sustained Top 10 status as a franchise internationally for the past 9 years.

I have been in the field of ophthalmology for 20 years. In 1990 I became certified with the American Academy of Ophthalmology as an Ophthalmic technician, as well as Certified Eye Enucleator with the U of M. I completed my degree in ophthalmic surgical assisting with the Phillips Eye Institute. For the past 12 years I have been Office Manager at an ophthalmology clinic in Edina, at the office of Dr. Jonathan E. Pederson, M.D.

This will be my first pageant. Being raised with 5 brothers on a farm there were not many chances for sequined dresses and high heels. So this is definitely a new experience for me. What began as a desire to show my daughters a healthier way, with proper diet and exercise, turned into an amazing journey that led to my being runner-up in Oxygen Magazine’s 2007 Body Make-Over Competition.

We are not a family of all work, and no play. John and I enjoy a good game of volleyball with friends in a league. I am always up for a run around Woodbury. Having completed the Twin Cities Marathon twice now in under 4 hours, the running trails are like old friends to me. Thanks again to my husband and daughters for the water stops during training! As a family, you can always catch us at a Twins, Timberwolves, Vikings, or Wild game. But there’s nothing like a family game of Pictionary or PO>KE>NO at home

Jamie is finishing her first year away from home at the University of St. Thomas, and is looking forward to coming home to home-cooked meals! Brooke is busy being 13, text messaging friends, playing volleyball, and guitar lessons. With two teenage daughters I am aware of the pressures they face to conform to the “look of the moment” body image that Hollywood idealizes. I want women of today to know that you can have a career, children, and home life, and still have time for fitness. I firmly believe in leading by example. After mentoring family and friends in health and fitness, I feel ready to take it to a larger scale. With today’s society on the verge of an obesity epidemic, we need to get the message out to “take back our health”. It would be my honor as Mrs. Minnesota to impact individuals, families, and communities through sharing the importance of greater health and fitness for all ages. It is my passion to share this message with others on a daily basis that drives me to become the next Mrs. Minnesota.

Barbara J. Kaiser
Mrs. Woodbury 2007

Lindsey Kurhajetz (Mrs. Maple Grove 2007)

Warm wishes from Lindsey Kurhajetz, Mrs. Maple Grove 2007!

Abound with energy and excitement for everyday life, I am blessed with a wonderful husband, who carries the same zest for the little things in our life: grocery shopping on Sunday, push-up contests, making homemade sushi with friends, and working hard to reach our greatest potential.

Rich and I met at St. Olaf College and developed a lasting friendship upon which we have built a wonderful marriage as we enjoy many everyday adventures. Our wedding in 2003 came with added excitement after we won the KDWB “Not so Newlywed” game - a $25,000 wedding package! We attribute the win to our teamwork – an important quality in marriages today.

We recently hoped to put our teamwork skills to the test again as competitors on the Amazing Race. Rich and I were finalists for the show, however did not make the final cut because we “get along too well.” (I thought that was supposed to be a good thing!)

Rich and I take much pride in our work and love what we do. Rich is a Buyer for cellular phones at Best Buy Headquarters and I am the Event Coordinator for Archiver’s – the nation’s leading photo memory store. I serve as the Director of the Maple Grove Ambassador Scholarship Program designed to help young women grow personally and professionally through community and civic involvement. I also serve as a St. Olaf College class fund agent, raising money for their annual fund and am the on-site Director for the United Performing Association’s National cheer and dance competition.

Beyond love, work and volunteering I enjoy country music, (especially Keith Urban) scrapbooking and making handmade cards/invitations, hosting and entertaining with friends, exploring the wine country in the fall and educational and recreational travel.

Enriching communities at home and abroad is a true passion of mine. My travels abroad to study the native aboriginal culture of Australia, Hemmingway in Cuba and the Polynesian culture of Hawaii showed me the need for greater cross-cultural communication and understanding. As an English and Communication major, studying in Cuba was a historic experience. I had the honor of visiting Earnest Hemingway’s best friend, Gregario Fuentes in his own home in Cojimar, Cuba - just six days before his passing. Gregario was Hemmingway’s good friend and fishing buddy written about in the cherished “The Old Man in the Sea” book.

For me, serving as stewards of our community is one of the most impactful ways we can share our talents to help others. As a 2001 Maple Grove Ambassador and first-runner up to Mrs. Minnesota 2006, I am eager to join with all 2007 contestants to celebrate the gift of marriage, family and our collective contributions to our community. Here’s to an outstanding month ahead!

Shonna Ochu (Mrs. Buffalo 2007)

Hello everyone! My name is Shonna May Ochu, Mrs. Buffalo, 2007 (a.k.a. "the queen" to my four children). Yes...I said FOUR! My husband Steve and I have been married for nearly 7 years and have lived in beautiful Buffalo since 2002. We knew each other for a while, but after we had our first "official date", we knew we were meant to spend the rest of our lives together. So here we are; in the suburbs, four kids, one dog, and three cats later living happily ever after.

My children take up a big chunk of my life, well, most of it in fact. They are all so unique and special in their own way. Sylvia is shy, reserved, and loves to read. Grace is is sensitive and selfless (she grows and donates her hair to locks of love with me every two years), Alec is my little man, the All-American-Boy, and Jade, the youngest is our comedian.

Jade has been my greatest teacher and inspiration. She has a very rare blood condition which limits her ability to do many
things that a normal child would do, but she can find the joy in so many things that we all take for granted. She has taught me to not only accept life's flaws, but to embrace them because there is beauty in all that is not perfect.

Aside from my family, I work outside the home for Wright County Child Protection. I do not always like what I see, but I love what I do and couldn't imagine doing anything else. I enjoy volunteering at Children's Hospital in Minneapolis in the ICC and am the Director of Hospitals for the Chloe T. Foundation. It can be easy to get lost in the roles of wife, mother, friend, co-worker, sister, daughter, and more, but first and foremost, I am "me" and need to take time for myself. That time is usually spent at the gym or at home doing pilates, and the occasional shopping spree!

The Chloe T. Foundation is at the center of my platform. Twice per year, we distribute special stuffed animals to all of the hospitalized children across the metro area. We also provide a special bear to the parents of children that have left us much too soon. The animals not only provide comfort to the children that are ill or injured, they also provide comfort to the parents going through the fear, helplessness, and exhaustion that accompanies having a child in the hospital. We are there to give support, and most important, we are there to listen. The non-profit organization was built from the tragic loss of a beautiful little girl, but her legacy lives on in every smile that our animals bring. Never, ever, underestimate the power of a teddy bear!

I am so excited to represent Buffalo for the second time in the Mrs. Minnesota pageant. It was truly a magical experience last year. It was all about walking away knowing I gave it my all and walking away with some of my now closest friends. I only hope some of you new girls will have the same, unforgettalble experience that I did.

XOXO
Shonna
Mrs. Buffalo 2007

Nichoel Richards-Skramstad (Mrs. Minneapolis 2007)

Greetings from the City of Lakes! I’m Nichoel Richards Skramstad and I’m representing beautiful Minneapolis! I can’t begin to tell how excited I am to have the opportunity to fulfill a dream of competing for the title of Mrs. Minnesota, and to do so with such a fantastic group of women! Pageantry has been a passion of mine for 10 years. However, with the ever increasing demands of career and most importantly family, the opportunity to compete again has escaped me ~~ until this year!

I received my Bachelor of Science in Finance from Concordia University in 2000. After obtaining my degree I took a year to model and had the opportunity to go to New York, Los Angeles and Miami. Although a terrific and exciting experience, I missed Minnesota and moved back to start my career when the year was up. After a stint in Investment Portfolio Analysis, I moved to Wells Fargo Business Credit as an Auditor. Three years and LOTS of frequent traveler awards/miles later, I advanced to a Business Analyst position. This career move enabled me to stay close to home by limiting my travel and work in a challenging, specialized area of lending. I am lucky to say that I love what I do!

I have been married to my wonderfully charming, brilliant, funny husband Scott for 2 years. Although we both lived in the Twin Cities at the time, we met while each home visiting family in the Fargo/Moorhead area (he’s a North Dakotan ~ however as I always have it be noted – I am Minnesotan! ☺). A year later, during a vacation to Jamaica, he woke me from my nap on the beach with a ring in hand and surprised me with the most memorable proposal. So ROMANTIC!!! One week after celebrating our 1st Anniversary we welcomed our beautiful “miracle baby” Isabella. Life has been a non-stop bustling of activity ever since!

Positive Role Models For Today’s Youth is the platform that I am supporting. With all of the challenges facing our youth today I feel that it is SO important that they have Mentors – people in their lives they can look up to! I am involved in the Junior Achievement Program, the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating young people about business, economics and free enterprise. Through offices around the nation and in nearly 100 countries, Junior Achievement Worldwide reaches over 7 million students a year! I hope to help boost them up to reach for the stars and achieve whatever goals they set!

Here is to Women, Marriage and the Future!!!

Best Regards,
Nichoel Richards Skramstad – Mrs. Minneapolis 2007

Wendi Russo (Mrs. Eden Prairie 2007)

Hi! I'm Wendi Russo and I am so excited to begin my journey in the Mrs. Minnesota Pageant as Mrs. Eden Prairie! I love Eden Prairie and especially my neighborhood because it's the perfect place to raise children. My neighborhood is filled with families with young children and dogs, which we love. My husband and I have an outgoing and talkative 2-year-old daughter, Chloe, 2 pomeranians, Dolce & Minnie and a white persian cat, Joey--so we have a very active household!

I'm an on air host at Shop NBC and am on during the wee hours in the morning so if you are awake in the middle of the night, check out Shop NBC channel--you might see me. I sell everything from jewelry and fashion to cosmetics and furniture! Nothing is scripted on our show, so it is all me out there talking for up to three hours straight about our gorgeous jewelry! My favorite things to sell are diamond jewelry, purses and makeup. And no, I don't get to sleep very much during the week! I love what I do and was recently appointed to represent Eden Prairie in the Biltmore Who's Who Among Executives and Professional Women.

My platform is "Become a Mentor: Make a difference in a child's future". When I lived in L.A. years ago, I decided to reach out and touch a life of a young girl, Daisy, who ended up teaching me more than I expected! She was the type of 11-year-old who would ask me if she could give a homeless man on the corner her doggie bag, as we were leaving a restaurant! She did not have a father figure in her house, as is the case with many children waiting for caring adults to become mentors. Today she wants to teach children with autism. Currently I'm a mentor to a 6-year- old burst of light, Tytianna through Kinship Organization, that pairs children ages 5-15 with families or individuals. I see her on a weekly basis and today she told me that seeing me is one of her favorite things to do. Denzel Washington just wrote a book about the importance of mentors in his and other major public figures' lives which is a testament to the fact that mentors DO make a difference in children's lives. Studies show that mentoring reduces drug abuse by 46% and school drop outs by 52%. As an Ambassador to Kinship Organization, and through the Mrs. Minnesota program, I hope to encourage more people to offer their time & friendship to one of the over 150 children waiting for mentors locally, through Kinship.

Katina Schroeder (Mrs. Savage 2007)

Hello! I’m Katina Schroeder and I am proud to be Mrs. Savage (my sister misread my sash in a photograph and thought it said “Mrs. Sausage” – ha ha!).

My wonderful husband Michael and I were married on November 12, 2005. Many people believe in “love at first sight,” but we believe in “love at first (web) site" – we met online in 2003! Our evening wedding was held at the beautiful Como Zoo and Conservatory. During the candlelight ceremony, a bright flash of lightning and loud crack of thunder happened right as we were lighting our unity candle. We like to think that we had some extra “heavenly endorsement” for our wedding!

Speaking of zoos, the Schroeder house is always a flurry of activity with our three four-legged “kids” – Basset Hound Mugsy, 6 month-old Pug Spanky and our very large 22 pound cat named Sammy. A newfound “hobby” of mine is buying dog clothes! I also love Japanese anime artwork, eating hot spicy food and sauces (especially wasabi!) and I have traveled to Russia, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Mexico and England. It is a joy being an Aunt to my 5-year-old niece and 1-year old nephew.

Michael is an incredibly talented and creative Art Director at Marketing Arts and I’m an Executive Assistant at Xiotech Corporation. Together we enjoy working out at LifeTime Fitness, remodeling and redecorating our home and keeping each other’s I Pod’s loaded with new and upcoming musical artists.

I received my Bachelor’s degree in English (I’m very proud to have graduated Magna Cum Laude) & my Master’s degree with honors in English Literature from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. Hamline is the oldest university in the state of Minnesota! I enjoy reading historical fiction and factual history about the wives of the infamous Henry VIII and the reigns of Queen Mary I, Queen Elizabeth I and Marie Antoinette.

As Mrs. Minnesota 2007, I would proactively engage schools to promote children’s literacy. More than any other single skill, the ability to read allows a child to succeed in school, foster creativity and self esteem, learn about the world around them and to function in society as a competent, successful adult. Reading together and sharing books also promotes quality time between parents/caregivers and children. The children’s book “Fossil Detective: Woolly Mammoth” by Dennis Schatz features illustrated drawings of Michael and myself as archeologists!

I competed in my first pageant in 1979 and was chosen Jr. Queen of Spring Lake Park. Another pageant highlight was being crowned Miss Teen Minnesota of the Year 1991. In 2006, I was honored to have placed 3rd runner-up to the Mrs. Minnesota title. I firmly believe that pageants are an excellent avenue for women to continually strive to be their personal best and they also challenge women to successfully balance a healthy lifestyle, family and career. I am truly looking forward to becoming further acquainted with each of the contestants and sharing the joys of being a married woman!

Dessislava Urban (Mrs. Dakota County 2007)

Hello! I am Dessi Urban.

I was born in Bulgaria and I was still living there 11 years ago, finishing my Master in French Literature and Translation, when an American man from Wisconsin came and swept me away. I left my family and friends and I followed him to America. We lived in many places, Portland, Boston, New York, even Germany, before we settled down and bought our first home in Lakeville, MN. We have two little girls, Isabelle - 4 and Caroline - 2 who are thoroughly delighted to run through our backyard and visit their friends in our safe and beautiful neighborhood.

I am on the Advisory Council for Early Childhood Family Education where Caroline takes classes. The council assists the board in planning the education program and raises money for the needs of the classrooms. I am also a member of Toastmasters International, an organization which gives its members the opportunity to develop and improve their public speaking abilities, their communication and leadership skills. I was recently elected to be the President of the Nicollet Speech Builders Club for the year starting on 07/01/07. I am very excited and am looking forward to my new responsibilities.

I have many interests among which are fashion, interior design, music, traveling and healthy eating. Beauty in any shape, on the inside, on the outside, the beauty of art, the beauty of nature - I admire them all. I am very open to celebrate anything in life and this is the reason I am in this pageant. I also believe that it is the love of being with people that drives all of us to participate in this event. Communicating with others, getting to know them and making ourselves known is one of the greatest things in life.

Let us celebrate life and the married women of Minnesota!!!

Dessi Urban
Mrs. Dakota County 2007

Janelle Zunker (Mrs. Hennepin County 2007)

Hello Lovely Ladies! I'm Janelle Zunker, Mrs Hennepin County 2007! I am so excited to be involved in the Mrs. Minnesota America Pageant.

This will be my second pageant. I competed in my first pageant this past March, and had so much fun that I decided to enter another one! As the mother of two teenage boys, pink is not a primary color in my home, so getting all glam and dressed up sounded like fun!! I finished in the top 5 (4th runner up, but saying “Top 5” sounds more impressive). I was VERY involved in the last pageant as Mrs. Hennepin County, making 35 appearances over a 6-month period and talking to many groups about my platform.

If I am blessed to be chosen as the new Mrs. Minnesota 2007, I will promote Childhood Safety - Preventing Childhood Injuries. I have worked with various groups for the past 14 years. I am an American Red Cross volunteer and spend some of my time visiting grade school classrooms and giving presentations on safety topics, such as water safety, 911 and emergencies, weather safety and seat belt safety, just to name a few. Unintentional accidents are the leading cause of death in children ages 14 and under, drowning and passenger vehicle accidents (improper seat belt use). Nationwide, annually over 6000 children lose their lives to unintentional accidents that are preventable! My hope is that I can continue to make a difference and help save lives.

Randy and I have been married for 15 years, and have been truly blessed with our two wonderful sons, Justin (14) and Jake (12). They are GREAT boys and keep us very busy. They are very involved in sports and school. At 5'7", I used to feel tall! Not anymore with my boys being 6' and 5'10". I have to admit, watching your kids go through puberty is the weirdest thing, but they are becoming amazing individuals!!

I have been a Real Estate Agent for the past 6 years. I received my B.A in Speech Communications from the College of St. Catherine when my youngest son was 9 months old. I actually began my last year just five days after Jake was born! Having a very supportive husband made all the difference. I also graduated Magna Cum Laude and am listed in Who's Who of American Colleges. This is an accomplishment I am very proud of. I also did some modeling in my younger years (way back) and won the title of Miss Model Minnesota in the Miss Hemisphere Organization in 1988. When I got married in 1991 and started our family, I quit doing all those things, like many women do. That is one of the reasons I am back into it now - my kids are getting older and I now have the time.

God has blessed me in my life and I feel lucky to be a part of this Pageant. I am looking forward to getting to know all the contestants!

Live Well*Laugh Often*Love Much
Janelle Zunker
Mrs. Hennepin County 2007