I'm not sure if it was the unbelievably tumultuous weather patterns or frail hope of a new and warmer day ahead that made April fly....all I know is that it seems spring called in sick this year and led us straight to summer!
Regardless, my month's happenings kept the cold from getting to me and my spirits high! I had the incredible honor of speaking and performing at the first annual Tracie's Night, honoring the life of Tracie Joy McBride and celebrating the legacy she leaves.
As a past recipient of the Tracie Joy McBride Talent Awards in 2010 and 2012 and finalist for the Quality of Life Award in 2012, I am so grateful for the scholarships this fund has provided me.
In addition to raising proceeds for the scholarship fund, this evening gave such a beautiful tribute to what an incredible woman Tracie was and the testimony she left.
I am thrilled to share that approx. $8000 dollars were raised by this year's event! Thank you to everyone that made this event such a success and to Stacie for making this opportunity possible for young women like myself.
I had the pleasure of joining a couple of my favorite radio hosts for the Late Debate's live show with in-studio audience!
Under a slightly different format, I 'competed' with Jack and Annie in a game show format that required proficient current events knowledge....
I couldn't help but feel like I was preparing for my Miss America interview all over again!
On Saturday, April 20th, I took part in what has easily become one of my favorite events of this entire year!
Camp Odayin (a camp for kids with heart disease) hosted their annual Have a Heart Benefit at the Graves Hotel in downtown Minneapolis. This year, I was asked if I would do the special honor of Emceeing this spectacular evening.
In addition to enjoying a fun night supporting such a wonderful cause, I even got to meet local celebrity and finalist on the Voice, Nicholas David!
My month rounded out with another special honor of speaking at the University of Minnesota's Power of Nursing Alumni Dinner!
Hosted in the lovely St. Paul Country Club, we had well over 100 alumni celebrating their decade year. Thank you Laurel Mallon and the School of Nursing for inviting me to be a part of your celebration!
Until next time! Your Miss Minnesota 2012,
Siri
With spring FINALLY in full swing, the Miss Minnesota schedule has, similarly, followed suit! This past weekend could be considered a sort of 'kick off' to the busy two months that lie ahead, as I sadly approach the end of my year.
But I could not have asked for a better week to begin my last hurrah! Full of the things I love - CMN, Miss Minnesota, The Lillehei Heart Institute and Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen.
My weekend began on Friday, when I traveled to Duluth, MN for the annual Bridesmaid's Ball, benefiting Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare. This Children's Miracle Network hospital provides life-saving, specialized medical care for numerous children throughout Minnesota and the Midwest. As the national platform of the Miss America Organization, I am honored to serve as an advocate for these incredible kids.
The event was held at the beautiful Greysolon Ballroom and featured dancing, a silent auction, and even awards for the best (or is it worst?) bridesmaid's dresses.
The next morning I was up and off to the Eden Prairie Highschool for the Miss Minnesota Class of 2013 Orientation.
I was honored to have the chance to share some insights, encouragement and advice with our lovely and accomplished local titleholders. After speaking with them, I feel such peace, knowing that the Miss Minnesota legacy will continue on in very good hands - whoever those may be.
Immediately after our orientation adjourned for the afternoon, I hopped into my telephone booth (aka backstage Miss MN Outstanding Teen dressing rooms) to change into an evening gown and curls for the much anticipated Red Hot Soiree, benefiting the Lillehei Heart Institute! My favorite accessory? Why, a $10,000 ruby necklace I had the privilege of showcasing for the evening's raffle of course!!!
I was wonderfully blessed to be named this year's Honorary Chair of this beautiful event. At the VIP reception, I enjoyed meeting and chatting with UMN President Dr. Kaler and Mrs. Kaler, Mr. and Mrs. Bayer, and Mr. and Mrs. Hubbard...just to name a few! Needless to say, I feel extremely humbled to be recognized by the Lillehei Heart Institute and am excited for the successes we will accomplish together in the future of cardiovascular research.
Then, escorted by a beautiful white stretch limousine courtesy of Glidden Limo, I arrived back in Eden Prairie for the Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen Pageant.
Though, incredibly bittersweet to realize the end of our journey together as 'official' sister queens, Bailey has made me so proud this year and will always be my 'Lil Sis Queen'. With the incredible work she has done raising awareness for Alzheimer's Disease and the lives it affects, I have no doubt she will see many more success in her future.
How exciting to congratulate and welcome my new sister queen, Corrina Swiggum into the Miss Minnesota family! We talked excitedly about the two months we get together, her - for the laughs we would share, and me - for the half pint bodyguard with full ability to do some serious damage...I am loving this woman already.
Huge congrats go to our 1st runner up, Alyssa Mitzel and 2nd runner up, Kathryn Kueppers! You ladies have more than earned this honor. I cannot wait to see all that you will continue to achieve in the coming years :)
Your Miss Minnesota,
Siri
I have long said I have the best job in the world. Earning scholarship for school, advocating for my passion of cardiovascular health, and, hey, even having reason to sport a little bling are just a few perks of the job. Likewise, the events of this past week provided yet more reasons on my ever growing list of why I love this organization and opportunity.
©2013 Sarah Morreim Photography
On Thursday, I had the amazing chance to meet with our Gov. Mark Dayton! While much was discussed during the meeting, our agenda focused on my extensive advocacy and travels with the Statewide Health Improvement Program. The governor is quite the fan of this preventative approach to addressing the issue of heart disease and other chronic diseases in our state.
©2013 Sarah Morreim Photography
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©2013 Sarah Morreim Photography
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©2013 Sarah Morreim Photography
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©2013 Sarah Morreim Photography
| I wanted to sincerely thank Gov. Dayton for supporting SHIP through his budget and describe the exciting future of this program.
That afternoon, it was time to swap out the suit coat for a 'lil black dress'! That evening, I was to appear at the VIP reception at the W Hotel followed by the premiere of 'Profile of a Killer', filmed and produced here in Minnesota!
We began the evening at the W Hotel for the preshowing cocktail party with the cast and Minnesota celebrities. It was so neat to meet such talented, yet down to earth people! From here, we were brought by limousine to the theater for the premiere of the film. This was my second time walking the red carpet...and let me tell you....I am definitely game for future opportunities!
Finally, some exciting news and updates! With the Minneapolis Half Marathon coming up in a few months, I am excited to share I made my bench mark of 7 miles yesterday...and proceeded to stumble off the treadmill, literally soaked in happiness. The second announcement comes from my favorite campers and crew at Camp Odayin. I am thrilled to have been asked to be this year's Emcee for the 13th Annual Have a Heart Benefit! This incredible evening happens April 20th at Graves 601 hotel - can't wait!
Your Miss Minnesota,
Siri
It's keeping me moving! Even after a wave of warm weather, followed by winter's final reprisal (to the tune of 10 inches), my car has faithfully brought me all over the cities the past few weeks. The first destination of which was the warmer, sunny south side of our state!
Well maybe the temperature difference was not so great outside....but it sure was heating up inside as Mankato hosted its first Dancing with the Mankato Stars! Along with two other fabulous celebrity judges, we watched over 10 different couples waltz, jive, and tango their way across the dance floor. And all for a great cause!
Congrats Pauly!!!! Our big champ for the night! But the real winner was the American Red Cross, with over $45,000 dollars raised during the event!
©2013 Sarah Morreim Photography
On Wednesday February 27th, Bailey and I were invited to join Miss Minneapolis, Samantha Phillippi at Eaglepoint Elementary for Jump Rope for Heart! These students had me beat after only 10 minutes of jumping! Way to go kiddos! The next morning, I spoke at Martin Luther Campus Assisted Living. The residents were so engaged as I told the story of my dad and shared my message of heart health. What a great way to bring even more attention to Heart Disease Awareness Month! This past week, I was asked to be the Emcee at a very special fundraiser for the Phillips Neighborhood Clinic. This clinic provides free care to under served populations that would not otherwise be able to access it. The care is made available by students in various fields of healthcare training and overseen by healthcare professionals. The fundraiser featured a silent auction...hmm what do I want to bid on?... I had the loveliest 'date' there! =D Charlotte, former Miss Minnesota, graciously chaperoned me for the evening.
On March 9th, I was honored to be serve at another wonderful event...the crowning of the new Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota! These women range in age from 17 to 60 and serve as advocates in their own communities for their personal platform as well as speaking out for citizens with disabilities. The evening was bittersweet as Bailey and I realized this would be our last appearance together. In only a few weeks she will be crowning the new Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2013. I will try not to get too sappy in this blog, but I can't help feeling a twinge of sadness as Bailey prepares to give up her title. She has been an incredible representative, and I can honestly say, just like a sister to me. She is one of my craziest, most hilarious, and dearest friends. Lady, I love you.
But what a fantastic evening it was! Congratulations to the new Ms. Wheelchair Minnesota 2013, Carissa Knott! This young woman is very well spoken, sincere, and will make a terrific representative for this quality program.
Until next time!
Your Miss Minnesota,
Siri
While its true that famous day of love (Valentine's Day) has come and gone, the abundance of red, pink, and decorative hearts are not for want of being found. But, as I have mentioned before, its real HEALTHY hearts that I am after this month! And my appearances the last 2 weeks have turned up quite an encouraging find.
On February 12th, the American Heart Association hosted one of its biggest events of the year, "Heart on the Hill". This special day brought advocates from around the state of Minnesota to speak to their own representatives and senators about the importance of supporting specific heart health policies that are presently before the legislature.
I began the day at the Kelly Inn meeting room, invited by the training team to speak to the volunteers. Pictured above are the amazing people from the AHA, Justin Bell, Rachel Callanan, and Anne Simaytis who prepared the day's advocates.
After training that morning, we were headed to the Capitol for the rest of the afternoon. Demonstrations were set up in the rotunda featuring pulse oximetry for detecting congenital heart defects and recipients of the Statewide Health Improvement Program's grant money.
While spending the day there, I was pleasantly overwhelmed by some very avid fans, hoping for an autograph and picture! =D
In addition to supporting SHIP funding, we advocated for legislation that would require all newborns to have a pulse oximetry readings taken before being discharged. This fast and easy procedure measures blood oxygen to detect the presence of congenital heart defects - currently the number one most common congenital defect in newborns and affecting 1 in every 100 babies. No different than taking a temperature, its quick, noninvasive, and simply put - a no brainer to saving lives!
My Valentine's Day was extra sweet this year, kicking off with a visit to Cottage Grove Jr. High! I came by to log some biking miles on stationary bikes as a part of their 'Tour De Grove'. Their goal was to log 1000 miles broken down into 25 minute segments by the students, and thus raise at least $7,500 for Gillette Children's Hospital and Children's Cancer Research. The results? Over $10,000 was raised! Way to go Middle Schoolers!
Here again, once the presence of Miss Minnesota was discovered, students were giving me their own version of a 'group hug', hoping to grab a picture and autograph =D Here's a fun one for you - can you spy with your little eye a sparkly bit o' bling in the crowd?
Lastly, I am very honored and excited to be the Honorary Chair for the Lillehei Heart Institute's Red Hot Soiree! On behalf of the incredible organization that I promote as their ambassador, I have enjoyed working on their behalf this month to promote and raise funds through wine tastings and speaking engagements for this exciting event. Can't wait for April 6th!
Your Miss Minnesota,
Siri
Despite the impending blizzard Minnesotans are buckling down for, I can't help but be thrilled to welcome in February! It happens to be one of my favorite months for many reasons. One, let's admit it, at least it's no longer January (alone, providing enough reason to celebrate). Two, whether you're treating yourself or being treated, there are plenty of flowers, chic flics, and chocolates going around. And three, my platform, and personal passion, enter into the spotlight - Heart Disease Awareness Month!
I love bringing out this photo of me and my dad, taken a year and a half ago. It reminds me, not only of my initial motivation for how to address the issue of heart disease, but my continual inspiration with how he took action to decrease his risk following his diagnosis. We had just finished running our first half-marathon together and I could not have been more proud of what he had accomplished. Fast forward to the present, I cannot think of a better way to reveal some exciting news...
On June 3rd, as a way to honor my dad's commitment to his health, and celebrate my PHENOMENAL year as Miss Minnesota 2012, I will be running in the Minneapolis Half-Marathon!
Having already begun training, I cannot wait to achieve one of my final 'bucket list' goals as Miss Minnesota. Mark your calendars folks, if you'd love to see a bouncing crown run by!
Tuesday marked a very special day for CMN advocates around the country. Our awesome supporters at IHOP celebrated National Pancake Day by giving a free stack of pancakes for donations to the Children's Miracle Network hospitals! Interviews with Fox news 9 and WCCO helped me to promote this event, in order to support Cora and other Gillette Children's Hospital families it benefits! This morning, I was excited to be a part of a special STEM workshop day at the Convent of the Visitation All Girls School in Mendota Heights. Because of my own passion for research and science, I absolutely love the partnership that the Miss America Organization began one year ago! I stopped in to visit around ten different classrooms, sharing my story of why I love science and how I hope to pursue a related career in cardiovascular research, as well as talk about the MANY fields that science, technology, engineering and math are also related to.
With iMovie editing, robotics, helicopters and stars though, I felt like the girls had so much more they could teach me! The afternoon brought me to Byerly's in Eagan, MN, where I promoted a very worthy (and tasty!!) fundraiser. From February 2 – 15, Lunds and Byerly’s stores in the Twin Cities and St. Cloud are offering “Tiramisu for Two” with a portion of the proceeds (up to $10,000) benefiting Children’s HeartLink!
Offering free samples to customers and advocating for such an incredible organization made for a very 'sweet' afternoon! If you're not familiar with this organization, Children’s HeartLink partners with health care centers in underserved regions around the world to strengthen their ability to diagnose and treat congenital heart disease in children. It reminded me of some special kiddos here at home. My campers at Camp Odayin, likewise face the challenges of heart defects, and the medical expenses it incurs. With Tiramisu for Two, supporting these kids around the world is not only feasible, IT'S DELICIOUS! Make sure to pick up your own special dessert through Feb 15th!
Now to hunker down for (hopefully!!) winter's one last hoorah!
Your Miss Minnesota,
Siri
“Every day you may make progress. Every step may be fruitful. Yet there will stretch out before you an ever-lengthening, ever-ascending, ever-improving path. You know you will never get to the end of the journey. But this, so far from discouraging, only adds to the joy and glory of the climb.” -Winston Churchill Churchill's wisdom not only describes the 10 day journey I experienced at Miss America, but my journey as Miss Minnesota, and most importantly as Siri Freeh. Coming home from Vegas, I spent a lot of time reflecting on my experience. I was reminded of what I frequently said prior to competing for Miss America. "My life does not begin or end in January - no matter the outcome." Now, on the other side of it, I asked myself...did I really mean that? Thinking back, beyond even the past 10 days, to the past 7 months, I smile as I realize that - yes, I really do.
These past 7 months, I have been beyond blessed with so many opportunities to serve, and been humbled by the outpouring of support. This support came not only from my incredible family and friends, but prominent organizations that sought my partnership with them in order to make our state better. Immediately, after my crowning, I joined the Minnesota Department of Health in promoting their Statewide Health Improvement Program - an initiative I really believe in, in order to address the issue of heart disease. Since then, I have traveled over 400 miles around the state with SHIP, speaking with communities and schools. An organization that has been very dear to me, well before Miss Minnesota is my kiddos at Camp Odayin - a camp for kids with heart disease. Prior to Miss Minnesota, I was able to be a volunteer camp counselor and support them at various fundraising events. But as Miss Minnesota, I was excited to bring greater recognition through a visit to the camp last summer, running and promoting the Heart and Soul 5k, and (my favorite) organizing a day just for the kiddos and their families at Nickelodean Universe. Thanks again to the Mall of America, Boston Scientific, and Waterpark of America for their generous support to make this happen!
My work with Boston Scientific's STEM and Close the Gap not only been an honor to be a part of, but incredibly fulfilling to support. Because of my own passion and background in the sciences and math, I am so excited to encourage more awesome girls, around Minnesota, to pursue these exciting fields. And what an immense honor I have been given as the ambassador for the Lillehei Heart Institute. I had always hoped, but was never certain, that the bridge between the academic world (of which I come from) and the pageant world (of which I am currently serving in) could not only be formed, but mutually benefit one another. But now, this has been an understatement for both our organizations. I am so grateful for the honorarium the Lillehei has given me to promote such a prestigious institute as spokesperson, as well as the position of Honorary Chair for the Red Hot Soiree on April 6th. My 10 days in Vegas were a whirlwind of emotions - from excitement, to anxious anticipation, to confusion, to complete and utter peace. This marathon week and a half, boils you down to your rawest emotions and true self. It demands you come face to face with your fears. It tests your resolve, your ability to push yourself beyond what you thought were your limits. Shortly after arriving in Vegas, I was hit with a horrible cold that proceeded to burden me the first half of my arrival. With little sleep and a hectic schedule, my body had little opportunity to heal. But by Sunday, the worst of it finally broke. Perhaps it was the night and day difference I felt by Monday that gave me even more energy and excitement going into my interview that morning!
And what a great interview that was. One of the questions that stood out to me the most, was asked by Daymond John. He asked, "What is it that you want to accomplish when you speak to people?". I still smile as I remember telling the judges, "Well, I can tell you what it is not. It’s not to impress them with all my titles and honors, in order to gain their praises....it's to inspire them. Inspire them to pursue their dreams and ambitions."
And inspiration goes beyond just the audience to which you speak formally. It includes every interaction you encounter each day. Do you inspire people to believe in themselves? To feel better, stronger, and more hopeful? You may already know this, but my number one concern is people. And that includes the 52 ladies God brought in my life. No award can bring me greater joy, than to see my fellow 'competitor' encouraged, excited, and motivated to pass this joy on.
Each night of preliminaries was simply incredible. That stage makes you feel like you are literally glowing. From onstage questions to my talent performance, I felt completely at home on that stage – knowing it was 100% me up there. All in all, my favorite part was performing my talent. Conveying the feelings and emotions that my words alone cannot express was such a moving experience. And it was with each night of preliminaries that I became not only more excited, but more at peace with the thought of Saturday. Despite not getting the hoped for top 15 recognition, that night I said and still confidently say - I have absolutely no regrets :)
Above all, this time reveals just how strong you really are and where your motivations truly lie. As I mentioned earlier, did I really mean it when I said I was thrilled no matter the outcome? Absolutely. Because my definition of success isn't the honor and accolades that come my way. It is in the lives I can inspire, the state I am blessed to serve, and causes I will continue to support.
Lastly, I want to briefly express my sincerest appreciation for the following people.
Mom and Dad - Thank you for exemplifying and instilling in me what matters most in life - my faith, my family and friends, and serving people. You have given so much of yourselves to see your daughters succeed, and in turn it inspires us to deeply give of ourselves.
Emily and Christianna – Thank you for being not only my biggest cheerleaders, but sharing advice and wisdom that goes well beyond your years.
Bruce, Kathy, Gina, Angela, Amy and Gwen - I am so blessed that God brought us on this journey together. Not only did you make my journey to Miss America a joy, but also my time as your Miss Minnesota. Thank you for giving so much to our program and ensuring that it defines itself with integrity and commitment to seeing young people succeed.
Vicki, Lisa, and Crystal - I cannot thank you enough for believing in me, devoting all your support, and going above and beyond what I could ever hope to give you in return. The impact I can have on others overflows from the generosity and love you inspire in me.
Stacie McBride Cox – What an amazing mentor you have been, not only to me, but so many young women that are blessed to work with you. You have been an example and thus encouraged the grateful, outward focused spirit that I desire to bring to every area of my life.
Cindy, Jane, and Peggy – If it had not been for you, I would not have even considered walking on the Miss America stage! Because you gave opportunities to so many small town girls with big dreams, we are able to realize our fullest potential.
Sarah Morreim - Thank you for the amazing work you have done in capturing my year - it is absolutely priceless. I have not only been given a treasure trove of memories, but beautifully captured ones at that.
Our Miss Minnesota Class of 2012 and 2013 – Thank you ladies for all the encouragement you have shared with me these past six months. From the personal emails to the one on one discussions, I have been more than uplifted – I have been inspired. Remember that the influence you possess is not limited to the results of a final ballot.
The 52 beautiful women representing the best of the best – Wow. I had always heard that I would have the chance to compete with not just one, but 52 Miss America’s…and now I completely believe it. Thank you for not just impacting me, but being that Miss America to your own states every day of your year of service.
Mallory, Miss America 2013 – Congratulations lady! I can only imagine how much such an honor moves you after years and years of hard work. With such an opportunity to influence so many, know that you will be in my prayers and I wish you all the best this next year!
Overall, it has been a lifetime of experiences that has prepared me, not just for one competition, but a legacy of service. From my mission work in Hungary to tutoring in an alternative high school, service has taught and shaped me. And it is equipped with these lessons, as well as enthusiasm for the work yet to be done that I gratefully return as,
Your Miss Minnesota,
Siri
This morning began seeming like any other day at the nursing home. Having just brought my resident back from breakfast this morning, I smiled at his sweet offer to "help yourself to as many Christmas cookies as you want, my great grandkids made 'em!". But as he turned on the television, both our appetites quickly disapated as news of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut flooded the airwaves. I could not believe the horror being reported. A school shooting, leaving 28 people dead - 20 of which were small children.
It was not only these shocking reports that brought a sharp pain to my heart, but my resident's own reaction. My pain deepened as I saw the face of one of our oldest souls grieve for the loss of some of our youngest. Many of us understand the reality, though unexplainable presence of evil in the world. But we find it particularly piercing when it rears its ugly head toward the most vulnerable and innocent of Americans. Such injustice devastates not only it victims, but the parents, families, relatives, and friends; shaking the fortitude of a city, a state, and a nation.
To every person who lost a dearly loved one today, there is no way to express the sorrow this stirs, much less put into words the comfort I wish I could communicate. I know that the pain incurred by today's horrific tragedy is only echoed tenfold in God's heart. And it is only in knowing that His arms hold each precious life lost, that He can provide some comfort amidst such senseless devastation. Tonight, Newtown, Connecticut, we send our deepest love, support and prayers.
And know that in the coming days and weeks, you will constantly be in our thoughts and on our hearts.
Sincerely,
Siri
Despite Minnesota's first experience of the year with stormy winter weather, the holidays are in full swing!
Friday was a great kick off to a full and festive weekend! At the Mall of America, I partnered with KS95 for their annual KS95 for Kids Radiothon, benefitting Gillette Children's Specialty Healthcare. I was thrilled to help out with this awesome event as Gillette's is the Children's Miracle Network Hospital of Minnesota. It was also great to see our Miss Coon Rapids, Miss Heart of the Lakes, Miss Mankato, and Miss Midwest come out as well! Thank you ladies!
That evening, I was escorted by Spencer Peot to the University of Minnesota's ROTC Airforce Dining Out event. It was an honor to be invited and support the next generation of our nation's incredible military.
This weekend was very special, as my local Miss Northwest committee hosted my send off for Miss America! I was so blessed by the outpouring of support from all my friends and family in my hometown. Cindy, Peggy, Jane, and Leah were my wonderful team going into Miss Minnesota and organized a send off even better than I could have asked for at the Holmes Theater in Detroit Lakes. I am so grateful to you ladies for not only a wonderful weekend, but all the love and support you have given me the past 8 years...since I started this journey at 15 years old in our local county fair's pageant. I also want to thank Alice for capturing this special time in pictures and the volunteers that made this event happen!
Our first storm of the season caused my presentation at the Roseville Rotary and visit to the Cath Lab at the Lillehei Heart Institute to be postponted. However, when I was finally able to make the journey back, I had a delicious dinner awaiting me with my Miss Minnesota Alumni sisters! I had a delicious swordfish dinner with an amazing butterscotch dessert - yum! Thank you ladies for the laughs, advice and fantastic gifts. I can't wait to go to Vegas!
Your Miss Minnesota,
Siri
I am so excited to write this post today and share yet another amazing opportunity that has opened up to me because of my involvement with the Miss America Organization!
I am honored to be asked to represent the Lillehei Heart Institute as their Ambassador to the public and Honorary Chair of the annual Red Hot Soiree! Lillehei is a premiere institute for education and research dedicated to cardiovascular health. Based out of the University of Minnesota, they "strive to carry out the highest quality cardiovascular health research, and prepare the next generation of scientists". To read more about this prestigious institute, visit http://www.med.umn.edu/lhi/home.html I can honestly say that this exciting opportunity was directly due to my involvement in the Miss America Organization. The story behind this partnership began last October. For those that follow my blog, you may remember me talking about the Women's Take Heart event held on Oct. 11th, hosted by the Lillehei Heart Institute. I had the pleasure of speaking at this event and sharing my story and my passion for cardiac research. After I spoke, one of the faculty from the institute shared how excited she was about my story and the potential for me to take it to the community as a voice for the Lillehei. WOW!! After weeks of working together to define this partnership, it is now official!
I have already attended three events on their behalf. The first of which was the annual Holiday Gala, held at the Metropolitan in Golden Valley, MN. I was able to speak about my story and get the crowd excited for the upcoming Red Hot Soiree in April!
Additionally, I was able to be a part of the CPR training event with the American Heart Association at the U of M and Lillehei Faculty meeting on Dec. 4th. With many more engagements to come, I feel so fortunate and energized to represent an organization so progressive in the research I am passionate about.
Wednesday night, I had a great 30 minute interview with Jack and Ben on AM 1130. We had the chance to talk about a variety of topics from my platform to the Miss America Organization! Sounds like we will have a lot of Minnesotans tuning in to ABC on January 12th! Thanks again Jack and Ben!
You Miss Minnesota,
Siri
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