Changemakers: Celebrating Ordinary People Making an Extraordinary Impact
Over a decade ago, St. Cloud Financial Credit Union saw an opportunity to celebrate what often goes unnoticed: the people quietly making Central Minnesota a better place.
They aren't looking for recognition or expecting an award. They simply see a need, step in, and make a difference — whether that's supporting families through grief, mentoring students, building stronger workplaces, giving back with their time or treasure, or creating spaces where others feel like they belong.
They are ordinary, everyday people who are making an extraordinary impact — and they deserve to be celebrated. That's why SCFCU created the Changemakers Award.
Built on the credit union philosophy of “people helping people,” for more than a decade, Changemakers has celebrated the people who make our communities stronger and has recognized individuals whose compassion, leadership and service create lasting impact across Central Minnesota and beyond.
More than an award, Changemakers is a way to honor our neighbors, shine a light on the people inspiring positive change, encourage others to do the same, and remind us all that one person can truly make a difference.
Making a Difference
There isn’t just one way to make a difference — that’s the beauty of Changemakers.
Each person has a different story, different passions, and a different way of serving others. Each year, our nominees and finalists show that positive change can take place in many forms.
Whether that’s advocating for inclusion, fostering a sense of belonging, supporting families through difficult times, or empowering others to lead — every act of service helps make Central Minnesota stronger.
Building on Tradition
Every year, Changemakers introduces us to everyday people with different stories, backgrounds and experiences—but they all share the same desire to make a positive impact.
A few years ago, 2022 Changemakers award winner Katherine Zachman displayed how she provided a safe and peaceful place for people and horses to experience kindness, hope and healing through Angel Reins. Kathleen Dewes began giving back to the community and the St. Cloud Police Department by planting flowers during a challenging time. Eunice Adjei, now an SCFCU employee, showcased her ability to build community and giving back through a variety of impactful service projects both locally and globally.
In 2025, Changemakers award winner Jeff Boike displayed how he and his wife Erika have transformed personal loss into opportunities for local youth and families through initiatives like Skate Free Charlie and Charlie's Corner Community Sport Court. Adrian Washington has uplifted the community through programs like Suits for Seniors and Avengers for Autism, while Julie Leikvoll has helped countless families through Labor of Love MN by providing clothing, household essentials, and support to those who need it most.
Year after year, Changemakers continues to highlight the people who quietly strengthen our communities through service, compassion, leadership and more. While every nominee and finalists have a different story, they all remind us that meaningful change starts with the people who choose to make a difference.
Meet the 2026 Finalists
Grace Grell
Some Changemakers create opportunities for others
Grace Grell is a passionate advocate for inclusion, accessibility and community service, actively helping make positive change in the world. With a Masters degree in Clinical Rehabilitation from St. Cloud State University, she currently works as a licensed therapist with kids and families with disabilities and has used her experiences as a disabled young woman who suffered from bullying to help others.
Grell formed Gift with Grace and The Ability Project, both nonprofits aimed to bring awareness to all with serious illness or disabilities. She is heavily involved in the community with more than 600 volunteer hours annually, having independently raised over $10,000 with Make-A-Wish Minnesota while serving as Co-Head of Delegation, coach, fundraising chair and unified athlete with Special Olympics.
“Growing up, I was surrounded by a community that supported me and made sure I had the equipment, support, education and training I needed to be successful. This support gave me the drive to ensure that others, regardless of circumstance, have what they need to be supported and successful as well.”
Aveen Sunar
Some Changemakers create belonging
Aveen Sunar is a nursing student, community advocate, and emerging leader passionate about fostering inclusion, cultural understanding, and community engagement. Originally from Nepal and now living in Central Minnesota. In addition to serving as a Regional Director for the Minnesota Student Nurses Association, he works as a nursing assistant at St. Cloud Hospital
Sunar founded the first Nepalese Student Association at St. Cloud Technical & Community College to create a welcoming and supportive space for students while promoting cultural diversity across campus. Through his leadership and community involvement, he is dedicated to creating opportunities that bring people together, amplify underrepresented voices, and inspire positive change.
“What inspires me most is seeing people feel like they belong. As an immigrant, I know how much that can make a difference. That motivates me to help create spaces where people feel valued, connected, and heard. I want to make a positive impact and encourage others to do the same.”
Tami Kruzel
Some Changemakers offer healing and support
Tami Kruzel is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Bri's Lodge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring no one has to grieve alone. After the unexpected loss of her 18-year-old daughter BriAnna in 2013, Tami transformed her grief into a mission of hope and healing. A registered nurse with more than 15 years of healthcare experience, she combines professional expertise and lived experience to provide compassionate support for grieving individuals and families across Central Minnesota.
Under Kruzel's leadership, Bri's Lodge has become a trusted community resource, offering grief companioning, support groups, youth programming, educational workshops and community outreach. Through partnerships with healthcare providers, schools, nonprofits and local organizations, she continues to expand access to grief support while advocating for greater awareness, compassion, and connection for those navigating loss.
“I hope to ensure that every person who experiences the death of a loved one knows they have a place where they will be welcomed, supported, and understood. If Bri's Lodge can make even one person's journey feel a little less lonely, then every challenge along the way has been worthwhile.”
Sandy Wolff
Some Changemakers empower others to lead
Sandy Wolff, Owner of Sandy Hansen-Wolff LLC, is an executive leadership strategist, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, executive coach helping individuals, organizations and communities align purpose with performance. After overcoming personal and professional adversity, notably the unexpected loss of her first husband, she transformed her family's agricultural business into a thriving enterprise before its successful sale in 2020.
Today, Sandy helps leaders and organizations build stronger cultures and lasting impact while dedicating her time to strengthening Central Minnesota through mentorship, philanthropy and community leadership. With a passion for developing leaders, fostering collaboration and creating opportunities that help individuals, organizations and communities thrive, Sandy has spent more than three decades leading with a simple belief: lasting change begins by investing in people.
“I believe every person comes into this world with a unique gift, an inner fire, and an extraordinary capacity to make a difference. Every setback holds the possibility of growth, and every person deserves someone who believes in them before they fully believe in themselves. That is why I do what I do.”
Celebrating Good Around Us
The power of Changemakers isn't just in recognizing remarkable people — it's in taking the time to see, recognize and honor the good happening around us every single day. Every person and every story reminds us that one person truly can make a difference.
As we celebrate this year's finalists and build on an annual tradition that began more than a decade ago, SCFCU is proud to continue shining a light on the people who make Central Minnesota a better place to live, work and call home.