Tami Kruzel Named Winner of 2026 Changemakers Award
St. Cloud Financial Credit Union — along with partners St. Cloud LIVE, FaceTime Business Resources and Advantage1 Insurance — is proud to announce that Tami Kruzel of Waite Park has been named the winner of the 2026 Changemakers Award.
Changemakers is an annual program created by SCFCU that seeks to highlight individuals who are making positive change and are doing great things within the community while recognizing the well-known or unsung heroes in our surrounding communities. Since its inception over a decade ago, Changemakers has recognized hundreds of people who have made a meaningful difference in St. Cloud and the surrounding areas.
Changemakers is our way of shining a light on individuals and give our community an opportunity to celebrate the people who are creating meaningful, positive change right here in Central Minnesota,” SCFCU President and CEO Jed Meyer said. “When we share these stories, our hope is that the impact extends beyond simply recognizing our Changemakers. We hope those stories inspire someone else. Because positive change has a way of spreading, and little by little, those actions create stronger communities.”
Kruzel was initially selected as one of four finalists — alongside Sandy Wolff of Richmond, Grace Grell of St. Cloud and Aveen Sunar of Sauk Rapids — by the Changemakers selection committee in July following a strong response of nominations.
During the 2026 Changemakers Awards Ceremony on Sept. 24 at The Regency in St. Cloud, Kruzel was announced as the winner, taking home trophy and a $5,000 cash prize to help her in continuing her impactful work with Bri’s Lodge and giving back to the community.
“Being named the Changemakers Award winner is an incredible honor,” Kruzel said. “While my name may be on the award, this recognition represents so many people who have helped make Bri’s Lodge what it is today. What began from the devastating loss of our daughter, BriAnna, has grown into a community where grieving individuals and families can find support, connection, and hope.
“I am incredibly grateful to our staff, volunteers, board members, donors, supporters, and every person who has trusted us to walk alongside them in their grief,” Kruzel continued. “This recognition helps shine a light on the importance of grief support and reminds our community that no one should have to grieve alone.”
The three other finalists, Wolff, Grell and Sunar, also received trophies and $3,000 cash prizes as an appreciation for their impact, generosity and commitment to giving back to the community. During the ceremony, each person who was nominated was recognized and received a trophy for their work in making a positive impact.
View videos of all four finalists below.
Meet the Finalists
Tami Kruzel
2026 Winner
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 Tami'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.”
Aveen Sunar
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
Aveen 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.”
Grace Grell
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.
Grace 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.”
Sandy Wolff
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.”