the 100+ Women Who Care Brainerd Lakes, which raises money for nonprofits; and past Nisswa Chamber president. Over the last 24 years that she's lived in Lake Shore with her husband, Terry, and where they raised their two children, she’s been with the Nisswa Women of Today, Lutheran Church of the Cross Children’s Ministry Team, Nisswa Elementary School PTA president and vice president, Nisswa Parks and Recreation softball coach, Nisswa Historical Society board member, Kids Against Hunger Brainerd Lakes Area board chair, and Lake Shore election judge and planning commission alternate. “I watch brilliant people who do good and surround myself with those people,” Hansen said. “You have to surround yourself with like-minded people who believe in the same philosophies you do. “I always believed God has a purpose for me to give my time,” she said. In a nomination letter, Sarah Smith, Confidence Learning Center event and marketing director, said of Hansen’s involvement in the community: “These roles have never been just a title to Shawn - she goes above and beyond in everything she does, with TRUE passion for Nisswa and the surrounding areas.” Smith praised the Women Who Care group. “She does this with a passion to simply ‘give back’ to those in the community that need it. She does everything selflessly; always wanting to leave this world better each and every day,” Smith wrote. Lee Seipp, of Nisswa, also nominated Hansen. “Shawn loves Nisswa and she loves people,” Seipp wrote. “She is a connector, a builder, a collaborator and an all around good person who has made a huge difference in our community for years.” Seipp said Hansen is inspiring in her enthusiasm for being inclusive of others in working together with them to make the community better. “She is thoughtful, focused, determined, broad-thinking and passionate in many of the ways she has demonstrated her stewardship and service for the betterment of the Nisswa community and how our community has influenced the region and beyond,” she said. Hansen is committed to this community, and dedicated to a life of purposefully giving of her time to make a difference in people’s lives, Seipp wrote.
NISSWA CITIZENS OF THE YEAR Shawn Hansen, 2023; Tina Foster, 2022; Lee Seipp, 2021; no one in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic; Bill Mattson, 2019; John Wallin, 2018; Lynn Fairbanks, 2016-17; Mike Burns, 2015; Ted Dullum, 2014; Debra Cruz, 2013; John and Cindy Terwilliger, 2012; Penny Stumvoll, 2011; Teresa Faust, 2010; Ted Schaefer, 2009; Richard Geike, 2008; Mark Ulm, 2007; Lenny Hodgson, 2006; George Holtan, 2005; Wendell “Del” Draves, 2004; Robert “Bob” Holland, 2003; Dick Carlson, 2002; Ingrid Anderson, 2001; Harold Kraus, 2000; Jerry and Ruth Peltier, 1999; Mark Ronnei, 1998; Bernice Hinkie, 1997; Bob Sheplee, 1996; Terry McGaughey, 1995; Jack Warden, 1994; Marv Koep, 1993; Howard Wallentine, 1992; Bob Hurst, 1991; Dick Cook, 1990; Jim Dullum, 1989; and Scott Mike Thurlow, 1988.
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24719 Hazelwood Dr, Nisswa 218.961.0095 www.bellecheveuxnisswa.com Nisswa Chamber Guide 2024 | 65
