We Mean Business: March 2020 Honorees

What do you do?

I am currently the Branch Manager at First Alliance Credit Union, 37th St location. We serve the Rochester and surrounding communities with deposit and loan products.

How are you involved in the Rochester, MN community?

I have been on a few boards in the area in the past. I currently am a member of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). We focus on educating women on careers in the construction industry. I am a Leadership Greater Rochester alumni and enjoy participating in Chamber events as well.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

My husband and I both grew up in Stewartville and later raised our kids in Stewartville as well. My children are now grown and living in the Twin Cities metro area, for now. Both graduated from the University of MN! My husband is self-employed in the construction industry and works all over the Rochester area.

What are you most passionate about?

I am very passionate about the work we do at First Alliance. We help members of our community build their credit by educating them on how to do it the right way. We have no judgements and try to help those that want/need our help. Bad situations happen to good people, we help everyone!

What is your guilty pleasure?

Seriously a little embarrassing but I watch Days of Our Lives every night when I get home from work!

How do you unwind and take care of yourself?

I enjoy exercise. I really like to kickbox and have done that for many years. Recently I bought a bike that has instructors and takes me virtually around the world, I can go anywhere anytime I want to!

What do you do?

I am the owner of ELEVATE Salon. I've been a hairstylist for 18 years and took over ownership of the salon I was at last spring. We recently relocated the salon to a new space with the help of my husband and his construction expertise!

Tell us a little bit about your family.

I'm married with 4 amazing kids, 3 girls and a boy, whose ages range from 3-20 years old. My husband and I are both business owners who work together to make our goals and dreams come true. Like most families, we are constantly trying to find a good work/home life balance and it's just a matter of trying to give all of our passions the attention they deserve!

How are you involved in the Rochester, MN community?

In the past we've collected donations for local organizations such as Channel 1 and Ronald McDonald House in exchange for discounts on our retail products. We are always looking for more opportunities to offer support in the Rochester community, and increasing those efforts is a goal for us in the upcoming year!

What are you most proud of?

I'm most proud of my kids. They have always been my biggest priority and I am so proud of who they are growing up to become! They each have their own unique personality and strengths and I know they will contribute incredible things in this world! A big motivation behind all that I do is to always show them that a person can accomplish anything they desire with hard work and a belief in yourself.

What are you most passionate about?

I'm most passionate about making people feel seen. To show them that they're important and that they matter. Everyone deserves to look good, to feel good, and to take time for the themselves. I want to empower people to take control of their life and to understand that they get to decide what kind of life it is that they're going to live!

What's the best part of living in Rochester, MN?

Being able to get anywhere within 15 minutes! I love that Rochester has lots of characteristics of a big city with all the charm of a small town.

Nomination (abbreviated):

Tammy Carroll is a Rochester native and has always felt she could bring something more to our great city. In the past year, she bought a hair salon from her former boss who was battling cancer. To continue to grow the business for all of her employees, she completely renovated a new location and has continued to serve the Rochester area with a multitude of services/products. Tammy and her husband work side by side, as he completed all of the construction on her business and she assists him in growing his own business. Last but not least, she has three littles at home and manages to maintain her role as an amazing mother, wife, and business owner.

What do you do?

I am a full-time employee at Mayo Clinic and currently working in Cardiology IT as a Senior Project Manager. I am also an entrepreneur and started Eureka Kids childcare center in July 2018 along with my husband.

How are you involved in the Rochester, MN community?

I came to America from India with great expectations, and was amazed with opportunities presented to me at every stage. I love Rochester, its diverse community, and always wanted to give back to the community in some form. We struggled finding quality childcare for our own kids, so thought of starting SMARTER childcare that can provide a clean, safe facility as well as a fun-based learning environment for young kids.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

I have four amazing kids and a loving husband. They all keep me busy and I enjoy time with my family. I have two sons, ages 21 & 9, and two daughters ages 18 & 15, and our dog, Milo. I also have a large extended family back in India. My mother visits us mostly during summer to help us out.

How long have you lived in Rochester, MN?

I moved to the U.S. in 2014, lived in Dallas for a year, and then moved to Rochester, MN in September 2015. Now Rochester is my home.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my family. I have successfully risen from difficult situations and achieved many accomplishments both in my personal and professional life. I always believed that everything is possible if you put your heart and sincere efforts into what you love.

What is your dream job?

I am happy that I am living my dream. I always wanted to work in a hospital setting where I can use my skills and passion to make a difference in peoples' lives. I always had a dream to start my own business. My passion for kids combined with my dream, and a supporting partner led to the birth of Eureka Kids, which has been truly satisfying and something that I am proud of.

Nomination:

Hema is driven by her passion to provide childcare through her center, care that is uncompromising, care that is evidently set apart from other places around town. Along with being a successful entrepreneur, she also works full-time at Mayo and balances her work and life at home with a husband, 4 kids, 1 dog and innumerable visitors from overseas. She is the most humble person I have come across, one who easily forgives and graciously gives.

What do you do?

Well, that's an interesting question. Technically I do not work, but I have multiple roles for being unemployed! First and foremost, I am responsible for raising our daughters in an environment where they can grow and thrive. We made the choice to home educate five years ago, so I wear a few hats around the house. I'm their teacher, school nurse, counselor, lunch lady and taxi driver. I'm reclaiming my education right along with them! I'm also the director of a Christian Classical Community/Campus called Classical Conversations. (There are three campuses in town.) At CC, we're surrounded by tutors, home-educating parents and over 50 students. We meet weekly during the school year. And then, my fun side-hustle, I'm an ambassador for an anti-aging hair and skincare company, Monat.

How are you involved in the Rochester, MN community?

We participate in as many events and educational outlets throughout the year as we can. We are part of field trip clubs, have been part of American Heritage Girls, violin, piano, and we are also part of the RAACHE choir. We are active in a brand new church called Echo, where we enjoy being part of the first impressions team--which includes me serving as a barista! I love meeting new friends! We are supporters of all things art and actively seek out local opportunities (Hint: Riverwood Studio Arts!) We frequent the library, parks, farmers market and local eateries. Oxbow and Quarry Hill are on our monthly rotation.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

I'm married to a handsome, hardworking, energetic man - Karl. He helps people buy and sell homes. Together we have three daughters; Sophia & Jocelyn are fraternal twins (10), 4th grade. And Brielle (5), shes in Kindergarten. Our girls are passionate about art, playing outside, music and spending as much time with friends as possible.

What are you most passionate about?

I'm passionate about encouraging and supporting others - where ever they may be at. I think we need more face to face interaction and support. So I do my best to let others know I care, they can trust and confide in me. I believe in deep connection, second chances, restoration and follow through.

I'm also passionate about all things ART. We paint in our home daily. I learn. Teach. And explore all mediums. Currently, my favorite is watercolor lettering!

What is your favorite book?

Current fave: The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah.

What is your dream job?

Is is weird to say that I'm living it? Because, that's the truth!

Nomination (abbreviated):

I am nominating Kristin Rogers because she is generous, kind, and inclusive. Kristin is the director of our homeschool co-op (Classical Conversations) and she embodies strength, wisdom, & cheer in everything she does for us. She works tirelessly to provide opportunities for families who homeschool to ensure our kids are well-rounded and exposed to the same learning opportunities as children who attend school in a traditional setting. More importantly, Kristin is a wife & mom of 3. She loves her family and guides her children to be kind and accepting.

What do you do?

Full time employee and MOM! I am a Branch Manager at First Alliance Credit Union.

How are you involved in the Rochester, MN community?

I am currently involved with First Alliance Credit Union's committees, as well as Rochester Area Builders committees. I helped Rochester Area Builders to start a young professionals group known as "40 below."

Tell us a little bit about your family.

My husband Brian and I have been married since June of 2015 and have a beautiful baby girl named McKinley (1). My parents and an older brother live in Owatonna. My brother is currently engaged and getting married in May of 2021. He and his fiancé have two children: a daughter (9) and a son (10 months). My in-laws also live in Rochester and my sister-in-law is engaged to be married November of 2020.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my family. I truly believe that my husband and I are working hard at what we do and want to provide the best for ourselves and our families.

Name one unexpected thing that most people don't know about you.

I am addicted to my coloring game on my phone. At night I will color for hours after my daughter is asleep!

What are three words to describe you?

1. Energetic 2. Passionate 3. Caring

What do you do?

I am the executive director at Honors Choirs of SE MN, overseeing the operations of five choirs of singers in grades 1-12. Each season we have an enrollment of 325-350 young people. I love my job!

How are you involved in the Rochester, MN community?

My job at Honors Choirs puts me out in the community for many events, fundraisers and volunteer opportunities. The Red Kettle campaign with the Salvation Army is one of my favorites so in December I work in as many hours as I can ringing bells.

What are you most proud of?

This is an easy question. I am most proud of my children. Both of our girls are caring and kind, with a deep sense of empathy. They have both achieved wonderful things already in their young lives through academics, sports, music and volunteering. They are strong young women and I am always in awe of the things they do.

What do you like to do for fun?

Spending time with my family is always fun no matter what. Bonus points if we're together at the family cabin. I love escape rooms, the NYT crossword puzzle, movies, concerts, opera, plays (actually, all performing arts), sports, reading, working out at the RAC or walking in the neighborhood, baking, and occasionally traveling.

What are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about being a good mom, and will move heaven and earth to support my children when they need me.

I am also passionate about my work at Honors Choirs because I have seen over the years the significant role music plays in the well-being and development of our young people. I feel we all have an obligation to provide opportunity for young people.

Best dinner spot in Rochester?

Pasquale's is my favorite.

Nomination (abbreviated):

Jayne is the rockstar executive director of Honors Choirs of Southeast Minnesota, based in Rochester. She works tirelessly to ensure the smooth operation of the organization and does it without ever complaining or breaking a sweat. Her dedication shines through not just from the way she treats her fellow staff members, but also in the way she engages the kids and parents, many of whom return to this organization year after year after year. Ask any of the choir directors, staff members, parents, or singers about Jayne, and they'll all tell you how wonderful she is to work with and how the organization would not be anywhere near as successful without her.

What do you do?

I work full time as an Administrator at Mayo Clinic and am responsible for supporting the Divisions of Hospital Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and the Office of Health Equity and Inclusion.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

My husband, Tom Canan, is currently a Senior County Attorney with Olmsted County. He's worked in the Rochester legal community for over 30 years in various capacities. We have two children. Katherine is 24, a graduate of Lourdes High School and the University of Kanas. She just moved to Washington DC in January of this year and started working with a marketing analytics and software company. We are so proud of her! Our son Will, would have been 22 years old on 2/19/2020. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 6 in 2004 and courageously fought cancer until he passed away at the age of 14 in 2012.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my family first. My husband, Tom, and the difference he's made in the Rochester community through his professional work and also his volunteer efforts. He's served as a Volunteer Coach for Special Olympics Minnesota for over 5 years, a Brighter Tomorrows volunteer since its founding in 2007, and has volunteered for over 10 years at St. Francis School. My daughter, Katherine, for her strength and support to her brother during his cancer journey and continuing to utilize what she learned through this journey to help others. My son, Will, for the incredible courage, resilience, grace and sense of humor he exhibited and taught so many of us during his 8 1/2 year cancer journey.

I am also proud of my professional career at Mayo. Additionally, I'm very proud of co-founding a non-profit, Brighter Tomorrows, in 2007 and helping to lead the organization throughout its almost 13-year history. The mission of the organization is to provide support to families facing a childhood cancer diagnosis and journey. Since Brighter Tomorrows was established, the organization has served over 450 families. When you can help to ease the financial and/or emotional stress for a family facing one of the most devastating times of their life, it is extremely gratifying.

What are you most passionate about?

I am most passionate about serving others, which I hope is demonstrated by my work over the past 12 years with Brighter Tomorrows. I know from personal experience how helpful it was, and how "safe" it felt, to be surrounded by others who "got it" because they were walking the same journey with you. If I'm able to make differences, no matter how big or small, in the lives of families who have a child diagnosed with cancer as well as those who have lost a child, it is worth it.

What is your favorite book?

Wonder by R.J. Palacio. I believe that this book should be read in all elementary schools to teach children about acceptance, love and inclusion.

What are three words to describe you?

Resilient, intelligent, kind.v

Nomination (abbreviated):

Not only is Liz a respected leader in administration at Mayo Clinic, she is the President of the Board of Directors of Brighter Tomorrows. She leads with compassion and drive. And even though her journey with her son Will was the most difficult a mother can endure, she continued to lead after Will’s death in 2012. She honors Will’s legacy everyday. She is an amazing mother to both her children, and she is committed to helping other families through Brighter Tomorrows and beyond. I consider her my friend and mentor.

What do you do?

I am currently a full-time orthodontist at GLK Orthodontics. I love making a positive impact on patients' self-esteem by transforming smiles everyday.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

My husband, John Weroha,MD, PhD, is an Oncologist and researcher at the Mayo Clinic. This coming July, we will be married for 16 years. We met in college at the University of Kansas. We have 10 years old twin boys, Jaeden and Kobi, who are 5th graders at Washington Elementary. They love playing football, soccer, Tae Kwon Do, piano, viola, cello, drawing, and being goofy with friends.

How are you involved in the Rochester, MN community?

I am on the board for the Korean Language School and a camp volunteer for Camp Moon Hwa. I also help the local public schools with fundraising and kids activities. I love to support local youth sports events by sponsoring the teams. In the last 5 years I've enjoyed participating with my boys in the Kids Med City Marathon and am proud to help by sponsoring their medals.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my boys and my husband. Family is the most important part of my life. Professionally, I am proud of my awesome team at GLK Orthodontics. We strive each day to make a positive impact on our patients and they rock at it! Lastly, I am proud of being involved with the Smiles Change Lives Program for the past 13 years. We are proud to say our practice has treated over a dozen children in our area who cannot afford to get orthodontic treatment.

Name one unexpected thing that most people don't know about you.

In addition to English, I grew up speaking Korean. Currently, I am learning Brazilian Portuguese. I love languages and enjoy practicing different languages with friends and patients.

Best dinner spot in Rochester?

Pho Chau to get a big bowl of Pho noodle soup on a cold day then over to Kung Fu Tea for a tasty bubble tea. When you can smell your dinner permeated in your clothes 3 hours afterwards, you know it's good stuff!

Nomination (abbreviated):

"A few words we feel that best describe Dr. Nellie Kim-Weroha are: leader, teacher, passionate, powerful, nurturing, empowering, attentive, ambitious and brilliant! Dr. Kim embodies all the qualities of a strong woman. She is a mom to identical twin boys, a boss and mentor to our entire team at GLK and the most nurturing orthodontist you will find in southeast Minnesota. You can often find Dr. Kim greeting and parting with her patients with a warm hug. It is also her attention to detail that has made Dr. Kim the successful orthodontist she is today."v