Anna Day
Anna graduated from St Francis High School where her Winter Carnival dream began. As Miss St Francis she remembers meeting Aurora for the first time. Anna’s love of baking began in the kitchen with her Great Grammy Alice. They baked banana bread and joined the ‘Great Cookie Bake off,’ a 50+ year tradition. Anna works for AFSA K-12 where she is currently a School Bus driver. She enjoys working with students in and out of the classroom building relationships. The children run to her with stories of their success when they see her. Fun fact, Anna loves books so much she is working towards her personal library, and is almost half way, with her current collection nearing 500. Disney once said, “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” That dream brought her here.
Bailey Dominick
Bailey is a passionate small business owner based in Minneapolis, where creativity and community come together in everything she does. Growing up in a small town, Bailey developed a deep appreciation for the arts and the value of connection within a community. This has led her to take on the role of head of volunteers for MNFurs, a 501(c)(3) organization based in Minnesota. A dedicated volunteer, Bailey finds joy in giving back and empowering others, believing that every small act of kindness creates a ripple of positive change. In her free time, she enjoys reading and traveling to new destinations. With a deep commitment to both her business and her community, Bailey hopes to inspire those around her through her creativity, passion for volunteering, and adventurous spirit.
Christina Murphy-Porte / Sponsor: Quality Insurance Service
Born in January, the coldest month of the year, Christina likes to say she’s the “Queen of Winter” before even wearing a crown! Born and raised in Saint Paul, Christina holds a degree in Business Management from St. Paul College and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education at the University of Minnesota. With a strong background in IT, Christina has worked for the State of Minnesota for several years, where she developed her leadership skills and her love of teaching. Passionate about giving back, she coaches youth sports and volunteers with organizations like Toys for Tots. As a dedicated mother of four and wife, she loves cooking for her family and friends, exploring Minnesota’s stunning waterfalls, and making unforgettable memories with her family!
Jenny Harris
Most recognizable for her energy and enthusiasm, Jenny grew up with a love for winter. You can find Jenny taking her usual ‘winter walk’ with a cup of hot cocoa in hand, appreciating the snow and the shimmer it brings. It’s no wonder she’s a Queen of the Snow’s candidate! As a mental health and addiction therapist, she’s worked in several mental health and chemical dependency programs and now works in private practice as an individual outpatient therapist. She’s committed to help adults recover from addiction to live a more fulfilled life. In her down time, she is often hiking, traveling, planning the next costume event or visiting friends and family throughout Minnesota and Wisconsin. As a candidate she hopes to make a positive impact in the community and spread winter cheer!
Michaela Hingst / Sponsor: Landmark Jewelers
Life is most vibrant to Michaela Hingst when it is full of colorful gardens, forest hikes, children’s laughter, and family time. Michaela works as a preschool teacher and on Gertens Nursery Lot during the summer. Ask her about roses! She passionately grows 15 different varieties and wishes to add more. A lover of the outdoors, Michaela and her husband, Justin, often explore Minnesota State Parks regardless of season. They enjoy camping, fishing, birding, and foraging ingredients from native plants. Her most memorable hike is ascending Grand Teton to Delta Lake on her honeymoon! Michaela is a fan of musicals and can spend hours singing show tunes on long trips visiting family and friends. With her heart’s desire to give of herself, Michaela strives to serve others with her life.
Samantha Axt / Sponsor: NE Moose Bar & Grill
Remember sitting on a throne made of ice and sticking a penny into the arm with your warm hand to make a wish? Samantha Axt has this memory as she was born and raised in the Twin Cities. Living in the Highland Park area, she spends her time volunteering with organizations geared towards youth development in diverse sports and activities. She is appreciative to her sponsor, the NE Moose Bar & Grill, she recommends going on Weds. to try the ribs. She is grateful to her employer, Washington County, on the flexibility to connect with nearby communities. Sam is passionate about serving the needs of others with an equitable and inclusive lens as her career is in social work. She spends time with her family cheering on the MN Vikings, playing with their fur animals and building Lego sets.
Shakira Bradshaw / Sponsor: Healing Connections
Shakira is a 2011 graduate from Hamline University, who majored in Legal Studies. She has dedicated her life to public service and the improvement of life for Minnesota’s children. She currently works as an Accountant for the State of Minnesota and she serves on the State Advisory Council for Early Childhood Education and Care. This Board works in conjunction with the Governor’s Children’s Cabinet. Previously, she served as a Co-Chair on the Governor’s Great Start for All Minnesota Children Task Force. She was featured on the cover of the South Eagan Neighbors magazine for her public service work in 2022. She has a daughter and a son with her husband Robert. In her spare time she enjoys baking, gardening, singing, crocheting and learning French.
Tessa Westlund / Sponsor: Ideal Printers
Residing in Saint Paul in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood, Tessa is a proud alumnus of Gustavus Adolphus College where she received her degree in Communications Studies in 2020. Today, she serves as the Human Resources Training and Compliance Specialist for The Salvation Army where she leads the Northern Division in the Safe From Harm Program. In her role, Tessa equips individuals to respond and effectively report while fiercely advocating and supporting others. Growing up in a full household, she is the youngest of four and now acts as the “fun aunt” for her nieces and nephews. Tessa enjoys the little things in life, like bonfires on chilly nights, arranging flowers, singing in the car, and making others laugh.