MISS MANKATO
Emily Schumacher
Class of 2024
Class of 2024
Talent: Tap Dance
Community Service Initiative: The Heart of the Matter: Combating heart disease through prevention, protection and preparedness Competition Date: TBA |
Hi! I am Emily Schumacher, Miss Mankato 2024, and a proud advocate for heart health across Minnesota. With a Bachelor in Biology from Northern State University under my belt, I've also been fortunate to earn over $25,000 in scholarships through the Miss America Opportunity, a testament to my dedication and hard work in both academics and community service.
From a young age, specifically since fifteen, I've been driven by a dream to become a doctor, a journey I knew would take years. Unwilling to wait to start making a difference, I embarked on a mission to save lives in an immediate, impactful way by teaching CPR to teens and adults throughout Minnesota. This passion became my Community Service Initiative, The Heart of the Matter: combatting heart disease through prevention, protection, and preparedness, a project close to my heart. The Heart of the Matter isn't just a program; it's a movement to open vital discussions about heart health and to explore ways to mitigate the risks of heart disease. I aim to underscore the importance of a heart-healthy community because I believe in the adage, “We all have a heart and a heart worth saving." Through my engagements at businesses, schools, and various forums, I've leveraged the platform provided by the Miss America Opportunity and our partnership with The American Heart Association to champion heart health awareness across the state. To date, I have proudly trained over 4,000 individuals on the crucial life-saving skills of CPR and AED use. Additionally, I have orchestrated two major fundraising events for the American Heart Association, collectively raising over $20,000. My efforts even led me to Washington D.C., where I had the honor of training more individuals in CPR, further amplifying the reach of this vital knowledge. Recognition of my impact came through a nomination as a Woman of Impact by the Minnesota American Heart Association, a highlight in my journey of service and advocacy. In my efforts to create a more heart-healthy community, I have partnered with the Minnesota Department of Health on their 2035 plan. This collaboration focuses on implementing heart-healthy practices across the state, from schools to workplaces, aiming to significantly reduce heart disease rates. Additionally, my partnership with United Way has enabled me to extend my outreach, providing heart health education and resources to even more communities. My journey with the Miss America Opportunity has been deeply rewarding. Not only was I Miss Minnesota's Outstanding Teen 2017 and placed in the top 11 at Miss America's Outstanding Teen, but my sister Julia and I also made history as the only sister duo in Minnesota to both hold the state teen title. Furthermore, I was the 1st runner-up to Miss Minnesota 2023, a double preliminary winner, and the recipient of the Bebe Shopp Legacy Award, accolades that underscore my commitment to excellence and service. My story is one of passion, determination, and heart. It's about leveraging every opportunity to make a tangible difference in the world, starting with the heart of every individual I can reach. Follow my journey as I continue to advocate for heart health, teach life-saving skills, and inspire others to join me in making our communities healthier for everyone. |