MISS NORTH STAR
Bella Burkel
Class of 2026
Class of 2026
Talent: HERStory
Community Service Initiative: The Legacy Lens: Stories that Shape Systems Director: Kara Super-Peterson Email: Kara Super-Peterson Next Competition Date: August 2, 2026 Open and held with Miss Glacial Waters |
Bella Burkel proudly serves as Miss North Star 2026, representing her home state of Minnesota with a heart for service, storytelling, and stronger healthcare. A certified health communication specialist and passionate advocate, Bella is known for blending professionalism with authenticity, using her voice to connect, uplift, and create meaningful change. At the center of it all is her personal mission to spread joy in everything she does.
A native of Greenbush, Minnesota, Bella was raised in a small town where community runs deep and resilience is a way of life. She carries those values into everything she does today. Bella is a two-time college graduate by the age of 19, earning her Associate of Arts with Highest Academic Honors from Northland Community and Technical College and graduating Summa Cum Laude with her Bachelor of Arts in Health Communication & Administration from the University of North Dakota. She is currently pursuing her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership with a focus in Healthcare, continuing her mission to improve patient experiences on a larger scale. Bella’s passion for healthcare is deeply personal. Diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at the age of three, she grew up navigating complex medical systems from the patient perspective. Years later, after a life-threatening medical emergency involving her younger brother, her family discovered that six siblings were living with Long QT syndrome. These experiences did not just shape her, they ignited her purpose. Through the Miss America Opportunity, Bella founded her Community Service Initiative, The Legacy Lens: Preserving Stories. Transforming Care. Her initiative focuses on human-centered healthcare, empowering patients, providers, and families through storytelling, advocacy, and health communication resources. From creating educational tools to launching programs like Petals for Purpose, where she distributes uplifting messages and resources in healthcare settings, Bella is committed to ensuring that no patient feels unseen or unheard and that even in difficult moments, there is still room for joy and connection. Professionally, Bella has built her experience at the intersection of healthcare and communication. She has previously worked as a Health Literacy Program Administrator, helping improve patient understanding and access to care, and as a Practice Administrator for a healthcare clinic, supporting operations and patient experience. She continues to lead initiatives focused on health communication, advocacy, and community engagement. Outside of her professional and advocacy work, Bella embraces the beauty of northern Minnesota life. You can often find her on the lake kayaking or fishing, going for a run, or teaching Pilates and practicing yoga. She also loves sewing, crafting, and decorating, finding joy in creating spaces and moments that feel warm and meaningful. Bella also loves traveling and is always on the lookout for fun, creative drinks since she does not drink caffeine. Whether she is in a hospital room, behind a camera, or on stage, Bella leads with compassion, resilience, and a genuine desire to make people feel seen. She will compete for the title of Miss Minnesota with a mission to transform healthcare experiences, spread joy, and remind others that their stories matter. |