MISS SOUTH CENTRAL
Jasmin Kotek
Class of 2023
Class of 2023
Talent: Precision Jazz Dance
Community Service Initiative: Change to Chill: Mental Health for Minnesota Students Directors: Jennifer Burt - Miss SC/Miss WCSC; Molly Kopischke, OT Email: burt_jennifer@yahoo.com Next Competition Date: TBA Dual Competition with Miss Waseca County Sleigh & Cutter -Open |
Meet Jasmin Kotek!
On January 28th, 2023, Jasmin Kotek was crowned Miss South Central and embarked on her journey to Miss Minnesota 2023. Being a Southern MN native, this title is close to her heart, serving the communities that shaped her into the young woman she is today. Jasmin Kotek is a Minnesota State University Mankato graduate with a bachelor of science in Secondary Mathematics Education, having the ambition to continue her education to obtain a master's in education focusing on curriculum & instruction. Having educators, coaches, and mentors that inspired her career choice, Jasmin is now a Middle School pre-algebra & algebra I teacher to 7th & 8th-grade students in her hometown of Faribault, MN. Her career goal is to continue to be an educator to all and aid in restructuring the Minnesota Education Standards & system to provide an equitable education for all. In 7th grade, she took the chance and tried out for her high school dance team. Most of her free time is spent in high school studios & gyms but from the opposite end of things being a coach. She is entering her 9th year of coaching and is the head coach of the Northfield Hiliners Dance Team, Cannon Falls Fall Dance Team, Tri-City United Cheer Team, and an Assistant Coach to the Faribault Middle School Girls Softball Team. Jasmin's Community Service Initiative is "Change to Chill: Mental Health for Minnesota Students," in which she has worked to partner with Alina Clinics' award-winning mental health program providing free attainable resources to students & educators. Additionally, she has co-founded a nonprofit organization CultureChange. Through this work, she has implemented a 4-part initiative at universities across the midwest, helped create a mental health framework implemented in schools across the state, and formed various partnerships to expand her outreach. Additionally, Jasmin is a partner and brand ambassador of various mental health organizations, including YouMatterMN, Give an Hour, and more. To reach audiences and minds of all ages, Jasmin recently published two children's books, "Believe, Bella" & "Exhale, Ella," where she breaks down mental wellness through a growth mindset and social-emotional learning. She also has implemented the #ExhaleProject, derived from the quote 'inhale the positives, exhale the negatives,' where she promotes a positive mindset by crafting bracelets with positive words, igniting mental health conversation. This project has reached thousands of individuals and over thirteen states to date. Her ultimate goal through her Community Service Initiative is "to be the person for others she once needed herself," with the passion behind it stemming from the loss of her cousin Brandyn in 2008, her personal mental illness experiences, and the experiences she has endured of those around her. Moving beyond a conversation, she aims to provide tangible, attainable, and equitable resources and education to all, creating the much-needed systemic change for mental health starting in Minnesota. |