Hello, all!
My name is Jasmin Kotek,
but I always go by "Jas." I am a native of Faribault, Minnesota, and a first-generation college graduate of Minnesota State University Mankato with a degree in Secondary Mathematics Education. Currently, you can find me pursuing my love of teaching as a teacher in my hometown of Faribault, at the Faribault Middle School, where I teach 7th—and 8th-grade pre-algebra and Algebra I as well as AVID (advancement via individual determination).
My love for teaching stemmed from my love of coaching. I spent my high school years on various dance teams and competition lines. Now, many years and lots of rhinestones later, I am the head coach of the Northfield Hiliners Dance Team in Northfield, MN, taking on my tenth year of sharing a love for dance with our youth! I recently also added "cheer coach," "fall dance team coach," and even "softball coach" to my resume, as I became the cheer coach for the Tri-City United Cheer Team, a fall dance team coach for the Cannon Falls Fall Dance Team, and an assistant girls softball coach for my middle school students!
Besides coaching, I have a love for mentoring and providing a positive influence on the lives of others. I've been a Big Sister in Big Brothers Big Sisters, a mentor in Miller Mentoring, and a coach for Girls On The Run program in the Southern MN area!
When I am not buried nose-deep in lesson plans or kicking high with my Hiliners, you can find me "crowning" around, in which I have held the titles of Miss South Central 2020-2021, Miss Hastings 2022, Miss South Central 2023, and now Miss Waseca County Sleigh & Cutter 2024.
Being Miss Waseca County Sleigh & Cutter means a lot more to me, though, than just being a "titleholder." Southern Minnesota is a pretty special place...these communities hold the classrooms I learned in, teams I danced on, and communities that continuously gave to me and made me into the person I am today. Furthermore, the Waseca committee was one that believed in me and my journey in this organization when I couldn't believe in myself - and for that, I am forever grateful.
Health has always been a huge priority of mine, both physically and mentally. I love embodying the motto of being #MissAmericaFit through CrossFit and cross-training, and I am working to obtain my personal training certification to share this love with others.
Yet, my most prevalent passion lies in mental health advocacy. Upon participating in the Miss America Organization, I had the opportunity to write my own Community Impact Initiative (previously known as a "platform"), an area of interest where a titleholder focuses during their year of service. My CSI today is "CultureChange: Mental Health Advocacy."
In 2008, I lost my cousin, Brandyn, to suicide in his battle with depression, and then, at fifteen, I witnessed a family member attempt suicide. These experiences directly impacted my own mental health struggles, making my CSI a clear choice - mental health. I was fortunate to turn my struggles with mental health into strengths. I chose the path of positivity and resilience. However, I fought this journey in what I felt was alone. Therefore, when the day comes to a close, my ultimate goal is to be the person I once needed myself for others.
Because of these experiences, I was inspired to create my own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, CultureChange, in which I work to change the cultures and stigmas surrounding mental health through outreach, access, and connections. From creating a K-12 curriculum, 4-part post-secondary initiative, training, tools, and resources, and now focusing on crafting cutting-edge technology, our outreach has expanded to over 280 universities, 13 MN school districts, and two countries.
Strategically, CultureChange has also partnered with various other organizations, including Seeds of Success, Project CARLA, Speaks2Inspire, NAMI, Sophie's Squad, The Jordyn Clark Foundation, and more!
In correlation to expanding mental health awareness, I have also started promoting and making #ExhaleProject bracelets. Learn more by visiting the #ExhaleProject page here. I also published two children's books, My first being "Believe, Bella," which was inspired by a favorite quote: "Believe in yourself, and you're halfway there." & my newest, being "Exhale, Ella," which focuses on a growth mindset through highlighting positive words inspired by the #ExhaleProject and driven by the quote, "inhale the positives, exhale the negatives." My third children's book, "Strong Sox," will be released in Spring 2024.
