(KNSI) — Some may know her as the Stearns County Attorney. Others may know her as a top notch talent who sings and plays guitar in her very own rock band, but to everyone, she is now known as an ATHENA Award recipient.
Patti Gartland, retired President of the Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, nominated Janelle Kendall as a “trail blazer, a champion for social justice, a proponent of women’s empowerment, a public safety zealot and a gifted musician.”
Kendall was selected for the honor through a nomination process with the Women’s Fund of the Central Minnesota Community Foundation. The award goes to exceptional women leaders who inspire others to achieve excellence personally and professionally. Kendall’s dedication to social justice, professional empowerment of women and advocating for girls in the St. Cloud area carries out the award’s mission for achieving excellence, demonstrating creativity and initiative in her profession. The committee says Kendall contributes time and energy to better the lives of those around her and is active in assisting women to realize their full leadership potential.
Kendall has held elected position as county attorney since 2003 and is the first woman in county history to do so. The committee says she has prioritized the safety of women and girls by prosecuting violent offenders, implementing an anti-bullying program in area school districts, and was instrumental in the creation of the Child Advocacy Center. She also serves as a mentor for other women in the legal profession. Half of her staff is female.
Kendall is a mother who has been married to her husband for over 35 years. She is passionate about music and fronts two popular local bands, Walter’s Wheelhouse and Janelle Kendall’s The Perfect Storm.
She will be honored on June 10th, 2024, at Women’s Fund Presents: Dancing with our Stars, Live! The event is hosted at the College of Saint Benedict. For more event information, click here.
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