Bri’s Lodge Founder Named Winner of 2026 Changemakers Award

(KNSI) — Tami Kruzel, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Waite Park nonprofit Bri’s Lodge, has been named the winner of the 2026 Changemakers Award, an annual program created by St. Cloud Financial Credit Union to recognize people making a positive difference in the community.

Kruzel founded Bri’s Lodge, an organization dedicated to ensuring no one has to grieve alone, after the unexpected loss of her 18-year-old daughter, BriAnna, in 2013. She transformed her grief into a mission of hope and healing. A registered nurse with more than 15 years of healthcare experience, Kruzel combines her professional expertise and lived experience to provide compassionate support for grieving individuals and families across Central Minnesota.

Under her leadership, Bri’s Lodge has become a trusted community resource, offering grief companioning, support groups, youth programming, educational workshops, and community outreach. Through partnerships with healthcare providers, schools, nonprofits, and local organizations, Kruzel continues to expand access to grief support while advocating for greater awareness, compassion, and connection for those navigating loss.

The Changemakers program has recognized hundreds of people in the St. Cloud area since it began more than a decade ago.

“Changemakers is our way of shining a light on individuals and giving our community an opportunity to celebrate the people who are creating meaningful, positive change right here in Central Minnesota,” SCFCU President and CEO Jed Meyer said. “When we share these stories, our hope is that the impact extends beyond simply recognizing our Changemakers. We hope those stories inspire someone else.”

A selection committee narrowed the nominations to four finalists in July: Kruzel, Sandy Wolff of Richmond, Grace Grell of St. Cloud, and Aveen Sunar of Sauk Rapids.

Kruzel was announced as the winner during the Changemakers Awards Ceremony on September 24th at The Regency in St. Cloud. She received a trophy and a $5,000 cash prize for her work with Bri’s Lodge.

“While my name may be on the award, this recognition represents so many people who have helped make Bri’s Lodge what it is today,” Kruzel said. “I am incredibly grateful to our staff, volunteers, board members, donors, supporters, and every person who has trusted us to walk alongside them in their grief. This recognition helps shine a light on the importance of grief support and reminds our community that no one should have to grieve alone.”

The three other finalists each received a trophy and a $3,000 cash prize. Every person nominated for the award was recognized at the ceremony and received a trophy.

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