By Shay Lelonek / News Director

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — St. Cloud Financial Credit Union has announced the winner of this year’s Changemakers Award.

Tami Kruzel of Waite Park was named the winner during the 2026 Changemakers Awards Ceremony on September 24 at the Regency in St. Cloud. She took home a trophy and a $5,000 cash prize.

Kruzel is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Bri’s Lodge, a nonprofit organization that is focused on helping those through grief. She helped found the organization after unexpectedly losing her 18-year-old daughter in 2013.

She’ll be using the money to help continue her journey at Bri’s Lodge and give back to the community.

Kruzel was named a finalist in July alongside Sandy Wolff of Richmond, Grace Grell of St. Cloud, and Aveen Sunar of Sauk Rapids.

The Changemakers award is an annual program created by SCFCU that highlights those making positive changed in their community. This year, SCFCU partnered with St. Cloud LIVE, FaceTime Business Resources, and Advantage1 Insurance for the program.