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MNPQC’s Kunsche Award

MNPQC’s Kunsche Award is given annually to a member of the perinatal healthcare community for their outstanding work and dedication to advancing the field and furthering our mission.  2025 Kunsche Award nominations will open at the end of December!

Nominations Closed

The history of the Kunsche Award

The Kunsche Award is a custom-designed print commissioned by Great Plains Organization for Perinatal Healthcare, Inc. (GPO).

GPO was a regional organization founded in the early ’70’s and was dedicated to advancing perinatal healthcare outcomes; Minnesota was one of its member states. After GPO’s dissolution in the early 2000’s, the remaining prints were gifted to MNPQC to continue the tradition of honoring the hard work and commitment of our many talented perinatal healthcare professionals. 

Congratulations!

2024 Kunsche Award Winner: Skuri Jamale

Congratulations to Shukri Jamale! Shukri is an exceptional healthcare leader with over 17 years of experience supporting families through high-risk pregnancies and beyond. From bedside care to advocacy, she has dedicated her career to centering families, advancing equity, and creating inclusive systems in perinatal care.

As a fetal program manager and passionate community advocate, Shukri’s impact extends far beyond the hospital walls. Shukri sits on the boards of organizations that work on improving black maternity outcomes and those that promote breastfeeding in black and indigenous families. Additionally, she serves as treasurer of the Minnesota Breastfeeding Coalition (2023-2025), where she oversees a first-of-its-kind fatwa (a legal ruling on a point of Islamic law) supporting the use of donor breast milk to make it accessible to all babies. We are honored to recognize Shukri’s tireless commitment to improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

2024 Kunsche Award Honorable Mentions

We’re also proud to recognize the MNPQC’s 2024 Kunshe Award’s Honorable Mentions – Dr. Jessica Nyholm, Dr. Bethany Sabol, and Mallory Cummings – for their outstanding leadership in perinatal health.

Each of these incredible professionals has gone above and beyond in their commitment to supporting families across Minnesota. Their passion, innovation, and dedication to addressing the needs of Minnesota families have driven meaningful and lasting change. Thank you, Dr. Nyholm, Dr. Sabol, and Mallory, for your unwavering efforts to improve maternal and infant health. Your impact is felt far and wide, and we’re so grateful for your leadership.

Previous Recipients

2023: Adrienne Richardson, MD, OB/GYN, Health Partners

2022: Anne Walaszek, MPH

2021: Phillip Rauk, MD, Fairview

2020: Melissa C. Bray, MSN Ed., BSN, RNC-MNN, PHN, CentraCare

2019: Yasuko Yamamura, MD; MHealth Fairview

2018: Jeanne Mrozek, MD; Maple Grove Hospital and North Memorial Hospital

2017: Cecilia Wachdorf, CNM, ARNP, PhD

2016: Cindy Koslowski, CFNP, MSN, MBA, RN; MHealth Fairview

2015: Sandy Hoffman, MS, RNC-EFM; Mother Baby Center of Abbott Northwestern and Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota

2014: Deb Peters, NNP; Essentia Health – Duluth

2013: Jill Bauer, MA, RN; Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota

2012: Lynn Carpentier; Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare

2011: Heather Swanson, MD; CentraCare Health – Paynesville

2010: Tina Kippes, RNC, CLC; Mayo Clinic Health System – Menomonie

2009: Marianne Keuhn, BSW

2008: Kirk Ramin, MD; University of Minnesota – Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health

2007: Denise Palmer, RN; University of Minnesota Health

2006: Linda Christinsen-Rengel, NP-WH; Regions Hospital – The Breast Health Center

2005: Susan Boehm, RN, BSN, MS; Alere Health

2004: Jo Crosby, RNC, MS, NNP; Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota

If you know of award winners prior to 2004, please contact us!