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In this episode of Act to Impact, host Brandi DeVries sits down with Karri Seland—former Miss Minnesota Galaxy 2025, United States of America’s Miss Wisconsin 2024, marketing professional, and founder of the STAR initiative. Karri shares how her own experience with loneliness inspired her to create real, tangible change for children through Buddy Benches and her children’s book, A Seat for Friendship.

Through STAR Karri is helping elementary school students build friendships, practice kindness, and feel seen. From fundraising and installing Buddy Benches to empowering educators, parents, and kids to take action, Karri proves that meaningful impact often starts with one simple idea and the courage to follow through.

⭐ Takeaways

• The STAR initiative helps foster inclusion and kindness in elementary schools.
• Buddy Benches serve as a visible signal that a child is looking for friendship or support.
• Small, intentional actions can create lasting ripple effects in communities.
• Pageantry helped Karri build confidence, leadership skills, and the drive to act.
• Children (and adults) thrive when they feel seen, included, and supported.
• Your personal experiences can become powerful platforms for change.
• Knowing and using your strengths is key to making a meaningful impact.

💛 Are you inspired to take action? Take action and make an impact on a child affected by childhood cancer. Support the much-needed funding for childhood cancer by making a donation NOW to CCRF!

Karri's Book: A Seat for Friendship

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Hosted by Brandi DeVries: Advocate, fundraiser, and Mrs. Minnesota International 2025.

Thank you to guest Karri Seland. 

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