Mrs. Minnesota America

01/30/2025

Exciting news! 🎉 I’m honored to be featured in Voyage Minnesota magazine!

It’s a privilege to share my story and be part of a platform that highlights inspiring individuals across our great state. Thank you for this opportunity! 💙✨

Check it out here: https://voyageminnesota.com/interview/conversations-with-katina-schroeder/

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katina Schroeder Hi Katina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. I reside in Burnsville with Michael, my husband of 19 years, our 15 year-old daughter Raina and a small zoo consisting of two dogs, two birds and an aquarium full of sea monkeys. M...

01/13/2025

On Saturday, January 11th I had the pleasure of supporting my friend and fellow queen Brandi DeVries, Mrs. Minnesota International 2025, with the launch of her new podcast "Rise, Shine, and Take Action." Her important initiative helps raise funds for childhood cancer treatment and research by interviewing local people and businesses who also share the same philanthropic goals. Fun fact...Brandi was also Mrs. Minnesota America 2023 who crowned me!

Women supporting women is a beautiful force of nature. 🌟 When we cheer each other on, share our strength, and celebrate each other’s successes, we all rise together. Let’s keep lifting each other higher! 💕

01/08/2025

What sets me apart from others in the world of pageantry is that I'm not your typical competitor. At 52 years old with a body that literally has been through some major up and downs, I do have some "dings and scratches" that I'm now not afraid of letting the world see. When it comes down to it, I'm a real person who has had real life challenges. I'm a wife and a mother who does all of the typical things like grocery shopping, taking out the garbage cans and waiting in the school pick-up lines and I'm very proud of those titles as well!

The Mrs. Minnesota pageant is now actively recruiting candidates in anticipation of the 2025 pageant which will be held on June 8th at the Eagan Community Center. This is proudly recognized as the most prestigious & longest-running pageant in Minnesota dedicated to married women. This empowering competition celebrates the achievements, beauty and individuality of women who balance the roles of wife, mother, professional and community leader. As a platform for personal growth and advocacy, it provides participants with the opportunity to share their passions and promote causes close to their hearts. This pageant is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of the strength, resilience and diversity of married women across Minnesota.

There are so many women in this state that are doing good things within their communities, professional lives and families that deserve to have the spotlight on them. Even if you have never dreamed of doing a pageant, I encourage you to challenge yourself to try it! The modern pageant participant is a confident, accomplished, well-rounded woman and not the antiquated image of someone blankly waving and smiling. You'll push yourself to new fitness levels, gain confidence with public speaking while unabashedly expressing your opinions and discover your inner Cinderella while proudly showcasing your accomplishments, husband and family. Be proud of who you are and take this as your opportunity to shine! I'm living proof that you can do this! Apply today! Visit mrsminnesotaamerica.com for more details or feel free to send me a message. Wishing you a happy & healthy new year 2025!

11/12/2024

Celebrating 19 amazing years with my one and only, Mike Schroeder! 💖 From the laughter to the challenges, every moment has been a gift, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Here’s to nearly two decades of love, partnership, and unforgettable memories—and to all the beautiful years still to come as husband and wife. Love you more every day! ❤️🥂💍

11/11/2024

On this Veterans Day, I’m remembering my two incredible late grandfathers' whom I miss so much and their proud legacy of service:

Melvin T. Garbe - Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force - World War 2 veteran who flew rescue missions over the Pacific.

Harold H. Krull - Master Sergeant, United States Army - Korean War veteran and Purple Heart recipient.

Their dedication, along with that of so many others who have served, is a gift that we can never repay but will always honor. To all veterans past and present—thank you for your courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to our freedom. Your bravery will never be forgotten.

11/04/2024

Had the absolute honor of serving as a judge alongside Becca Ogg & Liv Pierce for the Minnesota Sunburst Beauty Preliminary Pageant on Sunday, November 3rd! 🌟 Thank you to Aprilia Bendzula and everyone involved for welcoming me - especially fun to be back at the Eagan Community Center where I was crowned this past June. Pageants like these are truly special for kids and teens—they build confidence, poise, and communication skills that last a lifetime. Watching these young participants shine on stage and support each other was inspiring. It's so much more than crowns and sashes—it's about growth, friendship, and self-expression. Thank you again for an unforgettable experience! 👑✨

10/24/2024

09/23/2024

Excited to share that I had the honor of judging the Miss River Valley Scholarship Org., Miss St. Croix Valley and Miss Minnesota Valley Scholarship Pageant on Saturday, September 21st which is an official preliminary to the Miss Minnesota and Miss America pageants! It was inspiring to see eleven talented, confident, and passionate young women showcasing their skills and ambitions. I loved hearing about each of their community service initiatives and was so impressed to see the amazing personal and academic successes of each young woman. The Miss Minnesota and Miss America scholarship organization holds a special place in my heart having been the grateful recipient of scholarships awarded to me through the pageant organization during my undergraduate and graduate college years. A huge thank you to all the organizers and participants for an unforgettable experience!

09/23/2024

I was honored to have attended an incredible POW/MIA, Armed Forces and Veterans Tribute event on Friday, September 20th at the historic courthouse in Brainerd, Minnesota and shared the day with Alissa Staloch, Mrs. Minnesota American, Payton Maddox, International Jr. Pr***en and Kathy Thompson, Mrs. Minnesota America 2001. We celebrated the bravery and sacrifices of those who have served our country. From the inspiring stories to the patriotic displays, it was a humbling reminder of the dedication and strength of our military heroes.

I also took a moment to remember my dear late grandfathers:
Melvin T. Garbe - Lieutenant Colonel, United States Air Force - World War 2 veteran who flew rescue missions over the Pacific
Harold H. Krull - Master Sergeant, United States Army - Korean War veteran and Purple Heart recipient

Let us also remember the resilience of our prisoners of war, honor the memory of the missing, and renew our vow to uphold the values they fought for. They are not forgotten, and they never will be. Thank you to all the veterans and active service members for your unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms.

09/16/2024

On Friday, September 20, I will have the privilege of attending an Armed Forces and Veterans Tribute event to be held at the Crow Wing County Historic Courthouse in Brainerd, Minnesota.

This will be a powerful reminder of the courage and dedication of our service members, past and present. Their sacrifices have shaped our nation, and I'm grateful for the chance to honor their commitment. Thank you to all who serve and protect our freedom!

09/05/2024

Since returning from Las Vegas Mrs America Presents, I have been humbled by the congratulatory messages that I have received – thank you very much! To see my darling husband Mike & daughter Raina smiling proudly at me from the Mrs. America audience was the ultimate reward for years of hard work. In true 14 year-old fashion, the text waiting for me after the pageant from Raina: “YAYAYAYAYAYAYA mama I’m so proud of you & I can’t wait to hug you!”

I am still living a complete Cinderella dream as I continue to reflect deeply on who I was 3 years ago to the woman I am today as your Mrs. Minnesota America with a healthy body & mind who never gave up on her dream. To have been included in the Top 15 on the Mrs. America stage was an experience beyond my wildest dreams that I will never forget!

There are many people that have given their love, support, time & expertise – grateful for your never ending belief in me!

My husband Mike Schroeder, daughter Raina Schroeder, mom Kathleen Krull, mother-in-law Gerry, sister Camba Jewelry by Kristin Krull, brother Aaron Krull and sister-in-law Dana Krull.

My Directors Faith Schway & Carl Schway along with Sabrina Ann Frawley Zielinski for their love & prayers.

My sister queens Ellie Evenson & Alissa Lynne & roomie Ana Christina Bowers for their love, support & a good laugh!

Chelsea & her team I Do STYLE for amazing HM!

Brittany Link Photography & Makeup by Lizbeth for the beautiful photo that helped me capture the Mrs. America “Fabulous Face” award!

Refinery Skin Clinic Beauty HQ Aesthetics 5dollartan MOB Salon & pinnacle_nails for helping me look like a queen!

Adam Spiker for pushing me further than I ever thought possible with my fitness goals!

Sarah Wall Beckman, National Virtual Pageant Coach Shaylyn Ford & Austen Williams for direction on my platform & helping me hone impeccable interview skills!

Elizabeth Walgrave Around Town TV & Around Town Media Carla Jean Beaurline Mandy Faye The High Street Brandi DeVries for your impeccable taste, guidance & friendship!

For now, it’s time to settle back into mom/wife life with getting Raina acclimated to high school as a Freshman (what?!?!), taking care of my small zoo & hopping back into my career as an Executive Assistant. I’m excited to continue my year as Mrs. Minnesota America – stay tuned for details!