About Jean Geselius
Jean grew up in Valley City, ND receiving her Bachelor of Art degree in Advertising/Public Relations at the University of North Dakota. She is the Director of Marketing for Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing, PLLP, but will be retiring from her corporate job in June 2022 to concentrate on her entrepreneurial business adventure, Ten Oaks Design Studio. Todd and Jean moved to the area in 2003 for a work opportunity. They continue to enjoy all the opportunity and sense of community the lakes area has to offer. They are parents of two adult children, Dustin and Brock, living in Florida and Minnesota.
Jean enjoys lake activities with family and friends, traveling, painting, entertaining, and volunteering in her community.
Involvement with the Willmar Area Women’s Fund
Jean was raised in a manner that demonstrated the importance and value of community involvement and volunteering. She witnessed this spirit of giving in her parents. Jean became involved with the Women’s Fund after attending the first Time for Tea --Time for Women event in 2010 and hearing about their focus on improving the lives of women and girls in Kandiyohi County. Jean currently serves on the executive committee as past president and chairs the messaging and marketing task team. Jean re-joined as a steering committee member in 2017 bringing her vision, dedication, and work ethic that is just as valuable today as it was when she began her first term in 2010. Jean is skilled in communication and public relations and believes in the power of storytelling. Using her graphic design skills, she designed the Women’s Fund 2019 pocket brochure to connect with and educate our donors and supporters on the mission of the Women’s Fund.
Other organizations that Jean supports
In addition to her work with the Women’s Fund, Jean was active with the Willmar Destination Playground serving as co-captain of the public relations committee. Jean has also donated her time to support the annual Willmar Area Community Foundation philanthropic dinner. She also served as a member of the City of Willmar and Kandiyohi County Economic Development Commission for 15 years. She served as a council member of Vinje Lutheran Church. Jean is currently a member of Women Inspiring and Networking (WIN) and supports the United Way of West Central Minnesota.
Why Jean is committed to WAWF
Jean believes positive change begins locally, one woman, one girl at a time. It begins with each one of us. “Getting involved, becoming educated about the critical and significant needs of women and girls and through a single donation, we can fuel the work of our partners to enrich the lives of those who live in our community,” says Geselius.
Jean has enjoyed the opportunity to grow and collaborate with other women and community partners all working toward common goals.
Jean is also a believer in the wisdom of the proverb, “many hands make light work.” Jean loves that the Women’s Fund is a working, hands-on committee where she can share her talents. Some jobs are too big to do alone and more fun to do together.
We are so grateful to have Jean’s time, talent and passion a part of the Willmar Area Women’s Fund. We thank her for expertise, dedication and celebrate her contributions over the years!