Minnesota State Officer Team
“The task of leadership is not to put greatness into humanity, but to elicit it, for the greatness is already there.” – John Buchan
“We're not just some club; we are the future of healthcare in Minnesota and beyond!”
Tristen Rothrum, Anoka High School, State Officer President ‘22-23 23’-24’ International Central Region VP
State Officers play a crucial role in the HOSA-Future Health Professionals (HOSA-FHP) organization. These individuals are elected representatives from various schools across Minnesota who work diligently to manage and improve the overall HOSA experience for all members. Their responsibilities range from organizing statewide events, conferences, and competitions to serving as a communication bridge between HOSA-FHP chapters across the state. They engage in strategic planning, policy making, and advocacy for healthcare education, aiming to provide the best opportunities for members to learn, grow, and develop leadership skills in the field of healthcare.
Applications are released January 19th, 2026 and close on February 20th, 2026 with interviews the following week. Applicants must be a current freshman, sophomore, or junior in high school and attend SLC in person (March 9th-11th). Six officers are elected each year. Each school can send a maximum of 3 applicants. No more than 2 state officers elected in a single year may attend the same school.
Minnesota HOSA State Officers
Jack Trygstad
He/Him
President-Elect
“Life is too short to be serious all the time. If you can’t laugh at yourself, call me… I’ll laugh at you.” – Chelsea Handler Jack’s journey with HOSA began…
Claire Nelson
She/her
Vice President of Growth
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you…
Zainab Al-Nidawi
She/Her
Vice President of Engagement
“You can, you should, and if you’re brave enough to start, you will.” – Stephen King Wanting to be part of something meaningful, Zainab decided to give HOSA a try,…
Linnea Pedersen
She/Her
Vice President of Outreach
“Not knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door.” – Emily Dickinson After discovering HOSA at a summer scrubs camp prior to her freshman year, Linnea was instantly…
Shawn Nierenhausen
She/Her
Activities Coordinator
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” – Anne Frank Shawn first heard about HOSA at summer band camp through…
Rishika Anasuri
She/Her
Public Relations Officer
“Never allow a person to tell you no who doesn’t have the power to say yes.” — Eleanor Roosevelt After joining HOSA with absolutely no knowledge of it, Rishika quickly…
State Leadership Team
Summer Hagy
She/her
State Advisor
Summer Hagy is the dynamic State Advisor and Executive Director of Minnesota HOSA-FHP. As a part of the Healthforce Center of Excellence, she oversees the development and implementation of innovative…
Lauren Trygstad
She/her
State Officer Advisor
Lauren Trygstad is an integral part of the HOSA-Future Health Professionals community. Her journey with HOSA spans seven enriching years, from her initial role as a State Officer to her…
Bryana Renner
She/her
Chair | CE Coordinator
Bryana started with MN HOSA as a freshman when she started a new school. It gave her a way to meet new friends and explore her passion for healthcare. While…
Malia Hasselius
She/Her
Judge Coordinator
Malia Hasselius started her HOSA journey as a high school junior in a brand new chapter. From there, she quickly became the president of her local chapter and served as…
Application Process
The 2026-2027 State Officer Application will open on 1/19/26. They close on 2/20/26. Interviews offered on rolling schedule, early submissions given priority.
Phase I – Online Application
- Complete the online application by February 20th. (Here is a sample application from previous years)
- Submit two recommendation letters (one from a teacher, one from a non-family adult). Due March 8th.
- Provide a 30-second introduction video explaining what HOSA is.
- Rank top three officer positions and submit required forms and creative materials (e.g., poster, Instagram post).
Phase II – Virtual Interviews
- Participate in virtual interviews with the selection committee during the weeks of February 23rd.
- Discuss your HOSA journey and leadership goals.
Phase III – State Leadership Conference (SLC) Engagement
- Attend the SLC (March 30th-April 1st) and complete the HOSA State Officer Test.
- Must score 70% or higher to be considered for state office.
- Last years pass rate was 55%
- Study guide here
- Must score 70% or higher to be considered for state office.
- Set up a personal trifold display for voting delegates.
- Participate in activities including a 1-minute speech, fishbowl Q&A, and a secret activity with delegates.
Past State Officers
2024-2025
- President: Elaine Phan (Blaine) – Carleton College
- President-Elect: Ivy Lee (Current president – Mounds View High School)
- VP of Growth: Ivy Treitler (Nova Classical Academy) – Northwestern University
- VP of Rural Initiatives: Atlas Hyde (Kingsland High School)
- Activities Coordinator: Jack Trygstad (Current President-Elect – Lakeville South)
- Public Relations: Taydem Sibinski (Blaine) – University of Michigan
2023-2024
- President: Aditya Suresh (Edina) – University of Wisconsin Madison – 2024-2025 HOSA International Central Region VP
- President-Elect: Elaine Phan (Blaine) – Carleton College
- VP of Growth: Dhiren Akkina (Wayzata) – University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- VP of Engagement: Emily Hensel (Prior Lake) – University of Minnesota
- Activities Coordinator: Ken Pham (Lakeville North)
- Public Relations: Ella Weinstein (Edina) – Boston College
2022-2023
- President: Tristen Rothrum (Anoka) – University of Minnesota – Past HOSA International Central Region VP
- Vice President/Board Representative: Sivaani Anandkumar (Shakopee) – BS/MD Tulane University
- Vice President of Engagement: Charlie Workman (Lakeville North) – PharmD University of Iowa
- Vice President of Growth: Neha Kodali (Wayzata) – University of Minnesota
- Vice President of Middle & Collegiate Relations: Sami Tesfaye (Eastview) – Washington University St. Louis
- Public Relations: Vaishu Sudhahar (Shakopee) – Brooklyn College BS/MD
- Activities Coordinator: Malia Hasselius (White Bear Lake) – University of Minnesota
2021-2022
- President: Neha Thawani Nanda
- Vice President: Sivaani Anandkumar – Tulane University BS/MD
- Vice President of Secondary Relations: Mariam Hassan – University of Minnesota
- Vice President of Middle School Relations: Daniella Dake – Harvard University
- Vice President of Post Secondary Relations: Sami Tesfaye – Washington University St. Louis
- Public Relations: Bhavesh Boyapati – Indiana University
- Secretary: Winni Zheng – Johns Hopkins University
2020-2021
- President: Dawson Clifton – West Point Academy
- President-Elect: Neha Thawani Nanda
- Vice President of Secondary Relations: Lauren Trygstad – Gustavus Adolphus College – Past HOSA International Postsecondary Board Representative
- Vice President of Post Secondary Relations: Sena Geleto – University of Minnesota
- Vice President of Middle School Relations: David Wilkens – University of Utah
- Public Relations: Chau-mi Phan – University of Minnesota
- Secretary: Tharun Inturi – University of Minnesota
2019-2020
- President: Gauthum Nair – University of Pennsylvania
- President-Elect: Dawson Clifton – West Point Academy
- Vice President: Lauren Trygstad – Gustavus Adolphus College
- Vice President: Sydney Ziemer – University of Minnesota (Rochester)
- Vice President: Sena Geleto – University of Minnesota
- Secretary: Jack Kujath
2018-2019
- President: Jake Kujath – University of Minnesota (Rochester)
- President-Elect: Gauthum Nair – University of Pennsylvania
- Vice President: Alyssa Arnold – University of Minnesota
- Vice President: Angela Belous – University of Minnesota
- Vice President: Briana Clifton – University of Minnesota BS/MD
- Vice President: Monica Montejo
- Vice President: Morgan Steinkamp – University of Alabama
- Historian: Dawson Clifton – West Point Academy
- Secretary: Sydney Ziemer – University of Minnesota (Rochester)
- Reporter: Jacob Donacik