Alicia Kangas
Founder, Director, CEO
Duluth,MN
Summary
Professional with extensive experience in founding and managing businesses, demonstrating exceptional leadership and strategic planning capabilities. Proven track record in creating and implementing effective business strategies, fostering team collaboration, and driving growth. Known for adaptability and results-focused approach, excelling in dynamic and fast-paced environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
7
7
years of post-secondary education
7
7
Certificates
Work History
Founder, Director, CEO
HOLISTIC RIVERS, INC.
Duluth, MN
08.2020 - Current
- Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.
- Established a successful business by identifying market needs and developing innovative solutions.
Licensed Insurance Agent
Symmetry Financial Group
Swannanoa, North Carolina
09.2025 - 11.2025
- Leveraged knowledge of company insurance products and services to advise customers on appropriate choices.
- Provided coverage option information to assist clients in protecting assets.
Executive Director
OWN YOUR PURPOSE, INC.
Duluth , MN
11.2021 - 11.2024
- Managed a diverse team of professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment for increased productivity.
- Developed and implemented organizational strategies to achieve set goals and objectives and secured long-term success.
Executive to Senior Level Executive Contributor
Brainz Magazine
Duluth, MN
01.2020 - 12.2022
- Established long-term client relationships through consistent delivery of high-quality products and services.
- Enhanced customer satisfaction by streamlining communication channels and improving response times.
Optician, Store Manager
Walmart
Duluth, MN
05.2016 - 08.2021
- Achieved a high rate of repeat business through diligent relationship-building efforts with patients and clients alike.
- Troubleshot issues with prescription eyewear, offering swift resolution to maintain customer satisfaction levels.
Retail Marketing Director
The Red Door
Duluth, MN
04.2011 - 05.2016
- Developed training materials for staff members to improve their understanding of marketing objectives and enhance customer experience in store.
- Monitored competitor activities to identify potential threats or opportunities within the marketplace, informing strategic adjustments as necessary to maintain competitive advantage.
Professional Photographer
True Colors Studio
Duluth, MN
02.2006 - 04.2011
- Enhanced client satisfaction by delivering high-quality photographs for various events and projects.
- Organized workshops for aspiring photographers covering technical skills improvement and creative direction insights.
Education
Registered SomaYoga Teacher -
Yoga North International SomaYoga Institute
Duluth, MN 11.2020 - 08.2021
Certified Holistic Health Practitioner -
Institute For Integrative Nutrition (IIN)
New York, NY 03.2020 - 09.2020
Associate of Science - Business Administration, Registered Nursing
Lake Superior College
Duluth, MN 08.1998 - 05.2004
Skills
Diligent
Meticulous
Dependable
Self-Motivated
Analytical and Critical Thinking
Training and Development
Interpersonal Communication
Talent Acquisition Expert
Flexible and Adaptable
Dependable and Responsible
Cross-Functional Communication
Business Administration
Business Development
Customer Relations
Staff and Team Management
Financial Management
Consulting
Project Management
Identifying Best Practices
Managing Multiple Projects
Driving Continuous Improvement
Database Management
Accounting Software
Marketing and Advertising Strategies
Business Plan Development
Team Building and Bonding
Motivational and Inspirational Leader
Positive World Influencer
Coaching and Mentoring
Community Arts and Cultural Development
Team Leadership
Travel and Study Abroad Experience
Business Management
Cultural Awareness
AI (Artificial Intelligence)
Accomplishments
2022 BRAINZ 500 GLOBAL AWARD-WINNER, Jan 2022
Selected as one of their prestigious honorees for the 2022 BRAINZ 500 GLOBAL AWARD that is awarded to the top 500 Companies and Influential Leaders from across the globe who have been recognized for their entrepreneurial success, achievements, and dedication towards helping others.
PRESS RELEASE, Oct 2021
Featured on ABC, NBC, FOX, USA TODAY, CBS, along with over five-hundred other media companies.
2021 CREA GLOBAL AWARD-WINNER, Jan 2021
Selected as one of their prestigious honorees for the 2021 CREA GLOBAL AWARD in recognition of being one of the top entrepreneurs, influential leaders, and innovators from across the globe.
AWARD-WINNING ENTREPRENEUR, POSITIVE WORLD INFLUENCER, Aug 2009
Recognized and Awarded by Marquis Who's Who in America as one of America's Top Entrepreneurs and Positive World Influencers. Marquis Who's Who in America endeavors to profile the leaders of American society who are highly influencing their nation's development. Biographies in Marquis Who's Who are of individuals whose achievements and contributions to society have made them subjects of widespread reference interest and inquiry.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Quote
I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.
Thomas Edison
Timeline
Licensed Insurance Agent
Symmetry Financial Group
09.2025 - 11.2025
Executive Director
OWN YOUR PURPOSE, INC.
11.2021 - 11.2024
Registered SomaYoga Teacher -
Yoga North International SomaYoga Institute
11.2020 - 08.2021
Founder, Director, CEO
HOLISTIC RIVERS, INC.
08.2020 - Current
Executive to Senior Level Executive Contributor
Brainz Magazine
01.2020 - 12.2022
Optician, Store Manager
Walmart
05.2016 - 08.2021
Retail Marketing Director
The Red Door
04.2011 - 05.2016
Professional Photographer
True Colors Studio
02.2006 - 04.2011
Associate of Science - Business Administration, Registered Nursing
Lake Superior College
08.1998 - 05.2004
Certified Holistic Health Practitioner -
Institute For Integrative Nutrition (IIN)
03.2020 - 09.2020
Volunteering
Rotarian - Rotary International
As a Rotarian, it has contributed to the implementation of my professional development in public speaking and event management, while supporting high ethical standards and building a substantial network of community-minded advocates from diverse backgrounds.
Certification
First Aid, CPR, AED
Affiliations
- Hermantown Community Church
- Jesus Is Life Ministries
- Duluth Dream Center
- Rotary International