Each Susan G. Komen 3-Day® event has a core team of three coaches, each of whom plays a different role in helping our walkers and crew members prepare for the Komen 3-Day. For months, these dedicated staffers have been having personal conversations with walkers to help them with their training and fundraising, have hosted dozens of local events to bring participants together and build a community of encouragement, and have organized and inspired the amazing team of crew captains and crew members.

Let’s meet the coaches for the Michigan 3-Day® event!

Jennifer Hanskat – Michigan Participant Coach

Jennifer (left) with a fuzzy friend

Describe what you do in ten words or fewer. – “Answering all things 3-Day-related on a daily basis.”

The Michigan 3-Day is coming up soon. What’s a typical day like for you these days? – “We are less than one month out from the start of the Michigan 3-Day and my days are most definitely interesting. I answer a lot of phone calls and emails about preparing for the event and donations, especially matching gifts. I am also the designated 3-Day coach for our Series walkers [participants walking in all seven 3-Day events] so it is not unusual to hear from these folks as well, mostly with logistics questions.”

What are three things we didn’t know about you? “1) I was incredibly shy in high school, a total wallflower; 2) I have been up in a hot air balloon twice; 3) My grandfather had a special nickname for me: Sally Weird. And that just about sums it up!”

Ann Love – Michigan Local Events Coach

Ann sharing a silly moment with her family

Describe your job in 10 words or fewer. – “I recruit walkers, supporters and businesses to paint the route pink! (Oops, that’s 11 words…I lose…)”

The Michigan 3-Day is coming up soon. What’s a typical day like for you these days? – “My typical day, at this point, is spent talking to friends and family who want to support their participants, contacting businesses to solicit in-kind donations for our walkers and crew, talking to participants who are interested in taking on a larger role within our ceremonies and camp show, and approaching neighborhoods and businesses along the route to encourage them to show their support as we walk by.”

What are 3 things that we didn’t know about you? – “1) I’m a science nerd. I have a bachelor’s degree in marine biology and a master’s in environmental science; 2) I’m also a huge geek. Talk Star Wars or Star Trek to me and I will be your new best friend; 3) In “Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon”, I am a 4.”

Gina Guerreso – Michigan Crew & Volunteer Coordinator

Gina and her sweet little man

Describe your job in 10 words or fewer. – “Honored to work with amazing Michigan Crew Captains and Crew. OR Spreading joy and being supportive to the amazing Michigan Crew. (I couldn’t decide!)”

The Michigan 3-Day is coming up soon. What’s a typical day like for you these days? – “My days are jam packed as we get closer and closer to kicking off the 3-Day season in Michigan. On a typical day I have a growing pre-event ‘to do’ list and lots of communication with Crew Captains and Crew. I am also working to finalize certain parts of the All-Crew Kick-Off. I am also your girl for all questions related to host hotels and tenting (for all events, all participants) so it’s a big juggling act, but I am blessed to have a supportive network of co-workers and friends.”

What are 3 things that we didn’t know about you? – “1) I am a reality television junkie (Real Housewives of New Jersey anyone?); 2) I have worked on 3 different 3-Day events in past years: Arizona, Chicago and now Michigan; 3) I secretly love to dance and think it would be fun to be on Dancing with the Stars. Too bad I am not a professional dancer or a celebrity!”

The Michigan coaches are looking forward to seeing and meeting the fabulous walkers and crew members in just a few weeks. Seek them out and say hello!

Next week, we’ll introduce the Twin Cities coaches, so stay tuned!