By Eileen Persike
Editor

Jessie Dick

The Rhinelander advocacy group Forward Rhinelander recently selected 10 individuals from many nominations to represent the “Top 10” under the age of 40. As a way to get to know them, the Star Journal is featuring one of the ten each week.

In this fourth installment, we meet WXPR Public Radio president and manager, Jessie Dick. Jessie has lived in the Northwoods at worked at WXPR since 2003. She is a graduate of Colorado State University and volunteers throughout the community. Jessie lives outside of Tomahawk with her husband Jay, and sons Cooper, 7, and Cecil, 5.

• How would you encourage other young people to get involved in their communities? We are fortunate to live in a community that is welcoming. There are many nonprofits in the area that need both the help and the ideas that young people offer. Embrace what you’re passionate about, whether it’s art, movies, mountain biking, music, animals…there is a way to get involved and make a difference.

• Who are your mentors? I have worked with many talented volunteers and community members. When asked about their careers, most define success as having a job that is both fulfilling and enjoyable.

• To date, what are you most proud of accomplishing? Professionally, I’ve been part of some really exciting projects, including the fundraising effort that moved WXPR downtown. I was recently named station manager with the full support of the WXPR staff. I have so much respect this group of talented individuals and knowing that I had their support was incredible.

• What is your favorite thing about Rhinelander? In larger cities it’s hard to join clubs, get involved in events, or perhaps start something of your own. Rhinelander has the attitude that if you want to get something done or be involved change, just go for it, you can do it.

• If you could change one thing about Rhinelander, what would that be? I love to ski, so a mountain range would be nice! Seriously, I think Rhinelander and the Northwoods have so much to offer, but people tend to see what we don’t have instead of all that we do have. If I could change anything, it would be that mindset.