Meagan Avery and her family.
Meagan Avery and her family spend time hiking.
What do you do professionally?
I serve as a major gifts officer with St. Luke’s Foundation, where I have the privilege of building meaningful relationships with donors and philanthropic partners. Together, we connect generosity to initiatives that advance compassionate patient care, research and community health. I support a range of fundraising efforts, including annual and employee campaigns, the grateful patient program, corporate partnerships and external events. What matters most in my work is honoring donor intent and ensuring every gift stays local and directly supports the patients and families served by Aspirus St. Luke’s Hospital and Clinics.
How are you involved
in the community?
I’m engaged in the Duluth-Superior community through board service and volunteerism. I currently serve on the board of directors for the University of Wisconsin–Superior Alumni and Friends Foundation and the Junior League of Duluth. The Junior League is an organization of women committed to advancing leadership and community impact through volunteer service, collaboration and training. I am a sustaining member and past president, and my time with the league has been foundational in shaping me both personally and professionally. My broader involvement includes board service with the Lake Superior YMCA (Superior branch), along with volunteering for local nonprofits and service organizations focused on health, education and community development. Civic engagement is important to me, and I remain involved in efforts that encourage informed participation, equity and strong community connection.
What is important to you?
Living a life of significance has always guided me. When my father passed away in my early 20s, it deeply impacted my family and shaped the path I would take. Throughout his life, he demonstrated kindness to others, and I saw how that quietly shaped both our family and community. His loss came at a pivotal time and, while incredibly difficult, it gave me a clearer sense of purpose. It instilled in me a commitment to live with intention and gratitude each day — not only in how I care for others, but in how I choose to experience my own life. I strive to carry that forward for my niece and daughters, hoping to lead by example as he did for me. I want them to see a good life that is grounded in deep compassion and care for others, but one that also leaves room for curiosity, joy and the freedom to grow into who they are. What matters most to me is living each day with presence and care for the people and community around me, while remaining true to myself.
How do you spend
your free time?
As a parent of young children, this season of life is shaped by them in the best possible way. Much of our time is spent exploring together — playing at parks, sports and activities, piling into the car for a road trip, visiting family or discovering small towns and stopping at local favorites across the region. My husband and I especially love introducing them to places that have become meaningful to us, including our annual trip to Door County, Wisconsin. I’ve also learned to be intentional about reclaiming the parts of myself that can easily get absorbed into motherhood. I feel renewed spending time outdoors, searching for my next favorite foodie find, reading or listening to audiobooks (because I also love to multitask), supporting local businesses — especially Superior’s vibrant downtown — and enjoying quieter moments like a meal out with my husband, antiquing and thrifting with girlfriends, or being at home cooking or baking sourdough.
What are your favorite things about living and working in the Northland?
I was born and raised in Superior, and while I once thought I needed to leave the region to find my path, my experience at the University of Wisconsin–Superior, along with a study abroad opportunity in Spain, shifted that perspective. It deepened my connection to this community. Now, I see the Northland through a different lens. I appreciate the rhythm of all four seasons, the constant presence of Lake Superior and the way this community can show up for one another. Professionally, I feel fortunate to do meaningful, mission-driven work here. Healthcare philanthropy plays a vital role in advancing care, enhancing comfort and ensuring access remains close to home.
What advice would you give to up-and-coming professionals?
A more generous and compassionate world requires all of us. When we give our time, our voice, our money, in small, consistent ways that reflect our values, it shapes who we are and the community around us. Do not wait to become generous; practice it now with whatever you have.
What has been your favorite moment in life?
One of my favorite moments thus far was an ordinary summer evening watching my girls play together in our yard. They ran through the sprinkler and drew with chalk, and we ended the evening with a walk. They rode in their little pink jeep, had popsicles in hand, complete with sticky, colorful smiles, and sang at the top of their lungs "Chattahoochee" and "John Deere Green" (’90s country classics). It was funny, obnoxious and completely full of joy, one of those moments I know I’ll always remember exactly as it was.