Anna Brennan, Miss Minnesota, is a full-time student, published journalist, dancer, and advocate for media literacy through her platform, MediaWELL. A senior journalism major at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, she plans to earn a master's in AI Leadership before pursuing a career in news media, expanding MediaWELL into a national curriculum while providing ethical media production and public relations services.

 

As she pursues a career in journalism, she recognizes the impact of modern media on society. Combining her education and life experiences as a member of the digital generation, she advocates for media literacy education through her initiative, MediaWELL. Since launching in 2023, it has reached more than 100,000 people through presentations, workshops, educational content, and legislative advocacy, helping pass Minnesota's landmark social media safety law to protect children from addictive platform features and strengthen parental oversight

 

When she is not in the classroom, Brennan lives out her media literacy message as a practicing journalist and media creator. She interned with the popular lifestyle show Twin Cities Live! at KSTP-TV and works as a social media lead for her university’s athletics. She has also spent time as a reporting intern for ABC6-News in Rochester, Minn., and FFA Live! in Indianapolis, Ind., and hosted a radio show at her university’s radio station, KUST.

 

Beyond her journalistic ambitions, Brennan holds a passion for the arts, performing in over 40 stage productions that span from modern musical theatre to classical ballet. She began dancing at the age of two and has trained professionally at the world-renowned Alonzo King Lines Ballet in San Francisco, Calif., and Ballet West in Salt Lake City, Utah. She grew up training year-round in southern Minnesota in ballet, tap, jazz, and contemporary dance, and has spent time instructing ballet for beginners. Her dancing and choreography have graced national ballet competition stages across the country since 2020. Presently, Brennan choreographs and dances for the Dance Club at the University of St. Thomas and continues her ballet training at Ballet Corps in Rochester, Minn.

 

When she finds some free time, you can find Brennan reflecting on her semester abroad in Spain, listening to yacht rock, watching Star Wars, editing a vlog, or training for her next half-marathon!

 

Anna will compete for the title of Miss America in September 2026. Follow her journey at @missamericamn and @the_annab.