It’s no secret - anyone who knows me is well aware that I am devoted to our community. It is important to me to support the organizations that make Coeur d’Alene truly the best place to live! I am passionate about connecting people, organizing events, and raising money for those in need.

I settled in Coeur d’Alene in 2006 after spending my early twenties traveling the world. I was lucky to land a job with the University of Idaho Extension Office, where I worked as a Nutrition Advisor for the Extension Nutrition Program. Through this experience, I partnered with several organizations that address food insecurity in our community. These organizations included area food banks, senior centers, school districts, and more. I voluntarily led the charge in developing Kootenai County’s “Plant a Row for the Hungry,” helping several organizations develop gardens to ensure access to fresh and nutritious vegetables for those with a limited food budget. While this was truly a dream job, life changes led me to pursue other opportunities.

In 2011, I joined the team at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds, where I was the Sponsorship and Special Events Coordinator. This opportunity connected me to the business community. These connections led to being recruited by American Family Insurance, where I began my career as an insurance agent and business owner in 2013! I quickly learned cold-calling and door-knocking were not for me, and I decided to build my business more organically through genuine relationships with referral partners in the community. That realization led me to apply for the Leadership Coeur d’Alene through the Chamber of Commerce. This two-year program was truly life-changing. Through Leadership, I learned the history and inner workings of Coeur d’Alene, my business, and most importantly, I developed truly priceless friendships. Upon completing Leadership, I went on to complete Advanced Leadership and then chaired the Leadership Committee in 2018 and 2019.

Over the last several years, I have volunteered and served on the boards of several local organizations, including the Kootenai County Young Professionals, The Lady d’Alene’s, North Idaho Family Group, St. Vincent de Paul Fashion Show Committee, the Boys & Girls Club Auction Committee, and Dalton Gardens PTO just to name a few! In 2016, I was asked to sit on the Fashion Show Committee for the Kootenai Health Foundation Festival of Trees. Little did I know that this committee would lead me to the very best friends a girl could ask for! It also sparked my interest in fashion.

I was recently appointed to serve on the North Idaho Fair Board, where I am able to put my past experience to work. In addition, in my absolute favorite volunteer role, I serve on Coeur d’Alene Rotary’s (noon club) Board of Directors, where I am the co-chair of our Social Committee, the co-chair for our signature fundraiser,Coeur d’Irish (also known as the most fun St Patrick’s Day celebration in town), as well as chair of Public Image for our district. From my first meeting in 2017, Rotary’s motto, “Service above Self,” resonated deeply as my parents helped instill this concept in me at a very young age.

You don’t often hear me say “No” when there is an opportunity to serve. As a result, there is often a struggle to find a balance in serving my community, my family, my business, and my personal life - but I wouldn’t change it for the world! I am beyond grateful for the opportunities I have to sit at the table with our community leaders and most influential people, for the support I have received in my business, and the friendships I have built. I truly hope to inspire the passion to serve in others, especially my daughter, just like my parents did for me.

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Miranda Hamilton is a KCYP Member, Lady d'Alenes Member and an Independent Insurance Agent  for Insurance Northwest.