Meet Andi Kornowski
I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Andi Kornowski and it doesn’t take long to witness her passion for what she does. Her infectious smile and her ability to communicate immediately puts you at ease.
Andi Kornowski is the Director of KM Global School for Global Leadership and Innovation on the Kettle Moraine High School campus and an Adjunct Professor at Carroll University. She grew up playing softball on the ball diamonds in the Lake Country area and graduated from Kettle Moraine High School in 2004. She then went on to pursue her Bachelor’s in Secondary Education Biological Sciences with Ecology/Field Emphasis from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Later, she got her Master’s in Leadership and Innovation from Wisconsin Lutheran College. In her free time, she enjoys pursuing her passions of running, horticulture, coaching softball, and serving in the community.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I am the oldest of 5 siblings in my family. We have all stayed fairly close to home with our families and our careers which have led us into various aspects of science, both in healthcare and education.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
What I love most about my career is that I get paid to learn everyday. My current position is a good balance of leading, teaching, coaching, and learning. I have gotten as close as I can to pursuing a career that allows me to be a professional student and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities that I have had throughout the past 12 years of my career as a teacher, instructional coach, and school leader in the Kettle Moraine School District.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
My favorite place to go for breakfast is Lumber Inn. For lunch either the Merton Sub Shop or Mama D’s. For dinner, definitely Reveres for their giant pretzel and great menu choices.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I have either lived, coached, or worked in the community since I was in 4th grade.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Greg and Jane Howe for their gifts and talents that they so generously give serving in our community. Greg was instrumental in starting the softball program at Lake Country Lutheran High School and I was fortunate to get to coach with him for five seasons.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie is Frozen. I am a bit of a Disney fan. My favorite TV shows are American Idol and Home Town on HGTV.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Utilize your time and talents to follow your passions and uncover your purpose. Adventure is out there. Take risks. Live a good story.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
I would have to say Dottie’s Bakery. We always enjoyed hot ham and rolls on Sundays as a family.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
Jon Gordon. I love his posts and perspectives on leadership. We would meet outside Roots Coffee Bar on the boardwalk along Fowler Lake. It is such a great place to sit and have a conversation when the weather is nice!
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
My most favorite thing about our community is the parks and trails for hiking, running, and biking. I also love the events our community hosts. A shoutout to Lake Country Family Fun Facebook page for all the great ideas!
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Pursuing life’s next adventure. What is that? I am not quite sure. I still haven’t figured out what I want to do when I grow up.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I once won a race for being the “most average” female in a Silver Circle Sports Events, Average Joe Race.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
Sunset runs around the Oconomowoc lakes and trivia at local establishments with my running teammates.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
Dan Bantin, my former pitching coach and adopted grandfather. He has been my biggest cheerleader throughout my life.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
Family, Laughs, Stories.
