Jo Bender
Jo Bender (born 1970) is a broadcaster from Minnesota who currently hosts a radio show on Christian Radio for KTIS Faith Radio Network in the Midwest. Bender also worked as a television reporter and meteorologist at KSTP-TV, KARE-11 TV, WCCO-TV and KMSP TV in Minneapolis. Bender competed in the Miss America pageant.
Bender was chosen Miss Minnesota 1992 at the age of 22. She competed at the 1993 Miss America Pageant and was selected as a talent winner for her performance on the fiddle. Bender became one of the most traveled Miss Minnesota in the pageant's history, performing a self-esteem program thousands of elementary school students during her year as Miss Minnesota.
Following her year as Miss Minnesota 1992, Bender spent one year as a missionary for Merge Ministries in Reynosa, Mexico where she assisted churches along the border in building youth programs and facilitated mission trips for churches.[1]
Bender holds a certificate in Broadcast Meteorology from Mississippi State University and a degree in Broadcasting from St. Cloud State University. She received a Master's Degree in Theological Studies from University of Northwestern – St. Paul and currently teaches at that University in the Biblical Studies department.
She also travels as an inspirational speaker, presenting talks on faith and a spirit-filled life. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband and children.
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| Preceded by Julie Richardson |
Miss Minnesota 1992 |
Succeeded by Shawna Stoltenberg |