Oktoberfest Ambassador
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Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest is pleased to announce André Killingbeck as the 2025-2026 Ambassador.
André succeeds Katie Kneisel, who proudly served as the 2024-2025 Ambassador.
At 24, André brings passion for community, culture, and connection to this one-of-a-kind role that blends leadership, volunteerism, and the celebration of Bavarian tradition. André works as a Care Access Coordinator at CBI Home Health and is deeply committed to serving others. As the first male Ambassador, he sees his role as “setting a tone” — one that reflects both the joy of celebration and the responsibility of community care.
Proud to represent a region that “not only celebrates its heritage but also looks out for one another,” André is eager to build upon the program’s legacy. “By combining tradition with responsibility, Oktoberfest is a place where everyone can feel like they belong,” he shares. “I’m honoured to represent Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest and contribute to its spirit of tradition, unity, and fun.”
Headshot courtesy of Lindsay Coulter Photography
Want to add some Gemütlichkeit to your event? Request the Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Ambassador to attend!
About the Program
The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Ambassador Program is a unique and rewarding opportunity for young leaders in Waterloo Region, offering a dynamic blend of personal growth, skill development, and meaningful volunteerism. Open to residents aged 19 to 29, the program celebrates both the rich traditions of Bavarian culture and the vibrant diversity of our local community.
Ambassadors serve as prominent representatives of the K-W Oktoberfest Festival and the region it proudly calls home. This high-profile role includes public speaking, media appearances, social media engagement, participation in Oktoberfest Cares initiatives, and so much more. Through their involvement, Ambassadors gain invaluable experience, build lifelong connections, and contribute to a lasting legacy, helping to shape the present and inspire the future of Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest.
The Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Ambassador Program operates on four pillars:
Community
Festival Traditions
Giving Back
Personal Passion
Danke to our 2024-2025 Oktoberfest Ambassador – Katie Kneisel
A 26-year-old aspiring teacher and learning specialist, Katie recently completed her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology and Physical Education, with a minor in Educational Psychology at Wilfrid Laurier University and plans to attend teachers’ college this upcoming year.
Katie was eager to take over the role as Oktoberfest Ambassador because of a deep appreciation for her German heritage and her passion for community engagement, social networking and focus on inclusivity. “K-W Oktoberfest is not only a celebration of culture, but also an opportunity to connect with others and foster a sense of belonging,” shares Katie Kneisel. “I aim to utilize this platform to spread positivity throughout our community while inspiring others to embrace diversity, be present in the moment and cultivate compassion for one another.”
2023-2024 Oktoberfest Ambassador – Alexandra (Allie) Steffler
A recent Master of Arts in Media Production graduate from Toronto Metropolitan University, during her Ambassador time Allie was working as a Producer’s Executive Assistant at Scythia Films.
As a life-long resident of Waterloo Region, Allie had witnessed the positive impact the Festival had made on the community. Oktoberfest held a special place in her heart, making it her most cherished time of the year. Her goal was to create an atmosphere where everyone, regardless of their background, had the opportunity to experience the unity that Oktoberfest embodied. Becoming an Oktoberfest Ambassador allowed her to contribute to the continuation of a beloved heritage while enhancing it to better reflect the evolving community. She aimed to be a bridge between tradition and progress.
2022-2023 Oktoberfest Ambassador – Samantha Hild
Samantha, a recent graduate of the CMU College of Makeup Art & Design, had grown up attending the festival. During the pandemic, she turned to artistic expression and social media to help manage her anxiety, discovering a passion for mental health awareness, art, and design.
“The past few years were life-changing,” she said. “After struggling with anxiety for a decade, I finally felt in control—thanks in large part to social media. Using TikTok during the pandemic greatly improved my confidence, communication skills, and mental health.”
As the Oktoberfest Ambassador, Samantha aimed to inspire kindness, promote positivity, and raise awareness about mental health.
FAQ’s
Is this replacing Miss Oktoberfest?
We have retired the Miss Oktoberfest program. The Ambassador Program was created to reflect our changing festival and the diverse community that we call home. The program is designed to be inclusive to all Oktoberfest and community champions.
Do I need to be German/Bavarian to be considered?
No! You just need to have a passion for our festival and our local community.
Who can apply?
Anyone between the ages 19-29 and residing within 40km of Waterloo Region can apply! We are welcoming of all gender identities, races, and cultures.
How is the Ambassador chosen?
Selection is based on the application, interview process with the selection panel, and overall participation in the pre-interview events. Stay tuned for dates on the pre-interview events.
What are the benefits of the program?
- Personal growth in areas such as public speaking, confidence, trying new things, meeting new people
- Career advancement opportunities in areas of networking, community involvement, and volunteerism
- Training in areas such as diversity & inclusion, media appearances, and social media
- This is a unique chance to be involved with both Oktoberfest and other events in our local community in a way that you could not experience elsewhere – like the “VIP” experience, “behind the scenes” , etc.
What kind of activities does the Ambassador do?
- Public speaking engagements, community appearances, opportunities to volunteer within the festival and alongside community partners
- Supporting/managing a social media platform
- Appearances throughout Oktoberfest, such as Official Keg Tapping, Festhallen visits, Thanksgiving Day Parade, Oktoberfest Cares events
How long is the role/what kind of commitment?
Year-long commitment, heaviest time commitment is during the festival itself.
How much does it cost to apply?
There are NO application fees
What do I need to wear as the Ambassador? Do I need to own tracht?
No, you do not need to own tracht! We encourage applicants to dress accordingly for their interviews or event appearances.
