History of LEAD South Dakota

LEAD began where many good ideas do, at a happy hour. Our founders, Susan Kroger, Carmen Toft and Carrie Johnson commiserated over the election of 2016 and a political landscape that didn’t support their values. Being motivated, determined women they decided to turn lemons into lemonade (with a splash of vodka) and do something about the situation. That day, Wednesday, November 9, 2016, a plan was hatched.

Quickly, a venue was found, a Facebook event was created, and over lunch, on November 11th a name was given – Leaders Engaged And Determined – LEAD. The news spread quickly and with approximately 24 hours of promotion, a community meeting was held with over 100 women and some progressive men (thank you) in attendance.

A passionate fire was lit at Icon Lounge at 3:30 pm on November 12, 2016. Through PostIt notes, productive discussions and a primal scream it became clear, our focus was getting more women and minorities into office. To have quality representation our elected officials needed to look more like our population. We also needed to make sure those who weren’t ready to throw their hat in the ring had ways to become more politically involved, more educated, more empowered.

LEAD started a community that day. The members would no longer sit back quietly in disapproval of their elected officials but instead lift their voices up together and through grassroots organizing, support candidates who won’t accept politics as usual.

LEAD South Dakota exists to foster a community of individuals who empower and encourage positive change for women and families in South Dakota.