LEADers Engaged in the Community

Members Take on Leadership Roles, Promote Positive Change

Whether running for legislative office, calling and writing our representatives, or educating others on how to make a difference in our community, the members of LEAD know what it means to be leaders. And for some of our members, that leadership is being recognized by other incredible Sioux Falls organizations.

One of these organizations is EmBe, which offers programs that empower and support women and children, respect diversity and inclusion, and promote a healthy community. Each year, EmBe names a group of women who embody these values to their Women’s Leadership Class. Among the 2017-18 class are five of our very own LEADers: Abby Bischoff, Lucy Albers, Melissa Wirt, Anne Weyer, Sara Lum and LEAD co-chair, Susan Kroger.

Susan Kroger is a co-founder and board co-chair of LEAD South Dakota.

Susan Kroger, co-founder and co-chair of LEAD, is excited to be chosen for the EmBe Women’s Leadership Program: “I was encouraged to apply from someone I consider a mentor, and I was honored that she encouraged me, “ she said. “This program welcomes some of the most driven and successful women in our community. I’m thrilled to be counted among them and looking forward to learning from them.”

Another program in town that recognizes and prepares leaders to affect positive change is the Evan C. Nolite Leadership Sioux Falls program, which promotes and fosters citizens to be community leaders that are informed, dedicated, and active participants in Sioux Falls.

We want to congratulate two of our very own LEADers who have been chosen for the program: member Katrin Profilet, and board member Nikki Gronli. Through Leadership Sioux Falls, participants will be immersed in educational experiences that focus on changing community issues, challenges, and opportunities, teaching them ways they can use their personal strength to serve and engage in active citizenship.

Nikki Gronli is a founding member and communications chair of LEAD South Dakota.

Nikki Gronli, a founding member and communications chair, has completed the first three of nine sessions of Leadership Sioux Falls: “It’s a great way to learn about local government, have conversations with those currently in local offices, and network with other people who are passionate about the Sioux Falls region.”

We’re proud of all our members for taking on the important task of promoting change in Sioux Falls. We’d love to hear how you are taking an active leadership role your community, so if you have a story to share, email Nikki Gronli.

Get to know some of our active community LEADers.

LEAD representation in EmBe Class of 2018

Lucy Albers is the Senior Marketing Manager at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center and Orpheum Theater Center. Lucy is a South Dakota State University alum with a passion for the entertainment and venue industry. In her “spare” time she is the President of Sioux Empire Rock-a-Betty, an active member of Sioux Falls Up and Coming, a summer sand volleyball and softball player, and an avid volunteer.

Abby Bischoff is the owner and photographer of Flock Studio in Sioux Falls. She specializes in casual, modern portraits for weddings, high school seniors and families. When not photographing people, Abby is often on the backroads of South Dakota hunting for and photographing abandoned farm houses for her project, “Abandoned: South Dakota” (or, engaging with the 32,000 Facebook fans that the project currently has). Abby is a farm kid originally from Huron, SD and a proud graduate of South Dakota State University. She likes indie music, Nancy Purrlosi (her cat), and heartfelt television comedies. Her not-so-secret vices are coffee, equality, baby goat videos, bright lipstick, and spending way too much time trying to tame the squirrels in her backyard.

Sara Lum is a licensed architect working at JLG Architects in Sioux Falls. After receiving a Master of Architecture degree from Rice University, Sara completed a design fellowship at a non-profit in Omaha. She returned to South Dakota as the fifth faculty member hired to start the Department of Architecture at SDSU. Sara volunteers for the Sioux Falls Design Center, produces a monthly podcast about female leaders in South Dakota, and is a member of the N-Club as a former walk-on to the University of Nebraska women’s basketball team.

Anne Weyer, Assistant Director of Development, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra has 10 years experience working in Arts and Culture Nonprofits across the state of South Dakota.The last 4 years have been spent in Sioux Falls with the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra. In her spare time, Anne is an active member of P.E.O., a political volunteer/advocate, and archery enthusiast. She hopes that the EmBe Women’s Leadership Program will propel her into new career challenges and build on her growing network in the Sioux Falls community.

Melissa Wirt, a Registered Veterinary Technician at All City Pet Care East lives south of Lennox with husband, Adam (Manager, POET Research Center), and daughters, Jovie (10) & Emerson (7). They raise sheep and pigs with their in-laws and her girls are active in 4-H and showing livestock. She is a leader of the Long Creek Legends 4-H Club, coach of Girls on the Run in Lennox and the Vice Chair of the Lincoln County Democrats. Wirt is a native of Big Stone City, SD. She has B.S. Degrees in Animal Science and Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from SDSU and an A.A.S. Degree in Veterinary Technology from Northeast Community College.

LEAD representation in Leadership Sioux Falls

Katrin Profilet was born, raised, and educated in Sioux Falls, SD. She graduated from Augustana University with her Bachelors of Arts in Art, Business, and French. After college, Katrin lived and worked in Boston, MA for nearly 4 years where she managed guest services at the Boston Harbor Hotel. Katrin moved back to Sioux Falls in the Spring of 2016 to pursue a role at P&M Steel, a family-owned steel fabricating company that her grandfather started in 1970. She is the Business Manager. In her free time, Katrin enjoys playing tennis, doing yoga, cooking, and spending time with her husband, Zach, and dog, a Saint Berdoodle named Gouda.

Congratulations and thanks to all for stepping up and LEADing!

ABOUT LEAD SOUTH DAKOTA

LEAD South Dakota is a registered 501c(4) nonprofit.  LEAD (Leaders Engaged And Determined) is a grassroots organization aimed at bringing awareness to issues facing South Dakota, the United States, and abroad. LEAD exists to foster a community of individuals who empower and encourage women to be actively involved in all stages of the political process in order to effect positive change for women and families in South Dakota.

LEAD is not affiliated with any political party or organization. We are welcoming and inclusive of all people, regardless of race, age, religion, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, or citizenship.