Leadership South Dakota

Leadership South Dakota

Professional Training and Coaching

Sioux Falls , South Dakota 3,719 followers

Building the next generation of South Dakota leaders

About us

The future success of South Dakota depends on our development of homegrown leaders; passionate and diverse citizens from every corner of the state. Leadership South Dakota’s mission is to attract engaged citizens from across the state, then provide them with the background, unique experiences and insights necessary to assume leadership positions at the community, state and national levels.

Industry
Professional Training and Coaching
Company size
2-10 employees
Headquarters
Sioux Falls , South Dakota
Type
Privately Held
Founded
2014
Specialties
Leadership Training

Locations

Employees at Leadership South Dakota

Updates

  • 🌟 Leadership South Dakota Class of 2025 Spotlight: Katey Ulrich🌟 Meet Katey Ulrich, the dynamic Director of Admissions & Marketing at The University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law. By day, Katey is busy managing and executing recruitment and marketing strategies to help aspiring law students find their perfect fit. By night, she’s running XIX Brewing Company, a vibrant spot in downtown Vermillion. It’s safe to say Katey wears many hats, and she wears them all with passion and purpose! Katey’s favorite part of her job is connecting with students who are considering law school. She loves hearing about their goals and dreams and exploring how the Knudson School of Law can help bring them to life. Plus, the chance to travel to different college campuses for recruitment events is a bonus she truly enjoys. When it comes to leadership, Katey believes opportunities to grow are everywhere. “You can develop your leadership skills in nearly any experience or role,” she says. “Take advantage of opportunities to expand what you know and know that you deserve to be there.” Katey’s decision to join the Leadership South Dakota program was driven by her desire to broaden her understanding of the state and build meaningful connections. For her, it’s all about the people you meet along the way. “Most experiences are made better by the people you know,” she shares. “This program helps me expand my network of people to call wherever you are in the state!” Her advice to anyone considering Leadership South Dakota? “Do it!” she says enthusiastically. “No matter where you are in your personal and professional life, it will absolutely be worth your time and investment.” As a proud Vermillion resident, Katey is looking forward to showing off the Yankton/Vermillion area during the program. And here’s a fun fact about Katey: She has a twin sister and an older sister, but they were once mistaken for triplets on live TV! During a nationally televised Minnesota Twins game, they were “circled by Bert” as triplets, creating a unique and memorable family moment. ⭕ Thank you, Katey, for sharing your story and inspiring us with your leadership journey. We’re excited to see the impact you’ll continue to make in South Dakota! #LeadershipSouthDakota #LeadershipSD2025 #MeetTheClass

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  • 🌟 Leadership South Dakota Class of 2025 Spotlight: Sara Waldner 🌟 Introducing Sara Waldner, an Account Supervisor at Lawrence & Schiller! In her role, Sara oversees the marketing strategy for clients in healthcare, B2B, and retail. She manages client budgets, relationships, and projects, ensuring that her team delivers exceptional results and that clients are delighted with their partnership. What Sara loves most about her job is the continuous learning and collaboration with incredibly smart and talented colleagues. She believes that even the most challenging situations can be growth opportunities. For Sara, leadership is more than just a job title; it's about embracing a mindset of ownership and accountability. She believes in leading by example, tackling less glamorous tasks, and showing vulnerability when faced with difficult situations. She approaches her work as if it were for her own business, ensuring high standards in everything she does. Participating in the Leadership South Dakota program is important to Sara as it offers a fantastic opportunity to grow and develop professionally. With a strong reputation for fostering relationships and deepening understanding of how the state operates, she sees it as an invaluable experience. Sara encourages anyone considering the program to commit fully: "Leadership SD is a BIG time commitment, so make sure you're ready to dive all in! There's never a 'good time' to add something new to your plate, so don't wait for life to slow down. You won't regret making time for your personal growth!" She's excited to learn more about the diverse businesses and communities that make South Dakota unique. She hopes to be surprised by the challenges and the remarkable individuals who help navigate them. Fun fact about Sara: She is a certified 200-hour yoga instructor and a basic scuba diver! 🧘♀️🤿 Join us in celebrating Sara's commitment to leadership and her state! #LeadershipSouthDakota #LeadershipSD2025 #MeetTheClass

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  • 🌟 Leadership South Dakota Class of 2025 Spotlight: Sara Lum, AIA, MBA 🌟 Introducing Sara Lum, a Creative Partner at Strategie! In her role, Sara leads the development and execution of creative marketing solutions for clients while guiding long-term operational and financial planning for the business. As a self-proclaimed spreadsheet enthusiast, she thrives on processes and the satisfaction of bringing ideas to life. What does Sara love most about her work? The variety and the ability to build genuine relationships while solving problems through design. She believes that good design addresses challenges and delivers impactful results. Sara emphasizes that effective leadership involves embracing your strengths, surrounding yourself with people who excel in areas where you may not, and knowing your role within a team. She likens herself to "Robin to Batman," highlighting the importance of a solid number two in any great team. Participating in the Leadership South Dakota program resonates with Sara's values of continuous learning, community engagement, and relationship-building. She views this experience as an opportunity to enhance her effectiveness as a leader in her business and community. For those considering applying for Leadership SD, Sara encourages: "Take the leap and apply! This is a unique opportunity to expand your leadership skills, broaden your perspective, and build meaningful connections across the state." This year, she's particularly excited about the session focused on health and finance—fields that can often feel mysterious even for those familiar with them, as Sara knows well, having grown up with parents in both industries. Fun fact: Sara was a D1 walk-on basketball player with a perfect shooting record—1 for 1! 🏀 She's also a high school basketball referee and is passionate about encouraging other women and young professionals to engage in their communities and develop their leadership skills through officiating. Join us in celebrating Sara's commitment to creativity, leadership, and community impact! #LeadershipSouthDakota #LeadershipSD2025 #MeetTheClass

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  • That's a wrap, folks! 🎉 Our annual giving campaign was an incredible success, and it's all thanks to YOU! A huge THANK YOU to our fantastic network of program alums, AGC Class Champions, Campaign Chair Anshu Chandra, Board of Directors, friends, and sponsors. Your dedication, generosity, and hard work have made record-breaking success possible. 📸 Swipe through to see the incredible impact you've made—including an impressive $50,914 in donations! Because of your time, talent, and treasure, Leadership SD remains accessible to everyone. Finances will not be a barrier for future participants, ensuring the next generation of leaders can experience this life-changing program.

  • After this week’s quarterly meeting with our Board of Directors, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to have such passionate and committed individuals guiding Leadership South Dakota. Their dedication ensures that our organization continues to grow and empower the next generation of leaders in our state. Thank you for your continued generosity, vision, and unwavering belief in our mission! 💙 Pictured L-R: Exec. Director John Meyer (Class of 2018), Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, Dana Dykhouse, Lynn Kendall (Class of 2020), Paula Jensen (Class of 2016), Paul Tschetter (Class of 2015), Dr. Heather Spies, and Don Hedrick (Class of 2017)

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  • We are incredibly grateful and excited to say a huge “THANK YOU!” to Sammons Financial Group Companies for their outstanding generosity and belief in our mission on this Giving Tuesday and South Dakota Day of Giving! 🎉💙 Sammons Financial Group is making a tremendous impact by contributing a full-ride scholarship of $5,000 (covering tuition and travel expenses) for a future participant of Leadership South Dakota. This gift directly empowers the leaders of tomorrow and strengthens communities across our great state. Your support means the world to us! Thank you for helping us build a brighter future for SD! 🌟 #ForSouthDakota #MissionMatters #SDDayOfGiving #LeadSD

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  • As we celebrate South Dakota Day of Giving and the final day of our annual giving campaign, we’re filled with gratitude for our incredible community—our alumni, Board of Directors, Friends of the Program, and generous sponsors—who have united to create lasting impact. Your generosity ensures that future participants of Leadership SD can access this transformative program free from financial barriers. Together, you’re empowering the next generation of South Dakota’s leaders to grow, connect, and lead with purpose. Today, we celebrate YOU—our community of changemakers. Your dedication and passion inspire us and create a ripple effect that will be felt across South Dakota for years to come. 💙 Thank you for showing up, leading with heart, and investing in South Dakota’s future! ⏰ There’s still time to make an impact! Today is the final day to donate to our campaign. Your gift helps fund tuition and travel scholarships for future participants and supports ongoing alumni programs. ➡️ Learn more and donate: https://lnkd.in/gvprBSSm #LeadershipSD #ForSouthDakota South Dakota Gives #AttitudeOfGratitude

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  • 🌟 Leadership South Dakota Class of 2025 Spotlight: Katie Bartling 🌟 Meet Katie Bartling, the VP of Marketing & Customer Experience at Sammons Financial Group Companies! As the leader of a talented team, Katie empowers clients, distribution partners, and sales teams to navigate the world of life insurance. Through creative marketing campaigns and intentional service design, she ensures individuals have the tools and knowledge to make informed financial decisions and secure their futures. Katie's favorite part of her role is collaborating with her incredible team. The camaraderie and shared purpose in their mission make every project fulfilling. Knowing their efforts contribute to protecting families and businesses through life insurance adds even more meaning to their work. One of the most important lessons Katie has learned about leadership is the value of authenticity and self-awareness. Leading from a place of empathy and understanding allows her to connect meaningfully with her team and build trust. She also believes in the importance of continual growth as a leader, leaning into strengths while being open to learning and adapting. Participating in the Leadership South Dakota program is vital for Katie, as it offers a unique opportunity to refine her leadership skills while understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the state. She looks forward to connecting with diverse leaders and engaging in meaningful discussions about community and regional issues. For those considering applying for next year's class of Leadership South Dakota, Katie encourages: "Take the leap and embrace the opportunity! This program is a fantastic way to step outside your comfort zone and grow both personally and professionally." This year, she's particularly excited for the session in Rapid City, eager to explore the beauty of that part of South Dakota. Fun fact: Katie played soccer at the University of Nebraska—Go Huskers! ⚽️🏆 Join us in celebrating Katie's commitment to leadership and community impact! #LeadershipSouthDakota #LeadershipSD2025 #MeetTheClass

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  • We had a jam-packed schedule in and around Rapid City last week! A huge thanks to the amazing hosts and speakers that shared their passions, leadership lessons, and time with our class. This session helped strengthen class bonds, give some time for self reflection, and network with a great group of West River alumni. Is it time for the next session yet?! ;) #LeadershipSD2025

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