Empowerment Starts Here
EmBe’s beginnings are rooted in meetings in 1921 that formed the YWCA in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The vision to serve women and families has remained strong, empowering people to create lives of meaning and purpose, creating a community that serves everyone well.
Mission
Empowering women and families to enrich lives.
Vision
We transform lives, supporting success at work, at home and in life.
Values
Leading, Empowering & Inspiring
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors governs EmBe providing leadership and vision to our organization. The board of directors consists of influential women and men of all ages, ethnicities and backgrounds ranging from human resources and law to finance and communications.

Kendra Calhoun
Board Chair – Avera

Sonja Theisen
Vice Chair – MetaBank

Nicole Tupman
Treasurer – Woods Fuller

Alex Halbach
Immediate Past Chair – Cutler Law Firm
Lisa Irvine
Secretary – CURO Financial Technologies Corp

Joe Beck
Raven Industries

John Meyer
Lemonly

Natasha Smith
Sanford Health
The EmBe Board of Directors and committee members are the connection between the community and our mission. They provide guidance and governance, often offering unique skill sets and support to our staff. If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to complete the nomination form. We are not actively accepting nominations now, but are always interested in having a conversation about being part of how EmBe serves the region.
Leadership
The EmBe Senior Leadership Team is a diverse group, united in their connection and passion for EmBe’s mission and serving this community.
Documents and Reports
The support of people like you help EmBe to continue to serve the community well. The following materials share more detail about our fiscal responsibility.
Community Partners
The EmBe vision encompasses collaboration and partnerships as a vehicle to enhance the programs and services our organization provides to the Sioux Falls community. As a supporter of EmBe programs and services, these relationships help to ensure:
- Women are able to choose a career outside the home because her children have safe, quality childcare in her absence
- Girls are taught leadership skills that carry with them into adulthood
- Skill enhancing and fun programs are available to kids throughout the year (i.e. volleyball league, soccer league, summer camps, babysitting camps)
- Programs are offered on “no school” days allowing parents to maintain a full work day if desired
- Health and wellness services can be expanded to those that cannot afford the services and to entire families

