Donor Digest

Donor Highlight: John and Paige Pearson-Meyer

Mikena VanLiere2024-12-23T10:42:11-06:00

Donor Spotlight: John and Paige Pearson Meyer We are fortunate to have a very involved board that wholeheartedly aligns with us and lends a hand in creating our vision of a community where children thrive, women excel, and families succeed. John Meyer, the outgoing president of our Board, has seen EmBe Education since the inception of the idea in 2022, and now, he and his wife, Paige, are the inaugural donors of our Scholarship Fund in 2024. “I think EmBe is building something really special with the new EmBe Education program. Everything for a family starts with making sure the [...]

Donor Highlight: John and Paige Pearson-MeyerMikena VanLiere2024-12-23T10:42:11-06:00

Culture Link + Swimming Lessons

Mikena VanLiere2024-10-21T12:39:32-05:00

Sponsored piece written by Jodi Schwan The scene that unfolded on a series of Sunday afternoons late this summer inside EmBe was nothing short of life-changing. From infants to their parents, and children of all ages, many stepped into a swimming pool for the first time in their lives. “A lot of Americans give children swimming lessons almost from the moment they’re born – but unfortunately in the African community, we might have five or six children in one household, so who are you going to give lessons to on a limited income,” said Gisma Ali, who recently became [...]

Culture Link + Swimming LessonsMikena VanLiere2024-10-21T12:39:32-05:00

Women’s Leadership Reunion Celebration Recap

Mikena VanLiere2024-04-30T15:40:22-05:00

A few weeks ago, we had the fantastic opportunity to gather our past cohorts together for an evening of reminiscent fun, engagement and storytelling. The Women’s Leadership Reunion Celebration was hosted at the Washington Pavilion in the Visual Arts Center. An added bonus to our event was the History of Women was currently on display; a true testament to the powerful women who filled the room. It was truly a memorable evening filled with reconnecting and reflecting on the impact this program has had on our lives and [...]

Women’s Leadership Reunion Celebration RecapMikena VanLiere2024-04-30T15:40:22-05:00

Women’s Spotlight: Meet Kristi Murfield

Mikena VanLiere2025-01-28T15:38:46-06:00

Kristi Murfield has seen the full-circle impact of EmBe throughout her involvement with Women’s Programs and as a 2023 Tribute to Women nominee. Since 2022, she has been an active participant in Career Network (formerly Tapestry) and the Making Cent$ Financial Literacy Program. Kristi came to EmBe when she was a season in her life, working through a difficult transition. “I was looking for confidence and a sense of direction to move forward, and EmBe was there for me with their Dress for Success program. Not only did I receive help cultivating a different look for a new career [...]

Women’s Spotlight: Meet Kristi MurfieldMikena VanLiere2025-01-28T15:38:46-06:00

Donor Spotlight: Meet Jeannie Blackman

Mikena VanLiere2025-01-30T12:49:15-06:00

Jeannie Blackman's roots with EmBe trace back to the very inception of the now-iconic Tribute to Women event, formerly known as the Leaders Luncheon, a testament to her mother Kris Egger's influential role in its planning 50 years ago. Jeannie fondly reminisced about the countless hours she and her sisters spent in the EmBe pool as members of the Snowfox Swim Team, creating enduring memories of camaraderie and teamwork. Transitioning through the years, Jeannie's husband joined the Board of Directors in 2012, the year when men were first welcomed to contribute their perspectives. This shift exemplified EmBe's commitment to [...]

Donor Spotlight: Meet Jeannie BlackmanMikena VanLiere2025-01-30T12:49:15-06:00

Women Spotlight: Meet Colleen Keiser

Mikena VanLiere2024-04-30T14:49:16-05:00

Colleen Keiser's experience with EmBe's Women's Leadership Programs is one of support, enrichment, learning, and growth. Participating in a variety of EmBe women’s programming, Colleen's journey reflects EmBe’s mission to support women, children, and families and the tangible benefits of mentorship. Women to the Workforce: Addressing Everyday Challenges Colleen actively participated in the Women to the Workforce Program. For her, mentorship played a crucial role in tackling the practical challenges of work and life. "Everything was overwhelming at times. Having someone to call and talk through things was nice. My mentor helped with my resume and my elevator speech." [...]

Women Spotlight: Meet Colleen KeiserMikena VanLiere2024-04-30T14:49:16-05:00

Aquatics Spotlight: Meet Andra and Mitch Kellhoff

Mikena VanLiere2024-05-06T13:45:59-05:00

Meet Andra and Micah, mother and son, who have been loyal swim members at the EmBe pool for years. They swim regularly twice a week in the afternoon. The pool has become more than just a place to exercise; it's a sanctuary where they unwind, calm their minds, and navigate the day's challenges. They appreciate the familiar faces at EmBe and being recognized when they come to swim "We know the staff at the front desk, and they know us. Micah arrives by the Sioux Area Metro bus, and when I come in, Marcia at the front desk tells me [...]

Aquatics Spotlight: Meet Andra and Mitch KellhoffMikena VanLiere2024-05-06T13:45:59-05:00

Donor Spotlight: Meet Karen Schreier

Mikena VanLiere2024-05-06T13:46:23-05:00

The EmBe pool has been a staple in Sioux Falls since 1965. For years, it has created a safe space for community members to build confidence and establish lifelong skills for all ages. Karen Schreier utilizes the EmBe pool to swim laps for exercise every day and additionally became a donor after seeing the impact that EmBe makes to assist women and children in the Sioux Falls area. “One of the things that sets EmBe apart from other non-profits in the area is that it focuses on programs that help women and children from birth to old-age to improve and be stronger community members.” At a young age, Karen took early morning swim lessons at her local pool in [...]

Donor Spotlight: Meet Karen SchreierMikena VanLiere2024-05-06T13:46:23-05:00

Donor Spotlight: Meet Janet Naessig

Mikena VanLiere2024-02-07T11:31:28-06:00

For Janet Naessig, her time with EmBe spans back to when we were still known as the YWCA. She started her time as YWCA Teen Age Program Director in 1957 and then went on to complete her term on the Board of Directors in 2003. Janet’s involvement dates to having chaired the Leader Luncheon, engaging in the Annual Fund Drive, the Santa House Project, the first ladies golf tournament, and much more! Janet has also been a longtime supporter and donor of EmBe. She was the Y’s representative to The Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation during the drive to [...]

Donor Spotlight: Meet Janet NaessigMikena VanLiere2024-02-07T11:31:28-06:00

Youth Spotlight: Cambree Cook

Mikena VanLiere2024-02-07T11:32:32-06:00

EmBe works diligently to help our community’s youth thrive. For Cambree Cook, attending Camp Girl VIP this summer helped her have fun by getting involved, meet new people, and got her out of her comfort zone. Through her great camp experience, she says she’s learned that she can become whatever she wants. Camp Girl VIP is a unique camp experience that helps girls find their voice, recognize the impact they can make on their community and help them explore their power and purpose. "During my time at EmBe's camps, I have made a lot of new friends, and I [...]

Youth Spotlight: Cambree CookMikena VanLiere2024-02-07T11:32:32-06:00