Empowerment - EmBe

Nominate an Educator for Tribute to Women

Mikena VanLiere2019-02-14T16:31:40-06:00

Now in it's 46th year, EmBe's Tribute to Women celebration recognizes the incredible work that women make in our community. Women who dedicate their lives to the arts and education enrich our communities with knowledge and beauty. Their dedication to building brighter futures and a more beautiful world is invaluable. In 2018, our Humanities & Education winner was Tina Lenz with Sioux Falls Lutheran School. We invite you hear from Tina's nominator why she was so deserving of this honor, and hear from Tina about her Tribute to Women experience. Nominator Video https://youtu.be/wQ2ZVvEmQ18 Nominee Interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2brRJ47y4w We invite you to [...]

Nominate an Educator for Tribute to WomenMikena VanLiere2019-02-14T16:31:40-06:00

Nominate a Mentor for Tribute to Women

Mikena VanLiere2019-02-25T09:51:09-06:00

Now in it's 46th year, EmBe's Tribute to Women celebration recognizes the incredible work that women make in our community. One of the greatest roles we celebrate through the awards is that of mentor. We know that when others extend a hand back, our paths are made clearer. In 2018, our Sylvia Henkin Mentoring Award winner was Jan Haugen-Rogers with Sanford Health. We invite you hear from Jan's nominator why she was so deserving of this honor, and hear from Jan about her Tribute to Women experience. Nominator Video Nominee Interview We invite you to nominate a mentor for the [...]

Nominate a Mentor for Tribute to WomenMikena VanLiere2019-02-25T09:51:09-06:00

Warm up with winter volunteer opportunities

Mikena VanLiere2019-01-24T16:58:31-06:00

That weary winter feeling is a real thing this time of year. The holidays are over and it is COLD. A great way to break-up the monotony of this long winter stretch is to volunteer! We’ve got some easy, rewarding volunteer opportunities at EmBe. FIRST LEGO League Greeter Our state championship tournament for FIRST LEGO League is February 2 and we need a few more friendly faces. We need someone to check-in teams at our registration table from 7am – 10am at the Augustana University Elmen Center. This incredible robotics tournament will leave you feeling inspired! FIRST LEGO League Timer [...]

Warm up with winter volunteer opportunitiesMikena VanLiere2019-01-24T16:58:31-06:00

Meet In Her Shoes Emcee Beth Jensen

Mikena VanLiere2019-01-17T14:42:40-06:00

We are excited to announce Beth Jensen, News Director of KELOLAND News, as our emcee for the 2019 In Her Shoes Empowerment Breakfast benefiting our Dress for Success Sioux Falls program. Learn more about Beth below and get your tickets or a table today. News Director Beth Jensen came to KELO in 1996. Beth spent time as a reporter and then a producer before becoming executive producer in 2001. She was named news director in 2008. She has produced stories, newscasts and specials that have received national Edward R. Murrow awards, regional Emmys and recognition from the South Dakota Associated [...]

Meet In Her Shoes Emcee Beth JensenMikena VanLiere2019-01-17T14:42:40-06:00

Meet In Her Shoes Keynote Speaker Meredith Walker

Mikena VanLiere2019-01-17T15:31:44-06:00

With being a month out from our In Her Shoes Empowerment Breakfast on Feb 7, we're thrilled to welcome our 2019 keynote speaker, Meredith Walker. Learn more about Meredith in her bio below and don't forget to grab your tickets or a table to the premier empowerment event of 2019! Meet Meredith Walker Meredith Walker is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, an online community dedicated to helping young people cultivate their authentic selves. Since its inception in 2007, the organization’s website and YouTube channel have become destinations for inclusiveness, positivity, intelligence, and imagination. Walker travels [...]

Meet In Her Shoes Keynote Speaker Meredith WalkerMikena VanLiere2019-01-17T15:31:44-06:00

EmBe Hosts Conversation Around Work-Life Balance

Mikena VanLiere2018-11-26T18:51:34-06:00

Earlier this month, EmBe held a session of its In Dialogue series focused on work-life balance. A hot topic with women, the conversation covered balancing the best of who you are at home, work and in the community. Small groups shared ideas and a panel of local leaders shared ways to become more efficient, how and when to confidently say no and creative opportunities for self-care. Participant Takeaways "Balance is a practice. You have to continually work on it and it may never be perfect. What is most important is that you are present where ever you are." "Achieving 'work-life balance' can [...]

EmBe Hosts Conversation Around Work-Life BalanceMikena VanLiere2018-11-26T18:51:34-06:00

Cold Weather Doesn’t Stop Determined Kids

Mikena VanLiere2018-11-16T10:36:08-06:00

While lots of people were posted up in cozy clothes on couches last Sunday afternoon, more than 700 Girls on the Run, Heart and Sole and Let Me Run participants were crossing the finish line of a 5K. The bitter cold couldn’t stop the determined kids from accomplishing their season-long goal. We’ll be sharing a few more in depth stories about amazing kids in the coming weeks. In the meantime, here's some photos of our chilly but determined runners!

Cold Weather Doesn’t Stop Determined KidsMikena VanLiere2018-11-16T10:36:08-06:00

2018 Election Proves Historic for Women

Mikena VanLiere2018-11-07T12:05:07-06:00

A record number of women were elected in yesterday’s midterm elections. From governorships to congressional races, women won in important races in South Dakota and across the country. In Congress At least 98 women won house races last night (some races are still pending), beating the previous record of 85 congresswomen. The women elected include the youngest woman ever elected and the first Native American and Muslim women ever elected to House of Representatives. In South Dakota Congresswoman Kristi Noem became the first woman governor elected in South Dakota. She’s one of nine female governors which matches the previous record. [...]

2018 Election Proves Historic for WomenMikena VanLiere2018-11-07T12:05:07-06:00

Meredith Walker to headline 6th Annual In Her Shoes Empowerment Breakfast

Mikena VanLiere2025-01-28T16:20:43-06:00

Meredith Walker, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls, will be the keynote speaker at EmBe’s 6th Annual In Her Shoes Empowerment Breakfast on Thursday, February 7 from 7:30am–9:00am. In addition to Walker, the event will feature a compelling story of one local woman who will share her journey of strength and empowerment. The event proceeds benefit EmBe’s signature program, Dress for Success Sioux Falls, which encourages women to be all they can be. While many successful women appear to have always excelled, the stories preceding their success often deserve an audience of their own. “In Her Shoes [...]

Meredith Walker to headline 6th Annual In Her Shoes Empowerment BreakfastMikena VanLiere2025-01-28T16:20:43-06:00

Three Generations of Leadership

Mikena VanLiere2018-10-30T15:21:59-05:00

Ellen Hamilton (left) and Judy Hamilton (right) sit together in Judy's Sioux Falls home, holding a photo of Helen Jacobson (Hudson), Judy's mother. All three Hamilton women have served on the EmBe (formerly the YWCA) Board of Directors. A spirit of giving and community support is just one of the commonalities between Ellen, Judy and Helen. Another is their years of service on the EmBe board. And a third is that they are three generations of the same family. Ellen Hamilton has been a board member since 2015. She remembers her mother, Judy Hamilton, as a board member [...]

Three Generations of LeadershipMikena VanLiere2018-10-30T15:21:59-05:00