We’re passing on our potion recipe for Emerging Leaders! Through 5 cohorts, the Emerging Leaders Program fueled the growth of leaders in our community. Through workshops on poverty, trauma, and Lakota culture and collaborative projects, over 140 participants gained the awareness, confidence, and connections to drive meaningful change in the Rapid City Community. Through their involvement, many participants have not only strengthened their own leadership but also contributed to lasting changes in our region’s nonprofit landscape.

However, as with all programs, evolution is key. After careful consideration about our internal capacity and listening to feedback from our partners and participants, we have made the decision to retire the Emerging Leaders Program at JTVF. This decision opens the door for new leadership opportunities and ensures that our support is aligned with the dynamic needs of our community.

Although this chapter is closing, our dedication to supporting leadership growth is unwavering. We are pleased to share that JTVF awarded the United Way of the Black Hills a two-year, $150,000 grant for Nonprofit 360, professional development programming for local nonprofits. Look for updates in the coming months on how to get involved.

We are thrilled to honor and celebrate the incredible alumni from the Emerging Leaders Program. Their leadership and accomplishments will continue to inspire us moving forward:

Cohort 1

Austin Olivier, Brian Munsell, Carrie Churchill, Christine Stephenson, Corissa Krueger, Eric Dwyer, Heather Schopp, Jennifer Williams, Jesse Abernathy, Jessica McEntaffer, Jessica Olson, Josh Farley, Justin Christman, Kara Frankman, Kassie McKie, Katelyn Cook, Kelly Folsom, Kim Morsching, Kimberly Hayden, Kristin Kiner, Megan Handshue, Michelle Schuelke, Natalie Lecy, Patri Acevedo, Sam Schmelzer, Sara Willson, Sarah Hanzel, Staci Jonson, Teri Corrigan, Tim Doyle, Todd Miller, Vanessa Mader

Cohort 2

Adam Purdich, Amelia Rose Meyer, Amy Sazue, Brian Blenner, Carrie Maguire, Casey Madsen, Chelsie Ogaard, Danielle Giuseffi, Emma Rivers, Eric Reynolds, Groote Kinsley, Hannah Ceremuga, Heather Hoeye, Ingrid Lane, Jamie Kirsch, Jayne Hall, Jennifer Tomac, Julie Oberlander, Justin DiBona, Katy Kinnan, Katy Urban, Kristina Simmons, Lysann Zeller, Michelle Schuelke, Mikayla Becker, Morgan VonHaden, Rachel Pfiefle, Sarah White, Tamera Miyasato, Todd Miller

Cohort 3

Aimee Janvrin, Amanda Ferguson, Anna Quinn, Cante Heart, Carrie Robley, Cassidy Stalley, Cassie Bolstad, Chad Ratigan, Colleen Bsharah, Dan Mertz, Erin Jarvis, Everett Strong, Fawn Hall, Haley Friedt, Heather Sazama, Jacob Weasel, Jeanne Burckhard-McKenna, Joe Smith, Kahomy Souksavath, Karabeth Borresen, Katie Hoff, Kirstin Livermont, Lindsey Seachris, Lora Waeckerle, Lori Larson, Mitch Nachtigall, Rick Owen, Tara Silvernail, Valeriah Big Eagle, Vanessa Kaiser

Cohort 4

Alyssa Silko, Amy Red Owl, Chris Huber, Crissy Davies, Debra Nehring, Jason Stamper, Eltina Three Stars, Glen Marshall, Heather Prince, Jessica Perkins, Johnica Morrow, Kelsey Hansen, Lindsey Kinstle, Marie Zephier, Michelle Schuelke, Nicole Hedrick, Nicole Heenan, Nora Leinen, Rebecca Stucke, Bryan Satterwhite, Stephanie Davidson, Stephanie Savoy, Trivia Afraid of Lightning, Tyson Steiger

Cohort 5

Abby Sharp, Amanda Prines, Amber Tilberg, Andrew Ley, Ashleigh Young, Audrea Amstutz, Bobbie Koch, Brian Hill, Bryan Mitchell, Caitlin Senesac, Chris Erickson, Emily Hamling, Erin Grant, Hanna Glissendorf, Hannah Furchner, Jillian Smith, Joanna Wiseman, John Perkins, Jordan Reed, Julia Kelly, Kara Nesbitt, Kayleigh Johnson, Kendra Magelky, Krystal Bresnahan, Leslie Hill, Maryann Leanna, Samantha Sauer, Sarah Glynn, Savannah Youngman, Sunni Toczek, Vikki Swallow, Whitney Bischoff

We are excited about what lies ahead and will be sharing more information about new leadership opportunities at the United Way of the Black Hills in the coming months. We thank all those who have been a part of the Emerging Leaders Program and look forward to what’s ahead!