CEO Column - EmBe

The CEO Column: November 2021

Ngoc Thach2021-11-19T14:52:57-06:00

The CEO Column: November 2021 EmBe CEO Kerri Tietgen reflects on the organization’s 100-year history of programming and leadership in the region. This year’s end marks a century of anticipating and meeting the needs of women and families in our region. We were the first to offer women a dedicated place in the community, the first to bring preschool to the region, the first to open a pool in downtown Sioux Falls, and now–the first in our region to vocally, and perhaps, vehemently value the work of women. At EmBe, we recognize that our mission of empowering women and families is “powered [...]

The CEO Column: November 2021Ngoc Thach2021-11-19T14:52:57-06:00

The CEO Column: August 2021

Mikena VanLiere2021-08-24T11:48:31-05:00

The CEO Column: August 2021 CEO Kerri Tietgen reflects on how this year has prepared all of us for life's curveballs and the resiliency of our community. Have you ever considered the illustrious ‘the perfect plan?’ What plans did you have for this summer? What plans do you have for the rest of the year? As we close our summer and transition into fall schedules, back to school activities and a new season, I’m reflecting on our ‘perfect plans’ and the many lessons learned over the last couple of years. As the plan for back to school rolls out and [...]

The CEO Column: August 2021Mikena VanLiere2021-08-24T11:48:31-05:00

The CEO Column: April 2021

Mikena VanLiere2021-04-23T14:36:23-05:00

(Sioux Falls, SD, April 23, 2021) - Empowering you to be…. Not surprisingly, these words keep running through my mind like a cadence, a mantra and a challenge since joining EmBe. That, in conjunction with a recent Slack post asking, “when what would your occupation be if you followed your childhood dreams,” has me reflecting. When I was a child, I didn’t have the same aspirations as most kids did… well, beyond wanting to be a Solid Gold Dancer, I wanted to grow up to be my dad. He was the Adult and Community Education Director in my hometown. Yep [...]

The CEO Column: April 2021Mikena VanLiere2021-04-23T14:36:23-05:00

LEGOS and Bib #1

Mikena VanLiere2019-04-24T16:26:43-05:00

Like good South Dakotans, we have been leaning into the wind, continuing our work and play through the drifts and flows of our snowy landscape. Although I enjoy the winter’s beauty, I also noticed some signs of spring in the activities of our staff and our wonderful volunteers. One of the best signs of spring? We’ve opened registration for our summer camp programs, most with multiple sessions. Our camps range from babysitting to an introduction to FIRST® Lego® League, from Camp Changemaker to Leadership Camp for Middle School Girls. The first camp is scheduled for May, so be sure to [...]

LEGOS and Bib #1Mikena VanLiere2019-04-24T16:26:43-05:00

FIRST LEGO League Makes Technology Accessible and Fun

Mikena VanLiere2019-03-04T13:54:20-06:00

FIRST: For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology As part of leading EmBe, I get to experience the impactful programs that fulfill our mission firsthand. Early on Saturday, February 2nd, I had my first taste of the state competition for FIRST® LEGO® League. The combination of robots, funny hats and coopertition© brought teams from across the state to Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The numbers tell a huge impact story: 30 communities, 149 coaches, 447 students, and dozens of volunteers came together to demonstrate their mastery of technology and gracious professionalism. The purpose of FIRST LEGO League The [...]

FIRST LEGO League Makes Technology Accessible and FunMikena VanLiere2019-03-04T13:54:20-06:00