Meet the board of directors helping guide EmBe into the future

This paid piece is sponsored by EmBe.

Organizations are only as strong as the leadership behind them, and at EmBe, an exceptional board of directors is helping guide the nonprofit toward new levels of growth and service.

EmBe is governed by a 12-member board of directors, with several new additions.

“We’re grateful to have such experienced, diverse leadership on our board,” CEO Kerri Tietgen said. “We rely on them as we set a strategic vision and execute it for the communities we serve.”

Board members include:

• John Meyer, chair
• Beth Jensen, vice chair
• Alissa Matt, secretary
• Brian Gramm, treasurer
• Sonja Theisen, immediate past chair
• Joe Beck
• Melanie Carpenter
• Andrew Curley
• Rebecca Dahmen-Ponnezhan
• Stacy Hackett
• Antoinette Jensen
• Steve Vlk

Here’s a closer look at both longtime leaders and incoming board members.

John Meyer, board chair

The founder of Leadmore and executive director at Leadership South Dakota, John Meyer joined the EmBe board in March 2020. Accordingly, his first board meeting was a virtual one as the world transitioned to remote work during the pandemic.

What motivated you to serve on the EmBe board, and how would you describe the approach you’re taking as chair?

As a husband, father and big fan of the community of Sioux Falls, EmBe was such a slam-dunk fit for me. I’m passionate about the cause, and I want to help in any small way to move the mission forward. This is my same approach as board chair. Clarifying our mission as EmBe, trying to make that mission known by as many people as possible, and then letting Kerri and the team do what they do best on a day-to-day basis. Our job as board is to simply guide and be a resource.

What are you most proud of that the organization has achieved during your time on the board?

Not just surviving the past four years but truly thriving and becoming more focused on who we serve and how we help them. While I’ve been on the board, we navigated COVID as well as a child care crisis that has existed for years and now is a deeply felt pain for our community and across the country. EmBe is over 100 years old as an organization, and the need for EmBe in Sioux Falls is as relevant today as when we were started.

What has been your biggest surprise or insight serving on the EmBe board?

I think the biggest insight is how many people in our community EmBe connects with. We have customers we interact with daily through child care, weekly perhaps through Women’s Leadership Program or Dress for Success, but then you have programs like FIRST LEGO League, volleyball, swimming lessons or Girls on the Run. You would be hard-pressed to find a parent or family in the community who hasn’t interacted with EmBe in some way.

What’s your message to other community members considering becoming more involved with EmBe?

We need you! You don’t have to be a board member or write a big check, but all up and down the organization, there are ways to get involved with EmBe. Volunteer at Dress for Success, coach a volleyball team, become a Girls on the Run instructor — I coached the boys program and had a blast — or invest in your own growth and do one of our Women’s Leadership Programs. Dip your toe in to the community and see what is right for you.

Sonia Theisen, past chair

Sonia Theisen has served for nine years on the EmBe board and will conclude her term this fall. She serves as head of risk, underwriting and portfolio management at Pathward.

What motivated you to serve on the EmBe board?

My three boys all went to EmBe for child care since they were babies, and I volunteered with the Women’s Leadership Program. EmBe checked a lot of the boxes of my passions around kids and education, family and women’s development and leadership, and I joined the finance committee and then the board to more broadly support the organization.

What are you most proud of that the organization has achieved during your time on the board? 

I am proud of many things. From merging with Dress for Success and supporting women on their journey to economic independence to providing stable child care for families throughout the pandemic to starting Lego League and supporting STEM programming in the community. I have had the pleasure to serve with many dedicated and talented staff and board members and am very grateful they shared this journey with me!

What has been your biggest surprise or insight serving on the EmBe board? 

The cost of providing quality child care has been on my mind recently. Although my boys are no longer in child care, our community is facing a child care crisis with many centers closing because of financial constraints. EmBe has been very fortunate to continue to grow their child care offerings and provide additional scholarships to those in need throughout the community.

What’s your message to other community members considering becoming more involved with EmBe? 

Start small and think big. Getting involved doesn’t necessarily mean taking on huge responsibilities or significant amounts of time. Start by volunteering time to the programs you are most passionate about. These small steps can lead to bigger opportunities within the organization.

Stacy Hackett, Sanford Health Foundation

Stacy Hackett is a major gift officer at the Sanford Health Foundation who joined the EmBe board in March.

What motivated you to serve on the EmBe board?

My motivation to serve on the EmBe board is deeply rooted in my alignment with the organization’s mission of empowering and inspiring women and families. My experience volunteering at the Dress for Success boutique has given me insight into the transformative impact that EmBe’s programs can have on individuals, particularly in fostering confidence and empowerment. Seeing the positive outcomes firsthand has strengthened my desire to contribute to EmBe’s mission and be part of the positive change it creates in the community.

What are some of your goals and hopes for EmBe as you help guide the organization as a board member?

Staying informed about the current state of day care availability and affordability in our community. Collaborate with local stakeholders such as government agencies, nonprofits and businesses to explore innovative solutions. Work with EmBe’s leadership team to identify gaps in existing programs and services related to child care and family support. Explore opportunities to develop new initiatives or expand existing ones to better meet the needs of the community.

What has been your biggest surprise about EmBe so far as you’ve started to learn more about it?

It’s impressive to see EmBe’s ongoing dedication to addressing the child care crisis on both state and local levels. The reminder of this commitment serves as a testament to the organization’s enduring mission to support families in South Dakota. The recognition of the importance of this issue, especially in a state where a high percentage of parents work and strive to provide the best care for their children, underscores the critical role that EmBe plays in the community. It’s heartening to know that EmBe remains steadfast in its efforts to find solutions and support families in need.

What’s your message to other community members considering becoming more involved with EmBe?

Absolutely do it! Joining EmBe as a community member is an opportunity to be part of something truly impactful. It’s a chance to contribute to an organization that is dedicated to empowering women and families, and your involvement can make a real difference in the lives of those around you. EmBe values diversity of thought and experience, so your unique perspective and skills would be welcomed and appreciated. By getting involved, you’ll not only enrich your own life but also help foster positive change in your community. I encourage you to take the leap and become a part of EmBe’s inspiring journey towards empowerment and support.

Antoinette Jensen, Wells Fargo

Antoinette Jensen is business accountability associate manager at Wells Fargo. She joined the EmBe board in February 2023.

What motivated you to serve on the EmBe board?

I have been an active volunteer at EmBe for many years, and I was excited to contribute to the conversation on changes that are happening on the board level.

What are some of your goals and hopes for EmBe as you help guide the organization as a board member?

To help spread the word about the different programs that EmBe has to offer to the families in Sioux Falls and surrounding areas.

What has been your biggest surprise about EmBe so far as you’ve started to learn more about it?

The biggest surprise about EmBe so far is the additional programs I was not aware of like Making Cent$ Financial Literacy. Making Cent$ Financial Literacy focuses on employed women looking to get their financial house in order and ease a financial burden by creating a small cohort. Sessions include local expert presenters who can provide a personal perspective about what is possible and address each participant’s specific financial concern.

What’s your message to other community members considering becoming more involved with EmBe?

“Help others and give something back. I guarantee you will discover that while public service improves the lives and the world around you, its greatest reward is the enrichment and new meaning it will bring to your own life.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

Steve Vlk, Marsh & McLennan Agency of the Dakotas

Steve Vlk serves as CEO of Marsh & McLennan Agency of the Dakotas. He joined the EmBe board in March.

What motivated you to serve on the EmBe board?  

I believe in their mission and value the great work they do. I wanted to be part of an organization who cares deeply about women’s and children’s causes. They are making a difference in our community, and I just want to be a small part in helping them continue their great work.

What are some of your goals and hopes for EmBe as you help guide the organization as a board member?  

Finding a way to advance child care and help the community to understand that this is a workforce issue.

What has been your biggest surprise about EmBe so far as you’ve started to learn more about it? 

How deep of an organization they are. The depth and breadth of talented individuals putting the community’s needs before their own is amazing.  With the leadership they have in place, they will continue to make a difference for Sioux Falls.

What’s your message to other community members considering becoming more involved with EmBe?  

If you’re passionate about women’s and children’s causes, this is a great place to be with wonderful people to accomplish this.

To find your own way to connect with EmBe, stop by the downtown location, or learn more at EmBe.org.