From student to CEO, alum’s education prepared her for nonprofit leadership

This paid piece is sponsored by Southeast Technical College.

From becoming a new mom in a new city to executive director and CEO of a successful nonprofit organization, here is one Southeast Technical College alumna who knows how to make a house a home.

Meet Janean Michalov, executive director and CEO of the Furniture Mission of South Dakota and 2017 graduate of the business administration program at Southeast Tech.

The Christian-based Furniture Mission provides those in need with gently used household and furniture items, like bed frames, rugs, lamps, pots and pans, dishes, kitchen tables and small appliances. Items are secured by donations, and individuals and families who receive items are referred by a social service agency, school, church or hospital.

“A comfortable home provides dignity, security and a better environment for families in transition,” Michalov said. “In 2022, we were able to serve nearly 6,000 individuals and placed nearly 30,000 items in homes across the region.”

While those are impressive numbers, they didn’t happen overnight. Both Michalov and the Furniture Mission experienced a lot of change and growth during the early to mid-2010s. Michalov began working at the Furniture Mission as a part-time volunteer coordinator in 2013. At the time, she was enrolled in the licensed practical nursing program at Southeast Tech.

During the next several years, there were a lot of changes at the Furniture Mission. “We were growing, and as a result, my position transitioned a lot,” Michalov said.

“At Southeast Tech, I had an amazing community of teachers that surrounded me with love and support. They showed me what I was capable of both inside and outside of the classroom,” she continued. “I could not imagine being where I am today without them.”

Five years ago, Michalov was named CEO – a position that STC helped prepare her for, she said.

“In running a nonprofit, you need to wear a lot of hats,” Michalov said. “The business program at STC gave me a great foundation for my current role: the basics of human resources, accounting, business-building and leadership skills.”

“Not only did STC give me a great foundation, but it gave me confidence and helped me realize that when I set my mind to something, anything is achievable,” she continued.

Recently, the Furniture Mission completed its first capital campaign, Place of Grace. Through this campaign, the organization will complete a new warehouse, open a new store location and add new programming opportunities such as youth and adult mentoring in the carpentry shop and quilting room.

“Growing this organization has always been a dream, and now it’s really happening,” Michalov said. “We are not just building a building; we are building up people to be successful in our city — and it’s just the beginning.”