Kendra Cersosimo

Owner, Two54 Creative, Sioux Falls  

Kendra Cersosimo launched her business, now known as Two54 Creative, in April 2020. What began as a part-time endeavor evolved into a six-figure income by 2023. Initially launched in challenging times, Kendra transitioned to full-time entrepreneurship in 2021 with an expansion into web design, social media content creation, email marketing, social media advertising, and presentations. 

However, this expansion posed a challenging lesson where Kendra found herself stretched too thin. As a solo-preneur, she swiftly adapted, narrowing her focus to two main services—graphic design and web design—and rebranding as Two54 Creative in 2024. 

One of Kendra's most entrepreneurial triumphs was her resilience during her initial year as a digital nomad. While traversing the country as a fully remote business, she encountered the profound isolation often associated with entrepreneurship. Kendra persevered, building relationships and a network spanning 27 states and several industries. 

Moreover, Kendra has demonstrated leadership and a commitment to her community through her involvement with various organizations and projects. She volunteers as a presenter for several marketing and entrepreneurial events and workshops, sharing her expertise and experience as a founder with other entrepreneurs and students alike. 
 

Paulette Davidson

President & Chief Executive Officer, Monument Health, Rapid City  

Paulette Davidson made history as Monument Health's first female President and CEO. Since assuming leadership in 2018, she has overseen a comprehensive review of the entire healthcare system, prioritizing physical upgrades totaling over $350 million. These enhancements include a covered parking garage, expansions of Rapid City, Sturgis, and Custer Hospitals, and the implementation of a new Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Hospital, electronic health record system, and an organizational rebrand. 

Paulette began her career in healthcare at the age of 16 as a housekeeper. Working her way through school, she became the first person in her family to graduate college. Prior to joining Monument Health in 2015 as the President of Rapid City Hospital, she previously held executive roles with Nebraska Medicine, Cancer Treatment Centers of American, and Indiana University Health Goshen Hospital. 

She encourages and empowers caregivers to give back to our communities which results in an investment of thousands of volunteer hours to meet the diverse needs within the community including over hosting, 50 community events, supporting 64 organizations, and 12,300 free or discounted health screenings. 

Paulette also serves as the Chair of Elevate Rapid City, an organization committed to promoting business and personal advancement in western South Dakota. Paulette is also a board member of the South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations. 

Jenna Farrar

Owner, Rushmore Athletics, Rapid City 

Jenna Farrer launched Rushmore Athletics in May of 2019. As a former middle school social studies and head competitive cheer coach at Central High School, Jenna recognized a pressing need for an All-Star Cheerleading gym in the area. At the start, Jenna had just one employee and 35 registered kids. 

Over the past five years, Rushmore Athletics has experienced growth, now the gym has over 500 recreational and competitive athletes and a team of 17 employees. Jenna's original employee has transitioned into the role of manager under her leadership. 

The gym has become a powerhouse in the cheerleading community, with 150 competitive athletes competing throughout the Midwest and achieving numerous 1st place finishes. For the second consecutive year, 50 athletes will represent Rushmore Athletics at the All-Star World Championships in Orlando on April 18th. 

Jenna's dedication extends beyond the gym floor; she wears many hats daily, serving as coach, competitive director, office manager, bookkeeper, janitor, and community advocate. She encourages her athletes to participate in volunteering at the Humane Society over Christmas and participate in the suitcase drive for the Hope Center. She personally gives scholarships to kids who otherwise would not be able to attend the gym.  

Jenna finds fulfillment in the opportunity to positively impact the lives of young athletes, instilling values of sportsmanship and hard work that will endure far beyond their cheerleading careers. 

Becah Fliehs

Owner, Sun & Sea Travel Co., Groton  

Becah Fliehs embarked on her entrepreneurial journey twelve years ago, founding Sun & Sea Travel Company. Building it from the ground up, Becah transformed her vision into an $2.5 million dollar enterprise with an all-woman team of nine. 

Sun & Sea Travel Company was weathered many of the challenges of the travel business but in March of 2020, Becah and her team faceed the largest obstacle. The company lost almost all our bookings within days of the shutdown. Throughout the pandemic, Becah was instrumental in making people feel comfortable traveling again along with having extensive knowledge in each country’s policies. In a time where many travel agents and agencies went out of business, Becah and her team were able to grow. Sun & Sea Travel expanded its offerings beyond tropical vacations to include cruises, Disney Vacations, European travel, and more. 

Becah remains committed to community upliftment. She prioritizes booking her clients' flights through the Aberdeen Regional Airport, contributing to local economic growth. She invests in developing future entrepreneurs, both within her team and beyond, offering mentorship and support to aspiring travel business owners. 

Becah's impact extends beyond the boardroom as she champions community initiatives, particularly those empowering young women. As the dedicated site director for the local BIOGirls program, she spearheads efforts to nurture confidence and leadership skills in girls during their formative years, providing a vital support system for navigating the challenges of adolescence.

Addie Graham-Kramer

Owner, The Event Company, Sioux Falls 

Over the span of the last decade, Addie Graham-Kramer and The Event Company have curated and executed more than 450 events, spanning across 22 states, and collectively raising over $11.5 million to ignite positive transformations within local communities. 

From its origins in Addie's living room to its current establishment at the heart of downtown Sioux Falls, The Event Company has grown to a team of 11 full-time employees and 5 part-time employees. Over the past four years, Addie has steered the company through a shift in the event industry in 2020, introducing a virtual event platform and app development. This adaptability has propelled the company's revenue growth by an impressive 250%. 

The Event Company extends its impact through fundraising consultation services and partnering with various non-profit organizations. Through these collaborations, they have helped non-profits enhance their revenue streams and advance their missions, spanning from aiding domestic abuse victims to combating cancer, addressing food insecurity, supporting daycare initiatives, and fundraising for individuals living with Type 1 diabetes, among other noble causes. 

The Event Company has facilitated the generation of over $11.2 million in funds for these causes, while the team has generously donated over $1.2 million worth of their time to bolster these efforts. 
 

Addie prioritizes fostering a supportive team culture at The Event Company, where every member, particularly the all-women team, is celebrated both personally and professionally.

Jill Holt

Chief Financial Officer, Weller Brothers Landscaping, Sioux Falls  

Under Jill Holt's leadership, Weller Brothers Lanscaping has experienced growth, with revenue soaring tenfold since her arrival in 2017. From its initial location in Sioux Falls, the company has expanded its footprint to encompass three additional Midwest locations: Rochester, MN, and Des Moines, IA and grown to 175 employees. Weller Brothers has broadened its service offerings through acquiring another company, enabling additional services such as tree removal, tree health, and pest control. 

Jill's tenure has facilitated the creation of over 100 new jobs within local communities. Notably, there has been a significant increase in female representation within the team, rising from three to sixteen members as of 2024. Recognizing the importance of fostering an inclusive environment, Jill is currently spearheading the establishment of a women's group at Weller Brothers, aimed at empowering female employees to enhance their communication skills, both internally and with clients. 

Jill's prudent and discerning approach to decision-making provides invaluable insight to the leadership team, ensuring that major decisions are thoroughly analyzed for cost-effectiveness, thus instilling confidence in the direction taken by the company. Beyond her contributions to company culture, Jill and Weller Brothers actively engages with various community organizations, including the Teddy Bear Den, Harrisburg School District, Sioux Falls Christian, Funski for Children's Home Society, The Compass Center, Sanford International Golf Tournament, Augustana Hockey, and other collaborative initiatives. 

Marcela Salas

 Owner, Salas Salsas, Sioux Falls 

Marcela Salas started on her entrepreneurial journey in 2020 with the launch of Salas Salsas, and now she leads a team of six. 

Marcela's roots trace back to Veracruz, Mexico, where the first chapter of her life unfolded. Seeking better opportunities, Marcela and her mother immigrated to the United States, where they started anew. The duo began crafting their family tamales to support Marcela's education. As the demand for their tamales increased, Marcela recognized the potential for a successful business venture. 

Launching Salas Salsas at a Farmer's Market in Brandon, South Dakota, Marcela's offerings gained popularity, prompting an expansion to Farmer's Markets across the Sioux Falls area and Brookings. 

Marcela envisioned expanding to a brick-and-mortar space for her business. However, faced with delays in construction plans her original location dissolved. She pivoted and purchased a Food Truck, broadening her reach across South Dakota. Salas Salsas has also expanded to 4 different Hy-Vee locations, 3 additional retail partners in Sioux Falls, 2 seasonal markets, and Cherry Rock Farms, and currently is close to opening a storefront downtown Sioux Falls.  

In addition to spearheading Salas Salsas, Marcela is a private pilot and finds solace in recreational aviation. Marcela infuses generations of Mexican culture into her culinary creations. Her dedication to spreading joy is encapsulated in her family motto, "Solo quiero verte feliz" or "I just want to see you happy," a sentiment that resonates throughout her product, business, and customer service. 

Jenny Schmidt

Jenny Schmidt, Black Hills Advocate, Rapid City 

Jenny Schmidt launched Black Hills Advocate nine years ago in 2015 with just $32. For the most vulnerable population of people who do not have cognitive capacity and the family to act on their behalf, Black Hills Advocate provides guardianship/conservatorship services.  

From its modest start, the company has grown exponentially, generating over $430,000 in revenue in 2023. During 2020, Jenny and her all women team of four, found new ways to be of service to her clients despite the obstacles. They conducted  “window visits” to their clients who were in facilities and went out of their way to make sure people felt cared about during a lonely time.  

Since its inception, Black Hills Advocate has served over 400 families spanning from Rapid City, to neighboring states. Black Hills Advocate has been appointed by the courts in 152 guardianship cases; providing advocacy, medical decision making, elder abuse protection, financial exploitation, and fraud. 

Jenny's leadership is marked by innovation and resilience. Her Lakota heritage, reflected in her Lakota name "Toka Yamni Win" or "Walks First Woman," resonates in her commitment to pave the way for better healthcare access and quality of life.  

In 2020, Jenny founded Sequel Incorporated, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, recognizing the need for services for financially disadvantaged elderly individuals. With an initial gift of over $1.3 million, Sequel provides essential support, including dementia care, elder angel funds, and assistance with accessing state benefits, furthering Jenny's mission to impact lives positively. 

Amber Vogt

Director of Planning & Zoning, Lawrence County, South Dakota County Government, Deadwood

Under Amber's leadership, Lawrence County Planning and Zoning has experienced remarkable growth, with substantial contributions to the economic development of the community.  

Since joining the organization twenty years ago, she has doubled the number of employees to four, adding crucial roles such as Building Inspector and Plat Reviewer/Assistant. 

From serving as an Administrative Assistant to her current role as Planning & Zoning Director for Lawrence County, Amber has oversees critical functions, including managing employees and budgets, liaising with County Commissioners, and addressing public concerns. She has sat on the Lawrence County Comprehensive Plan Revision, Ordinance Revisions for Highway 85 Corridor, Old Belle Road, Colorado Boulevard, Spearfish Rest Area Study to help navigate the county’s continued and fast growth.  

Her career trajectory is encompassed by hard work and a deep commitment to community service and advocacy. Growing up immersed in her parents' small businesses, she developed a profound appreciation for supporting local enterprises and fostering entrepreneurial spirit, shaping her professional path. 

Amber's commitment to community service extends beyond her professional achievements, as evidenced by her involvement in numerous organizations and initiatives, from school boards to youth programs and nonprofit organizations such as Lead-Deadwood Girls Softball and Lead-Deadwood Black Hills Juniors Volleyball Program.