Martin, SD – SDSU Extension is excited to announce the 2020-2021 cohort of South Dakota Change Network, a yearlong fellowship for individuals to gain experience driving equitable and inclusive change in their organizations and communities. These 18 change makers were selected from throughout South Dakota and the Native nations it shares geography with for their passion to make a difference in the places they live and work.
“Strong communities are critical during times of uncertainty and emphasize thoughtful leaders who can facilitate inclusive change,” said Kari O’Neill, Community Vitality Field Specialist with SDSU Extension. “South Dakota Change Network’s cohort model promotes connections among leaders with diverse backgrounds and ideas, sparking meaningful conversations on how to see change through.”
Begun in 2017, South Dakota Change Network is a partnership between 3E Productions, CommonSense Consulting@Work, NAS and SDSU Extension. The supportive learning environment participants join includes online convenings to learn and build strong connections among each other, one-on-one coaching and mentorship, an online curriculum, collaboration with participants of the South Dakota Change Network program, and access to a small grant.
These change makers bring projects focused on gaining support for Native American students on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to learn and strengthen the Lakota language, educating the community of Aberdeen on antiracism and celebrating the town’s diverse cultures, and more. Together, these change makers will embrace their authentic leadership capacities, examine opportunities to advance their projects, and become stronger leaders in their organizations and communities. Learn more about the incredible leaders of both Change Network cohorts.
South Dakota Change Network is funded through the generous support of the Bush Foundation. At the program’s conclusion, change makers will join a network of nearly 100 leaders from South Dakota Change Network and North Dakota Change Network who continue to work towards creating a more equitable and inclusive world.
2020-2021 South Dakota Change Network Cohort:
Sydney Bartunek | Sioux Falls
Amy Fill | Volin
Anthony Firman | Flandreau
Annicka Gunderson | Vermillion
Kayla Herman | Aberdeen
Laura Hoiten | Watertown
Kenton James | Flandreau
Kaitlyn Johnson | Spearfish
Sarah Larson | Sioux Falls
Jessica Lewis | Rapid City
Elizabeth Lone Eagle | Howes
Emily Meier | Aberdeen
Jessica Meyers | Sioux Falls
Tamera Miyasato | Rapid City
Patrick Pope | Sioux Falls
Peggy Schlechter | Rapid City
Anita Shrestha | Vermillion
Marla Thunder Bull | Wounded Knee
