SME Women in Business

SME Women in Business Honoring area women making their mark on the business world.

04/07/2026

The 2026 SME Women in Business was a HUGE success! Here is a quick recap of the day and a reminder to save the date for next year: March 30, 2027. We can't wait to connect, grow, lead and celebrate again next year!

And one more shoutout to Ampaw Farr for the inspirational message and "gentle" nudge to be 10% braver!

That’s a wrap on SME Women in Business 2026! A huge thank you to everyone who attended, engaged, and contributed to an i...
03/30/2026

That’s a wrap on SME Women in Business 2026! A huge thank you to everyone who attended, engaged, and contributed to an inspiring day of connection and growth. Your energy and passion made this event truly special!

From all of us on the event committee, we appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you next year! What was your biggest takeaway from the event? Share in the comments!

A big thank you and a huge round of applause 👏 to this year's chair, Lisa Verdin of Stacked Creative, and vice chair, Me...
03/30/2026

A big thank you and a huge round of applause 👏 to this year's chair, Lisa Verdin of Stacked Creative, and vice chair, Melissa Heckel of Branch Creative Co. Without your leadership (and impressive emcee skills), the 2026 SME Women in Business wouldn't have been the success it was!

We simply couldn't do it without the support of each and every one of our sponsors. Thank you for your dedication to sup...
03/27/2026

We simply couldn't do it without the support of each and every one of our sponsors. Thank you for your dedication to supporting Women in Business!

📸 Your 2026 Women in Business Photo Booth Pics Are Ready! 🎉We’re excited to share that all photo booth images from the d...
03/26/2026

📸 Your 2026 Women in Business Photo Booth Pics Are Ready! 🎉
We’re excited to share that all photo booth images from the daytime Women in Business sessions, as well as the glamorous red carpet photos from the evening awards dinner, are now available!

✨ Download your photos here: https://boothpics.com/HIOH

Thank you for bringing the energy, style, and celebration. We loved seeing all of your smiles—now it’s your turn to relive the moments! 💫

Wow, what an incredible 2026 SME Women in Business®! Thank you 🙏 to everyone who attended. Congratulations again to all ...
03/26/2026

Wow, what an incredible 2026 SME Women in Business®! Thank you 🙏 to everyone who attended.

Congratulations again to all of our winners, and thank you to all of our speakers including the amazing Jaz Ampaw-Farr, and to the talented event committee.

March 30, 2027 let's do it all over again (and then some)!

03/25/2026

Brave!! That was the theme of the 2026 SME Women in Business and these ladies are BRAVE!

This year’s 2026 Excellence in Leadership award goes to…Dr. Mara Hermiston of the Avera Medical Group Avera Health Dr. ...
03/25/2026

This year’s 2026 Excellence in Leadership award goes to…Dr. Mara Hermiston of the Avera Medical Group Avera Health

Dr. Mara Hermiston serves as Chief Medical Officer for Avera Medical Group, helping guide a network of more than 1,350 physicians and advanced practice providers across 200 clinics in 100 communities. A family medicine physician with roots in rural care, she is known for her warmth, strong communication, and the trust she has built with physicians across the system. As part of a next-generation leadership team, she is helping guide providers through a time of significant change while keeping the focus where it belongs, on patients, providers, and the communities they serve.

Dr. Hermiston knew she wanted to become a physician as early as middle school, eventually earning her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree through a rural medicine scholarship. She began practicing family medicine in Spirit Lake, Iowa, where she delivered babies, cared for multiple generations of families, and experienced firsthand the challenges and rewards of rural healthcare. Those experiences shaped her leadership philosophy and gave her credibility among physicians who know she has truly walked in their shoes.

Today, Dr. Hermiston is recognized as a rising leader in healthcare, recently receiving the SDAHO Young Professional Award and being named a Healthcare Leader Rising Star by Becker’s Hospital Review. Her leadership reflects both compassion and vision, strengthening physician engagement, improving care access, and helping shape the future of healthcare across the region.

Congratulations, Dr. Hermiston!

The winner for the 2026 Excellence in Marketing award is… Laura Mitchell of Lawrence & Schiller Over the past two decade...
03/25/2026

The winner for the 2026 Excellence in Marketing award is… Laura Mitchell of Lawrence & Schiller

Over the past two decades, Laura Mitchell has built an extraordinary marketing career, rising from summer intern to President and Chief Operating Officer of Lawrence & Schiller, one of the region’s leading marketing agencies. In her role, she oversees operations while guiding digital strategy and technology innovation, leading teams that develop websites, mobile apps, CRM strategies and integrated marketing platforms for major organizations including Travel South Dakota, Dakota State University and Build Dakota. Through her leadership, the agency has secured more than $5 million in new annual revenue while delivering measurable results for clients and strengthening the region’s marketing economy.

Laura’s leadership is defined not only by business success, but by her commitment to developing people and elevating the profession. She intentionally mentors emerging leaders within her organization, inviting them into strategy sessions and client presentations to help build the next generation of marketing talent. Recognized as a Prairie Business 40 Under 40 honoree, she also contributes her expertise nationally as a Webby Awards judge and frequently shares her knowledge as a lecturer, panelist and industry advisor.
Beyond the agency, Laura is deeply invested in the Sioux Falls community, serving in leadership roles with organizations including Forward Sioux Falls, the Sioux Falls Zoo & Aquarium, Downtown Rotary and Children’s Home Society.

Congratulations, Laura.

This year’s 2026 Entrepreneurial Excellence award goes to… Trisha Dohn of Well365. Nearly a decade ago, Trisha Dohn laun...
03/25/2026

This year’s 2026 Entrepreneurial Excellence award goes to… Trisha Dohn of Well365.

Nearly a decade ago, Trisha Dohn launched Well365 with a clear belief: workplace wellbeing should be proactive, measurable, and embedded into organizational culture, not treated as a check-the-box initiative. What began as a one-person startup has grown into a seven-figure organization serving employers across South Dakota and beyond. Today, her team of more than 30 healthcare professionals delivers onsite screenings, workplace mental health services, and strategic wellness programs that reach both major employers and rural communities where access to care is often limited.

But the true impact of Trisha’s work is measured in lives changed. During a routine screening in a rural community, her team identified dangerously elevated blood pressure in an employee who had never seen a primary care provider, intervention that likely prevented a catastrophic health event. Through the workplace mental health programs she built, individuals experiencing suicidal ideation have received immediate support and life-saving care.

Through entrepreneurship, Trisha has built more than a company, she has built infrastructure that protects lives, strengthens workplaces, and supports families when it matters most.

Congratulations, Trisha!

And the winner for this year’s 2026 Excellence in Sales award is…Jennifer Dykstra of American Bank & Trust.With more tha...
03/25/2026

And the winner for this year’s 2026 Excellence in Sales award is…Jennifer Dykstra of American Bank & Trust.

With more than two decades in the mortgage industry, Jennifer Dykstra has built a career defined by trust, relationships, and a commitment to helping people make confident financial decisions. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: mortgage lending is not just about numbers, it’s about education, guidance, and supporting families through one of the most important decisions of their lives. Known for her clear communication and thoughtful approach, Jennifer has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor who prioritizes long-term relationships over short-term transactions.

When she joined American Bank & Trust in 2024, that philosophy quickly translated into measurable success. In just two years, Jennifer doubled her loan production, growing from 45 loans totaling over $13 million to 90 loans totaling more than $22 million. This growth reflects not only strong business development, but also the loyalty of clients who continue to return to her because of the care, preparation, and confidence she brings to every interaction.

For Jennifer, success in sales isn’t measured only by production, it’s measured by the people she serves. Clients often describe her as more than a lender; they see her as a trusted sounding board during emotional and important life moments. Through her relationship-driven approach, Jennifer continues to strengthen families, communities, and the reputation of the profession she represents.
Congratulations, Jennifer!

Address

200 N Phillips Avenue #101
Sioux Falls, SD
57104

Telephone

+16053365626

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when SME Women in Business posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to SME Women in Business:

Shortcuts

Share

Category