President's Blog

Hello SESHRM Members,

As we move into fall, I am reminded of the importance of community and the role we play as HR professionals in fostering growth, opportunity, and connection. The SESHRM Chapter remains committed to supporting HR professionals in their pursuit of knowledge and excellence, while also strengthening ties within our broader community.

In that spirit, we are excited to share that SESHRM will offer up to two memberships exclusively for non-profit organizations. This is part of our ongoing commitment to broaden access and ensure that HR professionals in every sector have the opportunity to learn, network, and thrive. Applications for these memberships are due October 10th, and we encourage interested organizations to apply.

I'd also like to extend a warm welcome to our new Professional and Student Members! We are thrilled to have you as part of our chapter and look forward to your contributions and insights. A special thank you to those who signed up to participate in our Mentorship Program—your dedication to learning and growth exemplifies the heart of our profession. Assignments will be shared soon by our Mentorship Coordinator, Alyssa Bainbridge.

This month's chapter meeting, "Beyond the Grid: Evolving Talent Development for a Dynamic Workforce," sponsored by Employment Disability Resources, promises to be both timely and thought-provoking. I encourage you to join us as we explore how HR can adapt and innovate talent development strategies to meet the challenges of today's rapidly changing workforce.

In addition to our chapter meeting, I'm excited to share a special professional development opportunity: the AiEdge Summit. This premier event is designed for companies, leaders, and entrepreneurs looking to supercharge their work with hands-on AI workshops and expert insights. Of special interest to HR professionals is the Scaled AI Recruitment and Training workshop, which demonstrates how AI can screen thousands of resumes, run structured first interviews, and deliver only the top candidates—helping HR teams spend less time in the weeds and more time connecting with the best talent. As a SESHRM member, you'll receive 25% off the workshop with the code AISHRM at checkout. Learn more and register here: AiEdge Summit.

Looking ahead, I also want to highlight the work of the SHRM Foundation, the philanthropic arm of SHRM. The Foundation mobilizes the power of HR to drive positive social change in the workplace, with a focus on initiatives such as Veterans at Work, Getting Talent Back to Work, Employing Abilities at Work, and Workplace Mental Health & Wellness. Additionally, they offer a wide variety of scholarships for National SHRM members pursuing certification, undergraduate/graduate studies, and professional development through conferences.

At our October chapter meeting, we will host a 50/50 Raffle to raise funds for the SHRM Foundation. Be sure to bring cash to participate! If you are unable to attend but would still like to learn more or make a direct donation, please visit: SHRM Foundation.

Thank you for your ongoing engagement and commitment to our chapter. Together, we continue to build a strong community that uplifts HR professionals and creates lasting impact in the workplace and beyond.

Lucinda Noronha

Hello SESHRM Members,

I hope you’re all enjoying these final weeks of summer! August brings exciting opportunities for learning, growth, and connection within our chapter, so let’s dive right in.

SESHRM Certification Scholarship Applications Now Open

If earning your SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP has been on your professional to-do list, now is the time to act! SESHRM is accepting applications for our Certification Scholarship, which covers the cost of the University of Sioux Falls’ SHRM Certification Prep Course and exam—up to $1,500. We award two scholarships per session (Fall and Spring). Recipients are responsible for any fees above the awarded amount.

Important Dates:

• Application Window: August 5 – August 22, 2025
• USF Class Registration Closes: September 4, 2025
• Class Begins: September 18, 2025

Click here to learn more about qualifications and to apply today: SESHRM Certification Scholarship & USF Registration

August Chapter Meeting – Tuesday, August 19th
Join us for our August chapter meeting, “Creating a Financially Secure World for Your Employees,” presented by Joe Brummel and sponsored by Plan Sponsor Roundtable. This session will explore how fostering financial wellness can improve employee retention and satisfaction.

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, ask questions, and network with fellow HR professionals.

Join the SESHRM Board
We’re looking for passionate members who want to make an impact on the HR community! Open positions include:

• President Elect
• Legislative Director
• Student Chapter Director
• Workforce Readiness & Diversity Director

Serving on the Board is a fantastic way to expand your leadership skills, build your network, and contribute to the future of our profession. If you’re interested, please reach out to learn more!

Be Part of Our Mentorship Program
Did you know SESHRM offers a no-cost mentor program exclusively for members? We’re currently accepting applications from both mentors and mentees.

This informal, six-month program supports both in-person and virtual meetings between mentor/mentee pairs, making it flexible for any schedule.

Apply today and invest in your professional growth: Mentorship Program Application

Thank you for your commitment to our chapter and the HR profession. I look forward to connecting with you—whether through our events, on the board, or in our mentorship program.

Here’s to a productive, inspiring August!

Lucinda Noronha

Dear SESHRM Members, 

I hope this message finds you well and enjoying a warm and relaxing South Dakota summer! July is a great time to recharge, reflect and reconnect – and that's exactly what many of our members were able to do at this year's SHRM National Conference in San Diego. This event was filled with inspiring keynote speakers, forward-thinking sessions, and powerful conversations about the future of HR. Topics like AI in the workplace, mental wellness, inclusive leadership, and navigating complex legal changes were front and center, giving us all a renewed sense of purpose and plenty of practical takeaways.

One common theme that resonated throughout the conference was the importance of staying proactive in the face of evolving employment laws and regulations. That's why I'm especially excited for our July chapter meeting on Tuesday, July 15, where we'll hear from Nichole J. Mohning on "Navigating the Shifting Employment Law Landscape." Nichole brings valuable insights and real-world expertise that will help us better prepare our organizations and stay compliant amidst continued change. If you've been feeling the pressure of keeping up with new laws and expectations, this is a session you won't want to miss.

As always, thank you for your continued support and engagement with SESHRM. Your involvement is what makes this chapter thrive, and I encourage you to keep showing up, contributing your voice, and connecting with one another. Whether you're joining us in person or online, I look forward to seeing you at the meeting! 

Enjoy the rest of your July and stay cool!

Lucinda Noronha

Hello SESHRM Members – Happy June!

Summer is here, and so is another exciting month for our chapter!

Our June Monthly Meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 18, and features Liz Carlson, a seasoned communication strategist, speaker, and adjunct professor at the University of Sioux Falls. Her session, “Own the Room: Mastering Purposeful Communication,” will equip us with tools to:

• Build a communication style that earns trust
• Navigate tough conversations with confidence
• Align messages to inspire teams and drive results

With more than 20 years of experience in leadership, training, and professional development, Liz brings a practical, energizing approach to communication that you won’t want to miss.

As always, monthly meetings and educational presentations are free for SESHRM members and $30 for non-members.

As we look ahead, we’re excited to set the stage for the 2026 SoDak SHRM State Conference, happening from April 29 to May 1, 2026, at the beautiful Cedar Shore Resort in Oacoma/Chamberlain! If you're interested in helping to shape next year’s success, SoDak SHRM is actively seeking enthusiastic volunteers to join the planning committees. Feel free to contact them at https://sodak.shrm.org/board-directors to find out more information. Whether you have experience in event planning or simply want to get involved, this is a fantastic opportunity to expand your network and give back to the HR community!

We also invite you to explore ways to become more engaged with SESHRM. From committee service to future Board opportunities, there’s a place for everyone to make an impact. If you’re ready to contribute or want to learn more, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to connect!

Thank you for all you do to support our chapter and the HR profession.

Have a wonderful month!

Lucinda Noronha

Hello SESHRM Members – Hello May!

What a whirlwind of activity this spring has brought! A huge thank you to everyone who attended the 2025 SoDak SHRM State Conference in Rapid City. From energizing breakout sessions to meaningful networking, the event was packed with insights and inspiration. We’re so proud to have had such strong SESHRM representation!

Special congratulations again to Carrie Moate and Jamie Scoggins for winning conference registrations and to our alternates, Hannah Wilson and Chris Garhart. Of course, we’re cheering on Alyssa Bainbridge, who will attend SHRM25 in San Diego this June. We can’t wait to hear about your experiences and the ideas you bring back to our chapter!

We’re also excited to share that SESHRM has been awarded the 2024 SHRM Silver Excel Award! This recognition highlights our chapter’s commitment to elevating the HR profession through exceptional programming, leadership, and member engagement. Thank you for being a part of that success!

Our May Monthly Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 20, and will feature Jonathan Fredman, Retirement Plan Consultant at Marsh McLennan Agency. He’ll present “Is Your 401(k) Broken?”—a timely look at the biggest challenges facing retirement plans today and how to address them with smart, strategic solutions. You’ll walk away with tools to evaluate your current plan, boost employee engagement, and stay compliant.

Looking ahead, mark your calendars for the 2026 SoDak SHRM State Conference from April 29 – May 1, 2026, at the scenic Cedar Shore Resort in Oacoma/Chamberlain. We’re already looking forward to another impactful event!

If you’re looking for ways to get more involved with SESHRM, now is a great time to reach out! We have several committee opportunities available, and we’ll soon be preparing for the upcoming Board positions for 2026. Whether you’re ready to lead or just want to lend a hand, we’d love to hear from you—there’s a place for everyone to contribute.

Thank you for all you do to support our chapter and the HR profession.

Wishing you a fantastic May,

Lucinda Noronha

Hello SESHRM Members - Spring has Arrived—At Last!

What a welcome sight—green grass, blooming trees, and sunshine! Spring is officially here, and with it, a big THANK YOU to our incredible Spring Conference Planning Committee. Your hard work made the 2025 Spring Conference not only possible but truly impactful.

A special shoutout to Marla Dziedzic for her engaging session on Navigating Difficult Conversations. I know I’m not alone in saying I left with practical tools that I’ve already started putting into action. We hope each of you took away something valuable to support your professional growth.

We're also deeply grateful to our 2025 SESHRM Spring Conference Sponsors: Woods Fuller, Short Staffed, and Sioux Falls Specialty Hospital. Your continued support makes it possible to bring in such high-caliber speakers.

Congratulations to our giveaway winners!

•  Carrie Moate and Jamie Scoggins won a registration to the 2025 SoDak SHRM State Conference (with Hannah Wilson and Chris Garhart as alternates) in Rapid City at the end of the month.
• And Alyssa Bainbridge is our National Conference Scholarship winner—she’ll be attending the SHRM25 Annual Conference in San Diego in June.

We can’t wait to hear about your experiences!

Mark your calendars:

• Our April Monthly Meeting is coming up on April 15, where we’ll hear from Mark Cotter and Jeff Eckhoff, two of Sioux Falls’ top city leaders shaping our infrastructure and development.
• There’s still time to register for the SoDak SHMR State Conference, happening April 30 – May 2 in Rapid City. Topics will include Culture, Legislative Updates, Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, AI, and more. It’s going to be a fantastic event—I hope to see many of you there!

Wishing you a joyful and energizing April,

Lucinda Noronha

Hello SESHRM Members!

There’s so much excitement in the air! Let’s kick off this month by giving a big congratulations to Marisa Draper from the Carroll Institute and Mandi Juhnke from Urology Specialists for winning the Spring 2025 SHRM Certification Scholarship.

Spring Conference – March 11th

Our Spring Conference is just around the corner on March 11th, and it promises to be a lively discussion! Marla Dziedzic will be presenting “Navigating Difficult Conversations,” a must-attend session for HR professionals looking to strengthen communication skills in complex workplace situations.

Register now: Spring Conference Registration

SoDak SHRM State Conference – April 30th - May 2nd 

Black Hills SHRM in Rapid City is hosting this year’s conference: “So Much HR, So Little Time.” Check out their website for more details: https://sodak.shrm.org/events

Get Involved with SESHRM

Do you want to get involved but aren’t sure if joining the Board is the right step? Consider joining one of our committees! We work on a variety of initiatives throughout the year, and we’re always looking for fresh perspectives to enhance our chapter. Reach out to learn more!

https://seshrm.org/boardmembers

SHRM Annual Conference & Expo Scholarship

Have you ever wanted to attend the SHRM Annual Conference & Expo? Here’s your chance!

SESHRM is offering a scholarship to one member to attend this premier HR event. Be sure to check our website and follow us on social media for all the details on how to apply. Applications are due March 21st!

Thank you for your continued dedication to our HR community. I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and celebrating our members' many successes!

Lucinda Noronha

Hello SESHRM Members!

Winter has finally arrived! If you believe in old wives’ tales, those foggy Fall mornings warned us that we were in for a late snowfall—looks like they were right!

January did what January does best and seemed to last forever. But amidst the winter gloom, our half-day conference was a bright spot! Wendy Alexander delivered an outstanding session on DISC, offering valuable insights on how to apply it both professionally and personally. A huge thank you to our past and current Program Co-Directors for organizing such a fantastic event!

Looking ahead, we’re excited for this month’s meeting, sponsored by the South Dakota Association of Career Counseling Centers: “Winning & Retaining Talent Simplified: Best Practices for Hiring People.” Additionally, our Student Chapter will hold its meeting on February 26th, featuring a discussion on “Landing the Right Talent – A Recruiter’s Playbook.” If you’d like to learn more or get involved with our Student Chapter, please reach out to Alyssa Bainbridge, our Student Chapter Director.

Save the Date!

• Spring Conference – March 11th: Marla Dziedzic will guide us through “Navigating Difficult Conversations.” Don’t miss this insightful session—register now to secure your spot!
• SoDak SHRM State Conference – April 30th - May 2nd: Hosted by Black Hills SHRM in Rapid City, this year’s theme is “So Much HR, So Little Time.” Check out their website for more details: South Dakota SHRM State Council.

I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming meetings and events. Stay warm and remember—Spring is just around the corner!

Lucinda Noronha

Hello SESHRM Members!

As we kick off the new year, I am honored to connect with you as your new Chapter President. This is an exciting moment for our chapter, and I am eager to work alongside each of you to build on our shared passion for advancing the HR profession. Together, we have the opportunity to make 2025 a year of growth, learning, and meaningful impact for our members and the community.

Celebrating Excellence

We closed 2024 by recognizing outstanding contributions to HR and our community. Please join me in congratulating our 2024 Awards for Excellence recipients:

• Distinguished HR Professional of the Year: Julia Disburg, SHRM-CP, PHR
• Emerging HR Professional of the Year: Andrew Erkonen
• Workplace Excellence Award – Community Impact: Minnehaha County
• Workplace Excellence Award – Culture: Howe, Inc.

Strategic Planning for 2025

On January 14th, the SESHRM board met for our Annual Strategic Meeting to outline initiatives for the year ahead. Key focuses include:

• Increasing Membership Engagement: Providing more opportunities for both in-person and virtual participation.
• Diversifying Development Opportunities: Expanding the variety and accessibility of professional growth programs.
• Building a Volunteer Base: Encouraging members to contribute their time and talents.
• Expanding Communication and Outreach: Enhancing how we connect with and support our growing membership.

Additionally, SHRM will be rolling out new initiatives at the national level and working to improve its website for members.

Upcoming Event: January Half-Day Session

On January 28th, we will host our first major event of the year:

• Enhancing Team Dynamics with DISC Training, presented by Wendy Alexander. This interactive workshop will empower HR professionals, managers, and team members to utilize the DISC personality assessment to strengthen team communication and collaboration.
• Cost: FREE for renewed members, $99 for non-members. Be sure to register soon to secure your spot!

Stay Connected

If you haven’t already, follow us on social media to stay updated on news and events. Look for SESHRM on:

• Facebook
• LinkedIn
• X (formerly Twitter)

Special Thanks and Warm Welcomes

A heartfelt thank you to our outgoing SESHRM Board Members: Julia Disburg, Hannah Johnson, Jessica Ashton, and Stephanie Keizer. Your dedication and hard work have made a lasting impact. Please join me in welcoming our newest board members: Heather Holzapfel, Jessica Williams, and Ashlie Gutierrez Terrasaz. We’re excited to have you on board!

Looking Ahead

I am grateful for the opportunity to lead our incredible SESHRM organization this year. With your support, I’m confident we’ll achieve great things together. Here’s to a fantastic 2025!

Warm regards,

Lucinda Noronha

As we wrap up another year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all our members, sponsors, and volunteers. Your dedication has made 2024 an incredible year for our chapter that was filled with growth, learning, and meaningful connections.

This will be my final message as your Chapter President, as I prepare to hand over the reins to Lucinda Noronha. It has been an honor to serve in this role, and I am proud of all we’ve accomplished together. I am confident that under Lucinda’s leadership, our chapter will continue to thrive and reach new heights. While we are still seeking a President-Elect to step into this important role, we are fortunate to have a strong collaborative plan in place. I will be working closely with Lucinda and the SESHRM board to ensure stability and continuity during this time of transition.

If you or someone you know is interested in shaping the future of our chapter, please reach out—we’d love to hear from you! The President-Elect position is a unique opportunity to lead, grow, and make a lasting impact on the HR community.

Come and celebrate the season with us at our Annual Social on December 17^th from 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm. This fun and festive event will feature the announcement of our Community, HR Emerging Professional of the Year, and Distinguished Professional for the Year awards. This is a time to connect with fellow HR professionals, enjoy delicious food, fun games, basket raffles, and drinks. We hope to see you there!

Don’t forget to continue the success, education, networking, motivation, and fun by renewing your SESHRM membership for 2025! The deadline to renew is December 31^st this year, and you have to be renewed (and paid) in order to attend the January ½ day session without charge! It’s easy to renew! Just log on to our website and follow the steps from the home page. Please reach out to a board member if you need assistance.

Make sure to join us on January 28^th, 2025, for our ½ day workshop as we welcome Wendy Alexander from POET.  Wendy will be presenting a workshop on how to enhance team dynamics with disc training by providing an understating on how DISC personality assessments can improve team dynamics and communication within organizations.

To all our members, volunteers, and sponsors—thank you for your continued support and engagement. Your dedication makes our chapter a thriving and vibrant community.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year!

Thank you,

Monique Vanden Heuvel