President's Blog

Hello SESHRM Members,

March is here, and with it comes one of the most exciting learning opportunities of our SESHRM year: our Spring Conference on March 17. This event brings together practical tools, meaningful connections, and a keynote experience designed to strengthen the way our teams work, communicate, and lead.

Spring Conference - March 17

We are thrilled to welcome Desiree Petrich, leadership development consultant, bestselling author, and founder of Intentional Action. Desiree's work with DISC, Working Genius, and the 5 Dysfunctions of a Team has helped leaders across the country build trust, reduce friction, and create healthier, more effective teams.

This year's Spring Conference, "Five Dysfunctions of a Team and Working Genius," will give participants actionable strategies to:

· Identify behaviors that build trust and reduce team tension

· Increase healthy conflict to support better decision-making

· Strengthen commitment and accountability without blame or drama

· Use Working Genius to improve collaboration, delegation, and workflow

When trust is higher and expectations are clearer, everything moves more smoothly — meetings become more productive, hard conversations get easier and follow-through stops falling on the same few people. This session is designed to help teams move faster with less friction and more clarity.

This event is approved for 3.75 SHRM and HRCI (Business) credits.

Conference Agenda

9:00-9:30	Registration Check-In
9:30-10:30	Keynote Address: Desiree Petrich
10:30-10:45	Break & Vendor Visits
10:45-12:00	Keynote Continues
12:00-12:30	Lunch & Vendor Visits
12:30-2:00	Keynote Concludes

We will also be awarding two scholarships to attend the South Dakota State SHRM Conference, which is a wonderful opportunity to support members who are investing in their professional growth.

Please note: Cancellations after Wednesday, March 11, cannot be refunded due to food and event commitments.

SHRM South Dakota State Conference — April 29–May 1

Registration is open for the 2026 SHRM South Dakota State Conference, hosted at Cedar Shore Resort in Chamberlain/Oacoma. This statewide event brings HR professionals together for three days of learning, networking, and inspiration. If you haven't registered yet, now is a great time to secure your spot.

Looking Ahead to April

April offers multiple opportunities to continue your development and stay connected:

April 1 - SHRM South Dakota Webinar

A free statewide webinar kicks off the month. SESHRM members can register directly through our website.

April 21 - Monthly Meeting

Join us for "Protecting Your Business: I-9 Compliance Strategies for Employers." This session will provide practical guidance for navigating one of HR's most critical compliance responsibilities.

Thank you for your continued engagement and leadership within SESHRM. I'm looking forward to seeing many of you at the Spring Conference and throughout a full, energizing season of learning.

Lucinda Noronha

Hello SESHRM members,

Our president Lucinda is currently enjoying some much-needed time away visiting family in Brazil, and we wish her a restful, memorable trip and look forward to welcoming her back soon.  As we wrap up February, we hope you’re able to step away, enjoy the wonderful weather and soak up a little extra sunshine – spring will be here before we know it, and it seems the groundhog may have been a bit off this year with his prediction.

Upcoming events:

February Monthly Meeting

Join us on February 17 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls South for our next monthly meeting: "Leadership IRL" with Liz Carlson
Liz brings a dynamic, real-world perspective on leadership that will resonate with professionals at every level. We look forward to seeing you there.

SESHRM Spring Conference

Join us on March 17^th at 9:00 am at the Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls South for our annual Spring Conference.  Five Dysfunctions of a Tam and Working Genius with Desiree Petrich.

Desiree brings practical insights to help leaders and organization create stronger leadership pipelines, more engages teams, and high-impact partnerships.

April – Presented by South Dakota SHRM – Webinar

Join us on April 1^st at 11:30 am – via zoom for a virtual training session on Running Internal Investigations with Susan White.

Susan is widely recognized for her expertise in talent identification, development, coaching and retentions along with bringing a relationship-approach to leaders to solve complex challenges.

Please sign up on the SESHRM website. https://www.seshrm.org.  This is a free webinar.

South Dakota State SHRM Conference

Registration is officially open for the 2026 South Dakota State SHRM Conference, held at Cedar Shore Resort in Oacoma/Chamberlain, April 29 – May 1, 2026!
This year's conference promises unique networking opportunities and an incredible lineup of speakers. It's a can't-miss event for HR professionals across the region.
Secure your spot today: https://lnkd.in/g5Y75gKd  - Earlybird discount has been extended to 03/15/2026.

Just a reminder to make sure that you are signed up for and listening to our monthly podcasts; our first episode of 2026 is a follow up with our January speaker – John Meyer.

Be watching for upcoming information about our National SHRM scholarship application email – one lucky member will be selected to attend the Annual National SHRM conference in Orlando, FL, June 16-19^th, 2026.

As we continue in 2026, we are excited for the year ahead as SESHRM continues to working to bring great speakers and fresh ideas to the table, and we invite you to join us each month to learn, connect, and grow together.

Thank you for all you do to support one another and our community.

Hello SESHRM Members,

As we step into 2026, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for making 2025 such a successful and inspiring year for SESHRM. Our chapter continues to thrive because of your engagement, your leadership, and your commitment to elevating the HR profession in our community. I'm energized by the momentum we've built together and excited for everything the new year will bring.

Our December Holiday Social was a wonderful celebration of connection and generosity. Thanks to your enthusiasm and support, we raised $1,260 through our basket raffle to benefit Ronald McDonald House, a meaningful contribution that will directly support families in need. We also celebrated our SESHRM Spring Conference scholarship winners, Kara Trauttman and Camille Tweeten. Congratulations to both of you; we can't wait to see how this opportunity fuels your continued growth.

We kicked off the year with a powerful Half Day Workshop on January 20^th, "Forward with Clarity," presented by John T. Meyer. His insights on intentional leadership, focus, and purpose set a strong tone for 2026. Thank you to everyone who attended; your engagement made the session dynamic and impactful.

Upcoming Events:

February Monthly Meeting

Join us on February 17 at 11:30 a.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn Sioux Falls South for our next monthly meeting: "Leadership IRL" with Liz Carlson
Liz brings a dynamic, real-world perspective on leadership that will resonate with professionals at every level. We look forward to seeing you there.

South Dakota State SHRM Conference

Registration is officially open for the 2026 South Dakota State SHRM Conference, held at Cedar Shore Resort in Oacoma/Chamberlain, April 29 – May 1, 2026!
This year's conference promises unique networking opportunities and an incredible lineup of speakers. It's a can't-miss event for HR professionals across the region.
Secure your spot today: https://lnkd.in/g5Y75gKd

Honoring Our Outgoing Board Members

A sincere thank‑you to the leaders who completed their board service at the end of 2025. Your dedication and contributions have strengthened our chapter and helped shape our path forward.

• Legislative Director – Outgoing: Maggie Garry
• Student Chapter Director – Outgoing: Alyssa Bainbridge
• Workforce Readiness & Diversity Director – Outgoing: Kerry Bamsey
• Programs Co-Director – Outgoing: Ashlie Gutierrez Terrasaz

We are grateful for the time, energy, and heart you invested in SESHRM.

Welcoming Our 2026 Board Members

Please join me in welcoming our incoming leaders, who bring fresh perspectives and passion to their roles:

• President‑Elect – Ashlie Gutierrez Terrasaz
• Legislative Director – Clinton Brown
• Student Chapter Director – Kari Elling
• Workforce Readiness & Diversity Director – Britni Ridge
• Programs Co-Director – Colleen Olson

I'm excited for the year ahead and confident that this team will help us continue to grow, innovate, and serve our members with excellence.

As we begin this new year together, I'm inspired by the strength of our community and the shared commitment that defines SESHRM. Thank you for all you do to support one another, champion HR excellence, and make our chapter a place where professionals can grow and thrive.

Wishing you a bright, productive, and fulfilling start to 2026.

Lucinda Noronha

Hello SESHRM Members,

As we wrap up another year together, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible energy, collaboration, and dedication that define SESHRM. Our chapter thrives because of your commitment to advancing HR, supporting one another, and strengthening our community, which makes all the difference.

This month, I'm especially excited to invite you to our Holiday Social on Tuesday, December 16th, at 3:00 p.m. It's always a highlight of the season, bringing us together to celebrate, connect, and give back.

Here's what you can look forward to:

• Basket Raffle Benefiting the Ronald McDonald House

Your participation helps provide comfort and care to families with children receiving medical treatment. Every ticket purchased has a meaningful impact.

• Professional Clothing Drive for Dress for Success

Please consider donating gently used professional attire. Your contributions empower individuals to step confidently into new opportunities and careers.

Honoring Our Outgoing Board Members

A heartfelt thank you to Alyssa Bainbridge, Maggie Garry, and Kerry Bamsey for their dedicated service on the SESHRM Board. Your leadership, vision, and commitment have strengthened our chapter and left a lasting impact. We are deeply grateful for the time and energy you've invested in advancing our mission.

Welcoming Our New Board Members

We are thrilled to welcome the following leaders to the SESHRM Board:

• Ashlie Gutierrez Terrasaz – President-elect
• Clinton Brown – Legislative Director
• Britni Ridge – Workforce Readiness and Diversity Director
• Kari Elling – Student Chapter Director
• Coleen Olson – Programs Co-chair

We look forward to the fresh perspectives and energy you will bring as we continue to grow and serve our members.

Beyond the festivities, this event is a chance to pause and appreciate the relationships we've built throughout the year. It's also a reminder of the power we, as HR professionals, have to uplift others, not just in our workplaces but across our community.

On behalf of the SESHRM Board, thank you for your engagement, your leadership, and your generosity. I look forward to celebrating with you on December 16th and to all the possibilities that 2026 will bring.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a bright New Year!

Lucinda Noronha

Dear SESHRM Members,

As we enter this season of gratitude, I’m inspired by the dedication, innovation, and heart that define our HR community. November is a time to reflect—and to celebrate the impact we've made together.

Award Nominations Are In!

We're proud to recognize excellence across our profession through this year's SESHRM Awards:

• Distinguished HR Professional of the Year– Honoring a seasoned leader whose strategic vision, integrity, and sustained impact have elevated the HR field.
• Emerging HR Professional of the Year –Celebrating a rising star who brings fresh perspective, energy, and promise to our profession.
• Workplace Excellence Awards –Spotlighting organizations that go above and beyond in three key areas:
• Community Impact – For workplaces that actively support and uplift the communities they serve.
• Culture – For organizations that foster belonging, engagement, and pride among their teams.
• Diversity – For employers who champion inclusive practices and equitable opportunities.

Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations. Finalists will be announced soon, and we look forward to celebrating them together!

Board Elections

The nominating period for our Open Board Positions is now! Please reach out to our current Board members to submit your nomination! We encourage all members to participate and help guide our chapter's direction with purpose and inclusiveness. Find out more here: https://seshrm.org/getinvolved .

Holiday Social – December 16 at 3:00 PM

Join us for our annual Holiday Social, a festive afternoon of connection, celebration, and giving back. This year's event features a Basket Raffle benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Come ready to mingle, bid, and spread some cheer!

Thank you for your continued leadership and engagement. I'm honored to serve alongside you.

Warmly,

Lucinda

Hello SESHRM Members,

As autumn settles in and we embrace the final quarter of 2025, SESHRM continues to focus on building workplaces that are not only productive but also inclusive, respectful, and informed.

October Program: Disability Etiquette – Creating an Inclusive Workplace

Sponsored by WIN in Workforce Summit 2025, this interactive session will be led by a seasoned disability inclusion expert. Together, we’ll explore practical strategies for engaging confidently and respectfully with individuals across a range of disabilities. From understanding the historical impact of the ADA to practicing real-world communication tips, this session is designed to. reduce uncertainty, foster empathy, and strengthen our collective commitment to inclusion.

Annual 50/50 Raffle – Benefiting the SHRM Foundation

Support HR research and education by participating in our annual fundraiser!

Tickets will be available at the registration desk:

• 1 ticket for $5
• 3 tickets for $10
• 10 tickets for $20

Thank You to Our Scholarship Applicants

We extend our sincere thanks to all the not-for-profit organizations that submitted applications for the SESHRM Membership Scholarship. We’re currently reviewing submissions and look forward to announcing the recipient in November.

Board Elections Are Coming Up!

We're now accepting nominations for the following SESHRM Board roles:

• President-Elect
• Student Chapter Director
• Legislative Director
• Workforce Readiness and Diversity Director

If you or someone you know is ready to lead and make an impact, we encourage you to submit a nomination. Let's shape the future of SESHRM together!

Let's continue to lead with purpose and create spaces where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

Lucinda Noronha

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