WIN | Sioux Falls Development Foundation

Minnesota Viking C.J. Ham: What connects me to Sioux Falls

Before he was a Minnesota Viking, C.J. Ham was an Augustana Viking.

He credits the education and experience he enjoyed at Augustana University for helping him in his career, preparing him for his future and keeping him connected to Sioux Falls.

Early career spotlight: English, sign language teacher finds success in Tri-Valley

Tell us about yourself, including where you are from, what you studied at Augustana, and what led you to pursue the major(s) you selected in college.
My name is Robin Tyler. I grew up in Centerville, South Dakota, and I always had an interest in education and sign language. When I learned I could make a career doing both, it was perfect. When I graduated from high school in 2007, Augustana had the only Deaf Education program in the state. While there, I majored in Deaf Education, English, and Secondary Education.

Early career spotlight: One student's journey to become a physician's assistant

Makenzie Haensel is no stranger to challenging, new adventures, and she’s about to embark upon one such opportunity yet again.

This fall, Haensel, 23, is one of 26 students who will pursue a physician assistant, or PA, degree at the University of South Dakota, a highly competitive program that routinely admits approximately 26 students per year, which amounts to accepting just 2.5 percent of applicants. With a 16.9 percent population increase in Sioux Falls since 2010, Makenzie’s chosen career path is also critical to the area’s growth, as hospitals are increasing care for more patients.

Development Foundation adds to workforce development team with new director of talent

Workforce development takes a team, and that team is coming together at the Sioux Falls Development Foundation. Sara Gillis recently was named director of talent and workforce development, joining Denise Guzzetta, vice president of talent and workforce development.

What is WIN?

WIN in Workforce Group is values-based community effort whose mission is to champion career transformation within the workforce. Our goal is to exchange best practices within our cradle to career initiatives for the betterment of all.