Power Lunch

04/10/2026

Our recent Power Lunches have been packed with insight & inspiration!

Ben Reifel welcomed Sophia Johnson, student leader at Augustana University, who encouraged our girls to use their voices - even when it feels uncomfortable.

George McGovern girls learned from journalist and business owner Jodi Schwan, who spoke about the power of curiosity, and shared about her visit in a story about our program!

Whittier's group enjoyed hearing from Miranda Koltze about how creativity has shaped her life and her business, Sweetgrass Soapery. It was extra special that her daughter is also in the group!

Another family connection came when we welcomed Shelly Munson, attorney at Woods Fuller, AND Whittier school counselor Mrs. Boylan’s sister. She emphasized the power of hard work and wowed us with the message that “law school isn’t that hard if you just do the work.”

Next month we celebrate the year with our graduation events!

Woods Fuller Sweetgrass Soapery Ben Reifel Middle School Sioux Falls.Business https://siouxfalls.business/jodis-journal-the-power-of-this-underrated-skill/

03/20/2026

The tragic loss of McKenna is felt deeply across our program. To the girls in our community: we see you, we value you, and we are mourning with you. 🤍

01/19/2026

The girls at Ben Reifel got to know their school Safety Officer Erin Bertram a little better last week.

She joined as a Power Lunch speaker, covering the importance of personal safety and the power of having a strong physical presence.

Thank you Officer Bertram! 👊

09/29/2025

Power Lunches have begun for the 2025-26 school year! Thank you to Sioux Falls School District for featuring us in this video as a "program that shines!"

Projects that SHINE ✨: George McGovern Middle School Power Lunch

At George McGovern, the Power Lunch program helps eighth-grade girls discover their strengths and build confidence by connecting them with community mentors. Each month, students share a meal, hear from speakers, and explore goals, careers, and overcoming obstacles.

These young leaders are showing that support, guidance, and a little encouragement can go a long way! Learn more here ---> https://youtu.be/sPa1-06icYQ?si=JwfOYz0jtItXxNH5

07/30/2025

Our coordinators enjoyed a fun patio lunch this week, reflecting on a wonderful past school year and planning for 2025-26. This group rocks!

05/28/2025

With the closing of the 2024-25 school year, we also celebrate another year of the Power Lunch program. Each of our three middle school groups had their own graduation field trip this year, and every one of them was amazing!

❤️Ben Reifel Middle School enjoyed a visit to the Steel District, where they heard several Lloyd Companies and Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown women share about their jobs in hospitality, hotel management, interior design, and real estate, followed by a beautiful lunch and graduation ceremony.

💜George McGovern Middle School celebrated with a luncheon at the Sanford House, home of Sanford Health Foundation. We were honored to welcome students' moms, our program founders, and past speakers from GameDay Social, Augustana University, and SD Voices for Peace. A memorable moment was when everyone took turns sharing their "superpowers" with one another.

💙Whittier Middle School capped off the season with a visit to 605 Magazine and graduation festivities at Click Rain Inc. The girls enjoyed reconnecting with past speakers from Sioux Falls Police Department and Lemonly, and seeing these creative office spaces right down the street from their school!

Now in its third year, Power Lunch has reached more than 100 students, offering meaningful exposure to a diverse array of professional women in our community. What we’ve reminded them again and again is simple: the power to succeed is already inside of them. They are powerful! 💪💪💪

Thank you to our coordinators, counselors, sponsors, and supporters for making this all possible. 🙏

03/25/2025

Today at Whittier Middle School Power Lunch, we welcomed Anya Joseph - sports reporter at KELOLAND News.

She shared about her journey from Boston to Sioux Falls, told stories of lessons learned, and left us with a powerful quote: “You can be totally yourself and own it.”

Thank you, Anya! 💗💗💗

10/08/2024

We are back! With Power Lunches beginning again this month, we are excited to introduce a new tool - the Power Lunch workbook.

Its content focuses on strengthening the many types of power we hold within ourselves, with activities and discussion starters included to help guide sessions at all of our schools.

The girls will each fill in their own book throughout the year, and have an encouraging keepsake once completed.

Thank you to Lemonly for the beautiful design work, to our sponsors Click Rain Inc., First Dakota National Bank, Viaflex, and our partner Promising Futures Fund for your support!

07/29/2024

"It's not about braiding her hair." 🫶

06/11/2024

Check out this great event coming up this weekend, hosted by our awesome Power Lunch speaker Antoinette Jensen! NetjFitness Antoinette Jensen

06/07/2024

It may be summertime, but we can continue to learn and grow in new ways always.