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SDIA Signing Suppers: Third Thursday of each month! Our Past:

The South Dakota Interpreter Network Coalition (SDINC) was founded in January of 1995.

SDIA is your voice in South Dakota, your opportunity to affect change, while furthering not only your personal growth but also that of the field of interpreting. It was originally set up as a group of certified interpreters and members of the deaf community in South Dakota. The purpose of the coalition was to establish a working relationship between the two groups to enhance the skills of the interpreters. Our Present:

After several years of operating in the state of South Dakota with three separate interpreter organizations, a suggestion was made to combine the SDINC and the SD NAD Interpreters organizations. It was in 2004 that the two groups were able to make a successful merger. Together the members agreed on the name South Dakota Interpreters Association (SDIA) SDIA continues to offer numerous workshops within the state providing interpreters with an opportunity to continue growing in the interpreting field.

One more look back at the 2026 SDIA Gala!The best part of an evening like this isn’t just what’s on the agenda—it’s all ...
09/16/2026

One more look back at the 2026 SDIA Gala!

The best part of an evening like this isn’t just what’s on the agenda—it’s all the moments that happen in between.

The conversations across the tables, the laughter during trivia, reconnecting with familiar faces, meeting new ones, celebrating accomplishments, and simply having the opportunity to enjoy being together.

These photos capture a few more of those moments from a night centered around celebrating our community and the connections that continue to make SDIA stronger.

Thank you to everyone who spent the evening with us and helped make this year’s Gala one we’ll remember.

Our Rooted in Growth theme may have started with the conference, but we hope its message continues long after the weekend: stay connected to the roots that brought us here, support the growth happening around us, and keep creating space for what comes next.

Until next time, SDIA!

More moments from a night to remember!We couldn’t resist sharing more photos from throughout the 2026 SDIA Gala. From co...
09/16/2026

More moments from a night to remember!

We couldn’t resist sharing more photos from throughout the 2026 SDIA Gala. From conversations and laughter around the tables to trivia, raffles, awards, and everything in between, the evening was filled with moments that made this year’s Gala so special.

More than anything, these photos capture what the night was really about—community, connection, and celebrating the people who make SDIA what it is.

Our Rooted in Growth theme reminded us to appreciate the strong roots that have shaped our organization while making room for new connections, new leaders, and continued growth. Looking back at these moments, we can’t think of a better way to have brought that theme to life.

Thank you to everyone who joined us, celebrated with us, and helped make the Gala such a memorable way to close out our Fall Conference.

Here’s to the conversations, the laughter, the memories, and all the growth still ahead.

2026 Community Impact Award — Carmen SteenA strong community is built by people who see a need, step forward, and find w...
09/16/2026

2026 Community Impact Award — Carmen Steen

A strong community is built by people who see a need, step forward, and find ways to make a difference.

At the 2026 SDIA Gala, we were proud to recognize Carmen Steen with the Community Impact Award.

This award honors someone whose contributions extend beyond their everyday work. Someone who strengthens connections, creates opportunities, advocates for others, and leaves their community better because they are part of it. Carmen embodies that spirit through the many ways she gives her time, shares her knowledge, and supports those around her.

True community impact isn’t always measured by one big moment. Often, it is found in the relationships built, the conversations started, the doors opened, and the willingness to keep showing up. Carmen’s commitment to our Deaf, interpreting, and broader communities is a wonderful example of how one person’s involvement can create a ripple effect that reaches far beyond themselves.

Carmen, thank you for the energy, care, and heart you bring to the people and communities around you. Your contributions are noticed, valued, and deeply appreciated.

Please join us in congratulating Carmen Steen, our 2026 Community Impact Award recipient.

2026 Wildflower Award — Aubrey ByrnesSome of the most meaningful growth happens in the places we least expect it… and so...
09/16/2026

2026 Wildflower Award — Aubrey Byrnes

Some of the most meaningful growth happens in the places we least expect it… and sometimes, the people who make the greatest impact are those who simply keep showing up, adapting, and helping something beautiful grow around them.

At the 2026 SDIA Gala, we were honored to recognize Aubrey Byrnes with the Wildflower Award.

For nearly 15 years, Aubrey has dedicated her time, energy, and heart to serving on the SDIA Board. Through seasons of change, challenges, celebrations, and growth, she has remained a steady presence and an important part of shaping the organization we know today.

Like a wildflower, Aubrey’s impact has reached far beyond one role or one moment. It can be seen in the relationships she has built, the people she has supported, and the countless ways she has contributed to SDIA and our interpreting community over the years.

As Aubrey concludes her time on the SDIA Board, we celebrate not only what she has accomplished, but the roots she has helped establish for those who will continue the work.

Aubrey, thank you for nearly 15 years of service, leadership, and dedication to SDIA. There is so much of this organization that carries your influence, and stepping into this next chapter would not be possible without the foundation you helped build.

While your time on the board may be coming to an end, we know your place in this community certainly is not. We hope you know how deeply appreciated you are, how much your years of service have meant, and how many people are better because you chose to give your time and talents to SDIA.

Congratulations, Aubrey Byrnes, our 2026 Wildflower Award recipient. We are incredibly grateful for you, and we can’t wait to see where you bloom next.

2026 New Growth Award — Jasmine Jensen-WagenaarEvery strong community needs new voices, new energy, and people who are ...
09/16/2026

2026 New Growth Award — Jasmine Jensen-Wagenaar

Every strong community needs new voices, new energy, and people who are willing to step forward and grow.

At the 2026 SDIA Gala, we were proud to recognize Jasmine Jensen with the New Growth Award.

The New Growth Award celebrates an emerging interpreter who demonstrates dedication, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to becoming an active part of the interpreting community. Jasmine represents the promise of what happens when someone embraces opportunities to learn, welcomes feedback, and continues challenging themselves to grow.

Beginning a career in interpreting takes courage, persistence, and a willingness to recognize that growth never truly stops. Jasmine’s journey is a reminder that every experienced professional once started by taking those same first steps.

Our Rooted in Growth theme is not only about honoring the roots that have shaped our profession. It is also about nurturing the people who will help shape its future.

Jasmine, we are excited to watch you continue to learn, grow, and find your place within this profession and community.

Please join us in congratulating Jasmine Jensen, our 2026 New Growth Award recipient.

2026 Rooted Leader Award — Katie PetersonStrong communities are built by people who are willing to put down roots, inves...
09/16/2026

2026 Rooted Leader Award — Katie Peterson

Strong communities are built by people who are willing to put down roots, invest their time, and continue showing up year after year.

At this year’s SDIA Gala, we were proud to recognize Katie Peterson with the 2026 Rooted Leader Award.

Katie’s leadership is grounded in service, connection, and a genuine commitment to the people around her. Through her involvement in SDIA and the interpreting community, she has helped create opportunities for others, encouraged professional growth, and strengthened the connections that allow our community to continue moving forward.

The Rooted Leader Award represents someone whose influence has become part of the foundation on which others can grow. Katie exemplifies that through the relationships she has built, the knowledge she shares, and her continued willingness to step up and serve.

Our theme this year, Rooted in Growth, reminds us that growth is only possible when we have strong roots beneath us. Katie, thank you for being one of those roots and for helping create a stronger foundation for those growing alongside and after you.

Please join us in congratulating Katie Peterson, our 2026 Rooted Leader Award recipient.

09/16/2026

At the 2026 SDIA Fall Conference, we had the privilege of recognizing Lisa Fowler with the Guiding Light Award. We wanted to share the video from this special moment, along with the words that were shared in Lisa’s honor:

“Our next award is The Guiding Light Award, honoring an interpreter who has become a steady source of support, encouragement, and wisdom for those around them.

Every profession needs people who remind us that we don’t have to figure everything out on our own. People we can turn to with a question, seek out when we need reassurance, or simply count on to listen and understand. They share what they have learned, encourage us through the difficult moments, celebrate our successes, and help us find our way when the path forward isn’t always clear.

For so many in our community, Lisa Fowler has been that person.

Lisa, your impact isn’t only found in the work you do. It is found in the way you show up for the people around you. It’s in the knowledge you so willingly share, the encouragement you offer, and the quiet reassurance of knowing that someone like you is there when we need guidance or support.

The beautiful thing about a guiding light is that it doesn’t need to be the brightest thing in the room. It simply needs to shine steadily enough to help someone else find their way.

Lisa, you have been that light for so many.

Your kindness, your experience, and your willingness to support others have made a lasting difference in our profession and throughout our community. And tonight, we want to make sure you know just how much that is seen, valued, and appreciated.

It is truly my honor to present The Guiding Light Award to Lisa Fowler.”

Congratulations, Lisa, and thank you for the lasting impact you continue to make on SDIA, our profession, and our community.

2026 Guiding Light Award — Lisa Stout FowlerSome people make an impact not by seeking the spotlight, but by helping othe...
09/16/2026

2026 Guiding Light Award — Lisa Stout Fowler

Some people make an impact not by seeking the spotlight, but by helping others find their way.

Although Lisa was unable to attend the SDIA Gala, we were honored to recognize her during our Fall Conference with the 2026 Guiding Light Award.

Lisa’s influence can be seen in the people she has encouraged, the knowledge she has shared, and the support she has offered throughout her years in the interpreting community. Her commitment to lifting others up and helping them grow embodies exactly what this award represents.

A guiding light doesn’t simply show the way. It helps others move forward with greater confidence and purpose. We are grateful for the lasting impact Lisa continues to have on our profession and community.

Please join us in celebrating Lisa Fowler, our 2026 Guiding Light Award recipient.

Celebrating our 2026 SDIA Award Recipients! One of the most meaningful moments of this year’s Gala was recognizing indiv...
09/16/2026

Celebrating our 2026 SDIA Award Recipients!

One of the most meaningful moments of this year’s Gala was recognizing individuals who have made an impact through their leadership, dedication, growth, and service to our community.

🌳 Rooted Leader Award — Katie Peterson
🌱 New Growth Award — Jasmine Jensen
✨ Guiding Light Award — Lisa Fowler
🌻 Community Impact Award — Carmen Steen
🌸 Wildflower Award — Aubrey Byrnes

Each of these individuals represents a different part of what it means to be Rooted in Growth. We are grateful for the ways they have contributed to SDIA, the interpreting profession, and the communities we serve.

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 award recipients!

We are so proud to celebrate you and the impact you continue to make.

Mychal may be missing from the photo, but he is definitely part of the team!As we step into this next chapter with a new...
09/16/2026

Mychal may be missing from the photo, but he is definitely part of the team!

As we step into this next chapter with a new board, we’re looking forward to honoring the strong roots of SDIA while continuing to encourage new ideas, involvement, and growth.

Here’s to a great year ahead!

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Sioux Falls, SD
57106

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