Recruitment is now underway for the next session of Leadership Siouxland. Interested individuals or businesses interested in sponsoring an employee should contact the Executive Director at 712-898-8594 or exdir@leadershipsiouxland.org.
Seven Questions with Leadership Siouxland’s Peggy Smith
Article by Ty Rushing, SIOUX CITY JOURNAL Aug. 27, 2017 — Peggy Smith has come full circle when it comes to her involvement with Leadership Siouxland.
In 1993, Smith graduated from the program that’s dedicated to helping shape the tri-state area’s leaders of tomorrow.
She also served a few terms on its board of directors. And, in June, she was named Leadership Siouxland’s new executive director.
Although the position is part-time — she works full-time at Wells Enterprises Inc. in Le Mars — Smith can personally attest to the program’s value and is excited about the opportunity to lead the organization which has had more than 900 graduates since 1987.
The Journal recently caught up with Smith to learn more about Leadership Siouxland and to discuss her new role with the organization. Continue reading “Seven Questions with Leadership Siouxland’s Peggy Smith”
Pajama drive collects 1,000 items for domestic violence shelter
May 9, 2016 — SIOUX CITY JOURNAL | The Council on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence will receive more than 400 pairs of pajamas and 600 toiletry and bedding items courtesy of a pajama drive held by Leadership Siouxland.
The drive collected the items for the domestic violence shelter, which provides pajamas and toiletries to the women and children who come for housing and counseling.
“Here at CSADV they provide each person with a pair of pajamas and some toiletries just to say hey, we care about you, the Siouxland community cares about you, and this is a little something to help you out,” Brittney Ruby from the Siouxland Leadership Group said in a news release.
CASDV houses approximately 300 women and children each year and counsels 1,500 more.
– IAN RICHARDSON
Little Free Library opens at Sioux City police/fire building
May 6, 2016 — SIOUX CITY JOURNAL | A squad-car-themed Little Free Library is now open for public use in the lobby of Sioux City’s police/fire headquarters, 601 Douglas St.
Built from a refurbished Sioux City Journal newspaper rack, the Little Free Library sports painted-on police car lights and the Sioux City Police seal. The library contains a variety of donated children’s books that anyone can borrow, then return or add a book of their own.
The police/fire headquarters’ library installation is part of a collaboration of the 2015-2016 Leadership Siouxland group and the Junior League of Sioux City, Knoepfler Chevrolet, Sioux City Journal and the Mayor’s Youth Commission.
The police/fire building is one of 10 locations to add a Little Free Library this year as part of an initiative to encourage reading in the community.
– IAN RICHARDSON
Leadership Siouxland to hold 30-year celebration
April 17, 2016, SIOUX CITY JOURNAL | Leadership Siouxland is holding a celebration April 28 to mark 30 years educating and training community members to make an impact within the tri-state area.
All past alumni of Leadership Siouxland are encouraged to attend the 30-year celebration, which will be at Jackson Street Brewery, 607 Fifth St., from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
In 1984, a group of community leaders came together to form Leadership Siouxland. Basing the program on community topics and issues, individuals in the program gain valuable skills to impact the community within their place of employment and by volunteering for boards and other local initiatives. Within a year of the initial founders’ meeting, the group was ready for the first class. The program met one time a month starting in September 1985 and going through May 1986.
Throughout the 30 years, hundreds of Siouxlanders have been sponsored by employers or local organizations or have self-funded their own participation in the program. Participants have learned more about their own skills and interests, and the Siouxland communities within the tri-state area. They showcase their new skills by working in small groups and partnering with local non-profits to develop and implement community betterment projects.
On May 6, the Leadership Siouxland Board of Directors will hold the graduation of this year’s class, with members presenting their projects to the class and invited guests.
For further information on Leadership Siouxland, visit www.leadershipsiouxland.org, or contact Amanda Beller, executive director, at (712) 253-8522 or info@leadershipsiouxland.org.
– Michael Lewis