Title: Owner, Dance Instructor @ A Class Act Dance Center
Volunteer Organizations:
Junior League of Sioux City
New Stage Players
Darby’s Dancers
Penguin Project
What are you passionate about, and how do you use your voice/talent to make a difference?
My deepest passion is making a positive impact on the lives of others. As a dance studio owner and teacher, I am dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment where every dancer, including those with disabilities, can thrive. I am committed to creating a culture that celebrates diversity and inclusion, ensuring all students feel supported and valued.
In my role as a dance judge, I travel across the country, helping dancers reach their fullest potential through constructive feedback and encouragement. Additionally, teaching at The Branch, a dance intensive focused on mental health, has allowed me to guide dancers in managing performance pressures, cultivating resilience, and maintaining a positive self-image. These experiences have led to remarkable connections and helped recruit national dance competitions to Sioux City.
Beyond dance, my commitment to making a positive impact extends to fighting period poverty through the Junior League of Sioux City’s Period Pantry Project. As I enter my second year as a co-chair, I am proud of our achievements. We’ve provided more than 10,000 girls with free period products, supporting four school districts, with more than 30 schools, and five community agencies. Our summer program ensures that girls receive the necessary products during school breaks. Addressing period poverty is crucial, as one in five girls will miss school due to lack of access to these essentials. We aim to eliminate this barrier in Siouxland, ensuring every girl can continue her education and achieve her full potential.
What is your vision for the future of Siouxland?
My vision for Siouxland’s future is a thriving, supportive community that celebrates new businesses, events, and ideas. We can drive positive change and growth by fostering a culture of enthusiasm and collaboration. Engaging with local non-profits and supporting impactful projects will further strengthen our community. This collective effort to uplift and support one another will create a vibrant environment where innovation and compassion flourish. Together, we can build a future where every initiative is celebrated, and every effort to make a difference is embraced.
What are you doing to make that happen?
I strive to give back to the community through my involvement with the Junior League of Sioux City, which I joined four years ago. It has provided me with opportunities to support various non-profits and events. The Period Pantry Project has been a particularly meaningful initiative for me. I’m proud of our positive impact and excited to see how its continued growth will benefit young women in our area.
How can people help you make that happen?
You can help cultivate a supportive community by actively getting involved! Join one of our outstanding non-profit organizations, participate in local events, and explore new businesses. Embrace the diverse forms of progress happening around us.
Consider donating to the Period Pantry Project. You can donate feminine products at the Discovery Shop (316 W. 7th Street) or provide monetary support through juniorleagueofsiouxcity.com. Your engagement and generosity help strengthen our community and ensure that we continue to make a positive impact together.
What quote inspires you?
“To all the little girls out there watching, never doubt that you are valuable, powerful, and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your dreams.”- Hillary Clinton.
