Siouxland Magazine - Volume 3 Issue 5

Forty
By Peggy Smith
I love this annual edition that highlights 10
Siouxland individuals under 40 and tells us
their stories along with their contributions to
our community. It is so inspiring to read how far
they have come in their personal and professional
lives and imagine the positive difference they will
make in the next 40 years.
This edition’s focus got me thinking about what was
going on in my life back when I was 40. The year I
turned 40 was the year I lost my dad; the year I was
born was the year my dad had turned 40. He gained
me in his life at the same age I lost him from mine.
Somehow that fact is hard to grasp; and resonates
with me.
Losing a parent at any age causes reflection and the
need to recenter yourself, which was certainly true
for me. My dad had always been a true advocate for
Iowa and Siouxland. He was born the year his father
obtained the farm I still live on today – now a Century
Farm. Dad taught me the importance of taking care
of what you are entrusted with, family, being a good
steward of the land, and the community in which you
live. Those values were instilled in me from an early
age, but his death really drove them home to me.
Years ago, the opportunities to get involved revolved
mostly around church and school, or the field in which
you worked. My dad was involved in farming events
and was a township trustee for decades. Now, the
opportunities are practically endless. There are so
many causes and agencies that need advocates and
supporters that once an individual identifies their
passion, it is not difficult to discover a way to get
involved and make a positive impact in an area that
speaks to your heart.
Today, I am impressed with the enthusiasm and
dedication of the young professionals who call
Siouxland home and strive every day to make our
community better today than it was 40 years ago, or
even than it was yesterday. Identify your passion, get
involved, and help Siouxland become a place with
which to be reckoned!
Leadership Siouxland is an organization dedicated to
developing diverse, informed leaders who shape our
community for today and tomorrow.
Peggy Smith, Executive Director for Leadership Siouxland.
Siouxland Magazine | | Grow/35 / 39
Imagine the Power of Dedication
We are proud to recognize Sheenah Tonga, Branch
Administrative Supervisor with our Sioux City office,
for being named Top 10 Under 40 2021 by Siouxland
Magazine. Sheenah’s dedication to our community
inspires us all.
The Stuck Bivens-Rose Group
712-234-4000
stuckbivensrosegroup.com
©2021 Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. Member SIPC. MC-682901.