Expand Magazine - Volume 6 Issue 6

Volume 6, Issue 6 

Formerly Siouxland Magazine 

Toi 

Sullivan 

Living in Purple 

Shopping Small 

Businesses 

in 

iouxland 

S 

pg. 33 

Is Failure 

a 

Defeat 

or a 

Benefit? 

pg. 14-15 

Urban Native Center 

pg. 44-45 

Memorial 

March to Honor 

Lost Children 

November 27 

John Maxwell’s 

is coming back to 

Siouxland

Amy Peirce, FNP-C 

Amy is a passionate healthcare professional bringing 

over 20 years of experience to Thrive Wellness Center. 

She holds both a BSN and MSN from Briar Cliff 

University and has worked in various roles, from Labor 

& Delivery to Critical Care. In 2021, she expanded her 

expertise by becoming a Nurse Practitioner. 

Now, as a new Direct Primary Care (DPC) provider, 

Amy is excited to introduce innovative healthcare to the 

Siouxland area. Outside of work, she enjoys family time 

with her husband and four kids, attending sports events, 

and going to concerts. Amy is committed to delivering personalized compassionate care! 

Chad Walker, PA-C 

For the past 8 years, I’ve worked in rural family practice, managing my own patients and 

gaining extensive experience in various areas of medicine. Along the way, I saw 

firsthand how broken our healthcare system is, with too much interference from 

insurance companies and rising costs for patients. It became frustrating to watch 

patients reduced to numbers valued only for their impact on the bottom line. 

This led me to the Direct Primary Care model, which focuses on spending 

quality time with patients and building real relationships. No more 

rushed 15-minute visits or quick fixes – just personalized, affordable 

healthcare that truly addresses the root issues. 

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family exploring 

various hobbies. I’m excited to continue my healthcare journey, 

dedicated to supporting and treating patients with compassion 

and care. Thank you for being part of this journey!

Expand /4 

We are here to live a BIG life. To explore our inner and outer 

world, moving us towards the leading edge to discover what we 

are capable of that can be of contribution. To create a life designed 

with intention and executed with passion. 

This publication aspires to be a source of inspiration. We are 

committed to connecting you with community experts and 

information to help you live your best life. It is our intention to 

encourage balance in your life, reminding you to prioritize your 

health and wellness while pursuing your dreams. We wish for you 

to be healthy, strong and radiant. We wish for you to find meaning 

in your work and be of service to those around you. 

In these pages, you’ll find advice and resources, but you will also 

find community and love. It is our desire to be by your side on your 

journey, providing articles, video content, podcasts, trainings, and 

live events. We are here for your expansion. 

This is your life. 

For those who want more… 

To be more, do more and give more.

Editors 

NOte 

Expand / 5 

What I love about this issue’s cover person is 

that despite her self-proclaimed introverted 

personality, she puts herself out there for the 

betterment of her team and community. Toi 

Sullivan is the Vice President at FEH Design and 

the current President of the Sioux City Art Center 

Association. Toi is inspired by the creative. In her 

work as an architect and through her volunteer 

efforts at the Art Center, she adds a little color 

to life. In my interactions with Toi, her kindness 

and warmth have been palatable. If you don’t 

already know Toi, I hope you get the opportunity 

to meet her at our magazine drop party—details 

on our Facebook page. 

Last month, we hosted John Maxwell’s Live2Lead 

leadership event at the RE/MAX City Centre. 

Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, 

this event provided great leadership insights 

and tools to help attendees personally and 

professionally. In response to the demand, I am 

excited to announce that we will host another 

Live2Lead event with additional speakers at the 

beginning of the year. Details will be on our 

website soon. Make sure to stay connected so 

we can learn and grow together. We wish you 

fulfillment and joy. 

Photo Credit Anna Marie Photography. 

Stacie Anderson 

Owner of Empowering Conversations LLC & Expand 

Certified John Maxwell Speaker, Trainer & Coach 

Passionate about Leadership & Communication 

Expand is owned and published by Empowering Conversations, LLC. All materials contained in this magazine (including text, content, and photographs) 

are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published, broadcast or modified in any 

way without the prior written consent of Empowering Conversations, LLC or in the case of third party materials, the owner of that content. You may not 

alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of this content.

e more 

8-9 

10-11 

12-13 

14-15 

16-17 

19 

20-23 

do more 

24-27 

30-31 

33 

35 

37 

38-40 

give more 

42-43 

44-45 

46 

Table of Contents 

Ask the Therapist – How to be Yourself 

Health is a Journey – Rebirths, Transformations, and Renewals 

Evolve Yoga – Mantra: Harnessing the Power of Intention and Sound 

Dare 2B Great – Failure: Defeat or Benefit? 

Living Lumin – Play Ball: Youth Sports, Emotion Coaching, and Building… 

Exploring the Foundations of Yoga and the Power of Community 

Cover Story – Toi Sullivan 

John Maxwell’s Live2Lead Leadership Event 

IWCI’s Business Feature – He(art) Therapy 

Downtown Partners – Shopping Small is a Big Deal! 

Council Connection – Progress Isn’t Always Perfect 

Leadership Siouxland – Celebrating 40 Years of Success 

Security National Bank: A Dozen Ways to Cut Down Your Next Grocery Bill 

Inclusive Peek – Dr. Julian Lee 

Nonprofit Spotlight – Urban Native Center 

Hot Air – Dorm Room Debauchery 

ON THE COVER: 

Toi Sullivan | Photo Credit to Anna Marie Photography | Razzle Dazzle installation at the Sioux City Art Center by Amanda Browder.

EXPAND | BE MORE / 7 

Who are you becoming? 

Being more is simply growing beyond who you were yesterday. 

No perfection. Just progress. 

It’s about living life to its fullest and learning from every moment 

so that we show up healthier, stronger, and more radiant. 

Our writers want to support you on your journey of self-reflection 

and discovery of your fullest potential. 

Be more.

EXPAND | BE MORE /8 

Q: 

ask the 

Therapist 

By Jackie Paulson 

I struggle with being myself. I feel a lot of anxiety in social situations and when 

interacting with people, even those who I am close to in my own life. I see many 

ways I am not acting like myself or how I truly feel, often putting on a face for 

others. I feel lonely, angry, and tired. How do I start being more of me? 

Dear Reader, 

One of the ways that I work with the people who 

seek my help is through the lens of the body and the 

nervous system, as well as through a theory called 

Internal Family Systems. The body is a complex 

ecosystem that is comprised of many systems working 

together to allow the whole body to function. The 

nervous system, in my opinion, is one of the biggest 

drivers to the health and well-being of many of the 

other systems. All your body’s systems (hormones, 

muscles, digestion, mind, etc.) are all dancing with 

each other. One sometimes leads to the effect, and 

other times, it is responding to another system lead. 

I share all of this with you because I want you to 

know, first and foremost, that I don’t believe you will 

be able to fully analyze yourself out of this pattern 

that you are finding yourself in. What you describe 

sounds like a function of your body that has likely 

been in place for a very long time to keep you safe - 

and not just on a mental level, but on a physical one. 

We learned to maintain a sense of belonging 

when we were babies and young children. We do 

this out of survival because we depend on our 

caregivers so much at a young age. Gabor Mate, a 

leading expert in the field of trauma and childhood 

development, says that we have two main drives as 

humans, belonging and authenticity. At a young 

age, belonging becomes more important than 

being authentic. Because if we don’t belong, we 

are outcasts; if we are cast out, we cannot survive. 

So, belonging becomes the priority. As we grow up, 

we get to have more choices. Our understanding 

and conceptualization of the world expands and 

becomes more complex. We realize that we can 

provide for ourselves, but the pattern of selling our 

truth out for the sake of fitting in and not causing too 

much divide is now firmly set in place. Especially if, 

as a child, you learned how to appease and please 

your caregivers to feel a sense of closeness.

In Internal Family Systems, we see these patterns 

in another way. This coping mechanism of people 

pleasing or fawning (meaning reflecting to others 

what you think they want to experience from you 

instead of being yourself and saying what is true 

for yourself) is a part inside of you that lives inside 

of the subconscious (which is the body) and that it 

wants to protect you from feeling pain at any cost. 

Perhaps that part doesn’t want you to feel left out, 

abandoned, rejected, or experience conflict. When 

we were kids, we didn’t know how to handle those 

feelings, and if our caregivers weren’t able to coregulate 

with us and help guide us on building 

confidence to be with uncomfortable feelings or 

if there was a lot of misplaced anger, rage, or if 

conflict was confusing and not handled well in the 

home, we never became confident in our ability 

to handle those things. As adults, that protector 

part of fawning is still doing its job because it 

still believes you to be incapable of handling the 

hard task of experiencing pain and wants to avoid 

conflict at all costs. 

But the reality is that as an adult, you are much 

more capable than you often realize, and you have 

access to more choices and resources than you 

likely did as a child. When I have clients in my office 

that are working with fawning (which is A LOT - you 

are definitely not alone), I help them first recognize 

when it is happening and what is coming up inside 

of their body in the way of thoughts, images, 

movement (posture), emotions, and sensations. We 

start to develop a relationship with it to r elate to it 

rather than from it. Then we start the reparenting 

process, in which you become the adult in this part 

and help it see the reality of its situation. The reality 

is that you can handle feelings that come up when 

we start to be more of ourselves and go against 

the grain of the group or relationship in which 

we find ourselves. We learn to become confident 

with ‘rupture and repair’ (the process of conflict 

and resolution in relationships), ‘awkwardness and 

discomfort in relationships’ (the natural feelings 

that arise when we express our true selves and it 

doesn’t align with others’ expectations), and how 

to stay inside of your own body instead of mapping 

(scanning) others and responding to what they 

want. 

We get you inside your body, understanding your 

preferences, desires, and boundaries, and then 

work somatically (with different techniques) to 

help your body and brain become more flexible so 

you can choose not to fawn. 

While the process may initially feel slow, the 

moment your body starts recognizing a new way 

of being, the transformation can be remarkably 

swift. It’s a feeling of absolute liberation. The 

body’s response to the healing process can be 

surprisingly rapid, leading to a newfound sense of 

freedom. 

If you’re ready to delve deeper into this journey of 

self-discovery and healing, I strongly recommend 

seeking the support of a therapist or somatic 

coach. Much of this healing occurs within the 

context of a supportive relationship, and having a 

knowledgeable guide and a neutral mirror can be 

immensely beneficial in helping you explore and 

embrace new ways of being. 

If anyone reading this struggles with fawning, don’t 

hesitate to reach out. I can point you in the right 

direction for your desires. 

With Love, 

Jackie 


Send Your 

Questions 

You can submit your question for “Ask the Therapist” by simply scanning 

the QR code or sending an email to jaclynpaulson@gmail.com, putting 

“Ask the Therapist” in the subject line. Your privacy is kept confidential. 

Our questions are often shared with others. Let’s get answers together. 

JACKIE PAULSON | LEAD INSTRUCTOR | E-RYT 500, LMHC 

Jackie Paulson is a therapist, yoga practitioner, and certified Body Temple Dance Facilitator. She works with individuals and couples and often facilitates healing 

work in circles. Her approach is humanistic and somatic, meaning she works with people on the level of the body and holds a space that welcomes it all. Jackie 

believes that each person has an innate ability to empower themselves and journey through any experience with the right support.


Health 

is a Journey 

By Megan Fuhrman-Wheeler 

Rebirths, Transformations, and Renewals 

A 

s a clinician this year, I have witnessed a 

general consensus…collectively, we are 

all receiving signs to level up. We are all 

experiencing rebirths, transformations, and 

renewals. It is up to you whether you recognize 

it and seize the opportunity. What does it mean to 

level up? What do those signs look like? And once you 

recognize these signs, how do you go about shedding 

your past skin and stepping into a new skin? These 

questions and more will be answered in today’s article. 

In astrology, each planet in our solar system represents 

certain aspects of ourselves and life. The planets move 

around the sun, and as they move, they fall into the 12 

signs of Astrology (Leo, Virgo, Libra, etc.). In January 

2024, Pluto underwent a huge transition, which 

occurs only about every 20 years. This is important 

because Pluto represents hidden issues, shadow 

work, transformation, and rebirth. This may be one 

of the reasons why we are experiencing collective 

transformations. 

Pluto, because it is so far away, does not change its 

astrological sign very often. In fact, from 2008 through 

Jan 2024, Pluto was in the sign of Capricorn. Together, 

this pairing would have brought up, collectively and 

personally, issues around authority, finances, laws, rules, 

government, hidden truths, big corporations, and power 

imbalances. What happened from 2008 through 2023 in 

your life and our lives as a collective in which you see 

these issues coming up? 

In January, Pluto transited out of Capricorn and into 

Aquarius, where it will remain until 2043. Aquarius is a 

sign that represents innovation, science, sustainable 

practices, humanity, collective rebellion, justice, and 

equality. So, how does this affect us? As we are pulled 

collectively towards more Aquarian ways, it is a good 

practice to step back and view how you respond to 

adversity, changes, and new ideas. When we are asked 

to level up, the signs may not be what you expect. They 

may be a loss of a job, a natural disaster, an illness, a 

fight, an accident… something that reroutes your path. 

How you choose to view these events will dictate your 

future. It is said that the universe will first throw pebbles 

at you, then rocks, then boulders until you listen. Today, 

we are cultivating listening skills.

First, how do you listen? It is the act of selfreflection. 

For example, after experiencing 

negative emotions or times when your 

boundaries are crossed, it is a great time to 

analyze and ask, “Why?” 

• What triggered me here? 

• What is the emotion behind this experience? 

• When was the first time I experienced this 

emotion? 

Taking a moment to journal about an experience and 

ask yourself these questions may result in some clarity. 

You may be responding to something from your past 

rather than the moment. 

This is, in fact, the case with all of us. As we grow and 

experience life, our brains and bodies store good and 

bad experiences. Slowly, we create a network of what 

we know as safe and not safe. Though beneficial, it can 

also hold us back. For example, how do we release 

that embarrassing experience we had with public 

performance at age 10? Or those awkward social 

interactions we had in our teens? We are no longer 

those children, yet our brains keep us there by not 

expanding or leveling up past those experiences. We 

freeze whenever we think about public speaking or 

stand in the corner rather than talking at group socials. 


If you are ready to let go of the past, here is an exercise for you: Write, Read, and Breath. 

Here is an example which will walk you through the 

exercise: 

Triggered response: 

“I do not like public speaking. I freeze up just thinking 

about it, and my palms start sweating.” 

Ask yourself, ‘What emotions come up with this?’ 

Fear. Embarrassment. Shame. Not being enough. 

Then ask yourself, ‘When was the first time you felt 

this way?’ 

It was a piano recital when I was ten years old. 

Now, write that memory down in complete 

sentences: 

I was ten years old and froze during my piano recital. 

I forgot everything and played the first two lines over 

and over again the entire time. I was so embarrassed. 

I cried at the piano and in front of everyone. 

Now, with someone you trust (partner, friend, 

therapist), read the memory out loud. 

I was ten years old and froze during my piano recital. 

I forgot everything and played the first two lines over 

and over again the entire time. I was so embarrassed 

I cried at the piano and in front of everyone. 

Next, read the memory aloud again, but only 70% slower. 

I was ten years old and froze during my piano recital. I 

forgot everything and played the first two lines over and 

over again the entire time. I was so embarrassed I cried 

at the piano and in front of everyone. 

Next, Read the memory for a third time. This time, add a 

deep belly breath at the end of every sentence. 

(Breathe) I was ten years old and froze during my piano 

recital. (Breathe) I forgot everything and played the first 

two lines over and over again the entire time. (Breathe) 

I was so embarrassed I cried at the piano and in front of 

everyone. (Breathe) 

Lastly, chat or journal about how you feel. 

I feel compassion for myself as a little girl. I feel like the 

fear no longer has a hold of me. 

If you are at a point in your life where you recognize 

the pebbles yet are unsure how to make the changes 

needed to move forward, this exercise is a great way 

to release and shed. Welcome to the transformative 

Aquarian Age; let us collectively grow together. 

By Megan Fuhrman-Wheeler 

Her goal is to spread herbal knowledge in rural America in a safe, constructive, and accessible manner. 

Owner, MEGAN & CO. Herbal Apothecary + Teahouse | www.meganandco.com 

Trained at the Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism 

Certified Clinical Herbalist 

Certified Clinical Nutritionist 

Certified Flower Essence Practitioner


Mantra: 

Harnessing 

the 

Power 

of 

Intention 

& Sound 

By Erin Kuehl 

Thoughts. Words. Actions. Intention. 

I 

magine if we could be so present that every word we spoke was like a prayer or a blessing to the ears of those 

receiving it. What would change in our relationships, our work, and our community? 

The ancient yogis and medicine people of the East deeply understood the power of thoughts, words, and actions 

and how these are intertwined with the energy of intention. It starts with a seed… a thought—fueled by the desire or 

intention to create or attract something in our lives. This thought then turns into a word or phrase, and as we speak it, we 

send it into the world, vibrating out into the living energy that surrounds us. Like attracts like, so our intentions and words 

become a magnet for the energy we put out into the universe. 

The Power of Intention as Energy 

Intention isn’t just a fleeting thought; it’s a form of energy. When we focus on our intention, we align ourselves with the 

frequency of what we desire to manifest. For example, if you set an intention for peace in your life, coupled with mindful 

action, your thoughts, words, and actions soon align with the vibration of peace. The idea is that this vibration, like a tuning 

fork, attracts experiences, people, and circumstances that resonate with that same peaceful energy. 

This isn’t just spiritual woo-woo; it’s supported by science. Lynne McTaggart’s Intention Experiment shows how groups 

focusing on specific outcomes have measurably altered those outcomes. The power of collective thought and focused 

intention has been shown to impact everything from human health to environmental change. It’s an intriguing glimpse into 

how our thoughts and words can ripple out far beyond ourselves, especially when repeated with intent. 

Mantras: The Bridge Between Thought and Action 

This is where mantras come into play. In Sanskrit, mantra means “to cross over the mind.” Mantras are short phrases or words, 

often repeated aloud or silently, designed to help us focus our minds and shift our energy. Think of them as mental bridges, 

carrying you from a state of mental distraction or imbalance to a place of clarity and calm. 

We’ve all experienced intrusive thoughts that seem to loop endlessly, pulling us out of balance. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, or 

fear, these thoughts can become a mental trap. But with a mantra, we can break that loop. We can redirect our focus by softly 

speaking or mentally repeating a mantra. It’s not about pushing the thoughts away but rather crossing over them—moving 

beyond their control.

One of the beautiful aspects of using mantras is the energy they invoke. Each mantra holds a specific vibration or frequency. 

When spoken or thought with intention, it calls forth the energy associated with it. For example, the mantra “Om Shanti” invokes 

peace. As you repeat it, you align your mind, body, and energy with the vibration of peace. 

It’s not necessary to pronounce the mantras perfectly at first. Like learning any new skill, it takes time and practice. But with 

continued repetition, you’ll refine your pronunciation, and the vibration will grow stronger. And remember, it’s the intention 

behind the words that matters most. 


The Power of Prayer and Vibration 

Mantras may be seen as a form of prayer. Most spiritual traditions use some form of mantra or prayerful chanting to deepen 

connection. Prayer is, after all, a focused intention sent out into the universe. The difference is that mantras are rooted in sound and 

vibration. When you chant or repeat a mantra, you’re not just thinking about what you want… you’re vibrating at that frequency. 

Sound is energy; when we vocalize a mantra, it resonates through our bodies and the space around us. 

Many ancient cultures understood the power of sound. In yoga, using sound through mantra and chanting was a way to connect 

deeply with the divine, nature, and inner wisdom. The intention behind a mantra transforms the sound into a tool for shifting 

energy—whether it’s calming the mind, energizing the body, or invoking a specific quality like courage or compassion. 

So, what mantra will you chant today? What prayer will you send into the world? 

Starting Your Own Mantra Practice 

Mantras are not only for seasoned meditators or yoga practitioners. They’re accessible to everyone. You don’t need 

to sit cross-legged in silence for hours to benefit from them. You can integrate a mantra into your daily life in small, 

practical ways. A powerful mantra is simply an I AM statement, affirming your right to exist in your authentic divine form. 

Couple I AM with the state of energy you desire to exist in and empower yourself through your day. 

Morning Intention: Start your day with a mantra to set the tone. Try something simple like “I am calm,” “I am peace,” or 

a traditional Sanskrit mantra like “Om Shanti,” which means peace. 

During Stressful Times: When you feel overwhelmed or anxious, pause and take a few deep breaths. Softly repeat the 

mantra in your mind to bring yourself back to center. 

Before Sleep: Before bedtime, use a mantra to quiet the mind. Something like “I release the day” or “I am at peace” can 

help signal your body and mind to rest. 

The key is consistency. Choose a mantra that resonates with you and repeat it daily. Over time, you’ll notice a shift in 

your thoughts, energy, and approach to life’s challenges. 

As we go through life, thoughts turn into words, words into actions, and actions into our reality. When aligned with 

focused thoughts and words, the power of intention can profoundly shape our world. Mantras offer us a simple yet 

powerful tool to navigate the complexities of modern life. No matter your walk in life, these practices provide a way to 

bring calm, clarity, and intention to every moment. 

What mantra, what prayer will you sing today? 

Check out a 

Guided Mindful Meditation 

by Erin Kuehl 

You can find it on Erin’s YouTube Channel: 

@erinkuehl8007, or simply scan 

this QR Code to take you directly 

to the guided mindful meditation. 

Erin Kuehl 

hello@evolvesiouxcity.com 

712-898-4286 

Since 2012, Erin has been the driving force 

behind Evolve Yoga and Wellness Center, a 

holistic healing hub in the heart of Historic 4th 

Street that integrates Yoga and mindfulness 

into transformative classes designed to 

nurture physical, mental, emotional, and 

spiritual well-being.

eXPAND | BE MORE /14 

Dare 2BGreat By 

Cody 

Rininger 

Failure: Defeat or Benefit? 

I 

have been honored and privileged to write for this 

magazine for two years. If you have been reading DARE 2B 

GREAT, then I thank you. It is you that drives me. My articles 

typically discuss training, nutrition, or adjusting workouts 

based on body type and lifestyle. I do a great deal of mental and 

behavioral training as well. Implementing the Body Scanner and Dare 2B 

Imperium App this past year has helped my clients excel and hit goals 

more quickly. Yet, the true power comes from our monthly meetings and 

goal/habit focus. We have always been a raw company, which continues 

in this article. 

There has not been much in these last 20 months that would suggest any 

type of success—zero. This goes for not only my business but myself. You 

hear that life happens. Yeah, life happens. And it recruits little minions to 

further its purpose. So, I ask again…Is failure a defeat or a benefit? 

Failure can increase resilience and spur creativity, among other 

advantages. Our society is so competitive and focused on winning that we 

sometimes overlook the silver linings of failure. Failure can spur creativity 

and innovation, as well as confer other benefits. 

Everyone can learn from failure, improving their resilience to the setbacks 

they will inevitably encounter in life. We live in a competitive society 

that has big winners and big losers. Educators, motivation experts, life 

coaches, sports psychologists, trainers, and other mentors mainly teach 

us how to approach success and how to be winners. Few teach us a much 

more valuable lesson—how to cope with failure. 

A society that worships winners tends to make horrible choices, whether 

from a moral or a practical perspective. Consider the widespread practice 

of preferring job applicants with a near-perfect grade point average over 

those with more varied scores. 

I was in education for ten years and then in the business world up to this 

point. The conventional view is that someone with a near-perfect GPA 

will become a near-perfect employee. Yet, there is a glaring flaw in this 

reasoning. A straight-A student is not a perfect person but someone 

who has never done badly in a course. This means that they have never 

really been tested. If they have not been tested to receive at least some 

weak grades, they have missed out on learning to cope with failure. Such 

individuals tend to be perfectionists, and this trait is associated with 

diminished resilience in response to failure. 

Maybe you are the owner of a business. An untested employee can break 

down under fire from real-world difficulties and challenges.

Even if they do not fall apart emotionally, they tend to 

be rigid, narcissistic, and uncreative. This can cross into 

many areas. In my world, an untested client doesn’t stay 

a client long or has success, but once success slows or 

they find something difficult, they stop coming or tell 

me they simply cannot perform the appointed task. 


Although it might seem perverse to claim that prior 

failure is an advantage for a job candidate, contrary 

to the received wisdom of personnel recruiters, 

experiencing failure is the best qualification for any 

difficult occupation. I want to point out, however, that 

context matters. I am discussing situations where the 

goal was potentially achievable, not some inflated 

pipe dream. 

If I may lay some history down, on a first impression, 

the young Theodore Roosevelt was described as 

a “second-rate intellect, first-rate temperament.” 

Roosevelt survived many failures, from crashing out 

of politics to watching his cattle herd die. Of course, 

Roosevelt’s failures were balanced by a staggering list 

of accomplishments, from founding the environmental 

movement, working for world peace, and tackling 

poverty in America to busting monopolies and leading 

the country out of the Great Depression. Not bad for a 

one-term president. 

So, what are the advantages of 

experiencing failure, if any? 

People who fail repeatedly develop persistence in 

the face of difficulties. President Harry Truman was 

perceived as a flop but stuck to his guns when it 

mattered, such as firing the popular but insubordinate 

General MacArthur. Thomas Edison is remembered 

for the incandescent light bulb, among many other 

vital inventions in the Age of Electricity. He is said to 

have failed with a thousand filaments before hitting on 

a material that worked. 

With success, people keep on doing the same thing. 

When they hit a wall, fall, or fail, they are forced to adapt 

and change. That is not just a human characteristic but 

constitutes a basic feature of how our brain works. 

Cody Rininger 

When one combines emotionalism with originality, that 

is close to what most people think of as artistic creativity. 

Artists are not necessarily frustrated; they tend to be 

dissatisfied with their accomplishments and try to do 

something better or new. This can be compared to those 

who go to the gym or have goals requiring as much. It 

applies to all fields of human endeavor, including the 

crass activity of financial money-grubbing. 

Never underestimate the magical properties of failure. It 

increases resilience in the face of unfavorable outcomes 

and gets the creative juices flowing. So, in reality, you 

never really failed. Read that again. 

Photo Credit Truly Juli Photography and James Patrick. 

Styling by Rooted Boutique. 

Cody Rininger 

website 2bimperium.com | phone 712-870-0758 

email rininger@2bimperium.com 

For more information on specific training and nutrition, contact Cody. He is certified by the 

National Academy of Medicine as a Professional Fitness Instructor in Cardiorespiratory Fitness, 

Heart Variance, Nutrition, Neuromuscular Flexibility, Supplements, and Mental/Behavior 

Performance. He incorporates techniques for concentration, focus, motivation, and ways to cope 

with anxiety. He has been featured in National Fitness Magazines and has spoken on several 

national Podcasts. Cody received his Master’s in Instruction, so has first-hand experience with 

differentiating personalized instruction, planning, and goal setting. He was named 2022, 2023, 

and 2024 Siouxland Trainer of the Year Award and Runner-Up for 2024 Siouxland’s Choice Best 

Weight Loss Center. Cody trains out of the Four Seasons Gym in Sioux City and performs scans 

and consultations out of the Stifel Building in Sioux City.

eXPAND | BE MORE /16 

living 

LUMIN 

By Dr. Meghan Nelson 

& Dr. Ryan Allen 

Play Ball: Youth Sports, Emotion Coaching, 

and Building What We Want to Come 

A few months back, I had the opportunity to sit down 

with Jeff Lafavor of 712 Baseball as a part of his 

podcast series and talk about youth athletics, yoga and 

mindfulness, and mental performance in sports. We 

talked about the good, bad, and ugly of youth sports 

in America today and the making and unmaking of 

American boys. I’m still reflecting on it all these months 

now later—about being a parent, being a coach, about 

what we do at Lumin Therapy, and more broadly, about 

how I show up and connect with the young people in 

my life and the world. The questions were about sports. 

But like I’ve learned from Ted Lasso, “sports is life” 

(paraphrasing here). 

He asked how we can help our kids perform at a higher 

level when the pressure is ratcheted up the most. 

About over-thinking in the moment, and at the same 

time, about not preparing enough mentally through 

practice making perfect. About how, instead, we play 

in tournaments and then wonder why our kids don’t 

perform, and then we yell and holler at the moments 

when they need us the most. It makes me ask myself, 

How do I show up for kids when they are struggling, 

scared, and nervous? When I watch the movie of my life, 

I don’t like all the scenes. The film doesn’t lie. I’m the 

coaching lovechild of Bobby Knight throwing a chair, 

Billy Martin kicking dirt, and Gene Hackman giving a pep 

talk from Hoosiers. Coaching, like parenting, can reveal 

all. It shows your strengths, weaknesses; it can force 

some hard looks in the mirror to really see what leads to 

better results: negative or positive reinforcement, love 

or fear, tearing down or building up? 

What we know for certain is that there is power in 

thinking, that when we can feel it we can find it, and 

that by visualizing the distant reward anything and 

everything is possible. We know that intention is the 

pathway to manifestation. But we also recognize that 

Sawyer with Sean Casey. 

the brain in pain struggles to learn and that if we want to 

change the results in performance, we are best served 

to change our beliefs, because beliefs (the thoughts 

we think repeatedly) shape our habits (repeated 

behaviors). Easier said than done, right? This is why we 

practice mindfulness—because Experience, Emotion, 

Behavior, and Performance are all connected. We can 

do something about this—we can coach. 

***

The best coach I ever had was Bryan Pohlman, my 

7th grade basketball coach at St. Albert the Great in 

Louisville, Kentucky. We went undefeated and won a city 

championship, but what I remember most about that 

year were the practices, the lessons, the sweat and blood 

and tears. I remember me and some friends quitting 

because it was too hard and the grace of my Coach for 

letting us return, but only after we ran nonstop for two 

practices straight and lost our starting spots and had to 

earn our places back. Coach Pohlman passed away last 

year. I talked with some of my friends who were on that 

team about the man he was and the men he helped us 

become. I’m 46 years old and still learning the lessons 

that man taught us when we were 13. 


Coaches matter. The best ones might tear us 

down, but they also build us back up—better, 

stronger, faster, more focused, and ready to face 

the challenges and opportunities of the moment. 

They help show us what’s possible and help us 

believe in something we can’t yet see. 

Sawyer with Homer. 

of sports and life. We can show them—by how we teach 

and talk and preach and pray. 

Sports can become all-consuming. In coaching, we 

witness growth and teamwork, bonding and fun, but 

emotions can get high, and when the focus is so much 

on winning from parents, coaches, and kids, the pressure 

can be too much. Kids fear failure and too often equate 

losing with failing. They are not the same. Way too often, 

our kids are playing sports in a dysregulated state hyperfocused 

on score and missing the fun of playing a great 

sport (or of even just making the next play in front of 

them). Our work is to help balance the nervous system— 

ours first, then through us, them. 

Co-regulation at its finest. When we’re cool on the 

mound visit to the pitcher, they’ll be cooler when the 

next pitch comes. Calm and steady in the huddle, during 

the timeout, it all translates to what goes on the court, 

field, or pitch. Our work is helping the young people we 

support and care for get out of the fight or flight of the 

Sympathetic Nervous System and attuned to the calm 

and focus of the Parasympathetic. Fear and anxiety create 

tension and strain, in the mind and in the muscles. This 

tension impacts feelings and thoughts as much as the 

mechanics of a throw or swing. We can’t play the games 

for them, but we can be their coaches, in all these fields 

We can—create positive energy…and stay positive even in 

the struggles. We can love independent of the outcome. 

We can reframe for confident resilience with mantras and 

positive affirmations to retake control of the thoughts, 

get out of the head, and back into the moment. We can… 

breathe between pitches or whistles, after an inning, 

or before the next play begins again. Repeating often, 

again and again and again. We can train the body, train 

the mind. We can coach to help those we serve connect 

to those parts of themselves that weights and sprints and 

drills can’t touch—that part deep within where real power 

and strength resides. We are emotion coaches if we are 

nothing else. 

*** 

This summer, my daughter, Sawyer, got the chance to 

play a game on the Field of Dreams site in Dyersville, 

Iowa, as part of the Miracle League. It was everything 

sports can and should be — SO - MUCH - JOY. 

Feel it to find it. Fear may be a good motivator, but 

inspiration is greater. 

What we water is what will grow. What we build will come. 

Lumin Therapy provides integrative health and education for the mind, body, and spirit to those suffering or struggling to step into and 

live their heartfelt mission and purpose. Through the practice of physical therapy, medical therapeutic yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and 

resiliency mentoring, Dr. Meghan Nelson, DPT, and Dr. Ryan Allen, Ph.D., bring their over forty-plus combined years of knowledge and 

experience serving individuals, families, and organizations to learn and heal and live without boundaries. 

Photo Credit Ryan Allen.

Expand | Cover Story / 20 

Toi 

Sullivan 

Be More 

What would people be surprised to find out about you? 

People would be surprised to know that I see myself as more of an 

introverted person than I put on in public settings. Putting myself out 

there for this article is harder than I thought it would be. There are so 

many bits and pieces of life that are not visible in the public realm that 

when I answer these questions, I find it difficult to decide the best 

answer. I think more deeply about topics than what may be intended in 

a conversation, sometimes leading to uncomfortable moments. 

What is your life purpose? Do you have a personal 

mission statement for this phase of your life? 

I seek joy and live in appreciation for the little things. I strive to be kind, 

help people reach their goals, and leave things and places better than I 

found them. If I can support someone in their personal and work pursuits 

by sharing my experiences, I want to do that; it means a lot to me. If I can 

support an organization in its efforts by sharing my skills, it is important to 

give my time. 

What drives you? 

Every day is a gift, and I am thankful for that. I am grateful daily for my 

family, the people in my life, the projects I am involved in, the events I’m 

looking forward to, and the clients I get to engage with that day. I try to 

live every day with a smile, not just outwardly, but feeling and sharing it. 

Toi is the current President of the Sioux City Art Center Association. Toi with her team 

at Sioux City Art Center’s Through the Looking Glass event, L-R Front row Toi, Lexa 

Almond, Hannah Schnell, Patrick Schnell, Brittney Ruba, L-R Back row Pierce Almond, 

Traci Trampe, Joni Roberts, Lance Roberts.

What have been the most valuable lessons you 

have learned? 

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is how 

to treat people. I didn’t put the pieces together until I 

was in a leadership role. Growing up, I was surrounded 

by family members who were managers in some form: 

coordinating a hospital floor, managing an educator 

supply store, managing a bank clearing house, being a 

Boy Scout leader and den mother, and owning a waterbed 

furniture store. Inevitably, everyone talked about their 

days, the people and situations they encountered, how 

the interactions went, and how they solved issues. Some 

of those conversations must have sunk in as I often think 

back to how they would have handled a situation. 

Do you have morning rituals or daily habits that 

enhance your life? 

My morning habits are often interpreted to mean I’m not 

a morning person, yet I feel that I’m more intentional than 

that sounds. I start my mornings off slowly on purpose. 

What I mean by that is I have learned that rushing out the 

door does not make a great day for me; stress that early 

often means stress all day long. I pause in the morning, 

make myself a real breakfast (egg and sometimes toast), 

and maybe catch up on a YouTube channel, a snippet of 

a streaming series, or a crochet project before starting 

my work day. Having that time just to focus on something 

non-critical helps me ease into what may be a hectic day. 

Girls Night Out a few years ago with my daughters, Ramey (L), and 

Zoe (R). 

What are your non-negotiables? 

I protect important family days, such as birthdays, 

anniversaries, planned celebrations, etc. Family has to 

come first, not just for me personally but also for my team. 

I know what it is like to miss something, and I don’t want to 

be the reason a team member misses an important family 

occasion. 

What habits have you built into your life that 

increase your stamina and help you power 

through long days? 

It feels like my answer should be an insight into a secret 

formula or program that I use, but there isn’t one. Over the 

years, our family has picked up on phrases or quotes from 

movies and commercials that have stuck with us for various 

reasons. These quotes will be brought up by any one of us 

at any moment as a reminder to chill or at least pause and 

think about the message. 

One of those is “Just Keep Swimming.” I hope that song 

starts playing in your head right now because just saying 

the phrase starts Dory singing the whole tune in my head. 

When something gets tough, a day gets long, or a process 

is challenging to work through, the song pops up and is 

calming, just enough of a pause to make me regroup, rethink 

my approach, walk away for a moment, and approach the 

task differently. Another one is Let it go, not the Frozen 

version, but the Rob Thomas - Little Wonders song, where 

he sings, “Let it go, let it roll right off your shoulders, don’t 

you know, the hardest part is over…”. This is for the tough 

moments when a task feels insurmountable; this puts it into 

the perspective of life: how large is this in the grand scheme 

of things? 

How do you decompress or unwind? 

Most often, I crochet. The creativity of it is rewarding, and the 

giving part of it is rewarding, yet the repetitiveness of the 

stitches is what I get lost 

in at the end of most days. 

I love the community of it; 

I don’t make time enough 

to spend it at yarn shops 

with groups (like Growing 

up Lulu Fiber Arts), but 

sharing a project with 

someone who also enjoys 

the craft is wonderful. 

For my husband Brad 

and I, getting out of our 

everyday environment 

is helpful to unwind, so 

weekends are often given 

over to short adventures, 

a quick trip to a small 

town for a local event, 

trying a restaurant that 

sounds unique, or doing 

Toi crocheted this blanket for Ronald 

McDonald House to auction off. 

a little Main Street shopping usually does the trick. Most 

recently, I booked a guided fly-fishing trip in Decorah, IA. 

That was totally cool! On our way back to Sioux City, we took 

the back roads, where we found the Dutch Valley Market 

and Log Cabin Produce in Orchard, IA. Wow, visiting and 

exploring both places and seeing a different way of life was 

remarkable. 

Where do you find joy? 

I enjoy learning more about things I already know about and 

acquiring new knowledge. I can be intense about certain 

hobbies or interests. When I focus on one, I learn all I can 

about it and spend a lot of time on it until the subsequent 

interest takes over. For instance, I am a JRR Tolkien fan. 

Dad gave me The Hobbit to read in 4th grade, and I was 

hooked. I’ve re-read The Lord of the Rings series several 

times since then, and most recently, I have been listening 

to the audiobooks of the series and any other Tolkien 

works available. I’m very much enjoying the background 

information of the tales, hearing how Christopher Tolkien 

referenced his father’s writings to determine how they 

Expand | Cover Story / 21


These are the many versions of Toi as Lego minifigures. 

were created, and talking about his outlines and his 

process of making them. Trying new crochet patterns 

and stitches (I’m working on two blankets and a sweater 

right now) and always having a new Lego set brings me 

joy! 

Who do you look up to? 

It is hard to single a person out, but as I think of the 

people I have looked up to, they have given themselves 

to make things better. I intentionally say things because 

you can replace that word with communities, other 

lives, their surroundings, their businesses, and even the 

world. I remember more than one occasion growing up 

when my parents helped other people out financially 

when they were personally struggling with finances. In 

Dad’s eyes, someone else had it worse off than we did, 

and it was our responsibility to help out when we could. 

How do you want to be remembered? 

I want to be remembered as a person who always 

looked for the silver lining, was always smiling, was 

helpful to others, looked out for her team, and made 

an impact. 

Why Purple? 

Yes, you will often see me wearing purple. I am a color 

person; color is happy to me. All my life, I have gravitated 

towards clothing and objects that were brighter, more 

colorful, and more fun than what may have been in 

fashion at a particular moment. Today, I personally push 

back against the stereotype that all architects wear black. 

The moment you ask an architect, they will deny it, yet 

look at their pictures, and you will likely see more black 

pieces than they realize. 

In 2015, when FEH Design rebranded, purple was 

selected as our company color, with the reasoning 

behind it speaking volumes. To quote our brand book, 

“The color purple combines the calm stability of blue and 

the fierce energy of red. Purple is often associated with 

royalty (like the way we treat our clients) and ambition. 

It also represents creativity, wisdom, dignity, pride, and 

even magic! Purple is a rare occurring color in nature, 

making it even more special.” making them. Trying 

new crochet patterns and stitches (I’m working on two 

blankets and a sweater right now) and always having a 

new Lego set brings me joy! 

Do More 

Tell us about your business 

FEH Design is a collaborative firm specializing in 

architecture, structural engineering, and interior 

design. With more than 125 years of experience, we are 

dedicated to shaping vibrant, sustainable environments 

through thoughtful and innovative design solutions. Our 

projects encompass educational, civic, corporate, library, 

public safety facilities, and commercial, all reflecting 

our commitment to creating community spaces that 

are beautiful, functional, and enduring. We have four 

offices located in Sioux City, Des Moines, Dubuque, and 

Milwaukee, and we have approximately 50 employees. We 

strive to provide our clients with results that specifically 

suit their needs today and are flexible enough to serve 

their purpose for many years. 

What’s the meaning behind the business name? 

FEH stands for Foss, Engelstad, and Heil, named after our 

company’s founder and two long-time partners. Over a 

hundred years later, we’ve kept the FEH name to honor 

our rich history. The word Design was chosen to clearly 

reflect our industry expertise. While we’ve considered 

name changes over the years, we’ve found no reason to 

part with a name that our clients and communities know 

and trust. Our legacy is in our name, and we’re proud to 

carry it forward. 

What sets your business apart from the rest? 

Our client service sets us apart. We do not impose our 

ideas or concepts on our clients. We see ourselves as 

interpreters. Often, people can’t visualize in 3 dimensions 

and struggle to articulate their specific needs. Through 

conversations, interviews, surveys, and Spark sessions, 

we determine how they want space to operate and create 

plans or 3-D imagery ultimately into built spaces. 

Toi Sullivan, Architect and Vice President at FEH Design. 

What are you most proud of? 

I am most proud of becoming an architect. After college, 

I couldn’t afford the pay cut to take a job as an intern 

architect, so I stuck with what I now call my Career #1 

(diamonds are a girl’s best friend). After a few years, I 

completely gave up on architecture; it just wasn’t going 

to happen. Fast forward to our youngest daughter (2 years 

old at the time), wanting nothing to do with Mom, and our 

oldest daughter taking only Dad’s word for direction; it 

was time to find a normal M-F, 8-5 job. That’s when I got 

back into architecture, and I have enjoyed it ever since.


Toi and her husband Brad. 

Let’s talk customer service…what’s the client 

experience? 

Our clients can expect to be an integral part of the design process. 

We look to our clients for ultimate decision-making and insist they 

are fully involved throughout the design process. We want and need 

their input on the space layout, the space adjacencies, the exterior 

configuration, the interior finishes, and the building systems for all 

the parts and pieces. Some clients want to discuss these parts in 

every meeting, while others prefer an overview presentation. We 

tailor the experience to the client’s needs, but the final decision on 

each piece is given to the client. You won’t find a specific look to our 

projects as each one is custom-designed to fit. 

Toi with her marketing team. L-R Toni Olson (DSM office), Katie 

Stork (DBQ office), and Alyssa Utech (SC office). Not pictured is 

Sarah Mostad (DSM office). 

How do you approach obstacles or setbacks? 

As opportunities, not obstacles, when something 

unexpected arises, pause, take a step back, consider 

the options, and consider how these opportunities 

often present an even better solution than the already 

planned direction. If an occurrence is a setback, where 

an opportunity can’t be made out of it, pause, handle 

the situation with care to the client or people involved, 

be respectful of all parties involved, and work together to 

find a solution. 

Mission/Vision Statement? 

We thrive on partnership, working closely with clients to 

deeply understand their mission and the communities 

they serve. Every project offers us the opportunity to 

learn more about an organization and positively impact 

the lives of building users through new and innovative 

designs. 

At FEH Design, our mission is clear: to create a better 

world through design. By focusing on sustainability, 

innovation, and client collaboration, we aim to make a 

lasting impact on the communities we serve. 

Expand Cover, Photo Credit Anna Marie Photography. Cover photo background is 

the Razzle Dazzle installation at the Sioux City Art Center by Amanda Browder. Page 

18, photo of Toi in Art Center, Photo Credit Anna Marie Photography. Bottom of page 

20, Photo Credit Ivory House Photography. Other Photos Contributed by Toi Sullivan. 

What have been the most valuable lessons 

you have learned in running your own 

business? 

Every person on my team is essential; they all play a 

key role in our business. When we hire someone, it 

is never just as a body to fill a spot. We hire people 

who will complement our team, have skill sets that 

will complement our skills, and have personalities 

that fit in with our team. I genuinely believe that if you 

hire someone with a specific skill set you don’t have, 

they should become your expert in that skill set. As 

a leader, you must remember that and let them do 

what they know how to do. It is counterproductive to 

micromanage someone who is doing what they do 

best within your firm. 

Advice for others starting in business? 

Surround yourself with people that want to see you 

succeed. This is not just the people you hire; it is 

your mentors, social circle, business acquaintances, 

and clients/customers. These people will be your 

advocates. They will spread the word to gain 

customers and be there when you need sounding 

boards. Even if they aren’t in the same business or 

know anything about your business operations, they 

may be in your customer base and can speak to that 

side of your business.

EXPAND | DO MORE / 29 

How do you contribute? 

When we find meaning in our work it feeds the soul. 

Our work can be an expression of love when we weave service 

into the cracks, contributing to our community by delivering 

excellence in everything we do. 

Whether we run our own business, 

or work at a level of excellence as if it were ours - 

It is felt by others. 

Our writers encourage your professional development 

and contribution to our community, and provide you 

the tools and resources to 

do more.

EXPAND | DO MORE /30 

Iowa’s West Coast 

Initiative Feature 

He(art) Therapy 

Business Owners: Molly Pace 

Business Name: He(art) Therapy 

Main Products/Services: Mental Health Counseling/ 

Group private practice 

Location: 4700 Gordon Dr., Sioux City, IA 51106, Suite 202 

Website: www.hearttherapy.info 

Short description of your business: 

He(art) Therapy offers mental health counseling and therapy 

to individuals, couples, and families. We are a small group 

practice with various therapists: art therapist, marriage and 

family therapist, faith-based therapist, and graduates pursuing 

their mental health counseling licensure. We are trained and 

certified in effective-based modalities such as EMDR, Gottman 

for couples, Mindfulness, and more. 

What motivated you to start your business? 

I began my therapy career in community mental health and at 

addiction treatment centers. I love what I do as a therapist, but 

I felt like there was more I could do through my own design. I 

created my own business in 2018 with my love for the creative 

arts and passion for helping people. I was driven by the need to 

be authentic and operate in a way that feels best for me and my 

practice. Creating my own business has allowed me to do that 

and continues to allow me to grow and expand in ways I never 

imagined. Bringing on more therapists to serve my mission and 

community is a blessing. 

What’s unique about your business? 

The variety of practitioners and their uniqueness. I started this 

business because, as an art therapist, I needed to honor that 

part of me that differs from other therapists or practices in our 

community. As I did that, I drew other providers who felt the 

same passion, drive, and desire to be their authentic selves 

as therapists. Every therapist has their own style and qualities 

that make them unique. For example, we have a faith-based 

therapist, marriage and family therapist, and therapists who 

utilize their innate wisdom and perspective to provide quality 

counseling to our community. 

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve overcome as 

you grow your business? 

I’ve learned that growth takes time and patience. Changes and 

unexpectedness come with business, so you must have a sense 

of adaptability and grace. I’ve ridden the waves of change and 

trusted that things would work out if I stayed the course and 

had faith in myself and my practice. Being a business owner 

means having a logical, rooted sense of control and a radical 

sense of faith. 

What has been your greatest reward? 

The first thing is the lives we’ve touched and changed as 

providers in this community. The business is rooted in helping 

others heal and supporting them on their journey to bettering 

their mental health. In return, we are rewarded as therapists 

Heart Therapy Team. 

through this assistance. Reflecting on this pride, I realize it is because 

I was brave enough and believed in myself to create this space and 

practice. I have also trusted my gut in seeing the quality of other 

providers and their match to He(art) Therapy’s vision and said yes to 

them joining and growing the practice. The reward is an increase in 

freedom and abundance. 

How have you benefited from the startup community in 

Sioux City and the region? What resources did you use?? 

Yes and No. I needed help when I was going to step out of agency 

work and go on my own. I utilized community resources like Innovation 

Market but was not a finalist. The loss motivated me to work even 

harder to find a way. If I didn’t get help from this program’s resources, 

I would figure it out another way. I am driven to succeed! I remember 

someone’s speech at this event who was a successful business owner, 

and he echoed not giving up. The best resource in our community 

that helped me get my business dream going was Todd Rausch from 

SBA at WITCC. I was grateful for his guidance and support. He helped 

me find a way to get this dream off the ground and running. 

Are there any experiences that were particularly influential 

in that regard? 

Todd from SBA believed in me. He heard my vision, felt my passion, and 

offered his wisdom. He gave me ideas of how to proceed even though 

I didn’t have the resources from the innovation market. I needed this 

belief because it was hard not to be supported by the community and 

my peers at that moment. He reignited my confidence. 

Why is it important for the community to support 

startups and small businesses? 

We all have dreams and desires, but the work needed to bring these 

to life can be a lot. To be the one with the idea and the responsibility 

to see it through can be isolating. With others around to reflect, 

encourage, and support it helps. Just like they say, “it takes a village 

to raise a child,” I believe the same is true about business in a sense.


Owner Molly Pace in studio. 

We need to validate and encourage everyone’s unique talents and abilities with 

support to share them with others. Community can help us do just that. 

What is one thing you know now that you wish you knew when 

starting your business? 

Accept that change is a constant. Some of the changes are good and 

prosperous, while others are challenging and uncomfortable. It is all part of the 

process. This has helped me adjust my vision of constant upward growth and 

enjoy the journey of the ups and downs. I am more accepting of the changes 

that life brings instead of resisting them. 

What advice would you give to someone looking to start a 

business? 

Do it! But more than that, believe in yourself. 

Not everyone will understand your vision, 

dream, or goals, and that is okay. Trust 

yourself and your unique wisdom. 

How can the community continue to 

help your business? 

Share! You can share a Facebook post, 

Instagram post, website, business card, or 

your experience or knowledge of He(art) 

Therapy. Often, when people are in crisis or 

struggling with their mental health, it is hard 

to think and take action. We can share this 

resource as a community to help others. 

What are some future goals for your 

company? 

I hope to continue to grow and maintain 

quality mental health care. We will bring on 

another therapist in the fall who will work 

primarily with kids and offer after-school 

appointment times. I intend to maintain the 

integrity of offering effective, solution-focused 

Owner Molly Pace 

care while maintaining our authenticity and 

uniqueness. I want He(art) Therapy to be known as a place where people can 

come to learn more about themselves, heal, change, grow, and evolve. 

Iowa’s West Coast Initiative (IWCI) is a collaboration between the economic 

development organizations in Plymouth, Monona, and Woodbury 

counties, and includes the following organizations: City of Sioux City, 

Siouxland Interstate Metropolitan Planning Council, Siouxland Economic 

Development Corporation, The Siouxland Initiative, Le Mars Business 

Initiative Corporation, Woodbury County, and Monona County. Learn more 

about IWCI at www.IAWestCoast.com. 

Photo Credit M Avenue Photography by Maria Watkins.

Buy for less 

than the 

price of a 

rental! 

starting at 

$249 

and up 

the best of everything. 

5001 sergeant rd #295, sioux city, ia 

lakeport commons shopping center 

712.274.5997

Experience 

Downtown 


A 

s we go into a holi-daze, many of 

us are busy making shopping lists, 

checking them twice, and getting 

caught up in the hustle and bustle of 

the holiday season. Before those packages 

arrive, we want to remind you how much it 

matters to support your local small businesses 

this season. 

Shopping Small is a BIG deal! 

Shopping local is all about choosing to spend 

your money at the cozy, independently-owned 

shops and restaurants that make our community 

unique. Shopping small means you can find 

one-of-a-kind gifts for your loved ones, enjoy 

personalized services, and even reduce your 

environmental footprint. Plus, you’re directly 

contributing to the growth of Sioux City’s 

economy. Fun Fact: According to American 

Express, shopping at small businesses can 

have a greater economic impact on the local 

community than shopping at big box stores 

because $0.68 of every dollar spent at a small 

business in the U.S. stays in the local community. 

Downtown Sioux City is filled with hidden gems 

just waiting to become your new favorite places 

to shop. From unique, locally made products 

to exceptional customer service, downtown 

retailers offer something special you won’t find 

anywhere else. We will be highlighting many 

of them before the holidays, so keep an eye 

on our social media to discover more about 

the amazing businesses that make shopping 

downtown so much fun. 

To explore all of the incredible downtown 

retailers, restaurants, holiday events, and 

everything in between and beyond, visit 

downtownsiouxcity.com. Make sure to sign up 

for our weekly event email, and follow us on 

social media for some fun giveaways this year! 

Downtown Sioux City. 

BONUS - we want to help you explore more than 60 

downtown shopping and service destinations with a 

giveaway right now! One lucky reader has a chance to 

win the coolest downtown swag bundle that includes: 

$50 in Downtown Cash (can 

be used anywhere downtown), 

one clear fanny pack, one 

foldable fan, and one doggy 

bag dispenser! Enter to Win by 

December 2, 2024, at https:// 

downtownsiouxcity.com/shopdowntown-sioux-city/ 

or use 

the QR code on this page. 

Scan Me 

Contributed by Downtown Partners, a non-profit organization 

that works with downtown stakeholders to create a vibrant, 

expanding downtown. To learn more about Downtown 

Partners and stay up to date with downtown projects and 

events, visit downtownsiouxcity.com 

Photo Credit Britton Hacke Photography.

So beautiful, 

you may want to design your home around it. 

712.252.4431 

siouxcitydoor.com 

2500 Dace Ave., Sioux City, IA 51106 

Overhead Door Co. of Sioux City 

Your local leader in the garage door sales and service for 60+ years. 

Our garage door systems add beauty distinction and value to any home.

Council 

Connection 


Progress Isn’t Always Perfect 

ecently, we have been working through 

Knife River proposed expanding its existing 

the process of deliberating the rezoning facility, I was hopeful that we would be able to 

of a portion of farm ground from a accommodate their project. Was this the ideal 

RWhen commercial zone to an industrial zone location? Probably not. However, Knife River has been 

between Floyd and Lewis Boulevard near a good corporate citizen in Sioux City and has offered 

Leeds. Knife River, an asphalt/concrete manufacturing to make multiple adjustments to its site plan to address 

company that handles multiple multi-million-dollar citizen concerns. Ultimately, these concessions were 

regional projects, was looking to expand. They felt not enough to sway the City Council and appease the 

this piece of land was centrally located, had great rail residents of Leeds. 

access, and was adjacent to Highway 75 and Outer 

Drive, connecting them to any job they may need to A word of caution: I often hear complaints in our 

fulfill. When this first came before the City Council, I community that we don’t have this or that, but 

thought there would be a lot of public input from the when opportunities for change and growth present 

Leeds community. However, it wasn’t until after notifying themselves, we must embrace them. The location, 

residents and the first two readings had passed at industry, company, or restaurant might not be exactly 

City Council meetings that the power of social media what we dream of, but if we aren’t a cheerleader for 

created a massive effort by Leeds community members them, will those dream opportunities see us as a 

to stop the third and final reading from passing. I’m community ready for them? 

not sure the last time I received so many citizen emails 

about a decision we would be making. More than 50 

people came to the public meeting held by Knife River Alex Watters, City Council of Sioux City 

at North Middle School to discuss the project. There awatters@sioux-city.org 

were numerous posts on Facebook, and I heard that 

petitions were circulating. 

What struck me about this whole exercise in democracy 

was not the tone of the emails (most were very 

respectful) or some of the baseless claims I saw on 

social media but just the difficult nature of progress in 

our community. 

Since my permanent move to Sioux City in 2012 (I also 

attended Morningside University from 2005 to 2009), 

our population has stagnated. And honestly, it hasn’t 

changed much in decades. In recent years, I have 

been encouraged by the growth in youth athletics, 

quality-of-life amenities, and tourism-related efforts. 

However, Iowa has also seen its fair share of declining 

populations and large employers laying off workers.


Like Us on Facebook and 

Share our Facebook Spotlights 

Making a Difference for 

Small Businesses & Nonprofits

Leading the Way 

Leadership Siouxland 

By Peggy Smith 


Celebrating 40 Years of Success! 

Do you remember 1984? You might have just 

started your career, or kindergarten, or 

maybe you weren’t even born yet! That year, 

the world saw evolutions in technology, pop 

culture, politics, political violence, and tensions 

around the globe. Prince’s Purple Rain was released 

on June 25 – and was an instantaneous hit. The Apple 

Macintosh computer went on sale. Terms of Endearment 

was the Oscar’s best film. It won five out of the eleven 

Oscars for which it was nominated. Indira Gandhi, India’s 

Prime Minister, was assassinated by her two bodyguards. 

The Soviet Union boycotted the LA Summer Olympics. 

Mary Lou Retton scored a perfect 10 for her final vault, 

becoming the first American woman to win an Olympic 

gymnastics gold medal. Super Bowl XVIII was played at 

Tampa Stadium, and the LA Raiders won 38-9 against the 

Washington Redskins. 

And here in Siouxland, something momentous 

also occurred – Leadership Siouxland (originally 

Leadership Sioux City) was born! Several 

community leaders got together and discussed 

their vision – creating an organized way for people 

to work together to learn leadership skills and 

become involved in the community. It started as a 

branch of the Sioux City Chamber of Commerce, 

and with financial support from several prominent 

businesses, the first nine-month program was 

launched. Lynn Swanstrom, the wife of Colonel 

Dennis Swanstrom, who served as the Fighter Wing 

Commander of the 185th Air National Guard, was 

the first executive director. Her dedication made the 

vision a reality. 

During the 40 years, there have been changes. The 

program expanded beyond Sioux City and is now 

Leadership Siouxland, a separate 501(c)3 mission-driven 

entity. The mission has expanded to develop diverse, 

passionate leaders who positively shape our community 

for today and tomorrow. The curriculum has evolved to 

fit our times – including topics such as IDEA (Inclusion, 

Diversity, Equity, Access, and Accessibility), Change 

Cycle Management, Mindfulness, and Self-Care. More 

than 1200 individuals have graduated from the program, 

with many graduates finding their niche in not-for-profit 

work, the political arena, or education. The positive impact 

that the program has had on Siouxland is phenomenal – 

yearly projects with sustainable results have changed our 

community. Examples include the Warming Shelter, which 

was initiated by Leadership Siouxland class participants; the 

Welcome to Siouxland mural on Wesley Parkway; the multilanguage 

signage at Mary Treglia House; bike stations at 

Bacon Creek Park; and numerous food or item drives. 

An organization achieving 40 years of success needs to 

be celebrated! A 40th Year Celebration will be held on 

November 13, 2024, at the Warrior Hotel, and all alumni 

and current participants are invited to attend including 

representatives from the many businesses that support the 

program and have sponsored participants. The event is also 

open to individuals wanting to learn how to become a class 

participant. Watch for event postings on our Facebook page 

(Leadership Siouxland) and media announcements. Our 

board is incredibly proud of 40 years of making Siouxland 

better. 

The mission of Leadership Siouxland is to develop diverse, 

passionate leaders who positively impact our community 

for today and tomorrow. Leadership Siouxland began in 

1984 and is proud of the over 1200 graduates who make 

positive differences each and every day. To learn more, 

contact Peggy Smith, Executive Director, at 712-898-8594 

or email info@leadershipsiouxland.org. 

Peggy Smith is in her 8th year as Executive Director 

of Leadership Siouxland. The program started in 

1984 and is celebrating 40 years of making positive 

impacts on our community. The board is excited to 

celebrate November 13 at the Warrior Hotel!

A Dozen Ways to Cut Down Your Next 

Grocery Bill 

If you’ve noticed your grocery bill is a lot higher these days, you’re not alone. In fact, the US 

Department of Agriculture (USDA) is forecasting a nearly 2.2% food inflation rate in 2024 and 

another increase in 2025 in its Food Price Outlook. So for the time being, it’s smart to adopt 

money saving habits for essential goods like groceries. Here are some ways you can stay 

savvy while shopping for you and your family: 

BE A DIGITAL “COUPON-CUTTER” 

No longer must you scour the local newspaper, scissors in hand, slicing out stacks of paper 

coupons. Nowadays, “couponing” has moved to the Internet – where there are large databases 

of printable or scannable coupons for groceries and other household items (try Googling it for 

yourself). If you’re shopping online, you can also download a money-saving widget — like Honey 

or Shopper.com — that’ll automatically scan the Internet for the best promo codes and apply 

them at checkout for you (the Honey App estimates a 17.9% average discount when you order 

online). And hey, if you’re the nostalgic type, you can still always go the old-fashioned route with 

your scissors and local paper! 

JOIN A LOYALTY PROGRAM 

A lot of stores offer discounts to incentivize shoppers to keep coming back. So if you often shop 

at the same place, see if there’s a store loyalty program you might qualify to join, or a savings 

app you can download.

BUY FROZEN FRUIT AND PRODUCE 

Believe it or not, frozen food isn’t any less healthy than fresh food (and in some cases, is actually 

healthier). Fruit and produce, in particular, are much more affordable when you buy them from 

the freezer — and they last longer! 

EXPAND | Give more /39 

GET DRIED BEANS INSTEAD OF CANNED 

There’s a reason money guru Dave Ramsey pushes a “beans and rice” diet when guiding people 

out of debt: beans are cheap! And dried beans are even cheaper than canned ones, in addition 

to tasting fresher. If you’re following a recipe that uses canned beans, here’s a dried-to-cooked 

bean ratio to remember: 

One cup of dried beans = about 3 cups of cooked beans. 

CHECK THE UNIT PRICES 

We often review the sticker price when we’re shopping and compare that between items, but 

it’s savvier to review the unit prices. This gives you a much clearer idea how much you’re 

getting for the price. The unit price is typically located in a smaller font below the price. And 

it’s not true that the larger package always costs less per unit. 

Especially with paper products and condiments, a medium-sized package can often cost less 

than a bulk one. And when comparing, be sure your “unit measure” matches up (ounces, per 

hundred, per quart, per liter, etc.). 

FREEZE YOUR MEALS. LOVE YOUR LEFTOVERS 

Weekly meal prep is a popular and efficient grocery habit. Meal prep and freezing are budgetfriendly, 

too, and can come in handy in a pinch. Rather than throw away the portions of food 

your family leaves on the table, put the food in freezer bags or containers and save them for a 

rainy day. You can also make more dishes than you need when you’re flush to offset cashstrapped 

times. 

AVOID HOUSEHOLD ITEMS WITH YOUR GROCERIES 

Did you know items like light bulbs, batteries, furniture, cooking supplies, gift items and household 

cleaners have some of the highest markup percentages in grocery stores? That’s because 

you’re paying for the convenience to purchase them alongside your groceries. You can find 

many of these items for much lower prices at dollar stores, warehouse club stores or online.

EXPAND | Give more / 40 

GO GENERIC 

Here’s a crazy stat: On average, store brand or “off-brand” groceries cost 25% less than popular 

name brands. Despite what millions of dollars in marketing might be telling you, the quality of 

generic products is usually comparable. Go with the cheaper brand and save some money. 

Keep in mind, you might have to search a little lower or higher on the shelf to find the generics, 

because name brands have bought the prime middle space. Looking a little harder will pay off 

in the long run! 

SHOP IN BULK FOR SHELF-STABLE ITEMS 

Find a good sale? Not every item is worth a bulk purchase, but it’s smart to stock up on shelfstable 

items this way. Foods like white rice, honey, sugar, salt and corn starch are all widely 

used ingredients that you can have for a very long time. Other items that can remain on the 

shelf for a while: peanut butter, oatmeal, dried fruit, crackers and granola. 

SKIP THE PREPARED FOODS AISLE 

Obviously it’s less effort to grab the pre-made dinner off the shelf, but it also costs more and is 

often less healthy than finding the ingredients to make it yourself. If you’re shopping in season, 

fresh ingredients will taste better, too! 

USE THE STORE PICKUP OPTION 

If your grocery store offers it, utilize the curbside or in-store pickup option. Shopping online 

helps you see exactly what you’re purchasing, allowing you to edit your shopping cart easier 

and stick to your grocery budget. You’ll not only save time this way, but you’ll avoid the 

temptation of impulse purchases that can throw off your budget. 

DOWNLOAD SOME CASH-BACK APPS 

Did you know there are more apps out there — like Ibotta, Rakuten, Checkout 51 and Fetch 

Rewards — that all offer cash-back incentives on certain goods? If it sounds like a scam, don’t 

worry, it’s not. Here’s what BankRate says about why they work: 

“Every time you use a cash back app to make a purchase, a retailer gets paid — and since 

retailers know the value of gaining new customers and maintaining loyal ones, they are more 

than happy to pay cash back sites in exchange for sending shoppers their way.” 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Michelle Hacker is the Director of Digital Services at Security 

National Bank, overseeing all personal and business digital 

platforms for customers. She is a graduate of Iowa State 

University and has nearly a decade of experience in the 

technology and financial service field. 

Member FDIC 

SNBonline.com

EXPAND | Give more /41 

“The meaning of life is to find your gift. 

The purpose of life is to give it away.” -Pablo Picasso 

We can give of ourselves through our work. 

We can rise to the call when we are needed to volunteer 

or participate on a nonprofit board. 

We can hold space to comfort someone in need - 

Lend an ear or a shoulder. 

When you think you have nothing to give - 

Give more.

expand | GIVE MORE /42 

Inclusive 

J 

PEEK 

U 

What challenges have you faced in Siouxland? 

I moved here from Houston, Texas, in 2008 to pursue my college education at Briar Cliff University. 

Following graduation, I started my career in Healthcare Administration for the Siouxland Community 

Health Center. I am the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Process Improvement. I have a 

passion for health equity, continuous improvement, and social justice for all. 

L I 

due to the city’s size. In Sioux City, it seems people either 

While my overall experience in Sioux City has been positive, there is a key challenge that I have 

experienced. During my time in higher education, within professional settings, and within everyday 

community interactions, I found myself on the negative end of unconscious bias, micro-aggressive behavior, 

and stereotyping. As an African American male from the South, I have had lived experiences here with being perceived 

as uneducated, less experienced, and less qualified. Aversive racism and negative unconscious attitudes toward African 

Americans are real. There is a shocked reaction when they learn that I am a highly educated young professional holding 

not only two master’s degrees in both management and healthcare administration but also a doctoral degree in business. 

I have experienced being perceived as only an athlete and holding only athleticism as my only point of value, as opposed 

to the intelligence, vision, and leadership I can bring to any table. 

While these lived experiences and situations influenced by unconscious bias with people were always unintentional on 

their part, they do create a challenge for me as a young African American professional trying to advance my career and 

well-being. Imagine trying to excel in your profession while also having to continue to navigate the negative perceptions 

that one might hold about you based on your race. Imagine always being in a “prove yourself” situation in all facets of life 

because, more likely than not, you will not get the benefit of the doubt. This has created a mentality for me where I have felt 

like I have always had to excel way beyond others around me to overcome the challenges presented to me based on my 

racial identity. 

How has Siouxland been welcoming? 

I have been blessed to meet and engage with many 

fantastic people in the community, from my college days of 

having fantastic football coaches and mentors such as Tom 

Rethman and Spetlar Tonga to having fantastic professors 

such as Dr. Mark Rossi and Dr. Cesar Aquino. These are just 

a few individuals across my collegiate career who not only 

coached and mentored me but made me feel welcome in 

this community. I remember the culture shock I experienced 

when I was 18 years old, from the extremely large city of 

Houston, Texas, assimilating into a much smaller and different 

environment. Many young men in my situation in Sioux City 

left the city for various reasons. One of the biggest reasons 

I have chosen to stay in Sioux City is due to the wonderful 

people that I have met, and the amazing relationships that 

have been built as a result. 

On the professional side of my life, I have had various fantastic 

leaders and mentors who have invested in my growth and 

development. They have a deep interest in wanting to 

see me succeed. My former leaders and mentors Marilyn 

Dr. 

Julian Lee 

Kaptan-Dahlen, Bradford Toussaint, and Treyla Lee are 

just a few of various key leaders who have gone above 

and beyond to invest in my professional development 

and help me grow and advance my career. 

I also met the love of my life, my wife Cecily Lee, and built 

a family in this community. Her family, along with other 

friends in this community, have always been extremely 

welcoming of me, as they have always included me in 

their family traditions, events, and things of that nature. 

All in all, I would say that what makes Sioux City so 

welcoming is the wonderful people that it has to offer. 

I am originally from the highly competitive “cutthroat” 

city of Houston, Texas, where a sense of belonging and 

family from a community perspective is hard to develop 

know you or know of you. You are usually only one to 

two people way of knowing someone through a mutual 

connection. Siouxland offers an environment of inclusion 

and belonging through the people and relationships that 

you can build in a smaller “family-like” setting. 

“ 

Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. 

” 

– Martin Luther King Jr.

ATambién conocí al amor de mi vida, mi esposa Cecily Lee, y 

¿Qué desafíos ha enfrentado en Siouxland? 

Me mudé aquí desde Houston, Texas, en 2008 para 

continuar mi educación universitaria en la Universidad 

Briar Cliff. Después de graduarme, comencé mi carrera 

en Administración de Atención Médica para el Centro 

de Salud Comunitario de Siouxland. Soy el Director de 

Diversidad, Equidad, Inclusión y Mejora de Procesos. 

Tengo una pasión por la equidad en la salud, la mejora 

continua y la justicia social para todos. 

Mi experiencia general en Sioux City ha sido positiva, 

hay un desafío clave que he experimentado. Durante 

mi tiempo en la educación superior, dentro de entornos 

profesionales y dentro de las interacciones comunitarias 

cotidianas, me encontré en el extremo negativo del sesgo 

inconsciente, el comportamiento micro agresivo y los 

estereotipos. Como hombre afroamericano del sur, he 

tenido experiencias vividas aquí en las que me percibían 

como inculto, con menos experiencia y menos calificado. 

El racismo aversivo y las actitudes inconscientes negativas 

hacia los afroamericanos son reales. La reacción de los 

demás es de sorpresa cuando se enteran de que soy un 

profesional joven y altamente educado que no solo tiene 

dos maestrías en administración y gestión de la salud, sino 

también un doctorado en negocios. He experimentado 

que me perciban solo como una atleta y que considero que 

mi único valor es el atletismo, en lugar de la inteligencia, 

la visión y el liderazgo que puedo aportar a cualquier 

situación. 

LEE 

Si bien estas experiencias y situaciones vividas influenciadas 

por prejuicios inconscientes con las personas siempre 

fueron involuntarias de su parte, sí crean un desafío para 

mí como una joven profesional afroamericana que intenta 

avanzar en su carrera y su bienestar, Imagínese tratar 

de sobresalir en su profesión y al mismo tiempo tener 

que seguir navegando por las percepciones negativas 

que pueden tener sobre usted en función de su raza. 

Imagínese estar siempre en una situación de demostrar 

su valía en todas las facetas de la vida porque, lo más 

probable es que no obtenga el beneficio de la duda. 

Esto ha creado una mentalidad en la que he sentido que 

siempre he tenido que sobresalir mucho más que los 

demás a mi alrededor para superar los desafíos que se 

me presentaron en función de mi identidad racial. 

¿Cómo ha sido la bienvenida de Siouxland? 

He tenido la suerte de conocer y relacionarme con 

muchas personas fantásticas en la comunidad, desde mis 

días universitarios, cuando tuve fantásticos entrenadores 

Ny mentores de fútbol, como Tom Rethman y Spetlar Tonga, 

hasta profesores fantásticos, como el Dr. Mark Rossi y el Dr. 

Cesar Aquino. Estas son solo algunas de las personas a lo 

largo de mi carrera universitaria que me entrenaron y me 

guiaron y me hicieron sentir bienvenido en esta comunidad. 

Recuerdo el choque cultural que experimenté cuando tenía 

18 años, cuando pasé de la enorme ciudad de Houston, 

Texas, a asimilarme a un entorno mucho más pequeño y 

diferente. Muchos jóvenes en mi situación en Sioux City se 

fueron por diversas razones. Una de las principales razones 

por las que elegí quedarme en Sioux City es la gente 

maravillosa que conocí y las increíbles relaciones que se 

forjaron como resultado. 

What do you want Siouxland to know? 

If there were a few key things I would highlight for Siouxland to know about me, I would offer this. I am passionate about 

people, community, wellness, and equity. I believe everyone deserves an equitable opportunity to achieve all the wonderful 

things this life offers. I feel that it is my responsibility to do all I can to advance the world and make it a better place for the 

generations that come after me. 

En el aspecto profesional de mi vida, tuve varios líderes y 

mentores fantásticos que invirtieron en mi crecimiento y 

desarrollo. Tienen un profundo interés en querer verme 

triunfar. Mis antiguos líderes y mentores, Marilyn Kaptan- 

Dahlen, Bradford Toussaint y Treyla Lee, son solo algunos de 

los líderes clave que han hecho todo lo posible para invertir 

en mi desarrollo profesional y ayudarme a crecer y avanzar 

en mi carrera. 

formé una familia en esta comunidad. Su familia, junto con 

otros amigos de esta comunidad, siempre me han recibido 

con una gran bienvenida, ya que siempre me han incluido en 

sus tradiciones familiares, eventos y cosas de esa naturaleza. 

En general, diría que lo que hace que Sioux City sea tan 

acogedora es la gente maravillosa que tiene para ofrecer. Soy 

originario de la ciudad altamente competitiva y despiadada 

de Houston, Texas, donde es difícil desarrollar un sentido de 

pertenencia y de familia desde una perspectiva comunitaria 

debido al tamaño de la ciudad. En Sioux City, parece que 

la gente te conoce o sabe de ti. Por lo general, estás a solo 

una o dos personas de conocer a alguien a través de una 

conexión mutua. Siouxland ofrece un entorno de inclusión 

y pertenencia a través de las personas y las relaciones que 

se pueden construir en un entorno más pequeño, similar a 

una familia. 

¿Qué quieres que Siouxland sepa? 

Si tuviera que destacar algunas cosas clave que Siouxland 

debería saber sobre mí, ofrecería lo siguiente: me apasionan 

las personas, la comunidad, el bienestar y la equidad. Creo 

que todos merecen una oportunidad equitativa para lograr 

todas las cosas maravillosas que esta vida tiene para ofrecer. 

Siento que es mi responsabilidad hacer todo lo que pueda 

para hacer avanzar el mundo y convertirlo en un lugar mejor 

para las generaciones que vendrán después de mí. 

“ ” 

La fe es dar el primer paso incluso cuando no ves toda la escalera. 

– Martin Luther King Jr. 

EXPAND | GIVE | Give MORE more /43

Expand | Give more / 44 

Nonprofit spotlight 

Urban 

Center Native 

Want to join 

Stacie on a 

Facebook 

Spotlight? 

T 

he Urban Native Center is a safe and 

welcoming community center for 

programs, gatherings, events, and cultural 

ceremonies. These services and resources 

impact the lives of more than 2,500 

people each year. “The goal and mission of the Urban 

Native Center is to provide individual and community 

services that include cultural, spiritual, educational, and 

behavioral support to Indigenous community members 

in Siouxland,” said Urban Native Center Executive 

Director Valerie Uken. Although the Urban Native Center 

was initially more of a gathering location, its importance 

and use have grown substantially over the years. 

The Urban Native Center moved from its original location 

at 1501 Geneva Street to an office in the Francis Building 

downtown, at 505 5th Street. “We were able to find a 

place downtown at the Francis Building right next to the 

bus depot. The new location eliminates folks having to 

go from one end of town to another, trying to improve 

transportation for everyone. It’s a great opportunity for 

all of us to work together under one roof. Agencies 

at the 505 co-location include Consulting By Design, 

Siouxland Human Investment Partnership (SHIP), Sky 

Ranch Behavioral Services, Urban Indian Connection 

and Urban Native Center. It creates a great atmosphere 

and working relationship. Our community needs to 

have a place, especially for the native community, 

where we can come together to support each other, 

grow, and learn. We’re not just collaborating; we are 

creating partnerships, and more importantly, creating 

relationships,” stated Valerie. 

“When other issues happen in our community, we can 

contact one another as organizations and friends. And 

that’s what makes such a difference in our community; 

we support one another. Sioux City has always been 

great for that. I think it’s going to continue to grow,” 

stated Valerie. 

Specifically, the Urban Native Center now has four 

major programs. The first program is I.C.A.P.P. 

– The Iowa Child Abuse Prevention Program. 

It is an Iowa Grant, a five-year grant program. It 

educates our youth, gains information about the 

community, finds out what the community was 

missing, and how it felt about the issues. “This 

information was obtained from surveys, focus 

groups, and one-on-one discussions about what 

was missing in our Native community. Strategic 

planning was important to this. When the program 

started in 2019, the graduation rate was at 20%. 

In engaging with the school district and youth 

groups, the graduation rate in 2023 was up to 81%. 

That’s been a huge change! Back then, when I was 

looking at a graduation rate of 20%, the poverty 

level was at 56%. But when we start making these 

changes, everything will feed and strengthen each 

other,” exclaimed Valerie. 

The Youth Group started in 2022 and has seen 

marked success. “Kenny Provost is the Cultural Youth 

Coordinator. He’s done a great job. This year, our youth 

are concentrating more on language and entering a 

language bowl for Native languages. I can only smile 

and be proud. Four years ago, I didn’t know any native 

words, but now I’m learning some words. Language 

is so important in culture. It’s how we connect and 

communicate,” said Valerie. 

Another program the Urban Native Center is working on 

is SUNS: Strengthening Urban Natives. “SUNs focuses 

on serving youth that have been exposed to violence, in 

the home, at school, or in the community. It supports the 

youth in working on communication, relationships, and 

the families involved in these programs with a specific 

wraparound of supportive services. For the majority 

of these programs, consistency is key in building trust

within the urban Native community. People see by our 

actions that we show up and are here to serve. We’re 

starting to have participation of the youth not only in the 

SUNS program but also in the youth groups, so they are 

doing both,” explained Valerie. 

The Sioux City Community Schools initiated the third 

program that the Urban Native Center is conducting, 

the War Eagle Project. “The program’s goal is to provide 

students in the district a stronger, more culturally 

centered approach to Native American education. A 

third-grade teacher contacted me and said they would 

like to start working on Native History for our youth and 

students. That year, we took a teepee out to Leif Ericson 

Park. We constructed it and then explained it. I had some 

other folks assisting with this, including Kenny Provost 

and Manape LaMere, among other tribal leaders. 

They shared the historical significance of the teepee 

to the Native American community and culture with 

approximately 110 young learners,” shared Valerie. 

After the teepee construction and instruction was such 

a well-received program, Valerie began to envision 

another teepee program out at War Eagle’s monument. 

“Many people don’t even know that we have such a 

beautiful site out at War Eagle’s monument located at 

4000 War Eagle Drive. Who he was or what he stood for 

in the Native community. At War Eagle Park we’ve held 

immersive learning, culturally affirming experiences 

including youth educational camps, built and maintain a 

community garden, participate in sweat lodge and other 

traditional ceremonies. This has led to discussions to 

explore further opportunities to engage the community 

in a good way,” stated Valerie. This then led to other 

discussions and ceremonies. 

Their intensive efforts of data collection and analysis, 

modeling best practices, and education/awareness 

of disproportionality helped to create the grassroots 

Community Initiative for Native Children and Families. 

Through dedication and perseverance, this initiative 

continues to meet monthly, building bridges and fostering 

relationships for the betterment of serving Native families. 

With the assistance of the State of Iowa, Woodbury County 

Health & Human Service, and coordination from Siouxland 

Human Investment Partnership, the Memorial March has 

become a peaceful walk, honoring all children who’ve 

been lost. Natives and non-Native allies come together and 

are counted by their feet, representing their commitment 

to meaningful dialogue and true collaboration for better 

outcomes for Native American children and families. 

In past years, Briar Cliff University hosted educational 

workshops for students, social workers, and other 

community partners who serve in the field of Native 

American child welfare in conjunction with the Memorial 

March. This year, the educational events will be held at 

the Sioux City Convention Center, located in the heart of 

downtown Sioux City. Our hope is to increase participation 

by offering an accessible, more centrally located venue. 

In addition to the new location, the University of Iowa 

College of Public Health, which features the Native Center 

for Behavioral Health, has joined our efforts as a committed 

partner to provide educational and awareness activities to 

our community. 

It’s all about learning to understand each other’s culture 

through education, understanding, and respect. 

If you’d like to learn more about the Urban 

Native Center, please visit their website at 

www.urbannativecenter.org. 

EXPAND | GIVE MORE /45 

The Memorial March to Honor Lost Children is 

held annually on the day before Thanksgiving, 

rain or shine. The inaugural march, held 22 

years ago, was born of frustration and anger, 

a protest against the Woodbury County Iowa 

Department of Health & Human Services. 

Native American children were being removed 

from their families at a disproportionate 

rate, up to 5 times more than any other racial 

demographic. Most often, these children 

were placed in non-Native foster care and 

eventually adopted out, suffering the loss of 

family connection and their culture. Tension 

in the Native community came to a head after 

the death of a third Native American child who 

died while in the care of their foster/adoptive 

caregiver. The overrepresentation of Native 

American children in Woodbury County Child 

Welfare and outrage from the Native American 

community drew the attention of the Annie E. 

Casey Foundation to intervene and provide 

technical assistance and education to service 

providers and community members. 

Amy Buster has been a writer/editor for the past 25 years, 

specializing in newspaper and magazine publications. 

Expand is Committed to 

Supporting Siouxland’s Local 

Small Businesses and Nonprofits. 

We have a platform, 

and we want to share it with you. 

Get in front of the community by joining 

Stacie on a Facebook Spotlight. 

Get the details by scanning 

the QR code or visit 

www.expand2more.com.

Expand | Give more / 46 

Hot 

Air 

By Tony Michaels 

Dorm Room Debauchery 

I 

have a strange personality trait. You may label 

it as adorable or annoying. There’s no middle 

ground. I immensely enjoy ranking things. It’s a 

sickness. For example, I charted out 319 Movies 

that left an impact on me. Grown Ups 2 comes in last. 

Sorry, Adam Sandler. I did enjoy The Wedding Singer. That 

film slaps. Nothin’ But a Good Time by Poison tops my best 

feel-good songs of all time. Fatal Attraction is the scariest 

movie of all time. Ed was the most underrated TV show of all 

time. Due to the lack of re-runs, only 0.03 percent of readers 

know what the show about a bowling alley lawyer is about. I 

could go on and on. That’s a conversation best served over 

food truck fare and brewskis at Jefferson Beer Supply. 

If you were to read my personal journals, August 20, 1993, is 

one of the happiest days of my (nearly) half-century on Earth. 

That was the day I watched my parents drive away from Abel 

Hall dorms on the campus of the University of Nebraska- 

Lincoln. I was left to my own decisions and sweet 18-yearold 

FREEDOM. I eat what I want, sleep when desired, skip 

my astronomy course, and live my best life. Looking back, 

how foolish was I? I mean, really. No one featured on this 

year’s Top 10 under 40 list was eating discount questionable 

pizza at 3 a.m. while watching Beavis and Butthead and not 

knowing where to locate Ursa Minor in the sky. You learn 

from your stupidity. Crazy, fun stupidity. Seriously, that pizza 

might have been cardboard from the recycling bin. If you 

ate enough, you would see stars. And Pepto-Bismol in your 

future. Hey, that sounds like a constellation! 

Nirvana was topping the charts you can learn plenty from 

a tennis player from Sweden. Find a lifelong buddy from 

Colorado. Eat pizza at 3 a.m. with a future cop from Florida. 

And decide to switch your major after a long late-night talk 

after pizza with a friend from Beatrice, Nebraska. 

I hope my son finds his version of Henrik, Preston, Ian, 

and Jen. 

They helped me mold my identity, find my true passion, learn 

from my mistakes, and encouraged me to attend astronomy 

class. 

Find my North Star. 

Tony Michaels, a full-time caregiver for his adult son. He’s a “What 

the Father” podcaster. Creator of www.baldandwitty.com and has 

too much free time. 

God has a wicked sense of humor. 

Recently, my lovely wife, oldest son, and I dropped off my 

other son at UNL, about four blocks away from my first-year 

dorm. He was armed with three suitcases, five storage bins, 

instructions on how to do laundry, and big dreams. 

I am happy to report I didn’t tear up. I was strong—at least 

on the outside. It would be disingenuous to be sad on 

what would hopefully be one of his Top 10 days. Luckily, he 

inherited my love of lists and not my hairline. By the lack 

of texts and calls I received the past week, I know he was 

charting his own path, growing some wings. 

You never know what kind of backgrounds your college 

roommates will have. To me, that’s the best part about 

college. Students come from various socio-economic 

neighborhoods, cultures, politics, and personalities. And 

we all seemed to get along. Man, if only that vibe would 

carry over to the rest of society! I realized way back when

Downtown Sioux City, IA 

Connected to Warrior Hotel, 505 6th St. Suite. D

design is all 

around us. 

fehdesign.com 

How many of these iconic Siouxland 

buildings can you identify? 

Explore the spaces that shape 

our community!

Expand Magazine - Volume 6 Issue 6

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?