Her Story
About Jennaka
Jennaka Nelson serves as Agribusiness Manager at the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She joined the organization as Communications Coordinator and was recently promoted after approximately one year and a few months in that role. Her primary areas of expertise are communications and agriculture. In this position, she focuses on relationship building with members, attending events, and supporting agribusiness initiatives in the region. Prior to her work at the Chamber, she was employed in the mortgage industry. Jennaka earned an associate's degree in business marketing and management from Lake Area Technical College in Watertown, South Dakota. She completed a six-week leadership class last year and is currently participating in a six-month women's leadership class. She is a member of the Sioux Falls Young Professional Network and is involved with several committees and local volunteer groups.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennaka
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success comes from my grandma. She is constantly doing something, going for the next thing. It's always, okay, we got this done, let's take a break and figure out what's next. There's always something to reach for, and she always appreciates what she did, but always wants to go for more. She has always encouraged me and been there for me, even as the shoulder that I could cry on or scream on. She is definitely my rock.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I received was from one of my first internships while in college. My manager told me to make time for the people that fill your cup. That really stuck with me because I always found myself thinking I really want to go but also feel like staying at home. She said you are so right, I'm for the people that make me feel the happiest. And you can't fill other people's cup from an empty cup, so you have to make time for those other people.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
A personal challenge is finding my voice and staying authentic. I want to be powerful and have people hear my voice, but also stay true to who I am. Surrounding economic stuff like the prices of everything affects attendance at events and businesses not advertising. It's hard for smaller businesses right now, so we're trying to help them as best as we can.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
In my work, ethical is huge - making sure what you're doing is ethical and done correctly. Compassion is another big value in work and personal life, realizing others are going through something and giving them grace. In my personal life, faith is the backbone of a lot of decisions and how I live my life with friendships and family.
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