The inaugural Black Hills State University Alumna Entrepreneur In Excellence was created
in partnership with the BHSU Foundation. This honor recognizes an exceptional woman
who embodies entrepreneurship, leadership, and community engagement, modeling the
values of Black Hills State University through her work.
- 2025 - Roxie Kelly, Yours on the Spot, Sioux Falls
- 2024 - Kelsey Stine, Vela Creative Co. & Accessible Black Hills, Rapid City
This woman entrepreneur has created a successful business by demonstrating outstanding
skill and commitment. She demonstrates leadership qualities in her community and/or
industry.
Retired in 2026
- 2025 - Carrie Moore, Petals & Pages, Custer
- 2024 - Marcela Salas, Salas Salsas
- 2023 - Jesika Floyd, Heartland Home Health, Belle Fourche
- 2022 - Tia Berens, The Barn At Aspen Acres, Spearfish
- 2019 – Katie Wagner Washnok, Blackout Industries, Spearfish
- 2018 – Samantha Schmeltzer, The OWN, Rapid City
- 2017 – Miranda Papendick & Brooke Bradsky, Aj’s Wicked Salon & Spa, Rapid City
- 2016 – Jessica Castleberry, Little Nest Preschool LLC, Rapid City
- 2015 – Lindsey Richards, Alpine Impressions Screen Printing and Embroidery, Spearfish
- 2014 – Amy Colgan, Lemonly, Sioux Falls
- 2013 – Janie Hett, Peak Motion Physical Therapy, Spearfish
- 2012 – Kelsie Darling, Quik Signs, Spearfish
This dynamic business woman has achieved substantial success and demonstrates significant
leadership in her industry and community. She demonstrates outstanding skill, commitment,
and accomplishment, while successfully navigating obstacles. She also mentors and
encourages others.
Retired in 2026
- 2025 - Ashley Kingdon-Reese, Independent Health Solutions, Huron
- 2024 - Jenny Schmidt, Black Hills Advocate, Rapid City
- 2023 - Allison Russell, Twisted Wire Design, Mitchell
- 2022 - Carrie Gerlach, Black Hills Adventure Tours, Rapid City
- 2019 – Linda Lea Viken, Viken & Riggins Law Firm, Rapid City
- 2018 – Marvie Tschetter, Lankota Group, Inc., Huron
- 2017 – Mona Patton, Lil’ Angel’s Inc., Kyle
- 2016 – Sandra McNeely, Abbey Group Ltd., Rapid City
- 2015 – Lezlie Snoozy-Kaitfors, Comfort Keepers and Belle Estate Senior Living, Spearfish
- 2014 – Nancy Barron, Sandstone Senior Living, Spearfish
- 2013 – Kari Jo Karst, BX Civil & Construction, Dell Rapids
- 2012 – Dixie Olson, Properties Unlimited Realty, Sturgis
This award was voted on live to recognize one of the top 9 finalists from the Outstanding
Women in Business for their excellence by the nominee's peers.
Retired in 2026
- 2025 - Michelle Thomson, Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association, Rapid City
- 2024 - Jenna Farrar, Rushmore Athletics, Rapid City
- 2023 - Rhonda Pearcy, Fork Real Cafe, Rapid City
- 2022 - Tia Berens, The Barn at Aspen Acres, Spearfish
This woman is not the owner of a business but has used her entrepreneurial qualities
to implement or serve as a catalyst to innovative changes within her organization
that have led to increased revenues, expansion/growth of the company, improved systems,
or other quantifiable improvements/advancements of the organization.
Retired in 2026
- 2025 - Lexi Lux, Northern Hills Diversion, Deadwood
- 2024 - Amber Vogt, Lawrence County, Deadwood
- 2023 - Lori Finnesand, GROW South Dakota, Sisseton
- 2022 - Marnie Herrmann, Security First Bank, Rapid City
- 2019 – Sarah Carlson, Historic Homestake Opera House, Lead
Retired in 2020
- 2019 - Kimberly Tilsen-Brave Heart Etiquette Catering LLC, Rapid City
- 2018 - Dr. Helen Usera, Aspiring Business Consulting, Rapid City
- 2017 - Leah Braun, Harney Business Group, Rapid City
- 2016 - Jennifer Baloun, Great Western Bank, Spearfish
- 2015 - Megan Whitman, Main Street Square Rapid City, Rapid City
Tanya Fiddler, Four Bands Community Fund, Inc., Eagle Butte
- 2014 - Linda Salmonson, East River Electric Power Cooperative, Madison
Julie Johnson, Absolutely! Aberdeen, Aberdeen
- 2013 - Sheryl Eisenbraun, Pioneer Bank & Trust, Sturgis
Jane Swenson, Reliabank Dakota, Watertown
- 2012 - Beth Davis, Dakota Resources, Renner
Tawney Brunsch, Lakota Funds, Kyle
Retired in 2019
- 2018 – Black Hills Ultra Sound, Rapid City
- 2017 – Anderson, Nill & Associates Inc., Pierre
- 2016 – Quik Signs, Spearfish
- 2015 – Midwest Marketing LLC, Rapid City
- 2014 – Dakota Business Center, Rapid City
- 2013 – Coreen Lerwick State Farm Agency, Spearfish
- 2012 – Project Solutions, Inc., Rapid City
