Nov. 26, 2024

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Ellen Keena, project manager at Fresh Produce.

Name: Ellen Keena

Age: 27

Hometown: Sioux Falls

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I was adopted from South Korea by my wonderful parents.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

My family and love for my community.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Being social. I love working in a high-energy space with so many people from so many different industries. Also, I love the Get Fresh Crew.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I majored in graphic design at South Dakota State University and returned to Sioux Falls to work in nonprofits and marketing.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Danger. Delight. Revolutionary.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

I create art under a pseudonym.

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

I take my son with me to serve lunch every weekend at the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House and am on the art committee for Emily’s Hope annual art auction.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

An art co-op would be so cool!

If you had $1 million to start a business, what kind of business would it be?

I have always dreamed of starting a storefront kitchen to provide parents with fresh, sustainable and affordable baby foods and kids’ meals, plus workshops to learn more about child nutrition and how to implement it into their lifestyle. I would also give back by providing additional resources to single parents and young children in our community.