Nov. 25, 2025

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Mia Ouma, the development manager at Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons.

Name: Mia Ouma

Age: 27

Hometown: Brookings

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

Initially, I came to Sioux Falls to attend Augustana University, and during that time, I grew to really appreciate the community and opportunities here. It felt like a great place to continue building both my career and personal life.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

What keeps me in Sioux Falls is the strong sense of community, the growing professional opportunities for young professionals and the overall quality of life. One example of this is the continued support and network from the Sioux Falls Young Professionals Network. It is also a city that offers a great balance between career growth and a supportive, welcoming environment.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite thing about my job is having the opportunity to hold space, engage in meaningful conversations and actively support the empowerment of young girls as they build confidence, develop leadership skills and make a difference in their communities. Our girls are making the world a better place not only by being in it but also by actively contributing to life beyond themselves through the skills they are learning.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I was introduced to the nonprofit sector through my college experiences and a deep passion for mission-driven work that creates positive change in our communities and families. During that time, I actively sought opportunities aligned with my interests in youth development and community engagement, which naturally led me to organizations reflecting those values. Along the way, I built meaningful connections, gained valuable experience and discovered a strong sense of purpose within the nonprofit field. The roles I’ve held in this sector have been made possible by the support and guidance of community leaders and colleagues who believed in me and helped steer me toward my goals.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Collaborative, ambitious, bold.

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

I have an older brother who lives in Hohhot, China, that runs his own business with his wife and lectures at a local college.

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

One of the most meaningful ways I give back to my community is through active participation on statewide boards. I currently serve on the board of directors for both the National Association of Social Workers – South Dakota Chapter and the South Dakota School-Age Care Alliance. In these roles, I have the opportunity to contribute to, support and influence the fields of social work and out-of-school-time programming across the state, helping to foster a more resilient, connected and thriving community.

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

Mobile Mental Wellness & Meditation Studio. With the increasing awareness and demand for mental health resources and stress relief, this could support workplace wellness programs while meeting individuals where they are at and normalizing meditation and mindfulness.