Feb. 11, 2025

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Jaimie Roggenbauer, public health program manager for the city of Sioux Falls.

Name: Jaimie Roggenbauer

Age: 35

Hometown: Rapid City

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I received my B.S. in biology/pre-med and Master of Public Health from SDSU and found better employment opportunities in Sioux Falls.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I think I fell in love with the community; there is so much diversity and inclusivity. I love going to the downtown events and the farmers markets and seeing everyone’s creations, passions – our ag leaders’ amazing produce next to epoxy cutting boards and live music.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite part of my job is being able to put work into action. In the most foundational ways, public health affects people’s lives – their ability to get to work or receive health care, access to fresh foods, economic opportunity – and in my position, I get to set into motion real actions that can increase access to resources to our community while collaborating with other city and nonprofit partners to think ahead of emergencies and put us in the best position to keep everyone safe and return to normal.

How did you get connected to your industry?

After I received my bachelor’s degree, I had that question of who can provide these opportunities and these are the things that need to get done. I finally realized I could be that person, and I pursued my master’s degree so I could make positive change.

Describe your workplace in three words.

Collaborative. Supportive. Innovative.

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

I really love to build and embrace DIY; I probably torture my husband with house projects.

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

 To volunteer. I want to do the work; it keeps me inspired and motivated.

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

I’m not sure about a separate business, but when I did my MPH, my practicum was based on an educational community farm that provided fresh produce to an organization like Feeding South Dakota or the Brookings Food Pantry. Often, these organizations lack fresh produce, or they are lucky to get a shipment in, but it’s a ton of one thing, so I’d love for our community members that need food assistance to get more variety under one roof. Setting it up as an educational setting also allows members the opportunity to learn how to produce their own gardens at home, be it in a small yard or an apartment balcony.

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

If I had $1 million to start a business, I’d create a revive-and-reclaim furniture studio specializing in transforming discarded and broken furniture into stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces. It would combine my passion for building and woodworking with sustainability, giving new life to old furniture. I’d also host workshops with experts to teach others the art of upcycling and promote eco-conscious living.