June 7, 2022

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Susie Ryks, vice president of community development for the Helpline Center.

Name: Susie Ryks

Age:  39

Hometown: Montrose

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

Growing up, Sioux Falls was always the big city nearby. After graduating from Dakota State University, I started my career in Brookings while my husband found his profession in Sioux Falls. We ended up settling in Dell Rapids in between the two communities. Sioux Falls was such a happening place with so many opportunities. I always knew it was the city I wanted to end up working in; it just took a few years to find the job to get me here.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

My husband, Andy, and I have three young children: Isaac, 11; Sawyer, 9; and Zoey, 5. We live outside of town on an acreage. We love the openness and freedom to enjoy nature right in our backyard. Sioux Falls allows us to enjoy life on a gravel road while still providing the convenience of all the amenities just a few minutes away.  

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

The constant change. There is not one day that looks the same as another – from strategizing on new promotional ideas to meeting with a donor to training nonprofits on volunteer engagement principles to providing disaster response. I get an adrenaline rush almost every day. I am so proud of what the Helpline Center does for South Dakotans, and I’m thankful to get to be a part of making a difference.  

How did you get connected to your industry?

Some people wanted to be a teacher or a figure skater when they grew up. My dream was to wear a business suit and carry a briefcase. I went to college for marketing and management, and as a graduation gift, my parents bought me my first briefcase. I thought I was well on my way to be that businesswoman. I loved the strategy, organization and planning side of things, but along the way, I felt the call to give back and make a difference at the same time. My second job out of college was with the Brookings Area Chamber of Commerce. There, I was able to work with businesses while feeling like I was giving back. From there, it is history. I have been working at nonprofits ever since. 

Describe the Helpline Center in three words.

Connections. Hope. Resources.

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

 I love photography. I was in 4-H when I was younger and would enter my favorite photos from the past year at the McCook County Fair. As I get older, I find myself using photographer as my self-care time. I often walk down our gravel road to photograph farm scenery, a sunrise or our neighbor’s goats, llamas, donkeys and horses. Each year, I put my favorite photos into a calendar to remind me to stop and enjoy the view.  

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

Faith is a big part of my life. My family is very involved in the Dell Rapids United Methodist Church. We serve a free meal each Wednesday night through a program called The Lighthouse. The whole family is involved. My husband cooks, the kids carry trays and serve drinks, and I jump in wherever needed.  My husband and I also serve on the board of directors for a Christian retreat called the Dakotas Walk to Emmaus, where we are able to energize other Christians while filling up ourselves spiritually at the same time. 

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

 I can’t think of anything that we don’t have that I would like to see. I love the variety of businesses that we have now! No suggestions.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Happy, healthy and content. I see myself continuing in a leadership position where I am making an impact, building relationships and being challenged, all while enjoying time with my family.