May 22, 2025

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Alyson O’Connor, a senior trust investment analyst at Dorsey & Whitney Trust Co.

Name: Alyson O’Connor

Age: 29

Hometown: Sioux Falls

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

I was born and raised in Sioux Falls. When I was in high school, I was adamant that I needed to leave home and go somewhere far away for college. Once I experienced life in different places, I realized what a special place Sioux Falls is.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

What keeps me in Sioux Falls is, first and foremost, my family — they’re my biggest support system and the reason I feel rooted here. I’ve also started a career that I’m truly passionate about, which has made being here even more meaningful. On top of that, it’s been exciting to watch Sioux Falls grow and change; the energy and momentum right now are incredible. It feels like a place full of opportunity and connection.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

I really enjoy my job because I get to work with a great team in an industry that genuinely interests me. The trust and investment world is complex and constantly evolving, which keeps the work challenging and intellectually engaging. I also value the opportunity to keep growing and learning every day, both professionally and personally.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I studied finance in college and began my career in the financial services industry in Kansas City, which gave me a strong foundation and understanding of the importance of trusts in the estate planning process. When I moved back to Sioux Falls, there was an opening at Dorsey & Whitney Trust Co. that aligned perfectly with my skills and experience.

Describe your workplace in three words.

High-integrity, dynamic, ambitious.

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

I lived and worked in Dalian, China, for six months while I was obtaining my MBA at the beginning of 2019. It was such an immersive way to learn about the Chinese culture. I was able to travel around the country for four weeks, and I got to experience and see things I could have never imagined.

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

My favorite way to give back to the community is through volunteering. Dorsey & Whitney offers a variety of opportunities to support local organizations, allowing me to be involved in many ways. I also had the pleasure of volunteering with American Heritage Girls, where I got to help high school young women grow in their leadership skills — a truly rewarding experience. Giving back in these ways allows me to stay connected and contribute to the growth of our community.

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

This is such a hard question for me to answer, but the obvious choice would be Trader Joe’s. I would also love if an Aritzia opened in Sioux Falls.

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

I would love to open a coffee shop and bookstore all in one. I lost my sister, Sophie, in 2023 after she had just graduated from high school. She was obsessed with coffee and would always talk about how she was going to open a coffee shop one day. I would love to live out her dream for her, along with my dream, which would be a bookstore. I host a book club every month, and it’s a great way to bring a group of women together to create connections and build a sense of community.