Jan. 8, 2019

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Dakotah Jordan, a financial representative with Northwestern Mutual.

Name: Dakotah Jordan

Age: 24

Hometown: Council Bluffs, Iowa

What brought you to Sioux Falls?

Honestly, I moved to Sioux Falls because my boyfriend lived here and a couple of friends from college wanted to room together. I originally wanted to move to Denver, but I didn’t have a support system there and was scared of the jump as a broke college student. It turns out my reasons to move here worked out pretty well. I ended up marrying that boyfriend, and I love it here. I could not be more happy with my decision.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls?

I found my people and my purpose in Sioux Falls. I started my career journey at The Banquet. I was able to continue learning and growing my involvement with our great network of nonprofits. I also sat on multiple committees within YPN and participated in EmBe’s Women’s Leadership Program, which helped me find my voice. Plus, I love food, and we have so many amazing local restaurants. Overall, we have great people and great food in Sioux Falls, and that keeps me pretty content.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Every day I get to come to work and empower my clients to reach their goals, both personal and financial. I love the opportunity to give them the tools, accountability and encouragement they need to make their dreams a reality. Financial planning isn’t something you do just to have a comfortable retirement; it’s about creating your best life today and enjoying the entire journey.

How did you get connected to your industry?

I was approached by two women I highly respect from Northwestern Mutual to learn more about the company. I was in a stage where I had started dreaming bigger for my personal goals, so I took the meeting. I wasn’t completely bought in at first, but after learning more, I found the opportunity really connected to my larger “Why.” I saw how I could make an even larger impact than I was already making.

Describe Northwestern Mutual in three words.

Spend life living.

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

I continuously persuade my friends and co-workers to volunteer with me as often as possible. Need more volunteers to teach Junior Achievement? Done. Need another group to serve at The Banquet? I’m on it. Need to fill a table at a fundraiser for Pride? I’ll tell the entire office. Inspiring others to work as a team and do as much good as possible is my favorite thing ever. Recently, I became president of the board for Kicks for a Cause, and I am looking forward to helping small nonprofits in our community raise even more money to further the mission of their organizations.

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

I am so excited for the rock climbing gym coming in 2019. After that, I think we should consider an amusement park — how fun would that be?

Where do you see yourself in five years?

I plan to be in a leadership role at Northwestern Mutual, developing and training a more diverse next generation of financial representatives. Nationally, the face of the finance industry has looked the same for so long, and I believe we need more people in the financial services field that can serve a larger, more diverse portion of the community. Personally, as a resident of Sioux Falls, I want to serve on nonprofit boards and be an advocate for the great work that is happening in that space. I also want to participate in the development of our city and make it a great place to work and play for all generations.

I have some big dreams I want to accomplish here, but overall in five years, I want to have inspired people to dream bigger, get involved and help as many people as possible. What makes this community great is the people in it and the passion they have for putting in the work to make it better.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Dakotah Jordan is an Insurance Agent of NM and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, (long-term care insurance) a subsidiary of NM.