South Dakota LEADS is a FREE one-day conference, aiming to energize and motivate middle and high school students, educators, and women. Experience three conferences under one roof on one day.

Join us on Monday, December 9, 2019 in Sioux Falls. Register today!

Directions to Event

Conference Host and Speakers

Governor Kristi Noem Conference Host

Kristi Noem was elected in November 2018 as the 33rd Governor of South Dakota. Kristi is a wife, a mother, and a lifelong rancher, farmer and small business owner. Now bringing her experiences to Pierre, Kristi is improving education and workforce training, taking on the drug crisis, improving mental health, and increasing transparency

Clint Pulver Keynote Speaker

Clint is from Heber City Utah. He is a graduate of Utah’s premiere Flight Program, having received his pilot’s license from OK3air and Utah Valley University (UVU), where he also received his Bachelor’s Degree in Speech Communication with high distinction from UVU’s nationally ranked Leadership Program.

Melanie Weiss Owner of Weiss Eyecare Clinic

Dr. Melanie Weiss is an optometrist that was born, raised and currently lives in Watertown, SD and has been in private practice for over 20 years. Ten years ago, after a series of surgeries, opioids took full control of her life. She now dedicates part of her time going out and speaking to schools and organizations about addiction and recovery. She has been married for 25 years and has 3 daughters age 20, 19 & 19. In her free time she enjoys umpiring and coaching slow-pitch softball. One of her favorite quotes is “Life is not about how fast you run or how high you climb, but how well you bounce”

Microsoft Conference Event

Set Me Free Project Conference Event

The Set Me Free Project is a nonprofit organization focused on fighting human trafficking through education for youth and families. Their mission is to stop human trafficking before it starts.

The Set Me Free Project uses interactive, age appropriate curriculum in every presentation and provides a foundation for all students to recognize the intrinsic value in every human being.

Women Helping Women Donate To Help!

Ladies, help fellow women dress for success. Bring your donations of gently used professional women’s clothing to the Women’s Conference on December 9th. All donations will be given to non-profit women’s organizations. A drop-off location near the conference registration desk will be open throughout the day at the Sioux Falls Convention Center.

Student Conference

The student conference will energize middle and high school students, build their hope and confidence, and instill in them the power they possess to use their influence for good.

Register for the Student Conference

Registration is free of charge!

Register Here
  • Student Conference Agenda
  • 8:15 a.m. | Registration Opens
  • 9:00 a.m. | Kick-off Conference
  • 9:10 a.m. | Clint Pulver Keynote: Significant Student Leader
  • 10:15 a.m. | Set Me Free Project
  • 11:15 a.m. | Break/Snack
  • 11:30 a.m. | Microsoft Session
  • 12:10 p.m. | Melanie Weiss
  • 1:00 p.m. | Conference Ends

Educator Conference

The educator conference will motivate and energize administrators, counselors, teachers, and school leaders at all levels. Educators will be reminded of the power they have through the relationships they build in their work. Attendees will have the chance to connect with colleagues from around the state.

Register for the Educator Conference

Registration is free of charge!

Register Here
  • Educator Conference Agenda
  • 8:15 a.m. | Registration Opens
  • 9:15 a.m. | Kick-off Conference
  • 9:25 a.m. | Set Me Free Project
  • 10:30 a.m. | Microsoft - Addressing Classroom Challenges with Technology
  • 11:15 a.m. | Break/Snack
  • 11:35 a.m. | Clint Pulver Keynote
  • 12:45 p.m. | Conference Ends

Women's Conference

The women’s conference will energize women and empower them to lead in their communities with determination and grace. Attendees will connect with colleagues from around the state.

Attendees are encouraged to bring gently used professional clothing to donate to women’s organizations that assist women in need.

Register for the Women's Conference

Registration is free of charge!

Register Here
  • Women's Agenda
  • 1:15 p.m. | Registration, Vendors and Donations Opens
  • 2:00 p.m. | Kick-off Conference
  • 2:10 p.m. | Set Me Free Project
  • 3:15 p.m. | Professional Digital Presence With Microsoft
  • 3:50 p.m. | Melanie Weiss
  • 4:20 p.m. | Break, Refreshments, Networking, Headshots, Donations
  • 4:50 p.m. | Clint Pulver Keynote
  • 5:50 p.m. | Governor Kristi Noem Speaks, Q&A
  • 6:00 p.m. | Conference Ends