Sioux Empire United Way is excited to introduce our 2024 Marketing Committee Chair, Jamie Hegge!
Jamie is a true South Dakota girl from Yankton. She received her Marketing & Communications degree from the University of South Dakota in Vermillion before moving to Sioux Falls in 2008. Jamie began her career at Lawrence & Schiller, a 60-person full-service advertising agency with offices in South Dakota and Minnesota. And with over 15 years of experience, she currently serves as their Vice President of Client Service.
In this insightful Q&A, we delve into the experiences and motivations behind Jamie's years of dedicated service to Sioux Empire United Way. Join us as we uncover her passion for developing new ideas, getting involved, and making a difference in our community!
Jamie Hegge and her husband Joe.
Q&A with Jamie Hegge
What was your original connection to Sioux Empire United Way & why did you decide to get involved?
I originally found out about United Way through my company, Lawrence & Schiller. We are long-time supporters and my boss encouraged me to join the Campaign team, where I was in charge of asking for donations from medium size businesses. It was then that I realized the importance of giving and the true impact that the SEUW has on our community. From there, I joined the Campaign Cabinet and then the Board.
How have your beginning years shaped your appreciation and involvement with Sioux Empire United Way and their funded programs?
When I first joined the Board, I had no idea how vital the SEUW is to our community. With over 70 programs to support, we raise over $9M each year to fulfill the needs in the Sioux Empire. There’s no other nonprofit organization able to do this as effectively and efficient as the United Way.
As a Sioux Empire United Way supporter and volunteer for over 10 years, tell us about the moment you were asked to join the board/chair the Marketing Committee.
I was so humbled when I was asked to join the Board. I knew what a prestigious group of individuals I’d be joining and what a big job this is to ensure we’re meeting the needs of the community. I was proud to be thought of to contribute to the long-standing success of this organization.
What are you looking forward to as the SEUW Marketing Committee Chair for 2024?
I am looking forward to another opportunity to generate awareness in our community about all that the SEUW does and to bring in a new generation of givers. We need to get on people’s radar and create messaging that resonates with the people of the Sioux Empire. We need to think differently, bring new ideas and develop marketing that works. It’s a task I know our committee is prepared to accomplish!
Jamie Hegge conducting internship interviews at Lawrence & Schiller.
What is one thing you wish our audience knew about Sioux Empire United Way?
I wish people knew the stories about our community that are sometimes hard to hear. From children to people in crisis to vulnerable adults, there are real problems and real needs right in our backyard that we need to work together to address.
We hear many times that people and community leaders give to United Way because you never know when you may need the resources of their funded agencies. Do you have a personal tie to the agencies we currently support?
While I don’t have a personal tie, I do know that 1 in 3 people are helped by the SEUW, so I probably know someone receiving services that I’m not even aware of yet, and that’s pretty powerful.
As a long-term volunteer for SEUW, what advice do you have for individuals interested in volunteering and why do you continue volunteering with us?
Say yes! Get involved. Raising dollars and supporting these organizations takes a village, and we need everyone (and everyone from different backgrounds) to step up and give back to a community that already gives so much to you. We are a successful organization because we have people giving their time and talents, and we always need a new funnel of people willing to help.
What final words do you have for our readers?
When we unite together to tackle the issues of our community, we are able to create an impact in the lives of children, vulnerable adults, and people in crisis. Join us and let’s make a difference in our community!
Jamie Hegge presenting to a crowded room.