Sioux Empire United Way is excited to highlight our Administrative Specialist, Peggy Whitney.
Peggy was born and raised in Volga, South Dakota. She later attended Valley Springs and Brandon schools and ultimately graduated from Sioux Falls. Before her time at Sioux Empire United Way, Peggy worked at the SD Board of Regents, Sioux Falls School District, Sanford, and Central Bank.
At Sioux Empire United Way, Peggy provides essential support for daily operations, ensuring smooth office functions. Her role includes managing communications, coordinating meetings, and handling data entry. Additionally, Peggy coordinates Imagination Library, Connecting Kids, AED grants, and other special projects!
To learn more about her, be sure to read our interview below!
What does your day-to-day work look like? I am an Administrative Specialist, where I coordinate our 3 internal programs at the Sioux Empire United Way. Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Connecting Kids, and AED Grants. I also work extensively in our large database program, updating our payments and donor information.
What's your reason for working at SEUW? Because I love the work of project management, which is what I do with the internal programs. But I also love the work SEUW does! It is so rewarding to see the process of how the community is so involved with raising funds and then allocating the funds we raise!
How long have you worked at SEUW? Since January 2025.
What’s something you do at work that makes your job more fun? I work with Dolly Parton Imagination Library books and have a bunch in my office! Who doesn’t love kids' books?!
If you had to describe your job using only a movie title, what would it be? Life Is Sweet
What’s one thing you love about our workplace culture? Everyone is so real and fun! We have some great laughs here at SEUW!
What’s one skill you’d love to learn? Creativity
What’s the weirdest or funniest job you’ve ever had? I worked in the Commissioner of School & Public Lands office for the State of South Dakota, and I found out after I started there, my great grandfather had been the Commissioner, some 25 years prior!
If you could swap jobs with anyone in the company for a week, who would it be and why? It would have to be Katie, because I love marketing.
What are some of your favorite hobbies or what do you like to do for fun? I love to read and have firepits.
What’s the last show you binge-watched? Firefly Lane. It's a great show about 2 friends who grew up together and remain friends through life.
What’s your dream travel destination? Hawaii!
If you could have any superpower for a day, what would it be and why? To get so much done so fast!
If you were an action figure, what accessories would you come with? Purse, hairbrush, and a lightsaber (because they’re cool!)
