30 Under 30
Spotlight on Young Alumni
The University of South Dakota's 30 Under 30 class reflects what the Coyote community has known for generations: a USD education creates leaders who make an impact. Our academic programs continues to shape graduates who excel personally, professionally and within their communities.
This class demonstrates how USD continues to adapt, innovate and rise to meet the needs of a changing world and the students who will define it. Across industries and communities, USD alumni are using their talents, integrity and drive to create positive change. A USD education prepares students not only for professional success but for a life of leadership, service and lasting contribution.
In the categories of civic trailblazers, health and science innovators, industry standouts, change igniters and commerce catalysts, our alumni are living the Coyote way every day.
We asked these Yotes to share a piece of career advice/tips for fellow young professionals. Take a look at their answers below!
Civic Trailblazers
Recognized for their leadership in civic life, these alumni are shaping communities through impactful service and steadfast advocacy.
Hunter Burns '19, '18
Director of Special Programs - Affordable Housing
Sioux Falls Housing and Redevelopment
Find your niche and dive in. You can always do more than you think you can, and taking the leap will lead you to places and accomplishments you never thought possible!
Joshua Chase '25, '23
Economic Development Specialist
Sioux Metro Growth Alliance
Identify your support network and learn from them as you navigate challenges in your professional life. As you grow into your role within your organization, remain open to constructive criticism and feedback.
Austin Felts '22, '17
Judge Advocate General (JAG)
United States Air Force
Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Growth rarely happens when we play it safe. We learn the most when we take risks and occasionally make mistakes. Don’t judge your journey by comparing it to peers and friends your age; everyone’s path looks different, and there’s no “right” timeline for success.
Meredith Jarchow-Olson '24
Assistant Commission Administrative Officer
Minnehaha County
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Reach out to alums or people in your network if you are interested in their career and offer to meet for coffee to learn more about what they do, or request to job shadow for a day. If you’re looking for a job, let others know so they can be on the lookout for you if there are any openings at their organization. The Yote community is so supportive, lean on those resources and make sure to give back in the same way when it’s your turn!
Brett Ries '20
Attorney
Williams & Connolly LLP
Chase your passions, not titles. Know what you stand for and what difference you want to make in the world, and the opportunities will follow naturally. People can tell when you are or are not genuinely passionate about the work, and finding motivation is much easier when you are doing work that you enjoy.
Caleb Weiland '24
Political Director
Dusty for Governor
Stay curious and open to learning. Seek mentors, ask questions and take on challenges that stretch your skills. Build meaningful connections, networking isn’t just about advancing your career, it’s about learning from others and contributing to shared success. Focus on doing good work and don’t worry about who gets the credit, when you lead with integrity and collaboration, the recognition will follow naturally.
Health & Science Innovators
From implementing AI technology to promoting public health, these Yotes are meeting these challenges with compassionate care and cutting-edge research.
Spencer Dundas '24, '21
Physical Therapist
Albuquerque VA Medical Center
Stay curious and never stop learning. Your academic career is not over simply because you completed all of your required coursework. The field is constantly changing, and you must adapt to these changes and continue to learn or you will be left behind.
Mikaela Fischer '18
Endoluminal Territory Associate
Smith and Nephew
Say yes to opportunities! Best case, it ends up being something you love. Worst case, you find out something you never want to do again. When people say "your dream job might not exist yet," they are actually right. I didn't know about my dream job until after graduating college and the robots that I work with are barely 5 years old.
Roman Grewal '24, '21
Program Manager
National Science Foundation
Initiative and adaptability are invaluable—don't wait for instruction when your own judgement can more you forward. This spirit of internal drive not only makes you an asset to any team but also builds the foundation for leadership. Embrace continuous learning and view career shifts not with apprehension but as opportunities to reassess your goals, stay curious and seek guidance from mentors. Ultimately, your career is something you build, not something you inherit.
Katie Haverly '20, '18
Physician Assistant
Avera
Some advice I would give to other young professionals is to lean on your network and support system. Seek out connections that not only support you but also challenge you to grow, and don’t be afraid to ask for help along the way. Remember that you do need to have everything figured out right away. Continue to seeking out learning opportunities and stay curious long after your time at USD.
Venkatesh Kolluru '24
Research Scientist
University of Alabama in Huntsville
Develop your technical skills thoroughly but never underestimate the importance of clear communication and effective collaboration. In remote sensing and AI, I have learned that the most impactful work happens when you can translate complex science into actionable insights for decision-makers. Seek out mentors early and maintain those relationships, as my advisor, Dr. Ranjeet John, taught me not only research methods but also how to think critically across disciplines and pursue ambitious questions.
Industry Standouts
Early in their careers, these Coyotes are making their mark in their industries through exceptional personal and professional accomplishments.
Tristan Beck '17
Director of University Housing
University of South Dakota
Don't be afraid to seek out new professional development opportunities in your current role to expand your skillset. Even if where you work doesn't have much of budget for this, you can still find free webinars that can help you learn skills to help you move up or become better in your current role.
Michaela Goldammer '19
Project Manager
Children's Miracle Network
Follow what genuinely excites you. Passion is a powerful motivator, and it often leads you toward people and opportunities that will give you purpose. Seek out others who are already doing what interests you, whether they’re mentors, leaders you admire or peers who share your enthusiasm.
Brooke Jackson '22
Coordinator of Native Student Services
University of South Dakota
My advice is to network and be unafraid, even if you are afraid. Networking is often underutilized, and by leveraging it, you can put yourself in positions and rooms that you would not have been in otherwise. It is okay to ask to be included in spaces and at meetings to gain more experience. Every person you meet is an opportunity to grow professionally and learn more about the field you want to go into.
Alyssa Linneman '21
Retirement Counselor
Touchmark at All Saints
Get creative! When you graduate, your dream role might not be attainable right away and that’s okay. Look for opportunities that let you immerse yourself in your field of interest or explore uniquely related experiences; those stepping stones can become the perfect segue into your goal career. Don’t let the dreaded “five years of experience” discourage you - show up, stay curious, and create your own path forward.
Zbynek Surovec '23, '20
Multimedia Director
Sturgis Buffalo Chip Entrepreneur/Freelancer - Eclectix Productions, LLC
One of the most valuable things I’ve learned is to stay curious and take initiative. Don’t wait for permission to grow - growth feels uncomfortable, and that’s a good sign. Lean into new challenges even when you’re nervous, ask for feedback and treat people well along the way. Even the tough or “not-so-great” experiences can shape you - they teach resilience, reveal what you value and help you grow faster than the easy wins.
Caleb Swanson '24
Agricultural Land Equity Program Analyst
California Strategic Growth Council
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try something different or daring. Impactful service often begins by saying yes to new opportunities.
Change Igniters
Powered by purpose, these young alumni harness their skills to bring equity to the communities they serve.
Jessilynn Bean '19
Intermediate Teacher
American Horse School
My advice to fellow young professionals is to lead with purpose, integrity and heart. I have learned that the most meaningful work happens when passion aligns with community values and cultural identity. Most importantly, I believe we must always remember who we are and where we come from. Our roots provide the strength and clarity to make lasting, positive contributions to our communities and professions.
Kirsten Biersbach '25, '22, '21
Assistant Professor of Special Education and Literacy Education
University of South Dakota
Build relationships that challenge and support you, and be that person for others, too. Growth happens in a community. Stay open to feedback, share your wins and struggles and invest in connections that help you reflect, stretch and lead with purpose.
Victoria Callegari '22
EL School Home Liaison
Sioux Falls School District
I believe one of the most important things is to lead with empathy and curiosity. Embracing diversity is also essential. Working with people from different backgrounds challenges you to grow, communicate more effectively and see the form from new perspectives. I've learned that humility an openness go a long way; being teachable helps you earn trust and learn from everyone around you.
Bradie Donelan '17
High School English Teacher
Tea Area High School
Be confident in what you do. Confidence, attitude and effort can take you a long way professionally. Also, use the people within your profession as inspiration. I work with incredibly talented teachers and have the privilege of working under some of the best administrators (at the superintendent, principal and curriculum level) to do it. I’m constantly learning from all of them, and that is part of the reason I find success.
Hannah Helseth '22
7-12 School Counselor
Winnebago Public Schools
Take pride in who you are and where you come from. Being young in your career can feel overwhelming, but it’s also the perfect time to learn, grow and stay rooted in your personal values. Don’t rush your journey, every experience is shaping you into the professional you’re meant to become. Embrace the bumps in the road, you'll get to your final destination when you're meant to. Also, be kind to yourself when starting your professional career!
Ally Schubert '25, '18
7th Grade Social Studies Teacher
Milbank School District
My biggest advice for fellow young professionals is to not be afraid to ask for help. We cannot do everything by ourselves and there are so many people willing to help out so definitely use them.
Danielle Startz '26, '18
Elementary Special Education Teacher
Bon Homme School District
Advocate for yourself and be proud of your accomplishments—no one will champion your growth better than you. Track your impact, speak confidently about what you’ve achieved and make clear asks for the opportunities you want. At the same time, don’t be afraid to take chances most wouldn’t dare; stepping into challenging, unfamiliar work builds rare skills, expands your network and sets you apart.
Carly Sternhagen '19
High School Teacher + Coach
Menno School District
One of the few things we can count on in life is that things are going to change. Our ability to adapt within change factors into success in your career. Do not be afraid of change or make changes for yourself if you are not in the right place for you. You will never regret following a good leader.
Commerce Catalysts
These independent leaders challenge traditional ways of doing business and revolutionize their industries.
Isaac Armstead '19
Commercial Spares Account Manager
GE Aerospace
The career advice I'd have for young professionals would be to connect with individuals in your profession who you admire and always be inquisitive. Staying curious and networking with like-minded individuals has benefitted me throughout in the onset of my career.
Tanner Comp '17
Senior Associate
Acclaro Valuation Adivsors
Find what aspects about the work you’re doing that you love and build a personal brand around it.
Peter Freidel '20
Financial Advisor
Bank of Colorado Investment Services
There’s no growth in the comfort zone, and no comfort in the growth zone. Don’t be afraid to take risks and step outside what feels familiar. Saying yes to new and sometimes uncertain opportunities can open unexpected doors and lead you to places you never imagined. And once you’re there, commit to outworking everyone around you—hard work will always set you apart.
Phillip Millar '19
Audit Manager
Eide Bailly
Be authentic in your interests and passions as you progress through your career. Your authentic self is going to lead you to more fulfillment than any role you try to force yourself to play. Be curious and ask questions for the sake of learning. Do not withhold questions for fear of appearing stupid and do not ask questions for the sake of look smart. Asking a question that makes you look stupid is just the process of becoming smart.
Kanwar Singh '24
Branch Manager
First Alliance Credit Union
Stay relentlessly curious and take ownership early. Don't wait for the perfect role or title. Learn how the business works, understand the "why" behind every decision and look for ways to add value beyond your job description. Every time I stepped into something new, the biggest leaps came from embracing what I didn't yet know and figuring it out through discipline, humility and consistency..
Past 30 Under 30 Classes
