10 Questions with Brookelyn Stieben
Brookelyn Stieben is serving as the YPN/Chamber intern this summer. Stieben has been actively involved with YPN and is passionate about helping young professionals build connections in the Sioux Falls community. Through the internship, she is looking forward to supporting YPN projects, attending Chamber events and learning more about the local business community.
1. Tell us a little about yourself. What are you studying and where do you go to school?
I grew up in Crooks, South Dakota, about 20 minutes outside of Sioux Falls, and have lived in the area most of my life. After high school, I decided to attend Augustana University, where I am entering my senior year. I am studying marketing and business administration and plan to graduate in December 2026. Growing up in a smaller community gave me a strong appreciation for building relationships and staying involved, which has shaped both my interests and career goals.
2. What interested you in interning with the Chamber and the Young Professionals Network this summer?
Before learning about the internship opportunity, I had already been actively involved with YPN. I enjoyed attending events, networking with other young professionals and seeing how YPN creates opportunities for people to build connections within the community. As a college student, I experienced many of those benefits firsthand, which made me want to help increase awareness and encourage more students in the area to get involved. I knew this role with the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce would help me gain real-world experience, strengthen my professional network and build valuable skills, but what excited me most was the opportunity to make an impact. Being part of an organization that supports young professionals and helps them navigate an ever-changing professional world is something I have become genuinely passionate about.
3. As someone from the Sioux Falls area, what’s something you really love about the community?
What I love most about the Sioux Falls community is the passion and initiative people have to help it grow. From when I was younger to where the community is today, I have seen so much growth, opportunity and excitement throughout the area. People genuinely want to see Sioux Falls thrive, whether that means supporting local businesses, investing in schools, creating opportunities for young professionals or strengthening the community as a whole. There truly is something for everyone here, and that positive energy and drive to keep improving are what make Sioux Falls such a great place to build a life.
4. What’s something you’re excited to learn more about in the Sioux Falls business community this summer?
I am excited to learn more about the variety of businesses within Sioux Falls. Even though I have grown up in the area, I am still constantly learning about new businesses and the people behind them. The more people I meet, the more I get to learn about their work, their experiences and what goes into running a business. It also has been interesting to see how connected everything is and how businesses of all sizes play an important role in helping Sioux Falls continue to grow and thrive.
5. What’s a fun fact about you that people might be surprised to learn?
A fun fact about me is that I am currently training for the Sioux Falls Marathon. I love staying active and spending time outdoors, so taking on marathon training has been a fun way to challenge myself physically and mentally. It has taught me a lot about consistency and discipline, especially during early mornings and long runs, but it also has been really rewarding. It has become one of the biggest goals I have taken on recently, and I am excited to see all the training pay off on race day.
6. What’s one piece of advice you’d give to another student looking for an internship?
The best piece of advice I would give to another student looking for an internship is that it never hurts to ask. If there is an organization or company you would love to intern for, reach out. The worst they can say is no, and you move on, but taking that step could also open doors you did not expect. Even if they do not offer internships, you might make a connection for future opportunities, learn about similar positions or find shadowing experiences. Putting yourself out there and building relationships can lead to opportunities you never would have found otherwise, so do not underestimate the power of making connections and taking initiative.
7. What are you most looking forward to learning through your internship this summer?
I am most excited to learn more about the different parts of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce and how they work together to accomplish shared goals. I also am looking forward to contributing ideas, developing plans and helping execute projects related to YPN. By the end of this internship, I want to walk away with new skills, meaningful experiences and the confidence that I made a positive impact through my contributions to the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, YPN and the young professionals it serves.
8. What are you most excited to experience this summer?
I am most excited to experience the variety of events that YPN and the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce host. I enjoy seeing how each event is planned and executed, meeting different members of the community and experiencing the unique atmosphere that each event creates. Every event serves a different purpose and audience, which is what makes them so interesting and exciting to be a part of.
9. What’s one skill you’re hoping to build or strengthen this summer?
One skill I am hoping to strengthen this summer is networking. I will be attending many events each week, and networking is an important skill not only now but throughout my future career and personal life. Being able to talk to people, build relationships and form meaningful connections is such a valuable skill, and I am excited to continue developing it through this internship experience.
10. When you’re not working or studying, what can we usually find you doing?
Outside of work and school, I love staying active and spending time outdoors. You can usually find me running, going for walks or watering my garden almost every day. I also