Sioux Empire United Way is excited to introduce Anna Jankord, our 2024 Volunteer United Steering Committee Chair and Board Member!
Anna was born and raised right here in Sioux Falls. She received her Bachelor's degree in Corporate Environmental Management with an emphasis in Leadership from the University of Minnesota and a Master’s degree in Leadership in Student Affairs from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis/St. Paul. Anna then went on to work at the University of Minnesota for seven years as an instructor in the Leadership Minor program and led student involvement programming and Greek Life.
After her daughter was born, Anna and her husband moved home to be close to their family and raise their children in a community with incredible passion for supporting each other, embracing growth, and giving back. Anna now lives her passion at Viaflex as the Senior Learning and Development Manager, where she focuses on creating and facilitating exceptional learning and leadership development opportunities that foster a sense of belonging and purpose.
In this insightful Q&A, we delve into the experiences and motivations behind Anna's years of dedicated service to both Sioux Empire United Way and Volunteer United. Join us as we uncover her passion for building connections, community service, and getting involved!
Anna and Brad Jankord with children at Minnesota Golden Gophers Game
Q&A with Anna Jankord
What was your original connection to Sioux Empire United Way & why did you decide to get involved?
I first donated to the United Way through the University of Minnesota's community giving campaign. My connection grew stronger when my husband, Brad became a Heart Club Champion for his employer. As a fresh professional, I just wanted to be involved in workplace comradery during campaign activities and rallies. When I learned more about the United Way and its impact in the cities, my interest grew from a personal benefit to realizing the true importance. Looking back now, the United Way has remained constant through relocating, career shifts, and company changes.
My first intentional role with the SEUW was serving as co-lead for my workplace campaign in 2018. Attending the training, coordinating an exciting rally and games to gain pledges, and learning the value of corporate involvement in the community was eye-opening! I realized that I need to align my career with employers that value social responsibility like I do so that we can unite to make an impact.
How have your beginning years shaped your appreciation and involvement with Sioux Empire United Way and their funded programs?
Now we all know the familiar one degree of Sioux Falls story - My SEUW journey continued thanks to Annie Wold, a former SEUW staff and still a good friend. Annie recognized my deep passion for community involvement and asked me to join the Volunteer United (formerly Emerging Leaders) Steering Committee. Serving the SEUW through volunteerism aligns with my passion for creating a sense of belonging for others to build a connection - Volunteer United brings people together to learn about and serve our community in impactful ways. I have now been on the Volunteer United Steering Committee for over 5 years and have served as Chair for 2 years.
I am also a proud member of the Sioux Empire United Way Board of Directors. I served on the board for 2 years as the Volunteer United liaison - a role that came with the Chair's responsibilities. This year, I was asked to serve as an official board member - this was a very humbling moment as I have many mentors and role models who serve on the board.
What are you looking forward to as a new Board Member and/or the Volunteer United Steering Committee Chair for 2024?
Volunteer United went through a repositioning and growth over the last year - I am incredibly proud and grateful for my VU team and all the volunteers who continue to give their time. We recently hosted our first-ever Day of Action with an impressive turnout! That means, in the coming year, I am giddy about momentum. We are establishing new and stronger relationships with SEUW partner agencies to offer exciting monthly volunteer activities. We are tapping into community volunteers who are passionate about donating their time. I see the SEUW in an exciting time to innovatively engage volunteers - there are many opportunities to serve the SEUW and the community. Can you tell I'm really passionate about getting involved?
Anna and Brad Jankord at Volunteer United Annual Celebration.
What is one thing you wish our audience knew about Volunteer United?
Volunteer United's purpose is to offer curated volunteer opportunities with SEUW's funded agencies to bring more and more passionate community members to the frontline of volunteering. VU is supporting the development of a volunteer pipeline to ensure that we create awareness and connection to the communities and programs served...we need volunteers to want to come back month after month. Our silver lining is when VU volunteers join SEUW committees, campaign teams, community impact teams, and more.
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?
Yes! My kids attend the Boys & Girls Club after-school care and summer enrichment programs - incredible programs with great staff! We subscribe to Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. We used both Sanford and Avera's new parent resources when my kids were born.
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?
Bring a friend or coworker to a Volunteer United event - it's easier to get involved with someone you know. Ask your HR team or direct leader how you can get involved in your workplace campaign - or ask to start one. When it comes to volunteering, there are never too many cooks in the kitchen.
What final words do you have for our readers?
When I first started as a SEUW volunteer, I didn't realize the true impact of my time but now when I look at the data, it's quite remarkable the impact of one hour of volunteering. In one hour, a group of VU volunteers packs 600 meals for Meals on Wheels; facilitates STEM activities for over 20 elementary students; plants 17 trees at a city park; plays Bingo with a dozen people at DakotAbilities - bringing them immense joy. All in all - spend an hour with SEUW and see the impact you can make.
Anna and Brad Jankord volunteering with VU at DakotAbilities.