As director of SD CEO, Michelle Kane provides business counseling and resource guidance to aspiring and established entrepreneurs.

Michelle and the SD CEO team are privileged to bring outstanding workshops, networking opportunities and conferences to professional women across the state while promoting entrepreneurship and leadership. Prior to joining SD CEO, Michelle owned Black Hills PR, a public relations firm she launched in 2011. Headquartered in Spearfish, Black Hills PR designed marketing, social media and PR programs for local, regional and national clients including three years traveling with a professional rodeo association.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in Advertising from San Jose State University and is a 4th generation Californian who says that she “found her spot” in Spearfish.

You can find Michelle at the creek, lake or pool with her son Jack, on the golf course with husband Mike, on her front porch with friends or in her garden, weeding and listening to podcasts.

Debbie is an on-air personality for 97.9 The Breeze, selling advertising for Bethesda Christian Broadcasting. Their mission statement is to impact people for Christ and equip them to put their faith into action.

“Growing up in Rapid City has taught me to be a more compassionate person and it’s taught me to love my neighbor whoever that might be.”

Debbie wasn’t really sure what she wanted to be when she grew up but had a feeling it would have something to do with helping other people because some of her earliest memories, even as small child, she knew she had a heart for those less fortunate than herself.

Debbie is a mother, a wife, a sister and homemaker, a volunteer, gardener, singer and she does her best to be a good community leader in whatever capacity she finds herself in. Married just out of high school with no college degree her journey has taken Debbie many places.

Debbie’s career path started in the corporate world. She held leadership roles in Banking and Finance as well as the Insurance Industry. Soon Debbie understood that she was meant to serve in a different capacity. From a gospel rescue mission that served homeless families, to serving single moms with children and people living with HIV. During this journey, Debbie has encountered some remarkable people. Almost daily she found herself looking into the eyes and hearts of some very lost people. All they longed for was someone who could listen and hear their voices. Some of them inspired Debbie more than she could ever imagine inspiring them but many just needed to know that someone cared enough to come alongside them in that moment of desperation with a smile and a bit of encouragement.

“I am truly blessed to have a remarkable husband and two lovely daughters who keep me grounded. Our new addition to the family is our 10-month-old granddaughter!”

Together, Debbie’s family enjoy experiences; like trying out different food and exploring the Black Hills while climbing Harney Peak, Buzzards Roost and Hippy Hole and Sunday Gulch Trail. Debbie’s new found adventure is kayaking, she personally likes to just find a quiet lake to float about and write in her journal or take pictures.

Debbie’s home is always open to friends to stop in and have a cup of coffee or play music together. She tries to find the best in everyone she meets and inspires them to continue to strive to seek their passion.

Christy is a financial advisor for Edward Jones investments! In early 2017, she and her family moved from California so they could enjoy the slower pace of life the Black Hills offers. The decision challenged her to think about what she really wanted from her career and professional life, and she realized that teaching was no longer the answer. Twelve (12) years of teaching high school and five (5) as a professor had left her burnt out and Christy felt that the field has robbed her of the time and opportunity to provide meaningful help to her students. After talking to a friend, Christy decided to make the leap and go to Edward Jones and she is SO grateful. She loves her job!

Christy has been married to her wonderful husband Joe for 14 years and have two (2) awesome boys. Eric is 10 and Adam is 8. They also have a cat named Elvis who thinks he is a dog, and a horse named Bug.

Christy enjoys riding horses and has recently returned to the show ring! As a family, the Hawthornes love to fish and enjoy spending time in the hills hiking, biking, and hunting.

“I love helping others! Helping others improve their lives and achieve their goals is one of my biggest drivers.”

Other Spotlight Winners

Catherine is the Executive Director of the Workforce Diversity Network of the Black Hills. A non-profit corporation working with employers to understand the benefits of hiring and retaining individuals with disabilities. WDN is working with local business, Business Owners, Employers, Human Resource Managers and the public, to provide education and information that is transforming a more diverse and inclusive workforce in Western South Dakota, where everyone can reach their full potential.

Catherine began her career in broadcasting here in South Dakota and has held numerous positions of Business Development for fortune 500 companies throughout the Western United States. After losing her eyesight in 2011 and facing some discrimination she knew that employers needed more education on disabilities. Catherine’s mother had taught severely disabled children in the 60s and 70s, her daughter has an autoimmune disease that has led to a loss of eyesight and her father had become disabled and had to change careers when Catherine was a child. All of these life experiences lead her to her true calling and her current position as Executive Director of WDN.