CO-FOUNDER & CEO

Originally from Salem, Kayle recently graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a BA in Political Science with minors in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) and Education, Schooling, and Society (ESS). At Notre Dame, she was Kayle is a part of the Glynn Family Honors Program and a merit scholarship recipient through the Notre Dame Scholars Program. She received financial aid to cover the rest of the costs of college. In 2021, she was named South Dakota’s delegate to the United States Senate Youth Program and was named a 2024 Truman Scholar. Kayle is currently teaching middle school writing at Mahpiya Luta Catholic School on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

CO-FOUNDER & SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Johnny grew up outside of Rapid City and recently graduated with a degree in Marketing from the University of Notre Dame. As SVP, he supports strategic planning while overseeing internal operations and program implementation, working closely with educational stakeholders to translate SDCC's vision into actionable plans. Johnny works as a Marketing Associate with General Mills and remains interested in pursuing opportunities in South Dakota to stay close to family. He became involved with SDCC because he wanted to see greater representation of people from the state he loves and is committed to creating pathways for South Dakota students to achieve their educational goals.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Gianna leads the organization's mentorship program and strategic initiatives. Previously serving as Director of Outreach, she coordinated outreach efforts to high schools across South Dakota and developed comprehensive resources for students and counselors, helping to elevate SDCC's statewide presence. Originally from Pierre, Gianna is passionate about helping South Dakota students reach their full potential and exploring out-of-state educational opportunities. Her leadership is driven by a personal mission to create pathways for the next generation of students in her home state.

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Dhruv oversees the organization's administrative processes and operational systems. Previously serving as Director of Development, Dhruv demonstrated his commitment to SDCC's mission through effective management of complex relationships and mentorship programs. He brings strategic thinking to the role, with particular insights into expanding SDCC's mentee base and strengthening relationships with schools. Dhruv's attention to detail, adaptability, and experience with grants and applications help shape SDCC's organizational strategy and support its continued growth across South Dakota.

DIRECTOR OF MENTORSHIP

Sarah serves as Director of Mentorship of SDCC, a role she held for the 2024-25 school year as well. As a graduate of Avon High School, Sarah brings invaluable perspective to SDCC's leadership team through her understanding of the unique challenges facing students from smaller communities across South Dakota. She has worked to expand SDCC's mentorship program cohort sizes and diversify the student populations served, including developing partnerships with programs like Build Dakota Scholarships. Sarah's commitment to providing opportunities for rural students—opportunities she wished she had access to—remains central to her leadership approach, even while balancing her SDCC responsibilities with time abroad and in Washington, DC.

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

Olivia will lead the organization's fundraising efforts and grant applications to support SDCC's growth across the state. A Clemson University student with extensive leadership experience, Olivia is passionate about advocacy, equal opportunity, and helping South Dakota students reach their full potential. Her vision focuses on expanding SDCC's reach to more schools throughout the state and encouraging students to pursue colleges they might otherwise consider "unreachable" or "unaffordable." Drawing from her own college application experience, Olivia is committed to sharing knowledge and creating opportunities she wishes had been available to her as a South Dakota student.

DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH

Sydney manages the organization's external communications, marketing efforts, and stakeholder relationships. Sydney brings valuable skills in community engagement and building connections to her role. She is passionate about making higher education more accessible to South Dakota students. Sydney's background in outreach within student organizations and community engagement enables her to effectively drive SDCC's mission across the state.

Hometown: Aberdeen

School: US Air Force Academy

Year: Junior

Hometown: Rapid City

School: University of Notre Dame

Year: Junior

Hometown: Rapid City

School: MIT

Year: Junior

Hometown: Rapid City

School: United States Military Academy West Point

Year: Senior

Hometown: Harrisburg

School: Middlebury College

Year: Junior

Hometown: Mitchell

School: Georgetown University

Year: Junior

Hometown: Sioux Falls

School: University of South Dakota

Year: Senior

Hometown: Beresford

School: College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University

Year: Senior

Hometown: Avon

School: Wayne State College

Year: Junior

Hometown: Pierre

School: Brown University

Year: Sophomore

Hometown: Pierre

School: Grand Canyon University

Year: Junior

Hometown: Philip

School: University of South Dakota

Year: Senior

Hometown: Vermillion

School: University of Notre Dame

Year: Junior