Dakotaland Federal Credit Union's Chief Strategy Office, Sarah Senska, was recently honored as a 2025 SHE Award winner and recognized specifically as a Woman of Influence. The SHE Awards were developed a decade ago to shine a light on women who are making a positive impact in Huron and surrounding communities. As a nominee for a Woman of Influence, Senska was in the company of several accomplished and successful women who have made a lasting impression through a thriving career, heartfelt volunteerism and being recognized as a mentor and role model. The SHE Awards celebrate exceptional women and Sarah's leadership, vision, and commitment to empowering others truly exemplify this distinction.
Sarah has served on many boards over the years but is currently most active with Junior Achievement, as a Club Leader for Sanborn County 4-H, and serving as President of the United Way Heartland Region, which she has been involved in since 2019. One of Sarah's latest missions has her studying behavioral assessments and executive coaching giving her the tools to continue guiding young careerist and developing future leaders.
Throughout the credit union movement, there are women you meet who have endless passion and commitment to doing what it takes to make a difference in the world around them. These women are infectious and have a level of energy that makes most of us tired just watching them do what they do. These are the kind of women we seek out as leaders and to serve on every board, committee and project. Not only because they are up for the challenge, but they are famous for getting it done and making it fun along the way. These women know how to utilize their resources, cultivate talent, and lead a team. Sarah Senska is one of these amazing women and Dakotaland is proud to call her one of their own.
Sarah began her career with Dakotaland Federal Credit Union in 1996 as a part-time high school student teller. She has held many titles throughout her career from Real Estate Loan Officer, Branch Manager, Chief Mortgage Officer, to her recent promotion as Chief Strategy Officer serving as a member of the Executive Team. Dakotaland is known for promoting from within and she is an example and a catalyst of how successful that business model can be.
Sarah shared these thoughts after being recognized, “What ultimately drives me is the desire to help others reach their potential and feel good about the impact I’ve made in something at the end of every day. My ongoing goal is to never stop learning and help others do the same – whether it’s through leadership, coaching, or community involvement.”