Meet Kadyn.
For as long as I can remember, I have dedicated my personal and professional time to causes I believe in. From statewide coalition-building within the LGBTQ and Two Spirit+ community to one-on-one client services for the homeless population of Sioux Falls, I have spent years advocating on behalf of marginalized communities.
I’ve also seen my family experience marginalization firsthand. Over more than twenty-five years, my younger brother, Micah, has used a wheelchair to navigate the world. I grew up watching my parents advocate on his behalf for accessible services, and this instilled in me a deep sense of justice and a drive to create equity wherever possible. This is just one of the reasons I feel called to serve as a state legislator; to create better government policies for people who need it the most.
In March of 2020, during the early days of the COVID-19 Pandemic, I began working at the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House in Sioux Falls. This non-profit provides day and night services for poor and houseless community members in addition to providing hot meals daily. During my time there I wore many hats; a liaison for local landlords, a resume writer, a medic (armed with Band-Aids and Neosporin), a sympathetic and listening ear, and so much more. While there, I was able to meet and work with some of the most vulnerable members of our community, and as they became my friends I was given a first-hand look into how our support systems have failed them.
The majority of resources meant to support our poor and houseless community members are located in District 15, the community I have the honor to represent as a member of the South Dakota House. Two of the largest homeless shelters, The Banquet, Department of Social Services, the free medical clinic, and Minnehaha County Human Services are all located within 10 blocks of my home and I know that their clients are my constituents. During my first term as a legislator, I championed legislation to remove barriers and directly impact these marginalized communities and assist them on the journey out of poverty and into stability.
Experience
Kadyn is an active board member for Bridging the Gap (BtG), a Sioux Falls based organization committed to uplifting underrepresented communities through collaboration, connection, and leadership development.
She also served on the Board of Directors for the The Transformation Project Advocacy Network (TPAN) for nearly three years, where she worked to support and empower transgender youth, young adults, and their families while educating communities in SD and the surrounding region about gender identity and expression. Prior to serving as a State Representative, Kadyn served as a legislative point of contact on TPAN’s behalf and successfully organized multiple phone banks, and educated community members on their rights as constituents.
During the summer and fall of 2022, Kadyn was appointed to the city of Sioux Falls Homeless Task Force. Serving alongside other community leaders, this task force set out to study homelessness in Sioux Falls and ultimately make policy recommendations to the City Council. She was uniquely qualified for this role due to her past experience working at the Bishop Dudley Hospitality House during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since her election to the South Dakota House of Representatives, Kadyn has been awarded a year-long Youth Homelessness Fellowship through the National Council of State Legislators. This program was designed to provide educational support to legislators, while focusing on the causes and consequences of youth and young adult homelessness, and potential policy solutions. In the summer of 2023, she was also accepted into a Bush Foundation Change Network cohort. This year-long study program is designed to share techniques and build networks, giving participants the skills necessary to help make their communities accessible and welcoming to everyone.
Kadyn is employed full-time as the Director of Development for Sioux Falls Family YMCA where she has worked since the summer of 2022. In this role, she raises awareness and funds for the organization by sharing client stories and building sustainable relationships with donors and community partners.
Purpose
Kadyn is deeply committed to listening to the voices of community members who have not traditionally had a seat at the table. Driven by past experience, she is determined to advocate for all South Dakotans.
Education
Raised in Willmar, Minnesota, Kadyn moved to Sioux Falls over ten years ago to pursue her bachelor’s degree at Augustana University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with an emphasis in Women’s Studies from Augustana in 2013.
“We always ask ‘where are the good people with a willingness to run for public office?’ I think we have found one in Kadyn.”
— Michelle LaVallee, CEO
Children’s Home Society of South Dakota