Kelly named 2025 BHSU Alumna Entrepreneur in Excellence

The 14th Annual Celebrating Women in Business Luncheon & Awards returns to the Spearfish Holiday Inn on Tuesday, May 14, bringing together entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders to honor the outstanding contributions of women in business across South Dakota.

Hosted by South Dakota Center for Enterprise Opportunity (SD CEO) West Women’s Business Center, the event celebrates women who demonstrate exceptional leadership, resilience, and innovation in their careers and communities. Attendees will enjoy a day of inspiration, networking, and recognition—including the announcement of award winners across several categories.

Enterprising Woman Intrapreneur 2025 finalist Teisha Upward said, “For nearly 23 years, my career in the awards industry has been dedicated to helping individuals and organizations celebrate success by designing and creating meaningful awards that recognize the achievements of others. To now be recognized for my own contributions would be both humbling and deeply meaningful. This award would symbolize not just my dedication to excellence in my field, but also the impact I have made in uplifting and celebrating the successes of so many others.”

Nominations for the awards were submitted from across the state, from a variety of industries.

Roxie Kelly, owner of Yours on the Spot in Tea, SD has been named the 2025 recipient of the BHSU Alumna Entrepreneur in Excellence Award. This award recognizes her entrepreneurial achievements and post-graduate involvement and impact on the broader BHSU community.

The day begins at 8:30 a.m. with a lively Business Showcase featuring local vendors, networking opportunities, coffee, and door prize entry. The program starts at 9:30 a.m. with a welcome and introduction, plus featured speakers Julie Wingen (Pain & Movement Solutions), Michelle May (G.A.T.E. Consulting), and Hallie Hovdenes (Jitter Joint), each sharing stories of growth, leadership, and perseverance in their business journey. Award presentations will take place throughout the event. For more details and to register, visit bhsu.edu/sdceo/events.