Sioux Falls Thrive President Michelle Erpenbach moderates the “Under the Same Sky: Immigration in the Heartland” panel discussion.
Against the backdrop of the Sioux Falls State Theatre, the panel discussion “Under the Same Sky: Immigration in the Heartland” brought together more than 75 journalists from across the U.S. and abroad to explore immigration’s evolving impact in rural communities.
Hosted on July 10, 2025, by Sioux Falls Thrive, in partnership with the South Dakota NewsMedia Association (SDNA) and the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors (ISWNE), the 105-minute session was hailed as a highlight of ISWNE’s annual conference. This year’s conference took place on the campus of South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota.
A Shared Sky, a Shared Story
The event’s theme, “Under the Same Sky,” was designed to emphasize shared humanity despite cultural and geographic differences. A striking open blue sky over green prairie grass anchored the event visual.
“We might come from different backgrounds, but we’re all part of the same community,” said Michelle Erpenbach, President of Sioux Falls Thrive. “Our goal was to highlight our common experiences and dig into how immigration shapes life in communities like ours.”
As human beings, we all have the same needs. We all want to be able to have a job, have a career, so we can support ourselves, our families and our children.
– Panelist Moses Idris, on finding common ground
Setting the Stage
Molly McRoberts, Editor and Publisher of the Potter County News in Gettysburg, South Dakota, and ISWNE Board Vice President, introduced Sioux Falls Mayor Paul TenHaken, who welcomed ISWNE members and shared a brief history of Sioux Falls.
A Panel with Lived Insight
The discussion was moderated by Erpenbach, who guided a thoughtful and engaging conversation among four Sioux Falls residents. Panelists were chosen based on their professional work and personal journeys, offering insight into the immigrant experience in rural America. Participants included:
- Taneeza Islam, a first-generation American Muslim and immigration attorney who co-founded South Dakota Voices for Peace and currently serves as the CEO of its sister organization, South Dakota Voices for Justice.
- Moses Idris, a Community Outreach Consultant at Avera McKennan Hospital, working closely with immigrant and refugee communities. A former refugee from Eritrea, Moses co-founded Light for the Next Generation, a nonprofit supporting underserved youth.
- Hugo Barron, President of Sioux Empire Housing Partnership, a nonprofit focused on affordable housing and housing education. He immigrated from Mexico at the age of 13.
- Zak Okuwe, a Cardiac Nurse at Sanford Health, founder of STEM the Gap, a nonprofit connecting middle school students with college tutors. He is a former refugee from Sudan.
That’s only one side of the story. What’s often missing is the bigger picture, immigrants are also a big part of what hold those same systems together.
– Panelist Hugo Barron, on the perception that immigrants put pressure on community systems
Real Conversation Provokes Emotions
Though audience Q&A was brief due to time constraints, the discussion resonated deeply.
“I was equal parts inspired and heartbroken,” said Jeremy Waltner, ISWNE member and publisher of the Freeman Courier. “Voices like those we heard need to be amplified in every rural newsroom across the country.”
David Bordewyk, SDNA Executive Director, also added, “I received many positive and encouraging comments from ISNWE members following the session. It was the best conference session we’ve ever had.”
There really is minimal opportunity to lawfully come to the United States right now.
– Panelist Taneeza Islam, on current paths to legal citizenship in the United States
Media Coverage and Momentum
Though the panel was closed to the public, it received post-event media coverage from Dakota NewsNow, Argus Leader, and Sioux Falls Simplified. Interviews with panelists and organizers expanded the discussion to a broader local audience.
Thrive also shared the panel discussion video on its YouTube channel and social media platforms.
Click on the arrows to see more photos of the Immigration in the Heartland panel discussion.
Looking Ahead
Organizers expressed hope that the success of the panel discussion will serve as a strong blueprint for future conversations in Sioux Falls and other communities across the region.
“This panel showed what is possible when we start having honest, focused conversations,” said Erpenbach. “It is a step forward, and one we hope can inspire similar efforts in the future.”