From Nigeria to Sioux Falls: Startup Community Coordinator

Henry Sule: Finding Roots and Passion in Sioux falls

Henry Sule, a 23-year-old community coordinator at Startup Sioux Falls, is a living embodiment of connection. Originally from Nigeria, Henry has quickly woven himself into teh fabric of Sioux Falls’ thriving entrepreneurial scene.

His journey began in 2021 when he arrived in Sioux Falls, embarking on his studies at Augustana University. This marked his first experience with the Midwest, a world away from his experiences in Nigeria and the few trips he’d taken to California. “I had never been to South Dakota, or even the Midwest,” he recalls. “It was a whole new world for me.”

Despite the initial culture shock, Henry found solace and belonging within the tight-knit Augustana community. He values the sense of support he found there, stating, “The community and the support system hear have been incredibly vital to me.” This welcoming environment helped Sioux Falls feel like home.

After graduating from Augustana, Henry chose to stay in Sioux Falls, captivated by its affordability, vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, and welcoming atmosphere.Today, he thrives as community coordinator at Startup Sioux Falls, a role that deeply resonates with him. He describes the experience as deeply fulfilling,allowing him to witness firsthand the impact of the association’s work.

“I love how small, collaborative, and tight-knit the team is,” he says. “Every action we take, as individuals and as a team, feels heavy in the best way possible as we can directly see the impact it has for people in their lives and businesses.” This direct connection with the people they serve is something Henry cherishes.

henry’s journey into this world began during a junior year internship with Startup Sioux Falls. This experience opened his eyes to the world of entrepreneurship, co-working spaces, and the nonprofit sector, igniting a passion that continues to drive him.

Henry believes Sioux Falls presents both challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs.When asked about the biggest challenges, he says, “I think it’s getting things done. It can be hard to get buy-in from different stakeholders and get everyone on the same page.But the opportunities are vast. Sioux Falls is a growing city with a lot of potential, and there’s a lot of support for startups here.”

When asked to describe his workplace in three words, Henry succinctly captures its essence: “Dynamic, collaborative, energizing.”

HENRY SULE: Finding Roots and Passion in Sioux Falls

Henry Sule, a 23-year-old community coordinator at Startup Sioux Falls, embodies the spirit of a true connector. Having arrived in Sioux Falls from Nigeria in 2021 to attend Augustana University, Henry quickly integrated into the city’s thriving entrepreneurial landscape. His journey began with a leap into the unknown, marking his first time setting foot in the Midwest.”I had never been to South Dakota, or even the Midwest,” Henry admits. “It was a whole new world for me.”

Despite the initial culture shock, Henry found solace and friendship within the close-knit Augustana community. He credits this sense of belonging and support for making Sioux Falls feel like home. “The community and the support system here have been incredibly vital to me,” he shares.

After graduating, Henry chose to make Sioux Falls his permanent home, drawn to its unique blend of affordability, entrepreneurial spirit, and welcoming atmosphere. Now, as he navigates his professional path, Henry remains actively involved in his community, drawing on his own experiences to help others make a similar transition.

“As someone who had to navigate moving to a new place and adjusting to a new culture simultaneously occurring, helping people make that shift is critically important to me,” Henry explains. He’s dedicated to serving the Augustana University International Programs Office’s Cultural Exchange Ambassador Program, and hopes to expand his involvement within the wider Sioux Falls community. His passion for soccer also motivates him to give back,possibly coaching or refereeing local leagues in the future.

with a vision for the future, Henry dreams of bringing a taste of his West African heritage to Sioux falls by opening a restaurant specializing in authentic cuisine. His entrepreneurial aspirations extend beyond the culinary world, though. If resources were unlimited, Henry would tackle food insecurity head-on.

“I would create modular vertical farming solutions for local communities,” he declares.“Access to fresh, healthy food is becoming increasingly limited, and food deserts are becoming more prevalent.” Henry envisions these stackable, self-contained DIY units, powered by hydroponic, aeroponic, or aquaponic systems, bringing fresh produce directly to communities and empowering individuals to grow their own food.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurial growth in Sioux Falls?

From Intern to Impact: henry’s Entrepreneurial Journey in Sioux Falls

At Startup Sioux Falls, henry’s work is more than just a job; it’s a deeply fulfilling experience. As the community coordinator, he witnesses firsthand the transformative impact their work has on individuals and businesses.

“Every action we take, as individuals and as a team, feels heavy in the best way possible,” Henry says, emphasizing the profound connection they have with the people they serve. “Seeing the direct impact of our efforts is something I truly cherish.”

Henry’s path to this impactful role began during a junior year internship at Startup Sioux Falls.This experience exposed him to the vibrant world of entrepreneurship, the collaborative spirit of co-working spaces, and the vital role of non-profits in building strong communities.The internship ignited a passion that continues to drive him today.

Describing his workplace in just three words, Henry chooses “dynamic, collaborative, and energizing.” These words perfectly capture the fast-paced, supportive, and inspiring environment he thrives in.

Beyond his professional role, Henry is deeply committed to his community.Having personally navigated the challenges of adapting to a new culture, he’s passionate about helping others make a similar transition.”As someone who had to navigate moving to a new place and adjusting to a new culture simultaneously, helping people make that shift is crucial to me,” he explains.

Henry actively contributes to the Augustana University International Programs Office’s Cultural Exchange Ambassador Program, sharing his experiences and supporting newcomers.He eagerly looks forward to expanding his community involvement within Sioux Falls.

Driven by his love for soccer, Henry also envisions giving back by possibly coaching or refereeing local leagues in the future.

Looking towards the horizon, Henry dreams of bringing a taste of his West African heritage to Sioux Falls by opening a restaurant specializing in authentic cuisine.

If financial constraints were no object, Henry says he would dedicate his resources to tackling food insecurity. “I would create modular vertical farming solutions for local communities,” he explains. “Access to fresh, healthy food is becoming increasingly limited, and food deserts are becoming more prevalent.”

Henry envisions these stackable, self-contained DIY units powered by hydroponic, aeroponic, or aquaponic systems. He believes this innovative approach will bring fresh produce directly to communities, empowering individuals to grow their own food and address the growing issue of food insecurity.

When asked about the biggest challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurial growth in Sioux Falls, Henry reflects on the unique dynamics of the city.

What are some ways that Startup Sioux Falls is helping to support the growth of entrepreneurs in Sioux Falls?

henry Sule: Finding Roots and Passion in Sioux falls

Henry Sule, a 23-year-old community coordinator at Startup Sioux Falls, embodies the spirit of a true connector. Having arrived in Sioux Falls from Nigeria in 2021 to attend Augustana University, Henry quickly integrated into the city’s thriving entrepreneurial landscape. His journey began with a leap into the unknown, marking his first time setting foot in the Midwest.”I had never been to South Dakota, or even the Midwest,” henry admits.”It was a whole new world for me.”

From Intern to Impact: henry’s Entrepreneurial Journey in Sioux Falls

At Startup Sioux Falls, henry’s work is more than just a job; its a deeply fulfilling experience. As the community coordinator, he witnesses firsthand the transformative impact their work has on individuals and businesses.

“Every action we take,as individuals and as a team,feels heavy in the best way possible,” Henry says,emphasizing the profound connection they have with the people they serve. “Seeing the direct impact of our efforts is something I truly cherish.”

Henry’s path to this impactful role began during a junior year internship at Startup Sioux Falls.this experience exposed him to the vibrant world of entrepreneurship, the collaborative spirit of co-working spaces, and the vital role of non-profits in building strong communities.The internship ignited a passion that continues to drive him today.

Describing his workplace in just three words, Henry chooses “dynamic, collaborative, and energizing.” These words perfectly capture the fast-paced,supportive,and inspiring surroundings he thrives in.

What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurial growth in Sioux Falls?

When asked about the biggest challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurial growth in Sioux Falls,Henry reflects on the unique dynamics of the city.

“I think it’s getting things done. It can be hard to get buy-in from different stakeholders and get everyone on the same page,” he says when discussing challenges. “But the opportunities are vast. Sioux Falls is a growing city with a lot of potential, and there’s a lot of support for startups here.”