MED Co-Founder Steffanie Holtrop Wins EmBeliever Award at The EMBES in Sioux Falls
Steffanie Holtrop, Co-Founder and VP of Sales & Marketing at MED (Midwest Medical Edition) and Publisher of 'hood Magazine, received the EmBeliever Award at The EMBES – A Tribute to Women on Thursday night in Sioux Falls.
Holtrop was one of nine honorees chosen from 72 nominations at the 53rd annual event, held October 1 at the Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown. The EmBeliever Award goes to a man, woman, or business that embodies the mission of EmBe by empowering children, women, and families through opportunities that lift up their potential.
In presenting the award, EmBe highlighted how Holtrop has spent her career making sure other people's stories and ideas are seen. For decades, she has created platforms that amplify healthcare professionals, women leaders, entrepreneurs, nonprofits, educators, businesses, and families across South Dakota. MED, which Holtrop founded in 2010 with her business partner, Alex Strauss, is a prime example.
"Her greatest impact isn't what she has built, it's who she has helped rise," the presentation said. "Rather than seeking the spotlight, she has spent her career creating it for other people."
Holtrop's gift, EmBe noted, is connection. She makes introductions, champions ideas, and brings the right people to the table. That same instinct has helped her co-found community networks, including the Young Professionals Network of Sioux Falls, and build meaningful partnerships.
Holtrop with husband, Nate, and daughter Khloe at Thursday night’s awards ceremony
"To be honored with the EmBeliever Award at the EmBe's was incredibly special and I'm still taking it all in," says Holtrop. “There have been so many moments over the years when I’ve questioned what to do next. That’s when you find the people who believe in you, push you forward, and remind you to keep going.”
A University of Sioux Falls graduate (BA in Business, with a minor in Mass Communication/Theater), Holtrop has also given countless hours as a volunteer, donor, and board member for groups including SDMGMA, SDAHO, Make-A-Wish, Go Red for Women, Sales and Marketing Executives, and the Parenting Media Association. She is also behind the Familyfest Fun Cruise. She lives outside Sioux Falls with her husband, Nate, and their two children, Jaxson and Khloe.
"We are so proud to have such a dynamic woman at the helm of MED," says Holtrop's partner, MED Editor Alex Strauss. "Our clients could not be in better hands."
About The EMBES – A Tribute to Women
Since 1974, The EMBES has honored people who make outstanding contributions to the Sioux Falls community, making it the longest-standing award ceremony of its kind in the region. Nominations are judged by volunteers on leadership, growth, achievement, and contribution to the community. The event is a major fundraiser for EmBe, supporting its mission of empowering and enriching women's lives and providing opportunities for personal and professional growth. This year's event was sold out. To honor a nominee or a special person in your life, donate at embe.org.