Name: Wisdom, Innovation, Networking - Rapid City
Start: 2026-02-10T11:30:00-07:00
End: 2026-02-10T13:00:00-07:00
Location: The Rushmore Hotel & Suites

Wisdom, Innovation, Networking - Rapid City

Join us for our Wisdom, Innovation, Networking (WIN) Luncheon at The Rushmore Hotel & Suites with spotlight speaker Heidi Mecham, Workplace Disability Network of the Black Hills.
𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐬: 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞
Invisible disabilities often aren’t easily recognized or understood, yet they impact how millions of employees move through each workday. In “Every Mountain Has a Path,” Executive Director Heidi Mecham combines her professional expertise with personal lived experience to illustrate how invisible disabilities create a unique “terrain” that others may not see.
Using her knowledge and life experiences, Heidi will guide attendees on how support, communication, and accommodations serve as trail markers that help employers successfully support employees in navigating the workplace.
Participants will learn:
- The wide range of invisible disabilities and their impact on communication, focus, stamina, and stress.
- How to recognize the “steeper stretches” employees may be climbing.
- Practical, low-cost accommodations that benefit the entire team.
- A simple, approachable framework for having accommodation conversations.
Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of the hidden challenges employees face—and tools to help every person find their path forward.
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𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐢𝐝𝐢 𝐌𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐦
Heidi L. Mecham is the Executive Director of the Workplace Disability Network of the Black Hills (WDNBH), where she assists employers across Western South Dakota in building confidence in supporting employees with disabilities. With a background in nonprofit leadership and disability services, Heidi guides organizations as they navigate accessibility needs with clarity and compassion.
Her work with the Wyoming Institute for Disabilities and her experience as a paraeducator provided her with a unique perspective on the daily challenges many individuals face. Heidi also lives with invisible disabilities herself, deepening her understanding of the challenges people face as they navigate their personal and professional “mountains.” She brings a practical, encouraging approach that helps workplaces reduce barriers and support people of all abilities.
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Check-in begins at 11:00 a.m. We’ll kick off the luncheon with networking and our 30-second speed networking, followed by lunch, and our spotlight speaker.
𝐓𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞: $25 (Ends Feb 6 @ 12 PM)
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Registration and payment by Friday, Feb. 6 @ 12 PM is required. Seating is limited. We will not be accepting walk-ins.
Interested in promoting your business or organization? Bring a door prize!
Want to promote your business or event? Come around 11 a.m. and bring business cards or handouts to place at each table setting (Approx. 40).
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Wisdom, Innovation, Networking (WIN) is an organization under the SD CEO Women's Business Center for women in business that provides an opportunity to widen their professional networks, promote their business or organization, and network with other women. WIN connects women, familiarizes participants with other businesses and/or upcoming events, and supports the SD CEO Women's Business Center.
SD CEO West Women's Business Center is funded in part by the SBA. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact [email protected].