For Kristi Noem, words hold tremendous power. “The things that we say to each other matter,” she said. “We can either speak life into people, or our words can kill something in them.” This belief has shaped her life and leadership, and the former South Dakota governor has experienced this principle firsthand. In fact, she attributes much of her success to the impact of uplifting words that were spoken to her early in her life.
This life-long resident of South Dakota was born in Watertown and raised on her family’s ranch outside the city. Reflecting on the power of words, she wrote about her mother in the dedication of her book, “Not My First Rodeo”: “She spoke life into me and helped me understand how special I am to God. Her encouragement let me know I could do anything; her love told me I was already enough.” These early moments of encouragement became a foundation upon which she would build a remarkable career in public service.
Kristi’s journey from ranch kid to national leader is a testament to this powerful form of encouragement. After serving in the South Dakota legislature, she became the state’s representative in Congress and ultimately its governor. Each of these roles was made possible, in part, by the life-giving words of others who saw potential in her. But Krist’s story is only beginning.
In January of 2025, she was confirmed and later sworn in as the Secretary of Homeland Security. “When President Trump asked me,” Secretary Noem said, “I said yes because it is an opportunity for me to serve our nation — but also because it is an opportunity to make South Dakota safer.” Secretary Noem’s life exemplifies the incredible impact of encouragement, resilience and the power of positive words. With a foundation built on love, faith and South Dakota grit, she is living proof that words can shape the future.
Her story challenges us all to consider the words we speak — to others and to ourselves — and how they can inspire greatness in those around us.
So, as you write the story of your life, take it from Secretary Kristi Noem: Speak life, because words have the power to create extraordinary stories in the lives of those around us.