Emily Haberling, Outreach and Enrollment Navigator at CHAD, has been recognized on the 2026 Sioux Falls Business 30 Under 30 list. In her role, Emily helps individuals and families across Sioux Falls navigate health insurance and public benefit programs, serving diverse populations including rural residents, small-business owners, immigrants, and young adults transitioning off parental coverage.
- Age: 25
- Role: Outreach and enrollment navigator, Community Healthcare Association of the Dakotas
- Hometown: Pierre
- Education: T.F. Riggs High School; South Dakota State University
In her own words:
“As a professional serving clients in Sioux Falls, I am committed to ensuring that individuals and families across all populations — rural residents, small-business owners, self-employed individuals, immigrant communities, young adults aging off parental coverage and those navigating life transitions — have clear, accurate guidance when it comes to health insurance and public benefit programs. I chose this career because I’ve seen firsthand how confusing systems can create barriers, and I believe access to coverage is foundational to both personal stability and economic mobility. My goal is to deepen partnerships within the Sioux Falls business community to better support diverse workforces, improve health literacy and strengthen long-term outcomes across our region.”
From the nominators:
“Health insurance is confusing and stressful for many people, especially when it’s tied to job loss, health issues or financial uncertainty. What makes Emily stand out is how naturally she builds trust and walks people through the process with patience, empathy and confidence. I’ve seen Emily help countless individuals and families who had no idea where to start or how to accurately complete an application. Through her guidance, many consumers have avoided costly mistakes, qualified for financial assistance they didn’t realize they were eligible for and in many cases saved hundreds of dollars per month on their health insurance. She doesn’t just help people enroll — she helps them feel supported and empowered throughout the process. … One consumer shared: ‘I just had a wonderful time with your employee Emily! She was super-helpful and knowledgeable and made the whole experience of getting covered for health insurance painless. … She is a wonderful part of your organization.’ This kind of feedback is common for Emily. She consistently turns an overwhelming experience into one that feels manageable and human. She takes initiative, handles complex cases with care and is someone both consumers and co-workers trust. Emily understands that access to health insurance is about more than coverage — it’s about stability, dignity and the ability to take care of yourself and your family. She is already making a meaningful impact in Sioux Falls, and I have no doubt she will continue to grow as a leader and advocate in our community.”
“Emily cares about others and spends her days helping individuals from many walks of life get access to affordable health insurance. Emily approaches her work with curiosity, kindness and care. As a short illustration, one individual Emily helped had these things to say: ‘I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for the truly outstanding care and support I received from Emily at Falls Community Health. She went above and beyond … while patiently taking time to answer all my questions.’ This past year, our organization received the news that our program would have a reduction of funding due to federal cuts. Emily didn’t miss a beat, even as her role would transition from being one of many individuals providing services throughout the state to being the only full time navigator. She continued to provide help to others while facing significant uncertainty.”
