Southeast Technical College Announces Return of Breakthrough: A Convergence on Mental Health

Nationally Recognized Physician and Former California Surgeon General Dr. Nadine Burke Harris to Keynote Free Community Event in Sioux Falls

Dr. Nadine Burke-Harris

Southeast Technical College will host the second annual Breakthrough: A Convergence on Mental Health on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, from 4-6 p.m. at the Belbas Theatre in the Washington Pavilion. The free community event is supported by Seed for Success Foundation and presented in partnership with Avera Behavioral Health.

Breakthrough is Southeast Technical College's signature mental health speaker series, bringing nationally recognized experts to Sioux Falls to advance conversations around trauma-informed care, prevention, resilience and community well-being. Designed to bring together healthcare professionals, educators, students, business and nonprofit leaders, frontline workers, and community members, the event creates opportunities for learning, collaboration and meaningful dialogue.

This year's keynote speaker is Dr. Nadine Burke Harris, an award-winning physician, researcher, author, and California's first Surgeon General. Internationally recognized for her groundbreaking work on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Dr. Burke Harris has transformed the way healthcare professionals and communities understand the lifelong effects of childhood adversity and toxic stress.

During her keynote presentation, Dr. Burke Harris will explore how early adversity and the social determinants of health influence academic achievement, professional well-being, and lifelong physical and mental health outcomes. She will also share evidence-based strategies that support prevention, resilience and healthier communities.

“At Southeast Technical College, we know that education goes beyond the classroom—it’s about preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the real world,” said Cory Clasemann, STC, president. “The Breakthrough series reflects that commitment by bringing nationally recognized experts, industry partners, and our community together to have meaningful conversations about well-being. These events will not only support our students’ success but also strengthen our role as a collaborative partner in building a healthier, more resilient workforce and community.”

Doors will open at 3:30 p.m. The first 150 attendees will receive a complimentary copy of Dr. Nadine Burke Harris’s book. A free book signing with Dr. Burke Harris will follow the keynote.

Admission is free, but registration is required.

For additional event information and registration, visit: www.southeasttech.edu/breakthrough.  

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ABOUT BREAKTHROUGH: A CONVERGENCE ON MENTAL HEALTH: Breakthrough: A Convergence on Mental Health is Southeast Technical College's annual speaker series dedicated to advancing conversations surrounding mental and behavioral health. Supported by Seed for Success Foundation and presented in partnership with Avera Behavioral Health, Breakthrough brings nationally recognized experts to Sioux Falls to inspire learning, collaboration, and community engagement through evidence-based discussion.

ABOUT SEED FOR SUCCESS: The Seed for Success Foundation is dedicated to supporting initiatives and systems that open doors for young people to achieve success. The foundation focuses on three key areas: advancing mental and behavioral health for youth and adolescents, expanding access to education and building connections that support families and strengthen communities. Through these efforts, Seed for Success creates opportunities that empower the next generation to thrive.

ABOUT SOUTHEAST TECHNICAL COLLEGE: Southeast Tech is a career-focused learning environment for determined students who expect a life-changing education that gets results. Our faculty and staff are passionate about student success, and more than 65 associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and stand-alone courses provide pathways to professional accomplishment utilizing skills-relevant facilities and Sioux Falls as an extended classroom. Southeast Tech is a smart investment for students to launch their in-demand, technical careers in two years or less. Learn more about Southeast Tech at www.southeasttech.edu.