Written by: Johanna Allen, VP of Relations, Communications, and Engagement
Interview by: Doreen Nelson, Community Concierge
Editor’s Note: Palace City Profiles is an ongoing series of community members’ stories, introducing us to our neighbors and the personalities that call Mitchell home. If you have suggestions for individuals or families with a great story, please contact Doreen Nelson at 996-1140 or doreen@mitchellsd.com.
Meet Rachel Hagenbaugh, a dedicated community advocate, mother, and Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity in Mitchell, South Dakota. Her story is one of family, service, and finding home in a new city.
Rachel and her husband, David, are proud parents to three children: Ali (12), Abel (6), and Anastasia (20 months). Their household is rounded out by their beloved pets, including Hercules, a 16-year-old Maltese Poodle, Marvel, a rescued Labrador, and two cats, Moon and Oreo. Though Rachel hails from New York, she’s lived all over the U.S. as a military child. David is from Akron, Ohio, and they both cherish their new life in Mitchell. The two met through a mutual friend in Fort Myers, Florida, and tied the knot in Las Vegas.
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Rachel relocated to Mitchell from New Port Richey, Florida, after struggling to find the right home due to high prices and flood-prone areas. With the COVID-19 pandemic giving them time to reconsider their options, Mitchell, South Dakota, emerged as an appealing choice. Its proximity to Sioux Falls, excellent amenities, and warm community spirit made it a perfect fit. They were able to purchase a house remotely with the help of Mitchell Realty, after extensive online research.
Rachel was struck by the warmth and friendliness of Mitchell residents from the very beginning. The town offered a mix of modern amenities and small-town charm, with the iconic Corn Palace leaving a lasting impression. Although moving from Florida to South Dakota brought its challenges, the joy of watching her kids experience their first snowy winter made it all worthwhile.
One of the best aspects of life in Mitchell, according to Rachel, is the strong sense of community. She loves how safe and supportive the environment is, and how many opportunities there are for families to get involved in local events and organizations.
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Since moving to Mitchell, Rachel has immersed herself in the community. She’s part of the Mitchell Area Inclusion Coalition and enjoys participating in various local events. She’s also a fan of Tokyo, a local sushi spot that never fails to satisfy her cravings. Networking has helped her meet wonderful people and make new friends.
Rachel enjoys crafting, spending time with her kids at the park, and getting involved in advocacy work. Moving to Mitchell has inspired her to take up more local arts and crafts, which has been a great way to connect with others in the community. She’s passionate about community service and volunteerism, which aligns with her work in nonprofit leadership.
Rachel leads Habitat for Humanity in Mitchell and co-founded Secure Strategic Solutions LLC, a digital media strategy and marketing company, with her husband, David. David works remotely in tech support for a data company, which allowed them the flexibility to move to Mitchell. Rachel’s career has given her the opportunity to make a tangible impact in the community, particularly through fundraising and housing initiatives.
Rachel’s favorite spots in Mitchell include the Dry Run Creek Bike Path, Mitchell Lake, and the Mitchell Prehistoric Indian Village. She also always takes visitors to see the World’s Only Corn Palace. As a family, their favorite event is Corn Palace Week.
For anyone considering moving to Mitchell, Rachel’s advice is simple: Get involved! Attending local events, joining groups, and meeting neighbors is the best way to settle in and make connections. She wishes she had known just how many community organizations existed and how easy it was to get involved.
Rachel and her family have found their forever home in Mitchell. If she could change one thing, it would be to bring more diverse dining options to the area to reflect the variety of cultures within the community. Her message for others sums it up perfectly: “Embracing community, opportunity, and the beauty of South Dakota, I’ve found my family’s forever home in Mitchell.”
