"From Welfare to CEO by Korena Keys is an inspiring tale of a single mother's journey to becoming a successful entrepreneur. It demonstrates the resilience, sacrifices, and determination needed to succeed in business and family life."
Readers' Favorite

"I’ve worked with and met countless people throughout my career, but Korena is one of the few that continually inspires me. Her passion for life, for her family, and for her team is like none other. She has a contagious drive to make life better for others and has overcome countless obstacles with a strength rarely seen. Korena as a person has created a strong brand which contributes to the strong brand created for her company, KeyMedia Solutions."
Sharon Knoll
VP Client Services, Media One

"Korena is an extraordinarily successful business owner who hasn't forgotten what it means to be an authentic human being. She devotes her time not only to her family, her clients, and her team, but to her community as well. As a mom and a business owner myself, I''m always inspired by her example."
Susan Baier
Founder & President, Audience Audit

"I met Korena when she was a media planner at a regional advertising agency in Sioux Falls. As we worked together over the years (me as a vendor to her), we became good friends. I remember when she went to a small digital start-up and found out within the first few days that the partners in the firm decided to quit—but gave their seat on the digital programmatic exchange desk to Korena. I was a little concerned for her, but I also knew that she was smart and determined, and that programmatic digital had huge promise (this was early on for that aspect of the advertising world). Sure enough, within a few years, Korena was running a mid-size digital agency, picking up regional and national business and employing a dozen smart young people. I was very impressed when I heard the story about why her mantra is to balance business with personal life. She has proven that you can run a successful, thriving company with that philosophy, which is exciting to see. Korena has shown that you can work your way from a very difficult situation to a thriving business and family life. She’s an inspiration to everyone!"
Tom Smull
President, Associations Inc.

"Korena Keys is not just a business leader and marketing expert; she is a community advocate. Her local pride and her commitment to showcasing the best of South Dakota are truly inspiring. Her events are not just gatherings but celebrations of the community, bringing together individuals who share her passion and love for the region.

Korena is an exceptional business leader who embodies the spirit of community engagement and promotion. Her dedication to South Dakota and her ability to bring people together to celebrate its unique qualities make her an invaluable asset to her community. I wholeheartedly recommend Korena Keys for her outstanding contributions and her unwavering commitment to promoting and uplifting the local community."
Douglas Karr
Digital Transformation Author, Speaker, Consultant

"When I first met Korena, all I saw was a successful, smart business owner. But as I've gotten to know her over the years, I've learned about her life's challenges an dwatched how she has taken every life lesson and put it to good use to become the remarkable human being she is today.

Her integrity and resilience are second to none. Her commitment to creating life-changing opportunities for her employees is deeply held and her love for her family goes down to her core. Korena's story is one of tenacity, faith, and the good things that come to good people who refuse to give in or give up. Prepare to be more grateful for what you have, more committed to be better, and more inspired to make a difference in any way that you can."
Drew McLellan
CEO, Partner, Agency Management Institute