2023 Summit Speakers
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Tom Field, Director, Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, UNL
Tom’s infinite hope, motivational storytelling, and commitment to cowboy ethics lay the foundation for Engler’s distinctive culture as an entrepreneurship program that pursues purpose before profit. As Director of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, Tom stewards Paul Engler’s gift, advocates for young business owners, and inspires students to saddle up and ride fearlessly into the frontier of entrepreneurship. Tom also teaches Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Seeking Abundance and Family Business. As an academic advisor, he is intentional about connecting with every student that comes through the Engler program. A partner in a family-owned land and cattle company in Colorado, Tom serves on the board of directors for two ranch companies in the west, serves as a frequent speaker at business, agriculture, and youth events, writes a national column, and has consulted with companies across the spectrum of agri-business.
FB: @Enler; Instagram: @engler_unl; Youtube: @EnglerProgram; LinkedIn: @engler-unl; Website: englerjourney.com
Tom’s infinite hope, motivational storytelling, and commitment to cowboy ethics lay the foundation for Engler’s distinctive culture as an entrepreneurship program that pursues purpose before profit. As Director of the Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program, Tom stewards Paul Engler’s gift, advocates for young business owners, and inspires students to saddle up and ride fearlessly into the frontier of entrepreneurship. Tom also teaches Introduction to Entrepreneurship, Seeking Abundance and Family Business. As an academic advisor, he is intentional about connecting with every student that comes through the Engler program. A partner in a family-owned land and cattle company in Colorado, Tom serves on the board of directors for two ranch companies in the west, serves as a frequent speaker at business, agriculture, and youth events, writes a national column, and has consulted with companies across the spectrum of agri-business.
FB: @Enler; Instagram: @engler_unl; Youtube: @EnglerProgram; LinkedIn: @engler-unl; Website: englerjourney.com
Keynote Speaker: Charlie Cuddy, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, MOVE Venture Capital, Omaha
Charlie's career encompasses diverse experiences across entrepreneurship, venture capital, technology, education, and leadership, showcasing a remarkable commitment to innovation and community-building from Nebraska to Silicon Valley and back. With a background as a seasoned educator, he has empowered students to embrace mathematics and technology while driving an entrepreneurial mindset in the classroom. Charlie's journey led him to the world of startups in Nebraska and venture capital in Silicon Valley. Charlie now serves as the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of MOVE Venture Capital as well as the Executive Director and President of the Nebraska Startup Academy where he actively shaping the future of early-stage startups via investment and education.
X:CharlieCuddy; Linkedin: charliecuddy; Move Venture Capital: movene.vc; Startup Academy: nestartupacademy.org
Charlie's career encompasses diverse experiences across entrepreneurship, venture capital, technology, education, and leadership, showcasing a remarkable commitment to innovation and community-building from Nebraska to Silicon Valley and back. With a background as a seasoned educator, he has empowered students to embrace mathematics and technology while driving an entrepreneurial mindset in the classroom. Charlie's journey led him to the world of startups in Nebraska and venture capital in Silicon Valley. Charlie now serves as the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of MOVE Venture Capital as well as the Executive Director and President of the Nebraska Startup Academy where he actively shaping the future of early-stage startups via investment and education.
X:CharlieCuddy; Linkedin: charliecuddy; Move Venture Capital: movene.vc; Startup Academy: nestartupacademy.org
Lisa Tschauner, Assistant Professor of Practice, Doane University
Lisa Tschauner joined Doane as an Assistant Professor of Practice in Entrepreneurship in 2022 and serves Doane University in entrepreneurship education and building programming to help students realize their potential in the startup economy. She has been involved with building the ecosystem in central Nebraska for the past twenty years. She is a leader in entrepreneurship education and advocacy as an educator, author, consultant and community member. Previously, she led entrepreneurship centers at both UNK and CCC. She is also an author and the former owner/co-founder of Open for Business magazine, a local B2B publication that has served the area for four years.
Lisa Tschauner joined Doane as an Assistant Professor of Practice in Entrepreneurship in 2022 and serves Doane University in entrepreneurship education and building programming to help students realize their potential in the startup economy. She has been involved with building the ecosystem in central Nebraska for the past twenty years. She is a leader in entrepreneurship education and advocacy as an educator, author, consultant and community member. Previously, she led entrepreneurship centers at both UNK and CCC. She is also an author and the former owner/co-founder of Open for Business magazine, a local B2B publication that has served the area for four years.
Mary Berlie, President, Grand Island Area Economic Development
In 2022, Mary was appointed President of the Grand Island Area Economic Development, of which she previously served as Executive Vice President for nine years. Berlie, a Grand Island native, is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Kearney and was previously employed as an Instructor at Central Community College. Currently, Berlie serves on the boards of the South Central Economic Development District, the Heartland United Way, the City of Grand Island Entitlement Stakeholders, CHI St. Francis Foundation, and Railside’s Economic Vitality.
In 2022, Mary was appointed President of the Grand Island Area Economic Development, of which she previously served as Executive Vice President for nine years. Berlie, a Grand Island native, is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Kearney and was previously employed as an Instructor at Central Community College. Currently, Berlie serves on the boards of the South Central Economic Development District, the Heartland United Way, the City of Grand Island Entitlement Stakeholders, CHI St. Francis Foundation, and Railside’s Economic Vitality.
Matt Pierson, Associate Director, Nebraska Council on Economic Education
Matt Pierson is the Associate Director of the Nebraska Council on Economic Education. He is a former high school economics teacher of 13 years. He is a co-author of the Entrepreneurship in your Community Curriculum as well as a co-author of Ethics, Economics, and Social Issues.
Matt Pierson is the Associate Director of the Nebraska Council on Economic Education. He is a former high school economics teacher of 13 years. He is a co-author of the Entrepreneurship in your Community Curriculum as well as a co-author of Ethics, Economics, and Social Issues.
Tonya Wemhoff, Wemhoff Consulting
Tonya owns Wemhoff Consulting, a business that assists business leaders with cultivating a culture that promotes agility, inspires excellence by guiding them with retention and engagement efforts. She also has an HR Professional support group. Tonya started her career as a teacher, then went on to own a staffing firm for 25 years and a non-medical home care business for 6 years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education and is the recipient of the 2005 Athena Award for Business Woman of the Year.
Tonya owns Wemhoff Consulting, a business that assists business leaders with cultivating a culture that promotes agility, inspires excellence by guiding them with retention and engagement efforts. She also has an HR Professional support group. Tonya started her career as a teacher, then went on to own a staffing firm for 25 years and a non-medical home care business for 6 years. She holds a Master’s Degree in Education and is the recipient of the 2005 Athena Award for Business Woman of the Year.
Shawn Kaskie, Extension Educator, Rural Prosperity Nebraska, Nebraska Extension
Shawn Kaskie is this project’s co-Investigator with the rank of Associate Professor as Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension Educator for the University of Nebraska based out Broken Bow serving the surrounding 8-county rural area. He works with communities and private entities to develop market research reports, business feasibility studies, and community economic, tourism and housing profiles/studies. His recent lead on applied community research projects with businesses in Stapleton, Ravenna and Callaway provide local knowledge of community development and current role administering a $400k EDA CARES Act grant working with 6 local Economic Development and Chamber entities on the National eCommunities program are supported by coursework as a Ph.D. student in rural Leadership at UNL.
Shawn Kaskie is this project’s co-Investigator with the rank of Associate Professor as Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension Educator for the University of Nebraska based out Broken Bow serving the surrounding 8-county rural area. He works with communities and private entities to develop market research reports, business feasibility studies, and community economic, tourism and housing profiles/studies. His recent lead on applied community research projects with businesses in Stapleton, Ravenna and Callaway provide local knowledge of community development and current role administering a $400k EDA CARES Act grant working with 6 local Economic Development and Chamber entities on the National eCommunities program are supported by coursework as a Ph.D. student in rural Leadership at UNL.
Panelist: eCoaches Caleb Pollard, Doris Lux and Ryan Dettman, Business Owner
As a University grant-funded employees, Caleb and Doris offer their services at no cost to businesses. They focus on direct business coaching and support programs for community entrepreneurship. While this does not entail direct financial assistance, they work with entrepreneurs on goals, strategies, and steps they can take to sustain and grow their businesses. Our eCoaches service the following areas as part of the current EDA CARES Act grant: Doris Lux in the greater Columbus area including Central City and Superior; Caleb Pollard in Broken Bow, Ord and Valentine; and an open position in Grand Island and the greater Hastings area. |
Sandra Barrera, Extension Educator, Rural Prosperity Nebraska, Nebraska Extension
Sandra has a BA in Business Administration with major in Accounting and MA in Financial Planning. She has been working for more than seventeen years with UNL Extension Office as an Extension Educator with the Latino Small Business state-wide program in developing and/or growing rural Nebraska businesses with education, technical support, networking, and connections. Sandra has assisted more than 550 startups and helped entrepreneurs with more than 600 consultations per year, connect more than 1400k entrepreneurs and owners’ business on online community, leading the 4st Project at Grand Island and Latino Small Business Conference. Her bi-cultural background and focus on community collaboration has led her to several volunteer opportunities and community leadership roles. Founder of Grand Island Latino Network (2005), co-founder of McDes -Multicultural Center for Development of Education and Sports (2003) which promotes higher education and wellness for children and Nebraska Latino Business Coalition (2019) .
Sandra has a BA in Business Administration with major in Accounting and MA in Financial Planning. She has been working for more than seventeen years with UNL Extension Office as an Extension Educator with the Latino Small Business state-wide program in developing and/or growing rural Nebraska businesses with education, technical support, networking, and connections. Sandra has assisted more than 550 startups and helped entrepreneurs with more than 600 consultations per year, connect more than 1400k entrepreneurs and owners’ business on online community, leading the 4st Project at Grand Island and Latino Small Business Conference. Her bi-cultural background and focus on community collaboration has led her to several volunteer opportunities and community leadership roles. Founder of Grand Island Latino Network (2005), co-founder of McDes -Multicultural Center for Development of Education and Sports (2003) which promotes higher education and wellness for children and Nebraska Latino Business Coalition (2019) .
Panelist: Raul Sarmiento, Multicultural Banking Officer, Union Bank & Trust
Raul came to the US in 2016 with his sister and parents to start a new live. They did not speak the language, nor knew anything about Nebraska. In 2017, Raul started working at Union Bank & Trust as a teller and quickly moved up the ranks in the Customer Service department, eventually serving as Branch Manager. In 2022, Raul was hired as the new Multicultural Banking Officer. Raul’s family now owns multiple businesses in the Lincoln area.
Raul came to the US in 2016 with his sister and parents to start a new live. They did not speak the language, nor knew anything about Nebraska. In 2017, Raul started working at Union Bank & Trust as a teller and quickly moved up the ranks in the Customer Service department, eventually serving as Branch Manager. In 2022, Raul was hired as the new Multicultural Banking Officer. Raul’s family now owns multiple businesses in the Lincoln area.
Panelist: Jon Alvarado, Founder, Teach Financial Literacy
Jon Alvarado implements his decade+ years of teaching experience to provide a financial literacy course to break barriers for students and families. A recipient of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy Teacher of the year award, Jon has worked with over thousands of diverse students and their families to provide connected instruction in math and financial literacy. A certified minority enterprise business owner, and winner of the 2023 Small Business Innovation Award, Jon understands the challenges and barriers a lack of money presents mentally, emotionally, and financially. His mission is to educate, empower, and elevate you and your financial literacy skills to increase your self-worth and net worth.
Jon Alvarado implements his decade+ years of teaching experience to provide a financial literacy course to break barriers for students and families. A recipient of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln College Preparatory Academy Teacher of the year award, Jon has worked with over thousands of diverse students and their families to provide connected instruction in math and financial literacy. A certified minority enterprise business owner, and winner of the 2023 Small Business Innovation Award, Jon understands the challenges and barriers a lack of money presents mentally, emotionally, and financially. His mission is to educate, empower, and elevate you and your financial literacy skills to increase your self-worth and net worth.
Panelist: Mita Delgado, AVP/Branch Manager/Loan Officer, Five Points Bank
Mirta is an AVP/Branch Manager/Loan Officer at Five Points Bank and has been with the company for 22yrs. Originally, from Guatemala. Mirta moved to Grand Island in 1994. Delgado attend Bellevue University where she obtained her Bachelors of Science in Business Leadership and Management. As an Immigrant Latino woman, she has always had a passion for helping others, which has been a motivation for her, both personally and professionally. Over the years, her primary objective has been to cultivate strong relationships with business owners and consumers.
Mirta is an AVP/Branch Manager/Loan Officer at Five Points Bank and has been with the company for 22yrs. Originally, from Guatemala. Mirta moved to Grand Island in 1994. Delgado attend Bellevue University where she obtained her Bachelors of Science in Business Leadership and Management. As an Immigrant Latino woman, she has always had a passion for helping others, which has been a motivation for her, both personally and professionally. Over the years, her primary objective has been to cultivate strong relationships with business owners and consumers.
Kelly Ross, Founder and Executive Director, ECHO Collective, Lincoln
Kelly Ross established ECHO Collective in 2020 after working in the non-profit sector for eight years. She has since developed a one-of-a-kind incubator for refugee and immigrant women in Lincoln, Nebraska, which provides comprehensive business education for micro and small businesses.
Kelly Ross established ECHO Collective in 2020 after working in the non-profit sector for eight years. She has since developed a one-of-a-kind incubator for refugee and immigrant women in Lincoln, Nebraska, which provides comprehensive business education for micro and small businesses.
JT Martin, Founder, NextUp
JT worked in advertising and ecommerce for a decade in San Francisco and New York where we did work for clients like Jansport and Reebok. After moving back to Nebraska he built an NIL fan apparel agency which helped University of Nebraska football players create their own ecommerce brands for the 2021 season and ran a venture backed ecommerce brand in the mens skincare space. His new startup "NextUp" is part of the 2023 NMotion Venture Studio and helps schools launch their own in-house spirit wear shops.
JT worked in advertising and ecommerce for a decade in San Francisco and New York where we did work for clients like Jansport and Reebok. After moving back to Nebraska he built an NIL fan apparel agency which helped University of Nebraska football players create their own ecommerce brands for the 2021 season and ran a venture backed ecommerce brand in the mens skincare space. His new startup "NextUp" is part of the 2023 NMotion Venture Studio and helps schools launch their own in-house spirit wear shops.
Sarah Sinnett, Sidney, NE
Sarah Sinnett was born and raised in Sidney, Nebraska and received her Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Sarah has a diverse business background in Data Analytics, Human Resources, Strategy, Project Management, Merchandising, E-commerce, and Marketing. Sarah is an active advocate for Sidney and rural prosperity. She is most proud of her work with the Sidney Park Project and Sidney’s chapter of business development group “Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (E3)” which, combined, have privately fundraised over $1 million dollars back to Sidney’s local community.
Sarah Sinnett was born and raised in Sidney, Nebraska and received her Master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Sarah has a diverse business background in Data Analytics, Human Resources, Strategy, Project Management, Merchandising, E-commerce, and Marketing. Sarah is an active advocate for Sidney and rural prosperity. She is most proud of her work with the Sidney Park Project and Sidney’s chapter of business development group “Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (E3)” which, combined, have privately fundraised over $1 million dollars back to Sidney’s local community.
Alisha Juelfs, Entrepreneurial Navigator for Cheyenne County, Potter, NE
Alisha Juelfs of Potter, Nebraska was recently hired by E3, Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, as the Entrepreneurial Navigator for Cheyenne County, Nebraska. The role is the first of its kind in Western Nebraska and is becoming a paradigm for strong economic development across the state. With a background in education, customer service, business, training, and community prosperity, Alisha uses her passion for serving people to help business owners get connected to resources based on their individual needs. She also works with local high schools to support and encourage career development pathways.
Alisha Juelfs of Potter, Nebraska was recently hired by E3, Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems, as the Entrepreneurial Navigator for Cheyenne County, Nebraska. The role is the first of its kind in Western Nebraska and is becoming a paradigm for strong economic development across the state. With a background in education, customer service, business, training, and community prosperity, Alisha uses her passion for serving people to help business owners get connected to resources based on their individual needs. She also works with local high schools to support and encourage career development pathways.
Jen Landis, Owner, Pincurl Girls, Skip the Bad Songs, MintKit
Jen Landis is a multi-talented artist, visionary entrepreneur, and accomplished author whose endeavors span technology startups, art communities, and an intellectual property brand. Her exceptional ability to spot emerging trends, navigate evolving markets, and inspire youth has left an indelible mark on various industries and her local community. Jen's commitment to education shines through her advocacy for STEAM education, effectively connecting academic principles with real-world applications. Her mentorship programs serve as a source of empowerment for numerous individuals, particularly the youth, fostering skill development, self-discovery, and the pursuit of aspirations with unwavering confidence. Through her dedicated efforts, she uplifts and nurtures the younger generation, equipping them with essential tools and guidance to shape a more promising future.
Jen Landis is a multi-talented artist, visionary entrepreneur, and accomplished author whose endeavors span technology startups, art communities, and an intellectual property brand. Her exceptional ability to spot emerging trends, navigate evolving markets, and inspire youth has left an indelible mark on various industries and her local community. Jen's commitment to education shines through her advocacy for STEAM education, effectively connecting academic principles with real-world applications. Her mentorship programs serve as a source of empowerment for numerous individuals, particularly the youth, fostering skill development, self-discovery, and the pursuit of aspirations with unwavering confidence. Through her dedicated efforts, she uplifts and nurtures the younger generation, equipping them with essential tools and guidance to shape a more promising future.
Dr. Cyndi Hanson, Dean of Workforce Development, Northeast Community College, Norfolk, NE
Dr. Cyndi Hanson serves as the Dean of Workforce Development at Northeast Community College, a role focused on serving the business community in upskilling incumbent workers and developing alternative pathways to entry-level work.
Dr. Cyndi Hanson serves as the Dean of Workforce Development at Northeast Community College, a role focused on serving the business community in upskilling incumbent workers and developing alternative pathways to entry-level work.
Paul Cross, Director, iHUB, Northeast Community College, Norfolk, NE
Paul Cross is the Director of the i-Hub at Northeast Community College, a role focused on connecting with business and industry, launching the facility and coordinating innovative approaches to technology skill development in the area of manufacturing technology.
Paul Cross is the Director of the i-Hub at Northeast Community College, a role focused on connecting with business and industry, launching the facility and coordinating innovative approaches to technology skill development in the area of manufacturing technology.
Jon Rhoades, Founder, Co-Found, Grand Island, NE
I love Nebraska and Nebraska entrepreneurs and have had a pretty fun career in tech. I started out repairing cell phones(back when they had hinges) then climbed wireless towers for an upstart ISP, did business systems consulting, and even got to play the Head of Mobile and Web Strategy for a large coop. My current path is by far my favorite. I have jumped both feet into the world of startups. Working on projects like Yo.City, CoFound Grand Island, Maxwell App and now Valid along with a few others.
I love Nebraska and Nebraska entrepreneurs and have had a pretty fun career in tech. I started out repairing cell phones(back when they had hinges) then climbed wireless towers for an upstart ISP, did business systems consulting, and even got to play the Head of Mobile and Web Strategy for a large coop. My current path is by far my favorite. I have jumped both feet into the world of startups. Working on projects like Yo.City, CoFound Grand Island, Maxwell App and now Valid along with a few others.
Sara Bennett, Director, Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development, UNK, Kearney, NE
With passion and a heart for small business, Sara Bennett has served small businesses in rural markets across Nebraska from pre-venture through start-up, growth, and expansion phases. Over the last 12 years, Sara has consulted with hundreds of individuals and business owners and helped to create or retain over one thousand jobs. Sara served as the Entrepreneurship Center Director for the CCC Grand Island and hosted the inaugural Big Idea Grand Island. Sara recently transitioned to the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development at UNK.
With passion and a heart for small business, Sara Bennett has served small businesses in rural markets across Nebraska from pre-venture through start-up, growth, and expansion phases. Over the last 12 years, Sara has consulted with hundreds of individuals and business owners and helped to create or retain over one thousand jobs. Sara served as the Entrepreneurship Center Director for the CCC Grand Island and hosted the inaugural Big Idea Grand Island. Sara recently transitioned to the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development at UNK.
Panelist: Jenna Thayer, Owner, Love Ewe Candle Company
Jenna Thayer is the sole owner of Love Ewe Candle Company. Jenna’s company started because she loved to burn candles, but she started to get migraines from them. Jenna researched the ingredients made in most candles and discovered there weren’t many candle companies dedicated to creating toxin-free candles. In 2021, Jenna started her business making candles using more natural ingredients - 100% soy wax with toxin-free fragrances.
Jenna Thayer is the sole owner of Love Ewe Candle Company. Jenna’s company started because she loved to burn candles, but she started to get migraines from them. Jenna researched the ingredients made in most candles and discovered there weren’t many candle companies dedicated to creating toxin-free candles. In 2021, Jenna started her business making candles using more natural ingredients - 100% soy wax with toxin-free fragrances.
Panelist: Dusty Birge, Founder, Fast Forward
Dusty Birge is the founder and CEO of Fast Forward, a company automating powerline patrol with vehicle-mounted camera technology. In addition to Fast Forward, he is a 2x exit founder, and became one of the lead industry pioneers in sUAS inspection methods for substation and powerline inspections in 2016 and has since sold that business in 2021. As a startup at Fast Forward, he has placed in 3 of 4 pitch competitions, 2 of which were international competitions hosted here in the US.
Dusty Birge is the founder and CEO of Fast Forward, a company automating powerline patrol with vehicle-mounted camera technology. In addition to Fast Forward, he is a 2x exit founder, and became one of the lead industry pioneers in sUAS inspection methods for substation and powerline inspections in 2016 and has since sold that business in 2021. As a startup at Fast Forward, he has placed in 3 of 4 pitch competitions, 2 of which were international competitions hosted here in the US.
Panelist: Hayley Royle, Owner, 29th Design
Hayley Royle started 29th Design in March of 2022 by accident. What started as helping a family friend with a templated website turned into discovering the art of coding. Hayley loves the challenges that web design gives her math brain through coding and her creative brain through the design layouts. Hayley continually learns more coding and design techniques to build websites that stand out! Before 29th Design, Hayley graduated from UNL and taught math full time for 6 years. She now teaches online Geometry for the advanced 8th graders at all three Grand Island middle schools in the morning and runs her web design business.
Hayley Royle started 29th Design in March of 2022 by accident. What started as helping a family friend with a templated website turned into discovering the art of coding. Hayley loves the challenges that web design gives her math brain through coding and her creative brain through the design layouts. Hayley continually learns more coding and design techniques to build websites that stand out! Before 29th Design, Hayley graduated from UNL and taught math full time for 6 years. She now teaches online Geometry for the advanced 8th graders at all three Grand Island middle schools in the morning and runs her web design business.