Ashley Konzen

What happens when a community college and a local school district combine forces? In this episode of The Catalyst, we explore the exciting relocation of NICC's Manchester Center right next door to West Delaware High School. Join Center Director Ed Vance and Superintendent Jen Vance as they discuss expanding high school programming, solving local healthcare workforce shortages and maximizing community resources. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources.

Thinking about returning to college for a high-demand tech career? In this episode of The Catalyst, host Amy Lasack sits down with NICC Computer Science Instructor and alumna Maren Larsen ('23). Maren shares how she transitioned from an art and corporate background to a thriving career in computer networking and cybersecurity at Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta, IA. Learn how transferable skills, hands-on IT labs and community college flexibility make a mid-life career change possible. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources.

Looking for affordable college classes, local career training, or professional development in Allamakee County? In this episode of The Catalyst, we sit down with Waukon Center Director Erica Nosbisch to explore how Northeast Iowa Community College brings education directly to the Waukon community. Discover local CNA and CDL training opportunities, high school concurrent enrollment options and customized business training solutions available right in your backyard. Learn how the Waukon Center serves as a vital hub for local economic growth and lifelong learning. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources.

Can your education continue long after graduation? In this episode of The Catalyst, we talk with Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) graduate Amanda Kennedy. Amanda earned her degree in Business Administration from NICC and later returned to participate in the college's Leadership Academy. Today, she uses those skills every day as a Team Leader at Origin Design.   Tune in as we discuss: Real-World Career Growth: How a Business Administration degree builds flexible, real-world skills that apply to many different industries. Moving into Leadership: The way local leadership training bridges the gap between basic job skills and managing people. Balancing Work and Learning: Why continuous learning keeps you competitive in the local workforce, even if you have a busy, full-time job. Whether you are a current student, an adult learner or a local professional looking to climb the career ladder, this episode shows how community colleges and local businesses partner to build stronger leaders. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources.

Think you have to move to a major city to find high-paying, high-tech career opportunities? Think again. This week, Jason Passmore joins the podcast to bust the biggest myths surrounding rural economic development. From heavy industry to unique local tourism, Howard County and Cresco are proving that intentional partnerships can create massive community impact. Plus, get an inside look at Cresco’s innovative "Be Your Own Boss" youth camp that is training the next generation of local entrepreneurs. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources.

What makes Delaware County a powerhouse for local innovation and community leadership? Join us on The Catalyst as we chat with economic development expert Donna Boss about driving regional growth, creating sustainable workforce solutions and launching the brand new Delaware County Leadership Program. In this episode, we cover: The real impact of economic development on small businesses and regional talent. How the partnership between NICC and Delaware County powers local workforce training. What the future holds for the Delaware County Leadership program and its alumni network. A hilarious round of "Fact or Fiction" covering unique local trivia! Learn more about Delaware County Leadership. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources.

We spend a massive portion of our lives at work—so why do so many of us treat joy at the office like a luxury? In this episode of The Catalyst, host Amy Lasack sits down with dynamic corporate trainer Paulette Milewski to debunk the myth that productivity and fun don't mix. Paulette shares her philosophy on finding "micro-joys" in your daily routine, shifting your mindset on tough days and building genuine, supportive connections with your coworkers.  We explore: What "enjoying work" actually looks like in the modern workplace. The science behind how a positive work culture reduces stress and drives success. How to build your "work tribe" and foster authentic connections. Simple everyday resets to avoid the afternoon slump. Whether you are working on a manufacturing floor, in a corporate office or from home, you’ll walk away with simple, actionable strategies to bring more energy and happiness to your standard shift. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources.

Looking for a high-paying career change in the Greater Dubuque area without spending years in school? In this episode of The Catalyst, host Amy Lasack sits down with Jason White, the new President and CEO of the Greater Dubuque Development Corporation (GDDC). Discover how a powerful local partnership is tearing down traditional barriers to education by offering fast-track career certificates, financial assistance and direct connections to top employers. Whether you are an area business owner looking to upskill your team or a job seeker ready for your next big step, learn how you can leverage these free local resources to succeed. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources.

What happens when a Fortune 200 executive goes undercover as a job seeker? In this bonus episode of The Catalyst, we sit down with Nora Burns, founder of The Leadership Experts and keynote speaker for the 2026 NICC Business Summit. Nora reveals startling insights from her "Undercover Candidate" project, where she participated in over 350 job interviews to expose the disconnect between the boardroom and the breakroom. Learn what the interview process reveals about your company and the red flags to look out for as a job seeker. Register for the 2026 Business Summit to hear more from Nora on The Cost of Culture. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources.

Ready to trade "I’m bored" for "I built a robot"? Join host Amy Lasack on The Catalyst as we dive into the high-energy world of NICC Summer Camps with Krista Walsh-Weitz, Personal Enrichment Program Developer. In this episode, we explore how Northeast Iowa Community College transforms summer break into a launchpad for future careers. From robotics and STEM challenges to creative culinary arts and fashion shows, discover how NICC becomes the district’s biggest playground for future innovators. These programs provide a vital mix of education and entertainment, helping working families solve childcare challenges while young learners build confidence, teamwork and a connection to their community’s college. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources.

Get an exclusive preview of one of our most popular events, The Power of 10. We’re joined by two local leaders and upcoming event speakers, Rachelle Howe and Molly Grover, to discuss what it really takes to lead in our community today. Tune in for a sneak peek of the rapid-fire wisdom they’ll be sharing on stage, plus actionable tips you can use to grow your own leadership skills right now.   Register Today! Calmar Power of 10 Dubuque Power of 10 Follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources.

Lexi Wallroff traded a typical spring break for a week of service in Colorado. In this episode of The Catalyst, we explore how high-impact experiences at Northeast Iowa Community College shape student leaders and why your next resume-building opportunity might be a thousand miles from home. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources.

What does it take to launch a successful career in modern manufacturing? In this episode of The Catalyst, host Amy Lasack sits down with Jason Moeller of Mi-T-M and Shannon Westin of Featherlite Trailers to discuss the new Core Manufacturing Skills Career Pathway Certificate at Northeast Iowa Community College. Discover how local employers are collaborating to bridge the skills gap, why foundational training in safety and quality is a game-changer for job seekers and how NICC is streamlining the path from the classroom to the production floor. Whether you're looking to start a new career or an employer looking to strengthen your workforce, this episode offers a roadmap for success in Iowa's industrial landscape. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources.

As you plan your next steps for your education and your career, we’re revisiting this popular conversation with Katie Kime and Lindsey Hass. Originally aired in October 2025, their insights on academic advising remain essential for every student’s success.  Katie and Lindsey share decades of insights on supporting students—from the nervous high schooler to the busy adult learner—and discuss why advising can help you stay ahead and ensure a powerful career trajectory. Discover the supportive team that’s ready to guide you to success at NICC. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources.

From the evolution of network security to the rise of the AI Alliance, technology is changing everything about how we learn and work. Join Steve Smith and Jordan O’Connell in this episode of The Catalyst as they discuss modernizing campus infrastructure and why digital literacy is the new competitive edge for students and the modern workforce. We explore how NICC is balancing the rapid opportunities of AI with the essential need for data privacy and academic integrity. Follow us on social media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources.

Leadership isn't about having all the answers. It's about the willingness to meet people exactly where they are. In this episode of The Catalyst, Dr. Erin Shaw and Dr. Emily Logan reflect on the moments that shaped their leadership styles and why empathy is the ultimate bridge for communication gaps. In a landscape often defined by authority and control, Erin and Emily are here to redefine leadership. Tune in for a candid conversation on how empathy transforms the way we solve problems and encourage those around us.

Can you maintain a campus leader status while surviving nursing school? On this episode of The Catalyst, we're joined by NICC nursing student Dolan Geerts, who proves that the answer is a resounding yes. Join us as we discuss the reality of student life, the various opportunities to get involved on the NICC Campus and the power of finding your sense of belonging. Discover how programs like Emerging Leaders and living in the College Suites provide the toolkit for both personal growth and academic success.

Is your company's wellness strategy just a "nice-to-have," or is it deeply embedded in your organizational DNA? In this episode, we sit down with Flannery Cerbin-Bohach, Wellness and Life Stage Program Manager at Northeast Iowa Community College, to explore why a culture of well-being is more critical than ever in today's post-pandemic workforce. We dive into how NICC is revitalizing its culture by prioritizing mental, emotional and life-stage support—and how you can do the same. From the impact of wellness on employee retention and productivity to practical, low-cost initiatives that local business owners can implement tomorrow, this conversation offers actionable insights for leaders at any stage of their wellness journey.

Is being named Amy a requirement to work at NICC? Host Amy Lasack clears up the rumors in this light-hearted yet high-impact episode. We sit down with Amy Gaffney (Student Services), Amy Green (Business & Community Solutions), and Amy Rausch (Respiratory Care) to explore how their distinct roles—ranging from student support to customized industry training—drive the college forward. Stick around to hear their "departmental hacks" and the story of the "Quiet Amy".

Are you leading your team, or just "toughing it out"? In this episode, we sit down with Molly Knuth, Managing Director at The Restoration Project and host of The Found Podcast, to challenge the traditional myths of resilience and work-life balance. Molly shares her personal evolution from a high school teacher to a rural entrepreneur and strategist, offering a masterclass on why the most important connection a leader can make is the one with themselves. Explore Molly’s work at The Restoration Project and subscribe to The Found Podcast Connect with Molly at https://mkm.myflodesk.com/nicc Molly's Upcoming Events with NICC: Trainer Talent Development Expo: March 18, Dubuque. Business Consortium: Becoming a More Collaborative Leader, June 10.