Ashley Konzen

At Northeast Iowa Community College, we believe that education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of the barriers they face. In this episode of The Catalyst, we sit down with our Director of Workforce Programming and Initiatives to pull back the curtain on the essential support systems that drive student success.We take a deep dive into WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) Title I and Title II, explaining how these federal programs translate into real-world opportunities for our local community. From tuition assistance and career coaching to adult education and literacy, discover how NICC leverages these initiatives to empower students who exhibit incredible grit and resilience. Whether you are looking for a career change or interested in how NICC strengthens the regional economy, this episode offers an inspiring look at the people and programs building the workforce of tomorrow.

How do we bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and workplace behavior? This episode of The Catalyst features a deep dive into implementing generative AI with clarity and compliance with guests Celina Peerman, Destery Hildenbrand and Skye Mercer. Our guests share final wisdom on how to move from "AI curiosity" to "AI strategy," ensuring your team remains competitive and burnout-free.

What’s keeping local business owners up at night? In this episode of The Catalyst, host Amy Lasack sits down with Greg Willging and Alison Holten from the NICC Contract Training team. They discuss how NICC serves as a "one-stop shop" for employers, identifying critical pain points—from the aging workforce "brain drain" to technical skills gaps—and turning those challenges into customized, impactful training solutions that help companies thrive.

Celebrate the season with The Catalyst as we turn the microphone over to the heart of the College. This episode features holiday messages of joy and forward-looking insights from the dedicated staff and faculty who ensure every NICC student has the resources to succeed.

What does it actually take to join a collegiate sports program? Softball student-athlete Natalie Nenne joins The Catalyst to discuss the intensity of game days, the importance of team culture and why "dugout energy" is the secret weapon for the NICC softball team. Tune in for a look at the athleticism, communication and time-management skills required to succeed in the classroom and on the field.

Discover the vital role NICC plays in supporting students and the regional workforce. Guests Chris Entringer and Joni Knopp demonstrate how their collaborative Career Services team helps students navigate everything from course registration and transfer planning to resume assistance and career assessment for a successful career journey. They detail the powerful connections forged through targeted career fairs and advisory committees, which directly benefit NICC graduates and local employers. Tune in to hear everything Career Services has to offer for the Northeast Iowa community.

Is college support only for full-time or "struggling" students? We sit down with Amy Gaffney, Vice President of Student Services, and Jennifer Wood, Director of Accessibility Services, to debunk the biggest myths about student support. Hear rewarding stories of students who transferred to four-year programs thanks to early support, discover the essential, non-loan assistance provided by the Student Crisis Fund and more. Learn how Northeast Iowa Community College meets every student where they are, ensuring financial, academic and emotional barriers don't stop them on their journey to success in Northeast Iowa. 

What truly makes an NICC educational experience high-quality? In this special Thanksgiving episode of The Catalyst, Director of Operations for Business and Community Solutions Kristi Flack reveals the detailed commitment of her team to flawlessly orchestrate everything from complex corporate training events to summer kids' camps. We explore the essential role of the Operations division as the ultimate generalists and information specialists, ensuring they always have a Plan B. Learn how prioritizing customer service and organizational excellence drives repeat business and builds strong workforce partnerships for NICC. Plus, stick around until the end for surprise testimonials celebrating their behind-the-scenes impact.

For Northeast Iowa businesses and community members, financial aid isn't just for recent high school graduates. It's the engine that supports our local talent pipeline. Join NICC Financial Aid Director Randy Mashek and Assistant Director Dawn Fleming to learn all about financial aid at NICC, from the Iowa Last Dollar Scholarship, which provides free tuition for adults and students entering high-demand careers, to the simplified FAFSA process. We break down how scholarships, grants and specialized programs for every type of learner ensure that cost is not a barrier to upskilling, retraining or career advancement. Learn how NICC is investing in our shared future: nicc.edu/financialaid

The world of competitive gaming is exploding on college campuses, and it’s about far more than just losing at Mario Kart! 🎮In this episode of The Catalyst, host Amy Lasack dives into the high-stakes, strategy-driven world of collegiate esports with NICC student-athlete Christopher Turnis, captain of the Valorant team.Christopher, who is balancing a rigorous academic schedule with his athletic commitments, shares what it's truly like to compete in the world of esports.

The way we build, connect and power the world is changing—and NICC is leading the charge! 💡In this forward-thinking episode of The Catalyst, we sit down with Deans Mark Gerein and Greg Moklestad to dive deep into the revolution known as Industry 4.0, the interconnectedness of automation, data and manufacturing, and how it's redefining careers.The Deans take us inside the newly renovated Advanced Technology Center and discuss why this state-of-the-art facility is crucial for preparing the next generation of technicians, from power mechanics to computer science.

Just in time for Halloween, The Catalyst pulls back the curtain on the paranormal activity that haunts Northeast Iowa. We sit down with the Great River Investigative Paranormal Society (G.R.I.P.S), a community-focused team dedicated not to chasing ghosts but to telling the untold stories of those who came before us.In this special episode, we explore their methodology and sharing the unique experiences they’ve had at Iowa's most historic and active locations. Find out how they balance high-tech equipment with human intuition to investigate paranormal activity.Plus, stick around for our Quick Fire: Haunt or Hoax to get a lightning-fast take on their favorite gear, biggest misconceptions and best advice for living with the unexplained, all guaranteed to send a chill up your spine!If you're interested in joining our next paranormal class at NICC, email Krista Walsh-Weitz at walsh-weitzk@nicc.edu to get your name on the waitlist!

In this episode of The Catalyst, we pull back the curtain on competitive college dance, sitting down with the NICC Dance Coach Kylie Kirman. She’ll share a unique perspective on leadership in the world of dance, where artistic expression meets intense athleticism. Learn about the physical and mental demands placed on college dance athletes and how the team builds the teamwork required for championship performances.What does it truly mean to be a college dance athletes? Get the insider's view on the heart and hustle of the NICC Dance Team.To learn more about NICC Athletics and Dance, visit niccathletics.com/sports/dance

Navigating college should not be a solo mission. Are you maximizing your investment in education and career planning?In this episode of The Catalyst, we sit down with two of NICC's most experienced academic advisors, Katie Kime and Lindsey Haas, to reveal the strategic advantage their role provides. They share decades of insights on supporting students—from the nervous high schooler to the busy adult learner—and discuss why advising is the secret weapon for staying ahead and ensuring a powerful return on investment.Discover the supportive team that’s ready to guide you to success at NICC. Visit nicc.edu/academicadvising to learn more.

In this inspiring episode, Ryan Kreitzer shares his unique journey from attending daycare at the Northeast Iowa Community College Calmar campus to leading the Cresco Center as its director. With deep family ties to the College — including his mother’s return to education and his great uncle’s role in founding the center — Ryan’s story is one of legacy, purpose and coming home.After earning college credits in high school, studying sports management at the University of Iowa and working in the NBA, Ryan realized his true calling was serving his community. He discusses the dynamic nature of his role, the impact of guiding students through uncertainty and the power of a supportive team. Learn how the Cresco Center continues to foster learning across generations through youth programs, enrichment classes and local business outreach. Visit nicc.edu/cresco.

In this episode, host Amy Lasack is joined by Nic Hockenberry, director of workforce programming at Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, and Amy Green, director of program sales, contract training and outreach services at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), to explore how Dubuque is preparing its workforce for a rapidly changing future.Together, they unpack the transformative impact of artificial intelligence, robotics and automation on local industries and how the Opportunity Dubuque program is meeting the moment. From Career Pathway Certificates in advanced manufacturing and healthcare to semi-truck driving, childcare, culinary, sales and phlebotomy training, this episode dives into how GDDC and NICC are partnering to upskill workers and close critical talent gaps.If you're interested in the future of work, community-driven solutions or staying ahead in a tech-driven economy, this episode is for you. Check out nicc.edu/customized-solutions to learn more.

Listen in as Amy and entrepreneur and "Super User of AI" Susan Frew dive into the innovative power of artificial intelligence. Susan moves past "digital denial" to reveal how leaders can strategically leverage AI as a powerful assistant—not a replacement—to achieve a competitive advantage. She shares the necessity of mapping existing workflows before integration and the strategic shift required to delegate time-consuming tasks. Join us as we chat about the roadmap for business leaders to ignite innovation with AI and confidently shape the future of their work. If you want to hear more, join us at the Business Summit Workshop: Igniting Innovation with AI!

Amy sits down with NICC Head Baseball Coach Conner Klostermann to talk about the inaugural season of the new baseball program. Coach Klostermann shares his blueprint for success, from recruiting top student-athletes to building a culture of character and community. We also get an exclusive look at the highly anticipated Field of Dreams game on Oct. 10 against the University of Dubuque—a milestone event with over 600 fans ready to cheer on NICC Baseball.

Host Amy Lasack talks with Erin Shaw, Strategic Planning Manager at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) about soft skills and their critical role in organizations. Erin shares her preference for the term "real skills" in lieu of soft skills because they are actually difficult skills for individuals to master and apply to workplace environments. While employers might be hiring individuals for their technical skills, for what they're able to do on the job, they are also hoping that prospective employees play nice with others, work as a team and communicate well. Erin's "real skills" also involve stepping outside of our comfort zone and being able to manage uncertainty.Amy points out that soft skills are also critical for leaders to have opportunities to model what they're looking for, to act with empathy and be willing to admit mistakes; to be vulnerable in a situation with their employees.Erin holds a PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis from the University of Missouri and has held several senior academic leadership roles at multiple community colleges. Resources:Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts, Brené Brown“Field Notes,” Admired Leadership“Let’s stop calling them ‘soft skills,’” Seth Godin, MediumThe Promises of Giants, John Amaechi

Amy Lasack chats with Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) Athletic Director, Nick Weinmeister, to learn more about the transformation athletics will bring to the shared experience for students. The new sports at NICC join current sports offerings Esports and sports shooting; they include baseball, softball, dance and men's and women's cross country. Amy shares with listeners the athletic recruiting successes Nick, his staff and coaches are creating. Athletes have enrolled from all across Iowa, the region, the US and even internationally. The new student-athletes are enrolled for their first semester at NICC this fall. The sports teams, seven in all, will create buzz and excitement at the College's Calmar and Peosta campuses.Tune into this episode to learn about a scrimmage game between NICC and a local college hosted at the Field of Dreams movie site this October and learn how you can cheer on the teams.