Travis Hunt

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 | YouTubeVisit 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 | YouTubeVisit 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 | YouTubeVisit 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 10Dubuque Power of 10Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeVisit 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 | YouTubeVisit 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 | YouTubeVisit 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 | YouTubeVisit 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 | YouTubeVisit 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/niccMolly's Upcoming Events with NICC:Trainer Talent Development Expo: March 18, Dubuque.Business Consortium: Becoming a More Collaborative Leader, June 10.

Feeling stuck or overwhelmed by the thought of returning to school? In this informational episode, we break down the three main lanes of NICC pathways: workforce, transfer and noncredit-to-credit. Discover how our competency-based model and 95% graduate success rate turn education from a gamble into a clear plan for your future.Find the path for you at www.nicc.edu

In this episode of The Catalyst, we bridge the gap between regional talent and the skilled workforce. Kyra Bellrichard (NICC) and Diane Krentz (JB Holland Construction) join us to discuss Career Pathway Certificates (CPCs)—short-term, high-impact credentials designed to get students into high-demand careers quickly. We explore how these stackable certificates remove financial barriers through tuition assistance and wrap-around supports while simultaneously providing local employers with a reliable pipeline of industry-ready professionals. Whether you are a business looking to solve the talent gap or a learner ready to jumpstart a new career, discover how NICC is fueling the regional economy one certificate at a time. Learn more about our upcoming CPCs at www.nicc.edu/cpc

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.