Education With An Edge

Itzel Lopez is a strategic community leader and collaborator with the ability to forge strong and authentic relationships with philanthropy, industry, nonprofits, government, and other key community stakeholders. Itzel is a seasoned fundraiser and offers a strong track record in leading community development projects. Most recently organized and led the Latino Economic Development Council (LEDC) effort to secure over $ 25 million dollars for South Omaha projects that will drive community growth and contribute to the area’s economic vitality. Itzel is a proactive and dedicated leader who also understands the importance of strong women leaders who empower and encourage one another to pursue a rewarding path in life. Itzel is also helping to lead the charge to create better diversity and access to life-changing careers in the region’s technology sector.Born and raised in Mexico, Itzel and her family moved to Omaha when she was 12 years old. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marcos Eduardo Marcos Barrientos, a third generation Mexican American, was born in Los Angeles, CA and raised in South Omaha, NE. He comes from one of the largest Mexican American families in Omaha—la familia Barrientos which has contributed to the Omaha music scene for 96 years! Marcos is a graduate of the Goodrich Program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and a minor in Chicano Latino Studies. As a pillar in the Latino community, Marcos has become one of the most recognized leaders for his family’s contribution in the arts, business and South Omaha community. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Welcome to Education with an Edge! Today, we have the honor of interviewing the inspiring Yuridia Igbokwe. Yuridia is a Mexican-born immigrant rights activist and entrepreneur who champions women in leadership, works with immigrants worldwide, and tirelessly advocates for social justice. With over 20 years of experience, she's trained legal professionals and developed case strategies to protect immigrant rights. Yuridia has founded the "Legal Conversations Show" and "Top Law Connect," providing valuable resources to immigrants in Latin America and West Africa. She's served as Marketing Director at prominent Omaha immigration firms and established Lincua, a language and marketing consultancy. Yuridia is also an influential speaker and has participated in conferences like the Global Women Forum & Global Leadership African Summit. Most recently, she co-founded the EntreAmigas podcast, the only all-Spanish podcast in Nebraska for Latina Spanish speakers, and launched a bilingual show, Yuridia on Air, where she discusses social justice issues in Spanish and English. Let's give a warm welcome to our incredible guest, Yuridia Igbokwe! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When Shannon Bingham moved to Omaha after graduating from Lenox, Iowa, she began to envision and pursue a life with purpose. In 2004, at the young age of 26, she opened nationally recognized Seven Salon with her business partner Nikki, which has been in business 20 years with a staff of 30. The salon was quickly awarded Salon Today magazine’s Top 200 Fastest Growing Salons in the United States. In addition to being a business owner and hairstylist, Shannon has been a traveling haircutting educator for major manufacturers such as Tigi Bed Head and IGK, gracing stages and classrooms across the United States. She has also dedicated several years of service to the beauty industry by serving on the DHHS Board of Cosmetology, Electrology, Nail Technology, Esthetics and Body Art, helping to form and fight legislation on multiple occasions and also uphold the integrity of these licensed professions. Shannon has been published in national magazines including Modern Salon, has organized fundraisers for local and national charities including Hair for Haiti, which raised funds for the victims of the Haiti earthquake in 2010. She was nominated for several awards including the local publication The Reader’s ‘Next Big Thing’ and the Beyond the Shear award, which recognizes philanthropy on a local level. Her social media presence featuring her work has also been recognized internationally by large platforms, including Buzzcut Feed, American Salon, Hairbrained and Nothing but Pixies. Shannon has been interviewed on several national forums and podcasts and developed personalized freelance classes to help guide and inspire beauty professionals. In addition to her career, Shannon enjoys spending time with her family; two teenage boys, her 6-year-old daughter, and her entrepreneurial locksmith husband. In 2007 she became a mother of her oldest child though the process of adoption, which created a passion for 'Open Adoption' and the entire adoption process. This year after being awarded the title of Mrs. Nebraska International, Shannon knew naturally for this event she could raise more awareness and education about the process of adoption. In her free time, she loves traveling, owning and operation her photography business, volunteering at her home church, golfing and eating out in new places! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As an Omaha native, Dan has embraced his passions, from finance, to sales/marketing and recruiting. However, he found his place within DEI/ERGs. As a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion professional, ERG Strategist, and aspiring ally. Dan is well-known for his work in Omaha and for being a nationally-recognized DEI Consultant. Also, he recently joined Scoular as their new DEI manager, and he is excited to uplift their DEI footprint and maximize their efforts moving forward. From cultivating an impact within various aspects of DEI (strategy, analytics, and marketing) and ERGs (structure, design, and innovation), Dan embraces his passion through purpose! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Marisa Hattab is passionate about mentorship, survivorship, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She serves as the Douglas County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. She is intentional about ensuring all people are treated with dignity, respect, and acceptance and are not merely tolerated but fully embraced. She believes mentorship can open doors of opportunities to help young and older adults thrive and succeed. As a survivor of domestic violence, she uses her DEI and mentorship lens to help survivors stand in their power, takes ownership of their stories, and leverage their experiences to change lives. She is a fierce advocate by sitting as the Board Chair for a non-profit called Survivors Rising is a post-crisis resource center for survivors rebuilding their lives, and Board Chair for another non-profit named Smile Baggs, which focuses on equipping mothers and youth with tools to stand in their power and build healthy, thriving families and communities. Marisa believes that people deserve to live their best lives and should have equitable opportunities to succeed and be free! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kristen DuPree is a candidate for the at-large seat on the Metro Community College Board of Governors. She is running because she believes that we all benefit when our community has access to high-quality and affordable higher education options. Kristen grew up in Omaha and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning a degree in Actuarial Science. Since graduation, she has worked in the insurance industry and became a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries in 2014. Kristen believes Education is an investment we make in our community, and Metro Community College provides an exceptional return on investment. In fact, for every $1 invested in an MCC student, $11.90 in benefits is returned to the local economy. Her priorities include ensuring MCC remains affordable and serves the diverse needs of its student population while producing a workforce well equipped to react to the changing needs of our community. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Chef Sarah Slattery was born and raised in Nebraska's Legislative District Sarah knows the community and its needs because she has been here her whole life. Sarah is the middle child of three kids. Her father, Mike, is the elected public defender for Cass County and is on the Board of Directors of the Cass County Economic Development Council. Her mother, Barb, is a former elementary school teacher and college instructor. She is currently on the Board of Directors for Midlands Community Foundation and the President of the Cass County Tourism Board. Sarah continues to have a close relationship with her parents, having opened Slattery Vintage Estates Vineyard & Tasting Room with them in 2008. Sarah is the chef and manager there. Philanthropy and community service are in Sarah's blood. She has given so much of her time and talent to many nonprofit organizations, such as the March of Dimes, the Visiting Nurse Association, and St. John the Baptist School in Plattsmouth. Sarah even spent a year building Habitat for Humanity houses in Omaha as a member of the AmeriCorps National Service program. Sarah is a single mother to Helen Rose, a 6th grader at St. John's. Sarah is also an alumnus of StJB and is currently the head of the school's hot lunch program. She has reintroduced scratch cookery and significantly increased the fresh produce available to the school children through a fresh fruit and vegetable bar. School Nutrition is her passion and an essential pillar of her platform. Speaking of school, Sarah loves it! She earned her BA from Creighton University in 2004. In 2011, she graduated from the Institute for Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College with an AAS in Culinary Arts. She was also the Salutatorian of her class. Shortly after graduating, she accepted a position as an Adjunct Instructor at the ICA and taught Community Education classes at the Plattsmouth Learning Center for Southeast Community College. Sarah LOVES Education. Sarah aspires to be the representative for ALL of District 2, and will work to fight for the rights of all its citizens. Sarah currently lives in Plattsmouth with her daughter Ellie, their dogs Alfred & Moxie, cats Pickles & Bean, and a whole lot of house plants. #LunchLadyforLegislature A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sarah Phelps is the Executive Director of Owlish, a non-profit advocating for older LGBTQ+ adults through Education, policy, and resource development. Her passion for global equity, coupled with her lifelong advocacy for the LGBTQIA2S+ community, led her to Owlish when its rapid growth necessitated a formal Executive Director. Sarah has 20+ years of non-profit and volunteer experience, as well as award-winning professional expertise, building development programs, driving innovative thought, and leading diversity, equity, and inclusion groups. She writes on culture change, futurism, and creating innovative and just programs. Sarah is also on the speaker's bureau for Hummingbird Humanity, specializing in the challenges of the older LGBTQ+ community. She consults with senior-facing and senior-adjacent organizations invested in beginning the DEIBJ journey. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Publisher/CEO: Midlands Business Journal & metroMAGAZINE | Speaker | Wellness Warrior As a multimedia publisher, Hoig still—as she puts it—wears a lot of hats. In addition to managing the business side of things, she determines and creates content. The most enjoyable aspects of her work, Hoig said, are developing relationships and cultivating special projects. “It’s relationship-building and connecting to the community and nonprofits and helping them get their message out to the community,” she said. “I love doing that.” Although Hoig’s work supports hundreds of nonprofits, some touch her more closely including Nebraska Children’s Home Society (she is a birth mother) and several that serve animals like Nebraska Humane Society, Midlands Humane Society, Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Inc., and Omaha Zoo Foundation. Hoig clearly loves animals. She has three adopted cats: Sophie, Raj and Sunny, and fond memories of several others. Her first, Murphy, reached an unusually advanced age of 20 and was a source of support during some of Hoig’s most tumultuous years. Her beloved Benny, rescued as a kitten after being tossed from a car, passed away prematurely when he was just six years old. Hoig was devastated, but a little Sunshine soon came into her life. The kitten known as Sunny bears an uncanny resemblance to Benny and shares a coat of the same unusual color. Like her three-legged housemate Sophie, Sunny has special needs. She was born with underdeveloped eyes, a condition that caused blindness and necessitated surgical removal of her eyes. However, Sunny’s disposition fits her name, and she enjoys a happy life of ample playtime and exquisite care under Hoig’s watch. “My cats have been a huge part of my life for so many years, the ones who are here, the ones who have passed,” she said. “They’re here for me and they are each unique little personalities.” In 2018, Hoig introduced metroTV. Each episode of the weekly 30-minute talk show features guests who represent the community, enhancing and expanding the coverage in metroMAGAZINE and its sister publications The Giving Guide and Event Book and 101 Things to Love about the metro™. metroTV will reach show number 170 in January. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and have struggled with being obese since 10 yrs old. I didn't realize I had a problem with food until I got to middle school. I spent 30 yrs losing weight and putting it back on. As a mother of 6, you can imagine how the lbs added up over the years. I took it to Jesus and got wisdom. I didn't wake up until my husband left my six kids and me. I knew I had to get healthy and start looking out for myself at that moment. My brother, my oldest son, and I are all physical trainers and teach how to exercise and eat healthier. As a marathon runner, I'm in awe of how wisdom and knowledge trump any addiction. So now I share my story with the world to get off the yo-yo diets and see what works for you." We have monthly health challenges like Keto/intermittent Fasting/Green Smoothie Challenge, and so much more. We skate on Thursday, Run/Walk daily, and play Basketball/Volleyball on Friday during the summer. The group is close to 400 now but keeps getting bigger and bigger. The best thing I like about Team Beautiful is that all ages and cultures welcome men and women. We have other trainers that assist us, Tim Rexius and Rod Ketchens Lamont Gilchrist, to name a few. Medical Dr. Travis Lee and many more who have connected to help us. Team Beautiful is a movement to get people to live a healthier lifestyle, not a diet and exercise. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Lee Perez is a 5th-8th grade English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher at Alice Buffett Magnet Middle School in Omaha, Nebraska. Perez holds an Associate of Arts degree from Mid-Plains Community College and a Bachelors of Science Degree in Secondary Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He holds two teaching endorsements: grades 7-12 Social Sciences and PK-12 ESL. Perez has taught for 15 years in the very diverse urban Omaha Public Schools district. He started his career at Marrs Magnet Middle School, teaching 7th grade World Studies for the Dual Language program for 12 years. He has spent the last three years teaching ESL at Alice Buffett Magnet Middle School. Perez also coaches boys’ Cross-Country and Track and Field at Buffett. Perez has received several recognitions for his efforts as a teacher. He received the 2021 Award for Teaching Excellence through the Nebraska State Education Association and was also named a Cox Communication Omaha area Education Hero. He is also a part of the Commissioners of Education’s Teacher Advisory Committee, the Hispanic/Chicano representative for the Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee, and a member of the National Education Association’s Teachers of color cohort. Perez is passionate about multilingual education, culturally responsive teaching pedagogy, and being an advocate for more English Learner training and awareness for all teachers. Perez also believes in diversifying the teaching workforce in Nebraska and nationwide by recruiting and retaining more teachers of color. Perez began his teaching career in 2008 at Marrs Magnet Middle School in Omaha, where he taught the 7th grade World Studies-Dual Language Program until 2019. He then moved to Alice Buffett Magnet Middle School, where he teaches 5-8th grade English as a Second Language. In addition to his classroom experience, Perez is an active member in the community belonging to many organizations, including the Ethnic Minority Affairs Committee, the Omaha Education Association Metro Board, the Nebraska State Education Association, and the English Learner Curriculum Pathway Committee for Omaha Public Schools. Perez has also been honored with several teaching awards and featured in several publications for his work as a teacher. In the classroom, Perez has unique challenges teaching English Language Learners. He takes a comprehensive approach to reach his students by combining culturally responsive teaching and language learning engagement strategies. In doing this, Perez teaches his students a new language and a new culture while celebrating their backgrounds and cultures in the classroom. "It is important to embrace diversity. We should acknowledge that being different is special, and these differences should be showcased during learning," Perez said in his application. "Good teaching isn't always about effective lesson planning, data, assessments, or observations with administrators. It’s about empowering our students to strive to be the best versions of themselves socially, emotionally, intellectually, and academically." Perez said his message to teachers is to be kind, culturally aware, and tolerant and that kindness should be our new 'pandemic.' Perez has been a teacher for 13 years and earned a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Perez represented Nebraska in the National Teacher of the Year competition in 2022. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Marquisha Frost is an ambitious and creative woman, wife, and mother. She is originally from Omaha, Nebraska, though currently resides in middle Georgia where she serves as a higher education professional, professor, and certified life coach and wellness counselor. Marquisha received her undergraduate and first master’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and thereafter relocated to Southern California to pursue and complete her doctoral degree in Educational Administration. After graduating with her Ph.D. in 2018, Dr. Frost held several leadership roles across the Claremont Colleges before relocating to Middle Georgia where she’s worked as a professor and entrepreneur. She owns and manages the non-profit organization, Queens Do Things Inc., a community organization focused on highlighting the voices, experiences, and needs of women and girls of color. The organization has become known for its annual academic and entrepreneurial scholarship, monthly girl chats, and it’s recently launched mentorship program. Marquisha is dedicated to creating spaces of hope, healing, happiness, and holistic wellness. She believes self-improvement should be a priority for all people at all stations in life and recently launched Marquisha&Co. coaching, counseling, and consulting collective for the betterment of others. The focus of M&Co. is to empower successful development of those in need of support to successfully navigate life, transitions, and relationships. Through Marquisha&Co. she offers 1:1, group and organizational coaching, counseling and consulting. Her desire through this platform is to create opportunities for people to access the services meant to help them create and navigate the lives they ultimately want to lead. Marquisha has received several awards and honors for her leadership, mentorship, and service to others. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, The American Education Research Association, the Association for the Study of Higher Education, and the National Association for Student Personnel Administrators. When she’s not serving others via Queens Do Things Inc., Marquisha&Co., or in the classroom, Dr. Frost enjoys reading, shopping, scrapbooking, and spending time with family. She and her husband Dell share three children: Ma’Kye, Myles, and Delaney. You can support the work she’s doing and learn more about the services she provides by visiting her online at: www.marquishaandco.com A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Maria Corpuz has been exploring ways to utilize the power of collaborative conversation to improve her community. Her work spans multiple platforms in efforts such as grassroots journalism, GOTV campaigns, tour management, and branded merchandise. Working to redefine an “influencer” as someone who influences change, she has found her passion in fostering a relationship between art, social movements, and the Omaha community. In 2018, she founded Nite Caps, a late-night show that impacts the community culture by hosting conversations for those that hold diverse influences and perspectives within the Omaha community. Non-profit community leaders, artists, politicians, and activists gather to discuss topics relevant to today’s socio-political climate. Maria has helped community projects such as Farnam Festival, NOISE Omaha, the Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards, and Start-Up Week Omaha. She currently works at Peeq, a skincare start-up, as the Chief of Staff. Maria is a dedicated novice seamstress, film photographer, and mezcal inquirer in her minimal free time. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After serving 30 years in the military working as an RN in the medical field, I was forced to make life and death decisions daily. I witnessed trauma- mentally and physically, collaborating with patients with severe medical injuries, accidents, and suicide attempts,-with some people losing their lives. I have learned to suppress my emotions with an ‘invisible Shield of Armor’ which enabled me to prevent patients from seeing my emotions. I lived by an unspoken rule of silence, not showing weakness. Today, I still feel guilty about patients that have committed suicide who I could not save- multiple wives blamed me as a nurse for not being able to save their husbands. I often think back on what I could have done differently to help save their lives. Over the years I have struggled with my own pain of survivor’s guilt and personal trauma from witnessing so much suffering, but I hid my feelings and my PTSD disorder in multiple little pockets on the inside of my armor because in the Military, we do not talk about our pain. Our training is to be strong to ‘march on smartly, the mission comes first.’ In the medical community, front-line workers are “secondary victims” since we do not have time to process what has happened, or to cry or talk about our experiences. My job was to clean up the room, console the family and put a smile on for the next patient needing medical care. I still carry survivors’ guilt for my first boss who committed suicide despite my attempts to prevent it. Over time, my mental health fell into a downward spiral, and I went from a high-achieving performer who received multiple accolades, to fearing everything and everyone. I decided to take a medical leave and began collaborating with a therapist who has helped me achieve leaps and bounds so that I could heal and be better able to help others. Today, I am proud to have turned my trauma into triumph by mentoring women who need to heal emotional hurts. As a member of the Board of Directors, a Medical Advisor and fundraiser forReformations at the Crossroads, a non-profit for women, I help them overcome their past, create a supportive community, and to gain mental wellness for a successful future. My personal experience of feeling broken mentally and physically has made me a perfect fit to empower women with Hope, Love, and Freedom from pain- transforming their minds, bodies, and spirits to create the life they deserve! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kail Walker is an Omaha native growing up in Bellevue. He attended Midland University on an academic and football scholarship and majored in Human Health Performance. After graduating, he was in the health and fitness industry before discovering his love and passion for real estate. After a few years of helping people with their physical health, it was time to move in another direction, and real estate was calling his name. While getting into real estate, he also created riseOMA, a networking event experience connecting Omaha area leaders and entrepreneurs. After two years in real estate, he Co-founded the riseOMA Real Estate Group with his mother, DeDee Oliver, a successful real estate agent of 25 years and best friend, Keaton. Kail was named #1 on social media in Nebraska by Property Spark, Yahoo Finance Top 10 Real Estate Agents to look out for in 2021, and featured in Real Producers Magazine. He also was recently named #1 at PJ Morgan Real Estate in the number of sales transactions in 2021 and #2 for volume sold. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Biography: Ken was raised in the trucking industry. His father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all truck drivers. He joined the team at Custom Diesel Drivers Training, Inc. in 2013. He currently serves as CDDT's Vice President, an instructor, and a 3rd Party Examiner. "What I enjoy the most about what we get done as a team has the opportunity to work with individuals and instill a skill that will change their lives forever. That said, it also allows employers to grow their services to their customers. And that keeps America moving forward, and everyone wins. It is vital to keep creating new SAFE drivers with the proper skill set to overcome everyday tasks and keep everyone safe around them. We have the best team in my opinion and not only in training. Our team Genuinely cares about people and their success entering into this industry and works extremely hard for our client's success. I am incredibly grateful to be able to Represent Custom diesel drivers training for what exceptional staff continues to do daily." Custom Diesel Drivers Training, Inc. was founded in 1971 in Omaha, Nebraska. For over fifty years, CDDT has been helping to make the roads and highways of America a safer place. Custom Diesel Drivers Training, Inc. has eight ( licensed instructors; out of that eight, we have six (6) licensed third-party examiners. They're each approved by the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. Locally owned, CDDT continues to meet the needs of the expanding trucking industry by successfully graduating thousands of educated and trained professional truck drivers for many local and national trucking companies. Today, CDDT offers its students up-to-date classroom and field training designed to provide the skills needed in the trucking industry. We at Custom Diesel Drivers Training, Inc. are particularly proud of our history. Our pride lies not so much in that we are an old school but in the fact that we are both an experienced school and a growing school. Join us at CDDT and start your new driving career today! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Entrepreneur, author, speaker, coach, dynamic connector, life-long learner, passionate about empowering people to live courageously, developing distinctive cultures and teams. I will always strive to make courageous decisions to "Be the Light" in my own life and the lives of others. In over 25 years of experience in launching and running businesses, record-breaking sales, leading highly successful teams, and developing phenomenal cultures, she has learned it all starts with leading yourself well. Angela's sales success began with Cutco knives in high school (if we don't count selling 1000 + boxes of Girl Scout Cookies each year starting at age 10) when she first became obsessed with not just setting big goals but breaking records and achieving what others thought impossible. After college, she launched a dance and gymnastics studio and soon added business consulting. After moving to Omaha, Angela leads a highly successful networking marketing team. She had the privilege of leading a global team through a pandemic building a phenomenal business culture, and training internationally to help others do the same. Angela is the author of The Courageous Mind and enjoys speaking to and training groups and teams who desire to increase their success, influence, and impact. Today's most successful and happiest people train themselves to embrace uncertainty and thrive in an ever-changing world. We all have the opportunity to grow our courage and grow our lives by surrounding ourselves with people and environments that support facing our fears, taking risks, and growing our courage. Angela is also the founder of Courageous Solutions & Strategies, which empowers business professionals to operate in their unique genius and delegate everything else using a virtual team to grow their businesses and lives exponentially faster. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Beth Merkel is a People Leader and a Potential Maximizer. Beth is fascinated with the human experience – What motivates us? What connects us? What differentiates us? And how does this all come together in the intricate system we call "The Workplace". She's a leadership professor who believes that Love and Compassion play as much (actually, more) of a role in leadership as do spreadsheets and process analyses. Beth spent many years as a successful entrepreneur and Training and Development consultant before completely switching careers for new adventures in the world of higher education. She earned her Doctorate in Leadership Studies from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and currently, she is the director of the Master of Science in Organizational Leadership program at the College of Saint Mary in Omaha, Nebraska. This is where real-life leadership meets leadership theory and research - and the results are pure magic! A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Deborah Neary has devoted her personal and professional life to the betterment of vulnerable populations across our community. Deborah spent the last 20 years working as the Executive Director of several education-focused nonprofits. Based on her experiences, Deborah, a former foster parent to eight youth, decided she wanted to make an even larger impact across our state as a policymaker, and ran for and was elected to the Nebraska State Board of Education (SBoE) for District 8. In her role with the State Board of Education—Deborah tackles systemic issues to ensure we are developing youth who are well-prepared for not only post high school careers and college—but also for life. In Deborah’s free time, she has served on several boards including Madonna School and on the board of the Omaha Institute for Nonprofit Journalism. Deborah was appointed by Governor Ricketts to the ServeNebraska board in 2016 and again in 2020, and she is also a Trustee for the Business Ethics Alliance. Deborah is a long-time member of both Rotary and the League of Women Voters, as well as an active mentor to many youth and young adults. In 2016, Deborah was the Recipient of the Integrity Award presented by the Better Business Bureau; in 2015 she was the recipient of Gallup's Can Do Award presented by Kids Can Community Center; and in 2014 Deborah received the Catalyst Award presented by the Nonprofit Association of the Midlands. Most recently, in 2019, Deborah received the Hollands Hero award from Dick Holland’s family foundation. Today she looks forward to sharing some of the hot topics in the news about education issues in Nebraska. A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.