2025 CYN Summit Schedule
Opening Plenary | 8:30 AM | Auditorium
Spark Your Network: Kickstart Connections That Matter
Amanda Fairley
Start your Summit experience by sparking meaningful connections right from the jump. This interactive networking session is designed to help attendees break the ice, build relationships, and feel confident collaborating throughout the day. You’ll get quick tips on effective networking—like active listening and asking thoughtful questions—before diving into two rounds of structured conversations based on shared interests. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with new connections, fresh energy, and a stronger sense of belonging in the CYN network.
Amanda Fairley
Start your Summit experience by sparking meaningful connections right from the jump. This interactive networking session is designed to help attendees break the ice, build relationships, and feel confident collaborating throughout the day. You’ll get quick tips on effective networking—like active listening and asking thoughtful questions—before diving into two rounds of structured conversations based on shared interests. By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with new connections, fresh energy, and a stronger sense of belonging in the CYN network.
Curious Nebraska: Searching for the Spark That Makes Us Who We Are
Andy Hermann
What makes Nebraska… Nebraska? In this energizing plenary moment, Andy Hermann of Nebraska Public Media’s new podcast Curious Nebraska will share highlights from his statewide quest to answer that big, heartfelt question. Through stories, interviews, and reflections, Andy explores the people, places, quirks, and questions that define our state’s unique character. You’ll hear what he’s discovered and maybe even find yourself wondering how your own spark contributes to the larger story of Nebraska.
Andy Hermann
What makes Nebraska… Nebraska? In this energizing plenary moment, Andy Hermann of Nebraska Public Media’s new podcast Curious Nebraska will share highlights from his statewide quest to answer that big, heartfelt question. Through stories, interviews, and reflections, Andy explores the people, places, quirks, and questions that define our state’s unique character. You’ll hear what he’s discovered and maybe even find yourself wondering how your own spark contributes to the larger story of Nebraska.
Networking break | 9:30 AM
breakout session round a | 9:45 AM
Ignite Your Spark Through Working Genius
Katie Gutzmann
East Fireplace Room
What if you could name the kind of work that brings you energy as well as the kind that drains you? The Working Genius model offers a powerful framework to do just that. It breaks work down into six distinct types, each representing a key stage in getting things done. Understanding this model helps individuals clarify how work flows and where they naturally thrive (or struggle) within that flow.
All CYN Summit participants will receive a link to take the Working Genius assessment for free! If you plan to attend this breakout, please print and bring your results packet to maximize your experience.
Katie Gutzmann
East Fireplace Room
What if you could name the kind of work that brings you energy as well as the kind that drains you? The Working Genius model offers a powerful framework to do just that. It breaks work down into six distinct types, each representing a key stage in getting things done. Understanding this model helps individuals clarify how work flows and where they naturally thrive (or struggle) within that flow.
All CYN Summit participants will receive a link to take the Working Genius assessment for free! If you plan to attend this breakout, please print and bring your results packet to maximize your experience.
Shoot with Purpose: Smartphone Photography and Videography that Pops
Hannah Dorn
West Fireplace Room
Unlock the power of your smartphone camera in this interactive, hands-on workshop designed to help you capture photos and videos with confidence. Whether you’re promoting your organization, showcasing your business, or preserving everyday moments with friends and family, you’ll walk away with practical tips and techniques to elevate your visual storytelling. This session will help you ignite your creative spark and start capturing high-quality content—right from your pocket.
Hannah Dorn
West Fireplace Room
Unlock the power of your smartphone camera in this interactive, hands-on workshop designed to help you capture photos and videos with confidence. Whether you’re promoting your organization, showcasing your business, or preserving everyday moments with friends and family, you’ll walk away with practical tips and techniques to elevate your visual storytelling. This session will help you ignite your creative spark and start capturing high-quality content—right from your pocket.
All Things Nebraska: Visualize the Data, Empower Your Place
Katie Larson
Audiovisual Room
Discover how data can spark action in your community through this hands-on workshop exploring All Things Nebraska—a powerful, user-friendly, and free mapping tool designed to support data-driven decision-making. You’ll learn how to navigate the platform, access geographic and demographic data, and apply what you find to real-world community challenges and opportunities. With guided exercises and live demonstrations, this session will equip you with practical skills to visualize insights, tell your community’s story through data, and ignite informed local action.
Katie Larson
Audiovisual Room
Discover how data can spark action in your community through this hands-on workshop exploring All Things Nebraska—a powerful, user-friendly, and free mapping tool designed to support data-driven decision-making. You’ll learn how to navigate the platform, access geographic and demographic data, and apply what you find to real-world community challenges and opportunities. With guided exercises and live demonstrations, this session will equip you with practical skills to visualize insights, tell your community’s story through data, and ignite informed local action.
When the Spark Flickers: How Communities Keep Moving Forward
Panelists: Kyle McLaughlin, Erin Sharpe, Sarah Sinnett, and Zane Francescato
Auditorium
Community development doesn’t follow a straight path—and it rarely happens alone. In this dynamic panel, four changemakers from across Nebraska will share stories of grit, creativity, and impact: from rebuilding Sidney after the loss of Cabela’s, to launching grassroots efforts like bike buses and neighborhood associations, to fueling collaboration through the 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative. You’ll also hear a personal reflection on leadership, burnout, and finding your spark again. Whether you're just getting involved or leading big efforts, this session will leave you inspired and equipped to make a difference in your community.
Panelists: Kyle McLaughlin, Erin Sharpe, Sarah Sinnett, and Zane Francescato
Auditorium
Community development doesn’t follow a straight path—and it rarely happens alone. In this dynamic panel, four changemakers from across Nebraska will share stories of grit, creativity, and impact: from rebuilding Sidney after the loss of Cabela’s, to launching grassroots efforts like bike buses and neighborhood associations, to fueling collaboration through the 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative. You’ll also hear a personal reflection on leadership, burnout, and finding your spark again. Whether you're just getting involved or leading big efforts, this session will leave you inspired and equipped to make a difference in your community.
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Networking break | 10:45 AM
fuel the flame: A CYN Unconference | 11:00 AM
We’re bringing back a CYN Summit favorite: Coffee Shop Conversations! Is there something you’ve been thinking about lately—an idea, a challenge, or a spark of inspiration? This “unconference” style session gives you the chance to bring it to the table. Propose a topic you care about, join a conversation that lights you up, and exchange ideas with fellow CYNers who are ready to listen, share, and support. It’s a relaxed, energizing way to tap into the collective wisdom of the CYN network—and maybe even ignite a new spark of your own.
Lunch Plenary | 12:30 PM | banquet room
Inspired Inquiry: Igniting the Spark of Meaning and Momentum
Ryan Broker
What if the right question could spark your next big idea, reignite your motivation, or open new doors for your team and community? In this energizing keynote, we’ll explore the power of inspired inquiry—a deeper, more intentional kind of questioning that fuels meaning, momentum, and innovation.
Together, we’ll dive into what makes a question great, how inquiry shapes leadership and learning, and how both introspective and “extraspective” (outward-facing) inquiry can unlock personal and collective growth. This interactive session will include a rapid-fire “question sprint,” a tool to assess your team’s culture of inquiry, and practical strategies to bring more curiosity, clarity, and connection into your work. Come ready to think, reflect, and spark something new.
Ryan Broker
What if the right question could spark your next big idea, reignite your motivation, or open new doors for your team and community? In this energizing keynote, we’ll explore the power of inspired inquiry—a deeper, more intentional kind of questioning that fuels meaning, momentum, and innovation.
Together, we’ll dive into what makes a question great, how inquiry shapes leadership and learning, and how both introspective and “extraspective” (outward-facing) inquiry can unlock personal and collective growth. This interactive session will include a rapid-fire “question sprint,” a tool to assess your team’s culture of inquiry, and practical strategies to bring more curiosity, clarity, and connection into your work. Come ready to think, reflect, and spark something new.
young nebraskans awards
banquet room
Young Nebraskans Awards celebrate talented, influential young Nebraskans who are making a positive impact in their workplaces and communities. We received nominations from around the state and are eager to announce this year's recipients.
Young Nebraskans Awards will be presented for the following categories:
Young Nebraskans Awards will be presented for the following categories:
- Young Professional of the Year
- Community Involvement & Impact
- Entrepreneurship & Innovation
- Leadership & Professional Development
- Diversity & Inclusion
Networking break | 1:45 PM
breakout session round B | 2:00 PM
Rules That Empower: Ignite Your Leadership Through Parliamentary Skills
Ryan Foor
East Fireplace Room
Want to make a real difference on boards, committees, or in your local organization? This interactive session will demystify parliamentary procedure and show how it can be a powerful tool for young leaders to run efficient, inclusive meetings and make confident decisions. You’ll learn the basics—like main motions, amendments, and referrals—while exploring common misconceptions, participating in realistic meeting scenarios, and gaining practical skills you can use right away. Whether you're just getting started or looking to strengthen your leadership presence, this session will help you lead with clarity, purpose, and impact.
Ryan Foor
East Fireplace Room
Want to make a real difference on boards, committees, or in your local organization? This interactive session will demystify parliamentary procedure and show how it can be a powerful tool for young leaders to run efficient, inclusive meetings and make confident decisions. You’ll learn the basics—like main motions, amendments, and referrals—while exploring common misconceptions, participating in realistic meeting scenarios, and gaining practical skills you can use right away. Whether you're just getting started or looking to strengthen your leadership presence, this session will help you lead with clarity, purpose, and impact.
Brighten Up: Put Play in Your Day to Stoke the Fires of Creativity and Productivity
Amy Sandeen
Audiovisual Room
Are your workdays focused on schedules, lists, piles, and deadlines? Re-ignite and refresh through an hour of cooperative play! Incorporating non-competitive play in your work culture can boost creativity, reduce stress, and improve well-being, ultimately increasing productivity. Join us and experience inclusive activities to spark curiosity, connection, and inspiration in your work. In this active session, you’ll learn simple tips for more engaging meetings, playful ways to manage stress, and new ideas to find fun every day. Come and play!
Amy Sandeen
Audiovisual Room
Are your workdays focused on schedules, lists, piles, and deadlines? Re-ignite and refresh through an hour of cooperative play! Incorporating non-competitive play in your work culture can boost creativity, reduce stress, and improve well-being, ultimately increasing productivity. Join us and experience inclusive activities to spark curiosity, connection, and inspiration in your work. In this active session, you’ll learn simple tips for more engaging meetings, playful ways to manage stress, and new ideas to find fun every day. Come and play!
Mindset Reset: Master the Art of Above the Line Thinking
Kayla Schnuelle
West Fireplace Room
Your mindset shapes your leadership, your relationships, and your ability to grow. This session will introduce the concept of Above the Line Thinking—a proactive, ownership-driven mindset that embraces accountability and sees challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. You’ll explore how to recognize when you're slipping "below the line," what it takes to shift upward, and how adopting this perspective can reignite your spark and help you lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose.
Kayla Schnuelle
West Fireplace Room
Your mindset shapes your leadership, your relationships, and your ability to grow. This session will introduce the concept of Above the Line Thinking—a proactive, ownership-driven mindset that embraces accountability and sees challenges as opportunities to learn and improve. You’ll explore how to recognize when you're slipping "below the line," what it takes to shift upward, and how adopting this perspective can reignite your spark and help you lead with clarity, resilience, and purpose.
Building Bold: Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Leadership in Action
Panelists: Alisha Juelfs, Elijah Landell, Regen Lux, and Kristen Hermansen-Ryan
Auditorium
This dynamic entrepreneurship panel showcases journeys of personal growth, financial wisdom, and scaling businesses that are shaping Nebraska’s local economies. Hear inspiring stories of stepping beyond comfort zones to pursue purpose as a business owner, and learn practical strategies for managing cash flow and planning for a secure financial future. Discover how Sidney’s E3 initiative is energizing entrepreneurial ecosystems through community-led investments and support. Plus, engage with insights on scaling from solo founder to leader of a high-performing team, with shared experiences from the audience. Together, this session offers inspiration, actionable advice, and real-world examples to help you ignite your entrepreneurial spark and grow with confidence.
Panelists: Alisha Juelfs, Elijah Landell, Regen Lux, and Kristen Hermansen-Ryan
Auditorium
This dynamic entrepreneurship panel showcases journeys of personal growth, financial wisdom, and scaling businesses that are shaping Nebraska’s local economies. Hear inspiring stories of stepping beyond comfort zones to pursue purpose as a business owner, and learn practical strategies for managing cash flow and planning for a secure financial future. Discover how Sidney’s E3 initiative is energizing entrepreneurial ecosystems through community-led investments and support. Plus, engage with insights on scaling from solo founder to leader of a high-performing team, with shared experiences from the audience. Together, this session offers inspiration, actionable advice, and real-world examples to help you ignite your entrepreneurial spark and grow with confidence.
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closing Plenary | 3:00 PM | auditorium
From Spark to Blaze: The Power of a Single Flame
Jill Brown
Life is a pack of matches, and each of us is a single flame waiting for our turn to shine. You've spent the day at Connecting Young Nebraskans, gathering the tools and inspiration you need. Now, the real question is: what will you do with that spark? Will you stay a single light, or will you connect with others to IGNITE a fire that illuminates the path for everyone?
Jill Brown
Life is a pack of matches, and each of us is a single flame waiting for our turn to shine. You've spent the day at Connecting Young Nebraskans, gathering the tools and inspiration you need. Now, the real question is: what will you do with that spark? Will you stay a single light, or will you connect with others to IGNITE a fire that illuminates the path for everyone?
