The Catalyst

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.Click here to watch a video of this episode. Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeVisit nicc.edu for more information and resources.Creators & Guests Amy Lasack - Host Tessa Hill - Producer Ashley Konzen - Designer Travis Hunt - Producer Jason White - Guest

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. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeVisit nicc.edu for more information and resources.Creators & Guests Amy Lasack - Host Tessa Hill - Producer Ashley Konzen - Designer Travis Hunt - Producer Nora Burns - Guest

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.Click here to watch a video of this episode. Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeVisit nicc.edu for more information and resources.Creators & Guests Amy Lasack - Host Tessa Hill - Producer Ashley Konzen - Designer Travis Hunt - Producer Krista Walsh-Weitz - Guest

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 10Click here to watch a video of this episode. Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeVisit nicc.edu for more information and resources.Creators & Guests Amy Lasack - Host Tessa Hill - Producer Ashley Konzen - Designer Travis Hunt - Producer Molly Grover - Guest Rachelle Howe - Guest

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. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeVisit nicc.edu for more information and resources.Creators & Guests Amy Lasack - Host Tessa Hill - Producer Ashley Konzen - Designer Travis Hunt - Producer Lexi Wallroff - Guest

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.Click here to watch a video of this episode. Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeVisit nicc.edu for more information and resources.Creators & Guests Amy Lasack - Host Tessa Hill - Producer Ashley Konzen - Designer Travis Hunt - Producer Shannon Westin - Guest Jason Moeller - Guest

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.Click here to watch a video of this episode. Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeVisit nicc.edu for more information and resources.Creators & Guests Amy Lasack - Host Tessa Hill - Producer Ashley Konzen - Designer Travis Hunt - Producer Katie Kime - Guest Lindsey Haas - Guest

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.Click here to watch a video of this episode. Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTubeVisit nicc.edu for more information and resources.Creators & Guests Amy Lasack - Host Tessa Hill - Producer Ashley Konzen - Designer Travis Hunt - Producer Jordan O'Connell - Guest Steve Smith - Guest

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.

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 [email protected] 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.

Ever wonder what it takes to lead a thriving community college? On our very first episode of The Catalyst, host Amy talks with NICC Interim President Dave Dahms about his unique journey from the private sector to higher education. Dave shares how his passion for customer service and professional development guides his leadership. We'll dive into the critical role of community colleges in shaping the workforce and get an inside look at the new NICC strategic plan.Be a part of the conversation! Subscribe to The Catalyst for more impactful conversations and insights, and visit nicc.edu/strategicplan to learn more about the College's initiatives and strategic plan.