The Catalyst

Think you have to move to a major city to find high-paying, high-tech career opportunities? Think again. This week, Jason Passmore joins the podcast to bust the biggest myths surrounding rural economic development. From heavy industry to unique local tourism, Howard County and Cresco are proving that intentional partnerships can create massive community impact. Plus, get an inside look at Cresco’s...

What makes Delaware County a powerhouse for local innovation and community leadership? Join us on The Catalyst as we chat with economic development expert Donna Boss about driving regional growth, creating sustainable workforce solutions and launching the brand new Delaware County Leadership Program. In this episode, we cover: The real impact of economic development on small businesses and regiona...

We spend a massive portion of our lives at work—so why do so many of us treat joy at the office like a luxury? In this episode of The Catalyst, host Amy Lasack sits down with dynamic corporate trainer Paulette Milewski to debunk the myth that productivity and fun don't mix. Paulette shares her philosophy on finding "micro-joys" in your daily routine, shifting your mindset on tough days and buildin...

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, fina...

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 boardro...

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...

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.   Regi...

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 | Y...

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 foundati...

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 ad...

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 opportuniti...

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 leaders...

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 Emergin...

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 b...

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 aroun...

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 importan...

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 tuit...

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) T...

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, impactfu...

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...

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 Studen...