October 8, 2026
All In. POWERing Change. Driving Impact.
All In. Powering Change. Driving Impact. means fully committing as a community to turn strategy into action and drive meaningful, measurable results. The POWER Conference is the premier event for leaders, changemakers and talent strategists driving impact in the Greater Omaha careers landscape. Whether you’re leading a company, growing a team or building community impact, this high-energy conference offers the tools, insights and connections to transform your leadership and the future of workforce development in Omaha.
POWER Conference 2025 has ended. Stay tuned for information about next year’s event!
About The POWER Conference
In today’s competitive market, successful leaders must adapt to rapid changes in business, technology, and workforce dynamics. POWER Conference equips you to thrive, whether you’re focused on building stronger teams, navigating workforce trends or driving innovation.
If you’re ready to lead with impact, POWER Conference is for you:
- Executives focused on innovation, growth, and team performance
- HR professionals looking to improve talent pipelines and boost retention
- Entrepreneurs & small business owners seeking new growth and hiring strategies
- Community leaders dedicated to equitable, thriving workforce development
Connect. Learn. Grow.
Real Networking & Growth.
Connect with Omaha’s business community through structured roundtables, networking meals, and one-on-one meet & greets. Build relationships that drive growth and lasting career impact.
Keynote & Breakouts
Gain insights from innovation and leadership experts, then dive into 15 interactive breakout sessions focused on tech, talent, and the evolving world of work.
Vendor Marketplace
Experience Omaha’s entrepreneurial spirit firsthand. Explore local vendors, discover new products and services, and support small businesses fueling economic growth.
POWER Stands for...
P - People
“Strong organizations start with strong people.” At the heart of every thriving organization is its people. We focuses on strategies that empower individuals, leverage untapped talent pipelines, and create collaborative workplaces.
O - Opportunities
W - Workforce
E - Excellence
R - Retention
Tickets
Single Tickets
* Save $50 if you purchase before 7/31/2026
Includes:
- All Day Conference Access
- General Seating
- Lunch
- Mixer
VIP Tickets
Includes:
- All Day Conference Access
- Priority Reserved Seating
- Lunch
- Mixer
- Complimentary Parking Pass
- Special Gift
Group Ticket Package
Includes:
- 5 Tickets
- All Day Conference Access
- General Seating
- Lunch
- Mixer
Corporate Sponsorship
$4,500 for Non-Members
Includes:
- 10 Tickets
- All Day Conference Access
- Priority Reserved Seating
- Lunch
- Mixer
Other Sponsorships Available
Want to explore other sponsorship opportunities?
Review the options to best fit your organization.
Custom packages are available.
Agenda
7:30 – 8:30 AM
Registration and Networking – Lobby and Grand Ballroom Pre-Function
8:30 – 9:45 AM
Opening Session with Keynote Speaker
9:45 – 9:55 AM
Break and Move to Breakout Session
9:55 – 10:55 AM
Breakout Session 1
10:55 – 11:05 AM
Break and Move to Breakout Session
11:05 – 12:05 PM
Breakout Session 2
12:05 – 12:45 PM
Lunch – Grand Ballroom
12:45 – 1:05 PM
Change Maker Awards Presentation – Grand Ballroom
1:05 – 1:15 PM
Break and Move to Breakout Session
1:15 – 2:15 PM
Breakout Session 3
2:15 – 2:45 PM
Networking Break and Engagement Space Activities – Pre-Function Space
2:45 – 4:00 PM
Closing Session with Keynote Speaker
4:00 – 6:00
Post-Party – Pre-Function Space
7:30 – 8:30 AM
Registration and Networking – Lobby and Grand Ballroom Pre-Function
8:30 – 9:45 AM
Opening Session with Keynote Speaker Dr. Andrea Hollingsworth – Grand Ballroom
9:45 – 10:15 AM
Networking Break & Marketplace Experience
10:15 – 11:15 AM
Breakout Session 1
- 216/215 – Excellence: Kate Faughn & Jamie Morhman | Leading Through Change: How to Stay Grounded and Bring Others With You
- 214/213 – Workforce: Christina Chandler & Gloria Owusu | Building the Future: How Industry-Led Workforce Readiness Programs Drive Workforce Development
- 212/211/210 – Retention: Chris Sund | The SPARK Advantage: Motivating Today’s Workforce for Tomorrow’s Success
- 209/208 – People: Dr. Karalee Picard | What a GS-15 Survivor Learned About Power That Business School Never Teaches
- 207/206/205 – Opportunity: Marisa Hattab | From Performance to Presence: How Culture Drives Retention, Belonging and Results
11:15 – 11:25 AM
Break and Move to Breakout Session
11:25 AM – 12:25 PM
Breakout Session 2
- 216/215 – People: Brett Frevert & Patty North | Build, Bridge, and Scale: “Leadership on Demand” + “Recruiting & Staffing” as a Workforce Strategy
- 214/213 – Retention: Shannon Mangram | Fostering Emotional Honesty and Psychological Safety in the Workplace
- 212/211/210 – Excellence: Carol Horner | Bridging Divides
- 209/208 – Opportunity: Candance Gould | Untapped: Unlocking the Potential You Already Have
- 207/206/205 – Workforce: Dr. Sheritta Strong | The Human Side of Workforce Sustainability: Trust, Well-Being, and the Future of Retention
12:25 – 12:55 PM
Lunch – Grand Ballroom
12:55 – 1:40 PM
Presentations & Marketplace open – Grand Ballroom
1:40 – 1:50 PM
Break and Move to Breakout Session
1:50 – 2:50 PM
Breakout Session 3
- 216/215 – Retention: Jodi Krymuza | People Stay Where They Feel Seen: The Real Retention Strategy
- 214/213 – People: Brittany Wozny | Make Pay Make Sense: Ending Bias and Decision Fatique
- 212/211/210 – Opportunity: DeAnna Busby-Rast | Why Some Business Grow – and Others Stall: The Missing Link Between Strategy and Real Opportunities
- 209/208 – Excellence: Jennifer Okoliko | The Meat is in the Mess: Leading When Nothing Makes Sense
- 207/206/205 – Workforce: Mallory Cranwell, Cailin Djillas, Christian Espinosa Torres & Bridget Hadley | City of Omaha’s Business Ecosystem Initiatives
2:50 – 3:05 PM
Break and Move to Closing Session
3:05 – 4:20 PM
Closing Session with Keynote Speaker Damus Smith – Grand Ballroom
4:20 – 6:00 PM
Mixer – Grand Ballroom Pre-Function Space
Event Speakers
Keynote Speakers
2026 Keynote Speaker
Global Compassion Expert, Award-Winning Author & Founder & CEO of Hollingsworth Consulting
Read more about Andrea Hollingsworth
Dr. Andrea Hollingsworth is one of today’s leading global experts on compassionate leadership. Since 2008, she has been speaking and writing about the science and spirituality of human emotions and relationships. Her articles have been published more than a dozen times in peer-reviewed journals, and she has taught at prestigious institutions like Princeton, Boston University, and Loyola University Chicago.
Dr. Andrea had delivered talks to audiences at some of the top-ranked universities in the world—including Cambridge University in England and Heidelberg University in Germany. Her book, The Compassion Advantage: How Top Leaders Build More Humanizing Workplaces—has won multiple awards and topped numerous best-seller lists.
Dr. Andrea spends most of her time inspiring leaders and teams to use The Compassion Advantage™ to build supercharged organizations through cultures of care—especially in times of challenge and change. She lives in Maple Grove, Minnesota with her family, where she cheers hard at her son’s soccer games and relishes every opportunity to visit the north shore of Lake Superior.
2026 Keynote Speaker
KEYNOTE SPEAKER, LEADERSHIP STRATEGIST & CREATOR OF THE LPI METHOD
Read more about Damus Smith
Damus Smith is a keynote speaker, leadership strategist, and President of Damus Dynamic LLC. As the creator of The LPI Method™ and its signature keynote, Leadership That Sticks®, Damus helps organizations develop leaders who build trust, inspire commitment, and create cultures where people choose to stay, grow, and perform at their best.
For nearly two decades, Damus has worked alongside managers, supervisors, executives, sales professionals, and frontline teams, helping organizations strengthen leadership, elevate performance, and improve the employee and customer experience. His experience includes partnering with organizations across the corporate, healthcare, automotive, financial, nonprofit, and association sectors, giving him practical insight into the leadership challenges organizations face every day.
Known for his engaging “edutainment” style, Damus combines compelling storytelling, meaningful audience interaction, and practical, Monday-ready strategies that leaders can immediately put into action. Rather than delivering motivation that fades, he equips audiences with a proven framework they can use to build stronger relationships, increase accountability, communicate more effectively, and lead with greater influence long after the conference ends.
Every keynote begins with one simple question: “How do you want people to feel when they interact with you?” That question becomes the foundation for an engaging and transformative experience that challenges leaders to rethink the impact they have on others and inspires them to create workplaces where people feel valued, perform with purpose, and experience Leadership That Sticks®.
Breakout Speakers
DeAnna Busby-Rast, AUTHENTICA GROUP
SESSION
Why Some Businesses Grow—and Others Stall: The Missing Link Between Strategy and Real Opportunities
BIOGRAPHY
DeAnna Busby Rast is the founder of Authentica Group, an executive and professional development company dedicated to helping business owners, leaders, and professionals turn strategy into measurable results. With over 30 years of experience in sales, leadership, and organizational development, she brings a practical, real-world approach to business growth.
DeAnna specializes in helping individuals and teams strengthen their market position, improve client engagement, and create consistent opportunities for growth. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between strategy and execution, equipping professionals with the clarity, tools, and confidence needed to take intentional action.
Known for her engaging and results-focused style, DeAnna delivers interactive sessions that provide actionable strategies participants can immediately apply.
Jodi Krymuza, Authentically Yours Development
Jodi Krymuza believes retention has nothing to do with perks and everything to do with how people feel.
As the Founder of Authentically Yours Development, keynote speaker, and author of Permission Granted, she brings over 20 years of global HR leadership experience supporting 4,000+ employees before walking away from corporate to build a business rooted in clarity, alignment, and real impact.
After years of working inside organizations, Jodi saw what most leaders miss:
People don’t leave overnight, they slowly disengage when they feel unseen, misaligned, or underutilized.
Now, she helps leaders and teams flip the script – creating environments where people feel connected to their work, confident in their strengths, and clear on how they contribute.
Through her signature VISION Blueprint, Jodi equips organizations with practical strategies to improve engagement, strengthen culture, and retain the right people, without relying on surface-level fixes.
Known for her high-energy, no-fluff, slightly sassy delivery, Jodi doesn’t just talk about retention – she helps leaders understand it, fix it, and lead differently because of it.
Because the truth is?
If people don’t feel seen, they won’t stay.
Christina Chandler, JE Dunn Construction
SESSION
Building the Future: How Industry-Led Workforce Readiness Programs Drive Workforce Development
BIOGRAPHY
Christina Chandler leverages her background in education, information technology, and the nonprofit sector to design strategies that engage and prepare students for future career opportunities. She spent over 18 years working in public education. As a teacher, she developed and led computer science and robotics programs that created clear pathways into industry for high school students.
In her current role as Community Impact Education Manager at JE Dunn Construction, Christina partners with public and private schools, education-aligned nonprofits, and community organizations to expand student access to careers in STEM and the construction industry. She designs hands-on learning programs that build workforce-ready skills. Christina holds a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in career and technical leadership, and is pursuing a doctorate in instructional design and performance technology.
Shannon Mangram J.D., M.S., Shannon Mangram Coaching LLC
Shannon Mangram J.D., M.S. is an Immigration Attorney at the Center for Legal Immigration Assistance. She graduated in 2024 from the University of Nebraska College of Law with a Juris Doctor with a concentration in litigation and a Master’s Degree in Leadership Education, with a special focus on Inclusive Leadership. In addition to her legally-related endeavors, Shannon Mangram J.D., M.S. started Shannon Mangram Coaching LLC in 2018, and has coached over 100 individuals and teams take their next steps across the United States and UK. Shannon believes in the power of each person to create change in their own contexts, and takes action to do so.
Mallory Cranwell, City of Omaha
SESSION
City of Omaha’s Business Ecosystem Initiatives
BIOGRAPHY
Mallory is the program administrator for the City of Omaha’s ONEBiz program. ONEBiz is an online platform and technical assistance resource that helps entrepreneurs and small businesses from any industry start and grow. Whether you need connections to financing, mentorship, business planning, or information on City regulations and permits, Mallory can guide you through this process. Mallory is passionate about lowering barriers to economic mobility, and ONEBiz is a tool for that.
Jamie Mohrman, Zelle Human Resource Solutions
SESSION
Leading Through Change: How to Stay Grounded and Bring Others With You
BIOGRAPHY
Jamie has always had a passion for helping others realize their full potential. Serving as Vice President for Zelle Human Resource Solutions, she enjoys assisting clients through organizational change, creative and practical engagement strategies, navigating compliance, and manager training and development. With over 15 years of HR-related experience, Jamie has worked across a variety of industries and understands the unique challenges that both new and experienced leaders face when navigating today’s workforce.
Cailin Dejillas, City of Omaha
SESSION
City of Omaha’s Business Ecosystem Initiatives
BIOGRAPHY
Cailin Dejillas is the Director of the City of Omaha Human Rights & Relations Department, where she leads the Department to administer three economic development programs, investigate allegations of discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations, support a restorative justice diversion program, coordinate ADA Title II and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and advance the Poverty Elimination Action Plan. Trained as an attorney, Cailin’s experience as a public defender, investigating and leading teams to investigate housing and employment allegations, and leading multiple teams in leaves and accommodations at Amazon inform her work. Cailin approaches every situation with optimism, always infusing hope and joy where there is an opportunity. Cailin grew up in Omaha, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Sociology at the University of San Francisco and a JD from University of Washington. Cailin enjoys yoga, gardening and spending time with her family and pets.
Patty North, CPC, SPHR, CFO Systems,
SESSION
Build, Bridge, and Scale: “Leadership on Demand” + “Recruiting & Staffing” as a Workforce Strategy
BIOGRAPHY
Patty North, CPC, SPHR is Managing Director of the Recruiting Division at CFO Systems, bringing more than 30 years of experience building and leading high-performing talent organizations nationwide. She partners closely with executive teams to design scalable hiring strategies that align with business growth, financial performance, and operational excellence.
Patty specializes in placing finance and operational leaders who strengthen reporting, systems integration, and organizational infrastructure. Known for her collaborative leadership style and ability to evaluate both technical capability and strategic mindset, she has led teams responsible for thousands of successful placements across finance, accounting, and professional services.
A trusted advisor and relationship-driven leader, Patty is passionate about connecting companies with the right talent to drive lasting impact, and improving lives, one placement at a time.
Christian Espinosa Torres, City of Omaha
SESSION
City of Omaha’s Business Ecosystem Initiatives
BIOGRAPHY
Christian Espinosa Torres has been part of the Omaha community for more than 18 years, building a career dedicated to public service, economic development, and community engagement. He currently serves as Assistant Director of the City of Omaha’s Human Rights and Relations Department, where he oversees the Economic Development Division, leading initiatives that expand opportunities for small businesses and advance economic equity. Christian collaborates with organizations including the Nebraska Enterprise Fund, Catholic Charities, Heartland Workforce Solutions, the Nebraska Business Development Center, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Omaha Chamber of Commerce. Previously, he served as Constituent Services Representative for Congressman Brad Ashford, helping residents navigate federal agencies and advocating for small businesses. An immigrant from Mexico City, Christian holds degrees in Economics and Sociology and is committed to inclusive leadership. He chairs the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative Board and serves on the boards of the Heartland Workers.
Jennifer Okoliko, UNL & Austin Peay State University
SESSION
The Meat is in the Mess: Leading When Nothing Makes Sense
BIOGRAPHY
Jennifer Okoliko is an Assistant Professor of leadership and human development at the Austin Peay State University where she teaches courses related to leadership, emotional intelligence. Her research examines how people make meaning during disruption and how identity shapes the way we respond to change especially in cross cultural contexts. A practitioner-researcher, Jenny has spent years working at the intersection of leadership development, nonprofit sector work, and applied philosophy. She uses frameworks from liminality theory and organizational psychology to help leaders navigate uncertainty without running from it. Jenny is a forthcoming TEDx Omaha speaker and has facilitated workshops and presented at academic and professional conferences. She believes the most important leadership skill of this era is the capacity to sit with what is unresolved long enough to understand it and designs learning experiences that build that capacity.
Kate Faughn, Zelle Human Resource Solutions
SESSION
Leading Through Change: How to Stay Grounded and Bring Others With You
BIOGRAPHY
Kate has spent over a decade in the consulting and people business. She is passionate about building relationships and improving processes that allows individuals, teams, and organizations to thrive. Kate’s relationship strengths paired with her strategic and operational business thinking brings a unique perspective to her role as HR Consultant, Training & Development Specialist with Zelle Human Resource Solutions. Kate has vast experience working with organizations around their employee engagement, training and development, and HR processes. Kate is also a Certified Practitioner of Everything DiSC.
Gloria Owusu, JE Dunn Construction
SESSION
Building the Future: How Industry-Led Workforce Readiness Programs Drive Workforce Development
BIOGRAPHY
Gloria Owusu is a Senior Workforce Development Manager at JE Dunn Construction, where she leads strategies that connect communities to careers in the skilled trades. She focuses on building sustainable talent pipelines through partnerships, education programs, and industry collaboration in support of complex construction projects. Gloria brings a strong background in public-sector workforce initiatives, previously leading the City and County of Denver Construction Careers Program, which connected local residents to city-funded projects and expanded access to construction career opportunities. With experience in community engagement, small business development, and higher education, she is passionate about creating inclusive pathways into the industry and strengthening the future construction workforce.
Brett Frevert, CFO Systems LLC
SESSION
Build, Bridge, and Scale: “Leadership on Demand” + “Recruiting & Staffing” as a Workforce Strategy
BIOGRAPHY
As the Founder and Managing Director of CFO Systems LLC, Brett has built one of the Midwest’s premier leadership firms, providing fractional, interim & project related services to organizations nationwide.
Brett’s expertise encompasses executive leadership, capital markets and fundraising, mergers and acquisitions, team building, process design and implementation, cash flow optimization, and financial reporting. He excels at designing internal controls, building high-performing finance and operations teams, and translating complex financial data into clear, actionable insights that support sound management decisions.
With a reputation for calm, decisive leadership and a 360-degree approach to challenges, Brett brings more than just expertise — he brings strategic vision, operational acumen, and the ability to step directly into a management team and drive meaningful results. His clients describe him as one of the brightest, most common-sense while combining deep accounting knowledge with broad business perspective, personality, and genuine trustworthiness.
Dr. Karalee Picard, Insight Leadership Consulting
SESSION
What a GS-15 Supervisor Learned About Power That Business School Never Teaches
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Karalee Picard is an executive advisor, nonprofit leader, and leadership consultant whose career spans two worlds rarely seen in the same room: 25+ years as a senior U.S. Defense Intelligence Officer (reaching the GS-15 level) and a second act transforming organizations through culture, strategy, and human-centered leadership.
As Chief of Staff and Director of Development for ENVY Volleyball, a nonprofit advancing youth development through sport, Karalee brings the same strategic discipline she honed in national security to community impact. A Harvard Kennedy School Senior Executive Fellow, eCornell Women in Leadership certificate holder, and Certified Professional Coach, she is a sought-after facilitator, executive coach, and workshop designer.
Karalee’s frameworks are field-tested — not theoretical. She has advised nonprofit boards, coached senior leaders, and shaped the decision-making systems, training programs, and policies of a major U.S. Defense command. She doesn’t just speak about power — she teaches others how to find their own.
Based in Omaha, Nebraska.
Candace Gould, Omaha 100 Inc.
SESSION
Untapped: Unlocking the Potential You Already Have
BIOGRAPHY
Candace is a Business Development Officer at Omaha 100 Inc and Coach dedicated to helping individuals unlock and activate their full potential. With a background in strengths-based coaching, she has guided professionals, entrepreneurs, leaders, and individuals through career growth, greater clarity, and meaningful action.
As a Business Development Officer, Candace partners with entrepreneurs to expand access to capital and resources that support business growth. As a Certified Strengths Coach, she helps individuals build self-awareness, leverage their natural talents, and move from intention to action with confidence and purpose.
Known for her engaging and relatable approach, Candace creates experiences that not only inspire but also equip individuals to take ownership of their growth and move forward with clarity and confidence.
Dr. Sheritta Strong, UNMC Campus Engagement
SESSION
The Human Side of Workforce Sustainability: Trust, Well-Being, and the Future of Retention
BIOGRAPHY
Dr. Sheritta A. Strong is Assistant Vice Chancellor of Campus Engagement at UNMC, Associate Professor, clinician, executive coach, and Director of Engagement in the Department of Psychiatry. An Omaha native, she earned her BS from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, her MD from UNMC, completed residency training at Creighton, and received an MBA in health executive leadership from the University of Colorado. A Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, she is passionate about community mental health, student mentorship, and academic leadership. She has served patients at UNMC/Nebraska Medicine and Charles Drew Health Center for nearly 20 years and remains deeply engaged in advising and mentoring students. Dr. Strong is also an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and The Links, Incorporated. She enjoys life with her husband and supporting their sons’ collegiate basketball journeys.
Marisa Hattab, Heartland Family Service
SESSION
From Performance to Presence: How Culture Drives Retention, Belonging, and Results
BIOGRAPHY
Marisa Hattab is a presence-driven leader, facilitator, and Chief Culture Officer at Heartland Family Service, where she leads organization-wide efforts to build a trauma-informed, people-centered culture. With a background in education and nonprofit leadership, Marisa brings a deeply relational approach to leadership development—helping organizations move beyond intention into meaningful, measurable impact.
Since 2015, she has trained across trauma-informed practices, equity, and leadership, applying this knowledge across her work with Mentor Nebraska, community initiatives, and executive leadership. Marisa is known for creating spaces that are honest, reflective, and action-oriented, challenging leaders to examine how their daily behaviors shape employee experience, belonging, and retention.
Her work focuses on the intersection of presence, accountability, and culture—equipping leaders with practical tools to build environments where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Chris Sund, Uniti Med and Nebula
SESSION
The SPARK Advantage: Motivating Today’s Workforce for Tomorrow’s Success
BIOGRAPHY
Chris Sund serves as President and COO of Uniti Med and GQR Healthcare, and COO of Nebula, where he helps organizations solve one of their biggest challenges, finding and engaging the right talent. He has helped scale teams and operations across a platform exceeding $100 million in annual revenue, including growing Uniti Med from $5 million to over $60 million in just two years.
Chris is a keynote speaker and host of the Amplify Speakers Podcast, where he interviews top leaders and performers across industries. His sessions focus on leadership, workforce strategy, and building high-performing teams, equipping audiences with practical tools they can apply immediately.
A Maxwell Leadership Certified Speaker and Coach, Chris is known for blending real-world experience with engaging storytelling to drive meaningful and measurable results.
Bridget Hadley, City of Omaha
SESSION
City of Omaha’s Business Ecosystem Initiatives
BIOGRAPHY
Bridget A. Hadley brings extensive experience in commercial real estate underwriting, banking, housing, and municipal economic development.
Her career began at Principal Financial Group in Des Moines, where she started as an underwriting analyst for life insurance policies, transitioned over to the Commercial Real Estate Division’s Joint Venture Section gaining experience in acquisitions, joint ventures, property management, foreclosures, contracting, construction, and portfolio administration. She later strengthened her underwriting and credit analysis expertise at Firstar Bank and Norwest Bank, becoming a Small Business Banker as Norwest merged with Wells Fargo.
In 2000, Bridget joined the City of Omaha Planning Department, managing housing and community development programs before transitioning into economic development. Her work focused on public-private partnerships, business investment, job creation, commercial corridor revitalization, business development, industrial site redevelopment, Tax Increment Financing, Property Assessed Clean Energy, and other development financing tools.
In 2025, Mayor John Ewing, Jr. promoted Bridget to help advance intentional economic development, strengthen Omaha’s local business economy, and support community redevelopment and revitalization efforts across Omaha.
Brittany Wozny, Ervin & Smith, Inc.
SESSION
Make Pay Make Sense: Ending Bias and Decision Fatigue
BIOGRAPHY
I’m deeply committed to driving the growth of Ervin & Smith while also playing a hands-on role in shaping our company culture and supporting the Omaha community. In my role as CFO, I oversee everything from financial strategy and business operations to managing our employee benefits program, HR functions, and maintaining our commitment to being a certified B Corp. With a strong background in public accounting and 15+ years of experience, I bring a unique perspective to business management that combines financial acumen with a passion for operational excellence and innovation.
Beyond the numbers, I believe in the importance of building strong, authentic relationships within both our agency and the broader Omaha community. As a proud co-owner of Ervin & Smith, I’m dedicated to giving back to the local community and fostering partnerships that benefit both our business and the people we serve. We want our agency to be a place where talented people want to work and thrive. Hiring and recruitment are at the core of this – attracting top-tier talent and building diverse, high-performing teams that drive our success.
Carol Horner, Synchronicity Inc
SESSION
Bridging Divides
BIOGRAPHY
Carol is the Founder of Synchronicity, Inc. She works with teams, leaders, and organizations seeking to grow and make a productive and positive impact. Carol’s strengths lie in her ability to custom-design and implement learning and organization development programs in leadership development, team development, communication, productive conflict, and change management. She integrates the ideals of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging learning into all her consulting and talent development work.
Carol created the Spiral of Accountability™ that takes the complex dynamic of human self-talk and interactions and simplifies it into a visual representation that allows people to identify, name, and understand what is happening with them and those around them. It then shows a pathway toward improving their reactions. She released the book The Spiral of Accountability in April 2024. Watch for a new book release in June 2026, that digs deeper into using the Spiral to Bridge Divides.
Marketplace Vendor Applications
Applications Open June 30 through August 14.
The POWER Conference Marketplace offers organizations the opportunity to showcase products, services, and resources to hundreds of professionals, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers from across Greater Omaha. Applications are reviewed to ensure a thoughtfully curated Marketplace that provides meaningful value to attendees.
Marketplace Categories
Professional Development & Career Services (Services)
Resume writing, career coaching, interview preparation, leadership and executive coaching, mentorship programs, certifications, and continuing education.Wellness (Goods & Services)
Mental health services, therapy, fitness coaching, self-care products, nutrition consulting, yoga and meditation, ergonomic products, spa services, and financial wellness coaching.Entrepreneurship & Business Resources (Goods & Services)
Small and MWBE-owned businesses, branding and marketing agencies, legal and tax services, business banking, e-commerce businesses, pitch coaching, and chambers of commerce.Education, Community & Empowerment Organizations (Services)
Universities, scholarship foundations, workforce development organizations, youth mentoring nonprofits, civic groups, authors and publishers, cultural arts organizations, faith-based organizations, and social service agencies.
Vendor Package & Rates
Each vendor package includes:
- One (1) 6-foot table
- Two (2) chairs
- $125 for Chamber Members; ($250 for Non-Chamber Members)
- Opportunity to purchase up to two (2) conference tickets at $200 each
POWER Scholarships
Applications are closed for the 2026 POWER Conference.
2027 POWER Scholarship APPLICATIONS will open in july.
We believe cost shouldn’t be a barrier to professional growth. Scholarship recipients will join business leaders, HR professionals, and workforce experts for a day of practical learning, meaningful connections, and actionable strategies to help build stronger workplaces.
Details:
- Each scholarship covers $200 of a Single Ticket registration, leaving just $50 for the recipient to attend.
- A limited number of scholarships are available for professionals committed to advancing talent, workforce, and workplace excellence.
Timeline:
- Applications close August 11 at 11:59 PM.
- Applicants will be notified no later than Tuesday, August 25, regarding their status.
Scholarships are made possible through the generous support of Metropolitan Utilities District.
POWER Awards
Applications are closed for the 2026 POWER Conference.
2027 POWER AWARDS APPLICATIONS will open in june.
The POWER Awards recognize Greater Omaha Chamber member organizations that are making meaningful investments in their people and workplace culture. Through a focus on People, Opportunity, Workforce, Excellence, and Retention, the awards celebrate organizations helping build a stronger Omaha region.
Awards Application Pro Tips:
- Review the Application Guide Instructions located in the button below.
- A PDF of the questions is provided below for preview.
- Relevant evidence must be provided for each question.
- The application must be fully submitted; there is no save feature.
- Plan on this taking one hour.
Questions?
- Contact Dell Nared at dnared@OmahaChamber.org.
Breakout Speaker Applications
Applications are closed for the 2026 POWER Conference.
We will open the 2027 breakout speaker applications in April.
We are seeking dynamic speakers who can deliver high-quality, actionable content aligned with one of the following tracks:
People, Opportunities, Workforce, Excellence, or Retention.
Application Details:
- Applicants interested in more than one track must submit a separate application for each track to ensure proper review and consideration.
- Each breakout session has the potential to reach an audience of up to 300 participants.
- Selected applicants will be invited to participate in an interview.
- Due to the volume of applications, only selected applicants will be contacted.
Interview Dates:
- People Track – May 27
- Opportunities Track – May 27
- Workforce Track – May 28
- Excellence Track – May 28
- Retention Track – May 29
All applicants will be notified of their application status no later than Wednesday, June 24.
2026 Sponsors
The POWER Conference is made possible by the generous contributions of several organizations. Thank you for your support!
Interested in being a sponsor? Check out our Sponsorship Opportunities!
Lead Partner
Personal Branding Station
Talent Champion
Premium Scholarship Sponsor
Reception Sponsor
Media Sponsor
Official Airline Sponsor
Corporate Sponsors
Reception Sponsor
Breakfast Sponsor
POWER Engagement Sponsor
Additional Information
Photo & Video Release
By registering for and participating in this event, you agree to the recording of your likeness, image, and voice, and grant the Greater Omaha Chamber permission to use these recordings in any medium for any purpose.