The Catalyst

Northeast Iowa Community College
  • 4.4 (7)
  • Educación
  • Cada semana

Explore the people, programs and partnerships that make Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) more than a campus. From student success stories to behind-the-scenes of athletics, innovation and industry collaboration, each episode answers the question: What’s happening at NICC? Energetic, informative and always evolving, this is your inside look at the impact of community-driven education.

  1. 26 ago

    Crafting Midwestern Stories and Empowering Student Voices with Keith Lesmeister

    Inside the NICC classroom, students learn storytelling and public speaking straight from an accomplished regional author. Join host Amy Lasack on The Catalyst podcast as she talks with NICC Communications Instructor and published author Keith Lesmeister. Discover the inspiration behind his upcoming short story collection Ask Me About the Money, his creative writing process and his passion for empowering Northeast Iowa Community College students to tell their own stories. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources. Creators & Guests Amy Lasack - Host Ashley Konzen - Designer Travis Hunt - Producer Keith Lesmeister - Guest Tessa Hill - Producer

    Crafting Midwestern Stories and Empowering Student Voices with Keith Lesmeister

  2. 17 ago

    A Shared Vision for Education: Inside the NICC Manchester Center Partnership

    What happens when a community college and a local school district combine forces? In this episode of The Catalyst, we explore the exciting relocation of NICC's Manchester Center right next door to West Delaware High School. Join Center Director Ed Vance and Superintendent Jen Vance as they discuss expanding high school programming, solving local healthcare workforce shortages and maximizing community resources. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources. Creators & Guests Jen Vance - Guest Ed Vance - Guest Amy Lasack - Host Ashley Konzen - Designer Travis Hunt - Producer Tessa Hill - Producer

    A Shared Vision for Education: Inside the NICC Manchester Center Partnership

  3. 12 ago

    From Art Teacher to Cybersecurity Instructor: Making a Mid-Career Switch with Maren Larsen

    Thinking about returning to college for a high-demand tech career? In this episode of The Catalyst, host Amy Lasack sits down with NICC Computer Science Instructor and alumna Maren Larsen ('23). Maren shares how she transitioned from an art and corporate background to a thriving career in computer networking and cybersecurity at Northeast Iowa Community College in Peosta, IA. Learn how transferable skills, hands-on IT labs and community college flexibility make a mid-life career change possible. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources. Creators & Guests Amy Lasack - Host Tessa Hill - Producer Ashley Konzen - Designer Travis Hunt - Producer Maren Larsen - Guest

    From Art Teacher to Cybersecurity Instructor: Making a Mid-Career Switch with Maren Larsen

  4. 29 jul

    Affordable College & Career Training Close to Home: Inside the NICC Waukon Center

    Looking for affordable college classes, local career training, or professional development in Allamakee County? In this episode of The Catalyst, we sit down with Waukon Center Director Erica Nosbisch to explore how Northeast Iowa Community College brings education directly to the Waukon community. Discover local CNA and CDL training opportunities, high school concurrent enrollment options and customized business training solutions available right in your backyard. Learn how the Waukon Center serves as a vital hub for local economic growth and lifelong learning. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources. Creators & Guests Amy Lasack - Host Tessa Hill - Producer Ashley Konzen - Designer Travis Hunt - Producer Erica Nosbisch - Guest

    Affordable College & Career Training Close to Home: Inside the NICC Waukon Center

  5. 15 jul

    Cougars in the Wild: Amanda Kennedy on Lifelong Learning & Leadership

    Can your education continue long after graduation? In this episode of The Catalyst, we talk with Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) graduate Amanda Kennedy. Amanda earned her degree in Business Administration from NICC and later returned to participate in the college's Leadership Academy. Today, she uses those skills every day as a Team Leader at Origin Design.   Tune in as we discuss: Real-World Career Growth: How a Business Administration degree builds flexible, real-world skills that apply to many different industries.Moving into Leadership: The way local leadership training bridges the gap between basic job skills and managing people.Balancing Work and Learning: Why continuous learning keeps you competitive in the local workforce, even if you have a busy, full-time job.Whether you are a current student, an adult learner or a local professional looking to climb the career ladder, this episode shows how community colleges and local businesses partner to build stronger leaders. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources. Creators & Guests Amanda Kennedy - Guest Amy Lasack - Host Tessa Hill - Producer Ashley Konzen - Designer Travis Hunt - Producer

    Cougars in the Wild: Amanda Kennedy on Lifelong Learning & Leadership

  6. 1 jul

    Big Ideas in Small Towns: Howard County's Rural Success with Jason Passmore

    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 innovative "Be Your Own Boss" youth camp that is training the next generation of local entrepreneurs. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources. Creators & Guests Amy Lasack - Host Tessa Hill - Producer Ashley Konzen - Designer Travis Hunt - Producer Jason Passmore - Guest

    Big Ideas in Small Towns: Howard County's Rural Success with Jason Passmore

  7. 17 jun

    Inside the New Delaware County Leadership Program with Donna Boss

    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 regional talent.How the partnership between NICC and Delaware County powers local workforce training.What the future holds for the Delaware County Leadership program and its alumni network.A hilarious round of "Fact or Fiction" covering unique local trivia!Learn more about Delaware County Leadership. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources. Creators & Guests Donna Boss - Guest Amy Lasack - Host Tessa Hill - Producer Ashley Konzen - Designer Travis Hunt - Producer

    Inside the New Delaware County Leadership Program with Donna Boss

  8. 3 jun

    How to Find Joy and Have More Fun at Work with Paulette Milewski

    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 building genuine, supportive connections with your coworkers.  We explore: What "enjoying work" actually looks like in the modern workplace.The science behind how a positive work culture reduces stress and drives success.How to build your "work tribe" and foster authentic connections.Simple everyday resets to avoid the afternoon slump.Whether you are working on a manufacturing floor, in a corporate office or from home, you’ll walk away with simple, actionable strategies to bring more energy and happiness to your standard shift. Click here to watch a video of this episode. Follow us on social media:Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube Visit nicc.edu for more information and resources. Creators & Guests Amy Lasack - Host Tessa Hill - Producer Ashley Konzen - Designer Travis Hunt - Producer Paulette Milewski - Guest

    How to Find Joy and Have More Fun at Work with Paulette Milewski
Ver todo (44)

4.4
de 5
7 calificaciones

Acerca de

Explore the people, programs and partnerships that make Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) more than a campus. From student success stories to behind-the-scenes of athletics, innovation and industry collaboration, each episode answers the question: What’s happening at NICC? Energetic, informative and always evolving, this is your inside look at the impact of community-driven education.

Información

  • Creador
    Northeast Iowa Community College
  • Años de actividad
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodios
    44
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Northeast Iowa Community College
  • Mostrar sitio web
    The Catalyst