Meet The Honorees
When history and the future converge, there are leaders. When hope and action collide for good, there are leaders. When we look to tomorrow, there are leaders - leaders who are "The Next 100."
2025 HONOREES
The Next 100 Honors 2025 Leaders Driving
the Future of Work, Leadership
Now in its second year, The Next 100 recognizes changemakers advancing innovation, connection and the human side of progress.
OMAHA, Neb., December 9, 2025 – The Next 100 today announced its 2025 honorees, celebrating leaders who are shaping the future of work and leadership through creativity and forward-thinking action.
Now in its second year, The Next 100 continues the momentum it began in 2024 with its inaugural class of honorees. Building on that foundation, this year’s group represents a diverse collection of innovators and advocates whose work strengthens communities and culture.
Founded to spotlight leaders driving positive progress, The Next 100 connects people and ideas through essays, research and consulting insights that explore the evolving landscape of leadership and work.
Congratulations to the 2025 Cohort of The Next 100:
-
Katie Bane, Assistant News Director, KETV NewsWatch 7
-
Hannah Bolte, MBA, Director of Communications and Marketing, Lozier Corporation
-
Deborah Dogba, CSM®, C.L.S.S.Y.B., Program Director, The Salvation Army North Corps
-
Racquel Henderson, Community Liaison | North & Northwest Omaha; Mayor's Office; Professor | University of Nebraska at Omaha
-
Dorothy Johnson, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Innovation at Julian Young ®
-
Katie Kodad, Culture & Inclusion Program Manager, Children’s Nebraska
-
Brett H. Neely, Jr., PhD, Assistant Professor of Management
-
DérNecia Phillips, Ed.D., Founder, Identity Preparatory Academy; CEO, DAL Education & Care Solutions LLC
-
Michael J. Robinson, Jr., M.S., Director of Operations, Omaha Economic Development Corporation
-
Sierra Roseby, MBA, Director of Involvement, University of Nebraska at Omaha
-
Diva Wilson, MD, Family Medicine Physician
The 2025 honorees reflect excellence across industries and disciplines, advancing community building, innovation, social progress and creative leadership. Each embodies the qualities essential to leading in the century ahead.
About The Next 100
The Next 100 discovers, connects and recognizes visionary leaders committed to improving opportunity and strengthening communities. Through essays, research and insights, we explore the evolving landscape of leadership, belonging and the future of work.
2024 HONOREES
The Next 100 Announces Inaugural Honorees
OMAHA, NE, January 25, 2024 – The Next 100, an initiative to connect and elevate dynamic community leaders, today announced the organization’s inaugural honorees – individuals catalyzing engagement, innovation, collaboration and more.
“The Next 100’s inaugural honorees are ‘thought artists’ – people who move forward with understanding, provoke creativity and act as architects for unique perspectives. They consider others. They imagine ‘what’s next.’ They move beyond thought leadership to sculpt the future with head and heart. Their work embodies empathy and adaptability – traits essential for shaping the next century,” said Jill Bruckner, Ed.D., cofounder, The Next 100.
As “thought artists,” The Next 100's inductees represent diverse voices, inventive approaches and a commitment to creating lasting, positive momentum through conversation and action.
“These are not just leaders for today,” said Mikaela Borecky Sibley, cofounder, The Next 100. “They are trailblazers shaping a more inclusive and impactful tomorrow. We are incredibly proud to support and recognize their efforts, and we are excited to see how their leadership will continue to transform our community."
Meet The Inaugural Class of The Next 100:
-
David Earl, JD Candidate, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
-
Kristyna Engdahl, Vice President of Communications, Metropolitan Convention and Entertainment Authority
-
Monica Greenhill, Human Resources Director, CASA for Douglas County
-
Melissa Hurrington, CFO and VP of Operations, Premier Claims
-
Xavier Jackson, Founder and CEO, Local Art Plug
-
Terry Lee, W.I.N. Guide Trainer and Speaker, TL Speaks, Inc.
-
Tracie McPherson, Public Affairs and Advocacy Director, Habitat for Humanity of Omaha
-
Dell Nared, Jr., Chief Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Belonging Officer, Greater Omaha Chamber
-
Ashley Nodgaard, Director of Foundation and Internal Communications, Ralston Public Schools
-
Stephen Osberg, Vice President – Project Development, Paul G Smith Associates
-
Christopher Phillips, Chief Operating Officer, North End Teleservices, LLC
-
Monika Philp, Director of Leadership and Member Development, AIM Institute
-
Brittany Planos, Financial Literacy Program Manager, Union Bank & Trust
-
Josh Planos, Vice President of Communications and Public Relations, Better Business Bureau
-
Andrew Prystai, CEO and Co-founder, Event Vesta
-
Nani Reed, Consultant, Strawhecker Nonprofit Services
-
Amanda Ryan, Consultant, Strawhecker Nonprofit Services
-
Angela Smith, Director of Corporate Communications, Medical Solutions
-
Savannah Stark, Economic Inclusion Coordinator, MCL Construction
-
Keith Station, Deputy Chief of Staff – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion City of Omaha
-
Adam Van Osdel, Artistic Director and Founder, Edge of the Universe; Creative Director, Pottawattamie Arts, Culture & Entertainment (PACE)
-
Jannette Taylor, President and CEO, Women’s Center for Advancement
-
Ashley Rae Turner, Community Outreach and Engagement Strategist, Emspace + Lovgren
-
Ericka Vaughan, Alternative School Program Director, Westside Community Schools
-
Joey Wolfe, Interim Director of Development, The Hope Center for Kids
About The Next 100
The Next 100 focuses on leadership development, community engagement and capacity building. With a belief in the power of diverse, empathetic and resilient leadership, The Next 100 is committed to connecting and celebrating leaders who will drive positive change and strengthen communities over the next century.