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Erik Dominguez

Topic: The Three T's of Confidence: Building Lasting Self-Trust to Achieve Your Dreams

Recent studies show that most leaders struggle with confidence, affecting their decision-making and team dynamics. “The Three T’s of Confidence,” presented by Erik Dominguez, directly addresses this widespread challenge, offering a fresh perspective on building self-trust and confidence in leadership.

Erik’s keynote is a unique blend of scientific insight and infectious enthusiasm, delivered in his signature dynamic style. Known for his ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging, Erik infuses the session with interactive elements and relatable storytelling. His approach enlightens and entertains, ensuring a memorable and impactful experience for all attendees.

In “The Three T’s of Confidence,” Erik unveils practical tools and insights for developing genuine self-trust. The session is crafted to have immediate and tangible effects, focusing on enhancing leadership capabilities and boosting overall confidence. This keynote is designed as a journey, guiding emerging and seasoned leaders through the challenges of today’s ever-changing world and spotlighting the solutions and power of confident leadership.

Participants will leave “The Three T’s of Confidence” equipped with the knowledge and tools to transform their approach to leadership. Embrace this opportunity to elevate your leadership game, inspire your team to new heights, and navigate the complexities of the modern workplace with newfound confidence.

Mayuri Farlinger

Topic: The Power Within: Embrace, Empower, Excel

Through her personal career journey and experience in leadership, Mayuri will share five essential insights that drive success, each deeply connected to the power of empowerment. From navigating challenges to seizing opportunities, she will offer practical wisdom and motivation to help you embrace your strengths, empower those around you, and excel in your leadership journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to close the conference with actionable strategies and renewed confidence in your own potential.

Mayuri (May) Farlinger is President of Interstate Power & Light and Vice President of Energy Delivery at Alliant Energy. She joined Alliant Energy as an intern in 2004. Since then, she has taken on a series of progressively more responsible roles with several teams across the company, including Finance, Audit, Regulatory, Account Management, Field Engineering, Customer Renewables, Revenue Management and Operations.

Throughout her tenure at Alliant Energy, May’s ongoing leadership and initiative have energized others and delivered positive results for customers and communities.

 
Jeff Kluever

Topic: Goal Achievement

Goals. We all have them. To be promoted, to lose 10 pounds, to retire early, to be awarded "Best Lawn" by the local newspaper for the fifth consecutive year, or to simply check one thing off our task list for the day. While setting goals is important, most of us spend far too little time thinking about how to actually achieve those goals. We write our goals down and look at them forlornly as we make little or no progress day after day. In this session, participants will learn how to use a Goal Map to craft a Goal Achievement plan that guides our actions toward our simple and most audacious goals alike. We will illustrate the importance of breaking goals down into small, controllable steps, consider how to measure and monitor our progress, and discuss why it's critical to have someone who can support and challenge you along the path. Each participant will leave the session with a Goal Map for one of their goals, and a copy of the Goal Map tool they can use in their own lives.

Meet Jeff. Jeff Kluever is a writer, speaker, and educator from Des Moines, Iowa. Waking the Shadows is his first novel.

When I was in fifth grade, I wrote my first novel, titled Sherman’s Will. The story featured Detective Dominike, who, in addition to being a detective, enjoyed many of the same activities as your average 10-year-old boy – watching television, playing video games, and sleeping. Over 19 spine-tingling pages, my intrepid detective determined that the General William Tecumseh Sherman artifacts stolen from the “National Historical Society of Atlanta” were taken by a spiteful, long-lost relative of Confederate General Johnston. It’s a convoluted story, and I’m not entirely sure the plot makes sense, but it was my first foray into writing.

It took me over 25 years to write my next novel, Waking the Shadows, and I believe it a great improvement on my first work. I’ve studied the Civil War nearly my entire life, not only to increase my own knowledge, but to find ways to take that knowledge and make it relevant, meaningful, and emotionally captivating for other audiences. I studied history at Grinnell College and earned a master’s degree from Carroll University, where I examined the impact of teaching history through narrative for my thesis. As the former Education Supervisor at Pamplin Historical Park and the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier, I delivered hundreds of presentations, tours, and programs focused on slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction and poured myself into finding ways to make history real and consequential to my audience.

That quest continues in Waking the Shadows, where battlefield tactics and political maneuvers (both of which are certainly worthy of study) take a back seat the story of the emotional damage and trauma caused by the war, even years after the Confederacy’s surrender. It is that same purpose that drives me when delivering tours of Woodland Cemetery and Fort Des Moines, and I sincerely hope that anyone who reads my book or participates in one of my tours discovers their own heartfelt connection to the past.
 

Megan Black-Campion

Topic: Resiliency and the Power of Gratitude

In life, setbacks are inevitable. Whether personal or professional, obstacles can often feel like barriers preventing us from reaching our goals. But resiliency—the ability to bounce back from adversity—teaches us that these setbacks are not roadblocks, but rather arrows pointing us in the direction we are meant to go. When faced with challenges, having an attitude of gratitude can shift our perspective, helping us view difficulties as opportunities for growth rather than failures.

About Megan: SGT Megan Black-Campion grew up on a farm near Ottumwa, IA. She attended Eddyville-Blakesburg-Fremont High School, where she became the first female to qualify and place at the Iowa Boys State Wrestling Tournament.

​Following High School, SGT Black-Campion graduated from McKendree University, with a degree in Physical Education. While in college, she was a 4x All-American, 2x National Finalist, and 2018 University National Champion.

​After college, Megan joined the Colorado National Guard and competed in the Army’s World Class Athletic Program. She represented the United States in the Tour De Spain, Pan-American Championships, and World Championships.  

​Following the 2021 World Championships, Megan and her husband Zach moved back home to Iowa. Later that year, Megan was inducted into the Dan Gable Wrestling Hall of Fame. Beginning in 2022, She began coaching wrestling at William Penn University. SGT Black-Campion also accepted a recruiting assignment out of Ottumwa, IA. She enjoys changing lives everyday in Iowa Army National Guard, as well as giving back to a sport that has given her so much.

Megan and Zach now have two daughters, Leighton and Laramie, and reside on their farm in Douds, IA.

Susan Gorrell

Topic: Success Begins

As her husband's career grew in the film industry, Susan stayed home to raise their 3 kids, but once they grew and moved out, she definitely did not suffer from any empty nest syndrome, she was ready to branch out with her own creativity. Her work as a producer on Documentaries, short films and a few features led her to Dubuque, to a dream job she never even dreamt of.  Desire, hard work and loving what you do gets you where you want to be, or never expected to be. 

In 2012, Susan Gorrell attended the first annual Julien Dubuque International Film Festival (JDIFF) as a Producer representing her documentary A MILLION SPOKES, about the famous bike ride across Iowa, RAGBRAI, which received worldwide distribution and the Best of Iowa award at the festival that year.

After experiencing the beauty and excitement of Dubuque, she decided to accept a position on the JDIFF board in 2013 and in 2014 was hired as Senior Manager. In 2015 Susan was promoted to Executive Director and will be celebrating her 7th year as ED in April 2021, for a total of 9 years working with the festival. She is a strong asset to JDIFF in enriching the community and bridging cultures through the education and promotion of arts through independent film. Since her tenure, film watchers and filmmakers, from all over the world, have attended the festival and increase every year. In 2023, there were over 7,000 attendees for the 5-day event.

Susan is the Founder, President, and Producer of Oakmill Entertainment. Her family has been in the entertainment business for a total of over 50 combined years, creating strong connections with industry businesses in film and music. She is a firm believer in creating relationships that last a lifetime and are built on trust and commitment. She spent 15 years as a production/PR manager for Heartbeat Distribution, a Christian music and DVD distribution company, and was a production/stage manager for the Unity Awards for 8 years. She set up productions for the event in Washington DC, Ohio, Minnesota, Arizona, New Orleans, and Canada.

In 2016, Susan produced SUPERCON, with stars such as; John Malkovich, Clancy Brown, and Mike Epps. SUPERCON was released by Sony Pictures Entertainment in April 2018. Since then, Susan has Produced multiple features and a TV Pilot that was shot in Dubuque.

The 2024, the Julien Dubuque International Film Festival will be celebrating 13 years and Susan will be celebrating her 10th year as the Executive Director.

Steven Simmons

Steven Simmons, aka Big Steve, is a FaDSS Specialist for SIEDA Community Action in Ottumwa, IA. Steven graduated from William Penn University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in human services and sociology. Since then, he has been working in the social work field for four years providing family services in Southeastern Iowa. During the years of service, Steven assisted families with substance abuse, mental health, and personal growth. Steven has also recently become an alumni of Ottumwa Leadership Academy in 2024 and continues seeking personal growth by helping new leaders. Steven is currently a member of the 12 at 12 Luncheon Committee through the Ottumwa Legacy Foundation to help engage other leaders of the Ottumwa area. Outside of work, Steven is a proud father to four children, ages 8 through 1 year old, and has been married to his wife, Megan, for 8 years. During soccer and t-ball season, Steven is a loyal sideline coach to his two oldest children’s teams. When not with his family, Steven is actively engaged in helping coach the basketball team at Ottumwa Job Corps. Steven prides himself on seeing others succeed and watching them become a better version of themselves.

Dr. Jill Budde

Dr. Jill Budde serves as the Vice President of Learning & Engagement at Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa. Over the past four years, she has led the college’s accreditation efforts and implemented a $2.1 million Department of Education grant, which facilitated the creation of the Teaching & Learning Center at IHCC.

Previously, Jill led the college’s Health Sciences Division through significant changes and spearheaded similar initiatives in the Career and Workforce Education areas. She is an active board member of the Legacy Foundation, the 2024-25 Dean of the Ottumwa Leadership Academy, and a dedicated member of the Ottumwa Noon Lions Club. Her contributions have been recognized with the 2012 Outstanding Service Award at Indian Hills Community College, the Ottumwa Courier's Top 40 Under 40 Young Professionals in 2017, and the 2024 Barb Allison Alumni Award from the Ottumwa Leadership Academy.

Dr. Budde holds a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, and Doctor of Physical Therapy degrees from Clarke University in Dubuque. She worked as an outpatient and in-home pediatric physical therapist for over six years in northwest Wisconsin before relocating to Ottumwa in 2006 with her husband, Shawn, and their two sons, Evan and Rece. She taught in the Indian Hills PTA program for nearly four years and is passionate about helping people find their pathways to success.

Lindsay Cale

Since 2017, Lindsay has been a leader at Ottumwa Job Corps Center, moving from HR Director to Center Director in 2022. With 14 years in HR and roots in Wapello County, she combines deep expertise with a personal commitment to supporting and empowering local youth. Her transformative leadership focuses on relationship-building, workforce development, and community service, actively contributing to boards that advance youth engagement.

Paulina Ocegueda

My name is Paulina Ocegueda Gómez. Born and raised in Ottumwa, Iowa. Daughter of Mexican Immigrant parents. I am proud of my culture and Mexican heritage. At the moment I am working for Ottumwa Job Corps, my position is a Career Transition Specialist. I am also an executive member of LULAC Ottumwa, as the Youth Coordinator. My passion is to guide and help the youth to succeed and become outstanding leaders.

Aaron Putze

Topic: It’s Always Personal!

Ever heard someone say, “Oh, it’s nothing personal?” Seriously, what a statement! Everything we do is personal! Our attitude and actions impact the well-being of others. How we treat others also affects our self-worth, quality of life and contributions at the office, in our homes and throughout our communities. Recalibrate your relationship compass by doing a bit of introspection as to how you show up and nurture and sustain relationships! Making everything personal will drive greater personal fulfillment and professional success!

• Be ready to laugh, ponder and interact as Aaron takes you on a fast-paced and impactful journey to better! Along the way, you’ll…
• Gain a greater appreciation for perspective and empathy.
• Become acquainted with the attributes of five-star leaders.
• Understand the power of extending and earning trust.
• Master the transformative impact of relatability as a driver of team performance.
• Never again mistake what’s urgent with what’s important!

About Aaron Putze: From baling hay to raising livestock as a youth growing up on northwest Iowa farm, Aaron learned first-hand the importance of hard work, showing up, keeping your word and treating others with respect. Those lessons continue to serve him well as a husband, dad, volunteer, and team leader. Aaron serves as Chief Officer of Brand Management & Engagement for the Ankeny, Iowa-based Iowa Soybean Association. In this role, he’s traveled the globe – from China and Chile to Egypt and Bangladesh – promoting U.S. agriculture and sustainably produced soybeans grown by Iowa farmers. He’s also the author of two books and a popular speaker, leadership coach and strategist. Aaron earned degrees in public relations and communications from the University of Northern Iowa and a Supervisory Leadership Certificate from Drake University and is an accredited public relations professional. Aaron enjoys golfing, grilling, gardening, and spending time with family. He and his wife Crystal and children Garrett, Grant, and Jaelyn live in Waukee, Iowa. 

Kristen Christy

Topic: Unlocking the Power of YOU!

Join us for an engaging and transformative interactive workshop, where we will focus on empowering women to recognize and unlock their full potential. As we celebrate International Women's Day, a time to honor the resilience and progress of women who have fought for equality in every aspect of life, this workshop is designed to foster empathy, reframe challenges, and explore resources that support growth. We will dive into the importance of embracing your true identity—not just the roles you play—and discuss how understanding your own worth can unlock greater opportunities. We aim to uplift and inspire each participant, passing the strength and wisdom of current women leaders to future generations who will follow in their footsteps.

Kristen Christy, America's Resilience Trainer, is a dynamic international speaker, trainer, writer, and coach. Her exceptional contributions to the field of resilience have been recognized with numerous awards, including the 2018 Air Force Spouse of the Year, a 2019 Top 30 Women Military Influencer, a 2020 Remarkable Woman finalist, a 2021 Force for Change National Award winner, and a 2024 Top 25 Military Pioneer and Change-maker. She is deeply embedded in all aspects of the military community and is considered a Civic Leader in the Department of Defense.

Kristen's life has been marked by numerous challenges, but she has shown remarkable strength in the face of adversity. As a world-class athlete at age 15, she experienced a massive stroke from a brain hemorrhage that left her physically and mentally broken. Later, the suicide of her first husband after a deployment devastated her family. Both of her sons’ attempted suicides and the later disappearance of her oldest due to mental illness left Kristen with a sense of failure. Yet she drew on her resilience and H.O.P.E. (Hold On, Pain Eases) to persevere over life's brutal tests. She resonates with people from all walks of life.

Vanessa McNeal

Topic: Wired for Well-Being

Discover how to live your best life by understanding your internal operating system. Through personal stories and neuroscience insights, learn why we get stuck in limiting patterns and how to break free. Gain practical tools for managing stress, regulating emotions, and forming authentic connections - all while moving from autopilot to conscious living.

About Vanessa: Whether you're looking to reignite motivation, foster a culture of resilience, or empower your team to overcome challenges, Vanessa can provide the inspiration and expertise you need.

With her transformative talks focused on cultivating resilience, overcoming adversity, and achieving well-being, Vanessa will help your organization with actionable strategies and awesome stories to go along with it.

With a blend of warmth, humor, and vulnerability, she connects deeply with her audiences whether delivering keynotes, workshops, or seminars. Attendees leave inspired to embrace change and obstacles knowing how to unlock their full potential.

Whether she's addressing audiences at corporations, universities, or even military institutions like The National Guard and Air Force, her mission is to inspire and drive positive change.

Krista Tedrow & Diana Dominguez

Topic: Curious You

As women, we often devote our time, energy, and leadership to supporting teams, families, and communities—but when was the last time you focused on YOU? Join Krista Tedrow of Curious You and Diana Dominguez for an empowering session designed to help you reconnect with your purpose and lead with unshakable confidence and authenticity. Through reflective exercises, candid conversations, and actionable insights, you’ll explore how prioritizing your well-being, getting curious about yourself, and aligning with authenticity empowers your leadership and personal fulfillment. Join to explore how to:

-Prioritize You: Recognize that investing in yourself is the most powerful way to strengthen your leadership, relationships, and personal fulfillment.
-Lead Authentically: Embrace your unique strengths and values to lead with purpose, clarity, and confidence, creating a deeper impact in every aspect of life.
-Cultivate Resilience: Develop tools to maintain balance, navigate challenges, and show up as your best self—even when life feels overwhelming.

Diana Dominguez is a dedicated advocate for personal growth and youth empowerment. A recent graduate of Indian Hills Community College and I-Jag alumni, Diana has actively participated in numerous youth programs, laying the groundwork for future leaders to build and grow their communities. Currently, she serves as an Office Associate at Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress, an organization dedicated to the economic prosperity of Ottumwa and its surrounding areas. By sharing her personal experiences, Diana aspires to motivate others to create a lasting and meaningful impact.

Krista Tedrow is a leader, advocate, and entrepreneur passionate about fostering community development, equity, and personal growth. Based in southern Iowa, she serves as the Director of Development at Pathfinders RC&D and is the founder of two innovative businesses: Curious You, offering spiritual development services, and No Opportunity Wasted, a consulting firm that partners with nonprofits and government agencies to co-design equitable programs and policies ensuring those directly receiving services are represented. A publisher, writer, and poet under the pseudonym K. Buehler, Krista blends creativity and advocacy to transform challenges into impactful solutions, championing authenticity, joy, and connection in her work and life.

Brooklyn Hayes

Topic: Cultivating Change: Creating a Lasting Impact

In this empowering panel, attendees will gain valuable skills on how to create grief kits, the process for requesting landmark lightings, and how to write and submit proclamations. Additionally, attendees will discover how to design impactful awareness displays.

This panel will also delve into the process of writing and applying for grants, as well as the various grant opportunities that exist.

Attendees will have the chance to discover various resources focused on a variety of grief, including support for pregnancy and infant loss. Additionally, valuable information regarding local and complimentary resources will be provided.

By the end of this panel, participants will feel empowered to cultivate their own changes and inspired to make a meaningful difference and lasting impact in their communities.

Brooklyn Hayes is a passionate local advocate whose dedication to her community is both inspiring and transformative.

Having faced her own challenges, including the painful experience of two miscarriages, she understands firsthand the complexities that accompany loss and healing. Instead of allowing her experiences to define her, Brooklyn has taken her grief and transformed it into a powerful tool to empower others to confront their struggles directly. Recognizing the often-overlooked struggles that many face during times of loss, she provides valuable resources to help them navigate their unique journey of healing.

To raise awareness around these important issues, Brooklyn has spearheaded several impactful initiatives that include proclamations, lighting of landmarks, creating grief kits, and organizing the Wave of Light event. Through these efforts, she strives not only to support those affected by grief but also to inspire a sense of belonging and solidarity within the community.

Brooklyn believes in the strength and the collective power of individuals coming together. She encourages the community to find ways to help themselves while also extending a hand to those around them. Her mission is clear: to cultivate an environment where vulnerability is embraced, and healing is shared.

By encouraging dialogue and connection, she aims to create a supportive environment where everyone feels empowered to share their stories.

Her multifaceted approach to bringing change into the community emphasizes that, even in the face of grief, there is an opportunity for growth, connection, and resilience.

When she’s not advocating for positive change, Brooklyn finds joy in painting, spending quality time with her family, enjoying the outdoors, volunteering, and helping at her children’s school.

Tammy Robbins

Topic: The Power of Networking

Networking is a vital skill that can open doors to new opportunities, build meaningful relationships, and enhance both personal and professional growth. This presentation will explore why networking matters and provide practical tips on how to build and maintain a strong network, even if you're starting from scratch. Whether you're looking to advance your career, expand your influence, or simply connect with like-minded individuals, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to make networking work for you.

Tammy Robbins joined Cambridge in 2020 as Executive Vice President and Chief Business Development Officer, with over 25 years of experience in business development, recruiting, and practice management. In this role, Robbins is responsible for the executive oversight of the Business Development, Transition, Client Solutions, and Strategic Acquisitions Teams. She provides recruiting guidance and support for Cambridge's independent business managers across the country while contributing in a collaborative executive capacity to the company's overall strategy for recruiting, revenue growth, service, acquisitions, and profitability. She is actively engaged in the Cambridge Community of Women program and actively works to grow the financial services industry by bringing in the next generation of talented financial professionals. Robbins earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and marketing from Ball State University and completed the Securities Industry Institute at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. She has served on the board of directors for the Financial Planning Association, Women in Insurance and Financial Services organization, and currently sits on the NAIFA industry leadership board. She holds the FINRA Series 6 and 63 licenses.