Speakers

Randy’s career has involved broadcasting, telecommunications, higher education, church leadership and public corporation leadership. He finished his formal education in 1982 with a Ph.D. in higher education leadership but has never stopped learning. Most recently, Randy worked with Leadership Lincoln, serves on the Lincoln Foundry Intern Advisory Panel for Nebraska, is a past president of Rotary 14, was the original licensee of TEDxLincoln, and founding partner of the Nebraska Storytelling Festival.

Of personal note Randy’s been married to Jan for 57 years, they raised 3 sons, celebrated the birth of 15 grandchildren and now are enjoying 11 GREAT grandchildren. He continues to teach at Nebraska Wesleyan, serves on the University of Nebraska President’s Advisory Council and is a member of the board of Junior Achievement of Lincoln. For an old guy, Randy is considered technologically advanced and connected. He’s active on Threads, Instagram, Bluesky, Facebook, Linkedin, Be Real, and a variety of other services. Some fun things about Randy are that he’s been in all 50 states, participated in a week-long rafting trip through the Grand Canyon and he regularly connects online with friends from the TEDx world.

My name is Emily Briones, and I am the Volunteer Recruitment Manager at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands (BBBSM). Our organization is dedicated to igniting the potential in our youth by fostering one-to-one mentoring relationships. Having recently graduated from Pomona College with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Science, I have only been with BSM for over three months; it's been amazing so far! I am excited to continue expanding the range of youth we serve, as mentorship holds an important spot in my heart. Outside of work, I am also an Ambassador for Matriculate, a college access program. 

With a background in pediatric nursing Amy has seen firsthand what a child and their family goes through when diagnosed with a life threatening condition. This became a reality for her family when her niece, Gabby, was diagnosed with cancer at age 5. Gabby's determination and kind, giving spirit spilled over into her wish to bring a Bag of Fun to every child fighting a battle. It is Amy's wish to bring Bags of Fun to the Omaha area and continue spreading the joy and love that Gabby would have wanted. It is in Gabby's spirit that they bring happiness wrapped up in a backpack to those children going through a really tough time in a world where just being a kid and playing is their job! It is with great honor that the Krause family is able to bring this foundation to the Omaha area and they are extremely grateful for the opportunity to provide joy to children living with a life threatening illness.