Pecha Kucha Panel

 Pecha Kucha, meaning "chit-chat" in Japanese, is a unique fast paced style of presentation. 

​Diana M. Tedrow "Mission Moments" 

Diana M. Tedrow is a Learning & Development Director at Cox Communications, where she leads enterprise learning strategy and performance initiatives that strengthen leadership capability, accelerate sales effectiveness, and enable strategic transformation across the organization. With more than 20 years of experience spanning sales leadership, enablement, and talent development, Diana designs scalable learning ecosystems that combine human-centered design, performance consulting, and emerging technologies including applied AI to drive measurable business impact.
She holds a Master’s degree in Adult Learning, Performance & Development/Leadership and is a Certified Facilitator with the LUMA Institute, specializing in human-centered design and problem solving for complex business challenges.
Diana is passionate about developing leaders and helping organizations translate learning into performance. She also serves on the Special Olympics Nebraska Board, where she supports initiatives that empower athletes and strengthen communities.
 

dr. AnnMarie Marlier: "whats the why of your story"

Dr. AnnMarie Marlier joined our team in 2022 as the VP of Leadership Development and now has served as the Executive Director since 2023. She has over 20 years' experience as an accomplished leader, administrator, talent developer, program/ curriculum developer, and teacher/ facilitator in face-to-face, hybrid, blended, and e-learning modalities for post-secondary, not-for-profit, and corporate organizations.
AnnMarie is a graduate of Leadership Nebraska and serves as a volunteer for several organizations including as a member of the Board of Directors of the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative.  She is also the current President of Omaha Network, a women’s networking group for senior level female leaders.  
She has a doctorate in Urban Education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a minor in Business Administration. AnnMarie also holds a Master of Education degree in Adult Education from Carroll University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Communications, Media, & Theatre from St. Norbert College.
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Josh Planos, APR:"Creating trust through storytelling"

Josh Planos serves as the Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Public Relations for the Better Business Bureau of the Midwest Plains and as an adjunct lecturer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Josh is Accredited in Public Relations and serves as the Accreditation and Ethics Chair of PRSA Nebraska. He is an alumnus of Creighton’s Heider College of Business MBA program. At BBB, Josh oversees all external and internal communications efforts.
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Hannah Bolte, MBA: "Transparency and the Story Behind the Story"

Hannah Bolte leads the Community, Communications and Marketing functions at Lozier Corporation, the leading manufacturer of products used by retailers in stores and warehouses around the world. In her role, she connects the dots between people and culture, communications, community and marketing with an employee-centric approach to the Lozier experience, both internally and externally.
Bolte has been with Lozier since 2021, having previously worked in the communications and public relations space for Fortune 500 and Fortune 150 companies and privately held businesses. She prides herself on bringing an authentic, unique approach to business, having begun her professional career as a television reporter. Bolte holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa, and a Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis in Marketing from Bellevue University in Nebraska. She is heavily involved in promoting the manufacturing industry as the chair of the board for Nebraska’s Women in Manufacturing Chapter and serves as the Manufacturing Council Chair for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.

Breakouts

Josefina Loza: "The Audience You Want to Reach, and the One(s) You Don't"

Knowing your audience is critical in storytelling.  Telling the wrong story to the wrong audience can shatter trust and credibility. Sometimes the story must be widely told, and sometimes only to a limited group.  Explore the ethical questions storytellers need to ask themselves before telling a story.  

Josefina Loza founded Lozafina, a branding, marketing, and public relations firm based in Omaha, Neb., delivering communication strategy, brand messaging, media relations, social media marketing, and multimedia storytelling for mission-driven organizations.
An award-winning CEO, SBA-Certified WOSB leader, and INC. Magazine–verified industry standout, Loza is known for connecting brands with people through powerful, community-centered storytelling.
A 2024 inductee into the Omaha Press Club’s Journalists of Excellence Hall of Fame and PRSA Nebraska Newcomer of the Year, she brings more than 25 years of journalism experience, with national features including ABC’s Tamron Hall Show and the Associated Press.
Loza serves on multiple community boards and is a champion for economic equity and leadership development. A founder, ghostwriter, and co-author of Resilience in Words, she is widely recognized as one of Omaha’s most influential Latinas in media and a true force in strategic communications.

​VAN DEEB: "TAKING THE HIGH ROAD IN STORYTELLING"   

Telling stories with a positive focus creates a motivating bond between storyteller and client.  What happens when the story being told includes negativity?  Is too much positivity covering up something?  Is negativeity really needed?  Finally, what is the impact of an unbalanced story on the client? 
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Van Deeb is a highly accomplished and passionate figure in the real estate industry. With a remarkable track record of over 100 awards for his sales and leadership skills, he has earned a reputation for excellence. Van began his career in 1983, working diligently as an agent for various brokerage firms. In 1993, he took a leap of faith and founded Deeb Re​alty from his basement, starting with just himself as the sole employee. Through his unwavering dedication and expertise, he grew the company into a powerhouse with over 350 agents, gaining recognition as one of the largest independent real estate firms nationwide. In 2015, the company underwent a transformation and rebranded as Nebraska Realty. Van will be talking about 

dr. Hamza Haqqi: "When Should Others Tell Your Story For You"

Testimonials and data can tell a persuasive story, but they can also be manipulated.  Learn how one software company puts the focus on gathering testimonials and data ethically so you can tell your story authentically.
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Dr. Hamza Haqqi joined the Business Ethics Alliance in December 2024 as the Director of Educational Programs and Events. He brings a wealth of experience in curriculum development, program design, and grant writing, cultivated through his work in nonprofit organizations as a consultant in the Omaha community. Hamza is a dedicated advocate for mindfulness, motivation, and holistic education, leveraging his expertise to empower communities through innovative learning initiatives and strategic outreach.
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josh gear: "telling a story without words" 

Josh Gear knew he’d be a storyteller from an early age. Starting in small town radio and community television, he built his abilities as a news broadcaster in Omaha, learning all aspects of production and communication. Schooled at Iowa Western Community College and the University of Nebraska-Omaha, he coached and developed dozens of journalists throughout his news career, receiving regional and national awards and recognition for his efforts. Transitioning to marketing in 2022 at Omaha’s Lozier Corporation, Josh uses his studious lessons in storytelling to connect with customers, businesses and operations in manufacturing, material logistics and community engagement.
 
Josh Gear knew he’d be a storyteller from an early age. Starting in small town radio and community television, he built his abilities as a news broadcaster in Omaha, learning all aspects of production and communication. Schooled at Iowa Western Community College and the University of Nebraska-Omaha, he coached and developed dozens of journalists throughout his news career, receiving regional and national awards and recognition for his efforts. Transitioning to marketing in 2022 at Omaha’s Lozier Corporation, Josh uses his studious lessons in storytelling to connect with customers, businesses and operations in manufacturing, material logistics and community engagement.