The Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce’s Generation Next program recently wrapped up its 2026 cohort with a group of 39 young professionals from a variety of businesses and non-profits in the area.
According to program organizer, James Porter, vice president of Small & Minority Business at the Chamber: “This year, the Impact Challenge was introduced to provide additional framework to support participants’ growth. This included asking them to choose one of three ways to make an impact: through donation, volunteerism or acts of service,” he said.
The goal of the program is to give participants an understanding of community service, board governance, roles of elected officials and the significance of volunteerism as it relates to career ascension.
“Through workshops, panel discussions, networking opportunities and more, Generation Next is empowering rising professionals to become active leaders in the Quad Cities community, while deepening their understanding of what makes the Quad Cities so unique,” according to information from the Chamber.
Go here for more on the program.
“Generation Next gives you exposure to different sectors, community issues and leadership perspectives that you may not otherwise encounter in your day-to-day role,” said participant Alan Silas of MetroLINK. “I think it helps make the region feel more connected. You meet people who are working on different pieces of the same larger community puzzle, and that perspective is valuable. For anyone who wants to be more engaged locally, professionally or civically, the cohort is a strong starting point.”
“I would recommend this cohort to any young professional who is looking to grow and develop beyond the four walls of their office,” said Tony Holland, Melody of Hope Advocacy Center. “This cohort followed a process that forced change, adaptation and engagement at all levels, and the genuine networking was truly unmatched in other training sessions.”
Participants included:
- Amanda Bertolozzi, MindFire Communications
- Jakob Boley, Choreo, LLC
- Donte Blanchard, Choreo, LLC
- Jousha Blount, Augustana College
- Nick Cave, LRS (Lakeshore Recycling Systems)
- Josie Comeaux, IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union
- Wade Conner, Wade’s Property Services
- Ashley Dekarske, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith a Bank of America Company
- Michele DeLathower, Deere & Company
- Catherine Dittmer, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith a Bank of America Company
- Kelli Duran, MercyOne Genesis Health System
- Kiel Engstrom, TeamLogic IT, Moline
- Josh Fleming, Echelon Risk + Cyber
- Rachel Forman, Ascentra Credit Union
- Michaela Gryzlo, Quad Cities Community Foundation
- Tony Holland, Melody of Hope Advocacy Center
- Ashley Horberg, Blackhawk Bank & Trust
- Shantel Jackson, Quad City Bank & Trust Company
- Chad Kraklio, Morgan Stanley Davenport Branch
- Vivian Le, RIA Federal Credit Union
- Kaela Matt, Empeople Credit Union
- Steven McConnell, St. Ambrose University
- Kimmi Miller, Quad City Bank & Trust Company
- Joshua Myers, Myers Martial Arts Academy LLC
- Michael Possin, Deloitte LLP
- Jerry Rodriguez, Shive-Hattery, Inc.
- Julia Rodriguez, QCR Holdings, Inc.
- Morgan Santee, RIA Federal Credit Union
- Katie Schroeder, Deere & Company
- Erica Schroeder-Cerda, LivWell Seniors
- Landon Seibert, ABC Supply Company, Inc.
- Alan Silas, MetroLINK
- Jessica Skiles, Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce
- Clare Tobin, German American Heritage Center
- Makenzie Thompson, Rock River Electric Inc.
- Erron Vandemore, Russell
- Sarah Wallace, ACCESS Community Health
- Olivia Warren, Origin Design
- Cami Zucker, Lane & Waterman LLP
The next cohort will begin in February 2027, with registration open this fall. Each cohort is limited to 40 individuals and meets once per month for four months.
