Josh Sundquist is a motivational speaker, comedian and bestselling author who has shared his story with audiences across the world, ranging from schools to the White House to Fortune 50 companies like Facebook, Walmart, Apple, Spotify, Google, CVS and General Motors. Josh is an in-demand keynote speaker for groups of sales people, educators, student leaders, and health professionals.

At age nine, Josh was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer and given a fifty percent chance to live. He spent a year on chemotherapy treatments and his left leg was amputated. Doctors declared Josh cured of the disease at age thirteen and he took up ski racing three years later.

Josh trained for the next five years and in 2006 he was named to the US Paralympic Ski Team for The Paralympic Games in Turino, Italy. Today, Josh represents the United States in international competition as a member of the U.S. Amputee Soccer Team.

On the internet, Josh is best known for his viral photos, especially his Halloween costumes. His videos have been viewed over 1 billion times and he has over four million followers.

Josh’s first memoir, Just Don’t Fall, was a National Bestseller and his second memoir We Should Hang Out Sometime was optioned for movie rights by a division of Disney. His debut novel Love and First Sight was published in 2017 and fourth book, Semi-Famous was released in 2022. He is also an executive producer and writer on the television series, Best Foot Forward on Apple TV+. The series is inspired by his childhood.

Teresa Mardesen, the executive director of SHARE Omaha, is a connector working to enhance the greater good. Her community development initiatives are personally driven, whole-hearted and deeply impactful. At Farm Credit, Teresa created an employee volunteer program with the annual equivalent of 18 annual FTE’s, drove $8.6 million by delivering 3,400+ community grants, 100,000+ community volunteer hours over ten years, and $800,000+ in employee donation match dollars. She co-founded Biz4Good to increase community engagement and share programs with corporate peers. Now there are 72 companies actively involved in employee engagement, defined giving pillars, donations, volunteering and measurable corporate social responsibility impact. Recently, Teresa received the 2023 Women on a Mission Legacy Gala Award for her work in advancing pay equity.

Tori Pedersen serves as Training and Recruitment Coordinator with TeamMates Mentoring Program. In her role, she recruits and trains new mentors to develop their mentoring skills and establish strong relationships with their mentees. Tori has a Bachelor of Science in Leadership Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. With 4 years of experience with CliftonStrengths and 1 year as a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach, Tori uses strengths-based psychology to coach others in recognizing and leveraging their potential.

CEO & Founder, DAL Education & Care Solutions

Dr. DérNecia Phillips is an educational leader, activist, and poet who champions equity, education, and community. With almost 20 years of experience as a teacher, principal, and principal coach, she holds advanced degrees from Creighton University and the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where she earned her superintendent endorsement and doctorate in Educational Leadership. Dr. Phillips founded DAL Education & Care Solutions, which provides consultation, coaching, leadership development, strategic planning, speaking services and professional mentorship.

Founder, Goldenrod Anecdotalist Society

Jennifer is an Omaha based storyteller, theatre artist, and engagement professional. She holds a MFA in theatrical design from the University of Georgia, and a MPA in nonprofit management from UNO. She is the founder of the Goldenrod Anecdotalist Society, a community based storytelling collective. She has trained with the Moth Radio Hour and has performed as a teller at The Nebraska Storytelling Festival, Stories of O, and at the Swapping Grounds at the National Storytelling Festical in Jonesborough, Tennessee.

Jessyca Vandercoy, LICSW has spent the last 20 years in various roles as a social worker, administrator, clinician, educator, and policy advocate. Jessyca values instigating personal growth opportunities that result in service excellence, employee wellness and ethical leadership. Jessyca welcomes the challenge of dismantling what is not working and creatively and collaboratively building something new. Jessyca has a mission-driven spirit and bounds of creative energy that generate solutions.

Amber has 11+ years of experience in Talent Development. No matter the industry, she implements a culture of learning wherever she goes. Currently, she is the Founder/CEO of Radical Learning. Amber is a builder and a collaborator at heart who combines humor and creativity with vulnerability and a bias for action. Through a mix of interactive exercises and inspiring stories of trials and failures, Amber will challenge the audience to embrace new ideas. Amber was recognized as an Emerging Training Leader by Training Magazine, 2019 and earned a Stevie Award for Sales Training/Coaching Program of the Year in 2020 and Excellence in Learning Leadership by ATD in 2024.

Alicia Webber, LICSW has spent the last ten years in various roles as a social worker, administrator, therapist, and business owner. She has experience building and leading teams through high intensity, crisis work. Alicia’s leadership approach is effective at reducing employee resistance for change and increase staff confidence, skills and job satisfaction. Alicia has experience in developing standards of operation that result in outcome excellence.

Tracy Winkler is not just familiar with change; she champions it. With roots deeply embedded in entrepreneurial soil, as a third-generation entrepreneur, Tracy’s journey spanning over 30 years is rich with experience in executive management, business ownership, coaching, consulting and speaking. She’s the heart and soul behind Elevate Growth Leadership Coaching, a testament to her relentless drive and commitment. From witnessing the ebbs and flows of her family businesses to owning and navigating multiple ventures herself, Tracy’s perspective on business is holistic. Tracy is more than a business leader; she’s a motivational powerhouse. Drawing from these experiences, she has honed her ability to identify core issues, pivot swiftly, and steer professionals and businesses toward transformative success. As a dedicated change agent, experienced consultant, and executive business coach, Tracy helps you marry smart business systems with people-first practices to create breakthroughs and accelerate growth. Tracy’s energy-infused approach combines radically candid conversations with actionable strategies. Her mission? To cultivate resilience, enhance productivity, and inspire breakthroughs for both individuals and organizations.

Do I have to be a Young Professional to attend?
No, it’s a mindset. We are an inclusive event for all ages and don’t card at the door.

Is there a lactation/mother’s room?
Yes, CHI Health Center has a Lactation Pod on the first floor attendees can use!

What is the dress code?
Business, business casual or causal. Come in what you are comfortable wearing!

What is the seating arrangement?
During general sessions, there will be round table seating.

• If your company is a sponsor, your table will be reserved. Check out the floorplans on the day of the event – find your company’s name and assigned table number. This will be your company’s assigned row throughout the day. Not sure if your company is a sponsor? Check with the individual who purchased your ticket to find out.
• If you purchased a single ticket, you will sit in open seating. Find tables marked open seating. These seats are first come, first serve and you may not have the same seat all day.
• If you purchased a VIP ticket, your seat will be reserved. Check out the floorplan on the day of the event and find the VIP tables.

During breakout sessions, there will be theater style seating. No seats will be reserved and it is on a first come, first serve basis.

Are there special lunch options? (Vegen, Gluten-Free, etc.)
Yes, select your meal preference during registration. If you have special dietary restrictions, let us know when registering. We will accommodate your request to the best of our ability.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the venue is accessible to disabled patrons, as required by the ADA and applicable regulations.

Do you offer sign language accommodations?
Yes, we will accommodate your request to the best of our ability. When registering, make sure to submit your accommodation request with your attendee information.

What should I bring?
Notebook, pen and business cards.

Do you offer scholarships?
Yes, scholarships are available. Applications are closed for 2024.

Can I register for just part of the day?
No, YP Summit only offers full-day tickets.

Can I register/pay the day of?
No.