This fall, College Possible Omaha hosted another series of Mission Possible Career Panels at eight partner high schools, bringing volunteers in to share their experiences and career journeys. Throughout October and November, more than 500 students engaged with professionals representing a wide range of fields, including architecture, communications, business, higher education, law, and more.
One of the highlights of this year’s panels was the strong presence of high school alumni returning to speak with current students. At Papillion La Vista, Katie Krzemien—a former Papillion student as well as both a College Possible and AmeriCorps alum—joined the panel to share her experiences and give students a look at how a fellow Monarch has navigated life after high school. Ralston High School also welcomed several alumni, creating meaningful moments as students connected with professionals who once sat in the same classrooms.
At Ralston, students also had a memorable experience with Kevin Meyer, an architectural designer at Holland Basham. Kevin shared a rendering from a project currently underway in the Ralston community, offering students a look at how architectural ideas become real buildings they’ll soon see in their own neighborhood.
This fall, we also strengthened our community partnerships by introducing students to the Siembra Nebraska Internship Program, which offers paid opportunities in five sectors at over 30 businesses throughout the Omaha metro. Representatives from Siembra attended our career panels and hosted an information table where students could ask questions and learn more about the multitude of internship positions available locally.
Volunteers and Their Impact
Volunteers from this year’s series of Mission Possible Career Panels represent organizations including, but not limited to:
- 402 Social
- AuctusIQ
- College of Saint Mary
- Conagra
- Cox Communications
- Creighton University
- Financial Beginnings
- Great Plains Communications
- Greater Omaha Chamber
- Koenig | Dunne
- Metropolitan Community College
- Mutual of Omaha
- Nebraska Legal Group
- Sarpy County Government
- The Patience Project, LLC
- University of Nebraska Omaha
- Urban League
Their reasons for participating reflect the support and encouragement our community continues to show students:
Erissa Ceballos, Cox Communications: “I chose to volunteer because I want to help guide students as they think about their futures. Even a short conversation can spark confidence or curiosity.”
Zoia Morrow, Great Plains Communications: “I volunteered again this year because I truly enjoy connecting with students. They always bring thoughtful, engaging questions, and it’s inspiring to hear what they’re interested in and where they hope to go.”
Ana Diaz-Orozco, University of Nebraska Omaha: “I believe in College Possible’s mission to expand educational opportunities and support students on their path to higher education.”
Katie Krzemien, AuctusIQ: “I chose to volunteer with College Possible because, as a former student and coach of the program, I am deeply invested in their mission.”
Merrick Brtek, Greater Omaha Chamber: “It is important to share time and knowledge with youth to make sure they have the best opportunities for bright futures. Hopefully what we share from our experiences emboldens them to strive for purposeful and fulfilling roles throughout their career journeys.”
Haylee Cielocha, 402 Social: “I volunteered to help students who are exploring different career paths and to give them the confidence to pursue what feels right for them.”
Continuing a Strong Tradition
Each year, our Mission Possible Career Panels offer students space to ask questions, build connections, and hear real stories from professionals in our community. We’re grateful for every volunteer, partner school, and student who helped make this year’s panels a successful series.
