Foundry Events on the Horizon: Highlighting Student Voices, Building Connections, and Purpose-Driven Work in Nebraska

This fall, the Foundry is bringing together students, professionals, nonprofits and community leaders for two events centered on a shared vision: creating a Nebraska where young people feel connected, valued and inspired to build their futures locally. 

The first event, Healing Nebraska: Talent Meets Need, will take place on Thursday, August 27, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Willa Cather Dining Center’s Red Cloud Room on UNL’s campus. Hosted in partnership with organizations including NAMI Nebraska, Community Alliance, CenterPointe, Mid-Plains and sponsored by UNMC’s Behavioral Health Education Center of Nebraska, the event will explore one of Nebraska’s most pressing challenges: strengthening the future of mental health research, access and advocacy. 

Healing Nebraska sets out to tackle these challenges by highlighting the emerging talent of students and our Summer Intern Foundry, while connecting them to local professionals and opportunities. Facilitating these connections will provide exposure to the depth of behavioral health careers, allow for the sharing of meaningful stories and bolster the workforce pipeline of future Nebraska. 

Just weeks later, the Foundry will host its third annual Nebraska Trailblazers Breakfast on Sept. 11, at DelRay 817 in Lincoln’s Haymarket District. This event will bring together a targeted 100 young professionals and 100 employers, to sit together at intentionally designed tables. Through facilitated conversations, students and businesses will exchange perspectives on transferable skills, Nebraska's professional landscape and attractive workplace attributes. Connections and insights shared at these tables will help build and retain emerging talent. 

This year’s breakfast will center on the theme of brain science and human-centered work, exploring how workplaces can cultivate a more supportive, research-backed culture. Keynote Dr. Kylie Ensrud, Co-Founder, President, and Chief HR Officer of Humanized HR, will challenge traditional workplace models centered on control and productivity, instead highlighting leadership approaches rooted in autonomy, wellbeing, adaptability and connection. Feedback from past participants consistently highlights how impactful it is to experience Lincoln’s close-knit professional community firsthand. 

Both events are designed to give students a seat at the table and amplify their voices. Not only are these events centered around students, but they are also planned and executed by students. By fostering all-around visibility and highlighting purpose-driven opportunities, Healing Nebraska: Talent Meets Need and Nebraska Trailblazers Breakfast are helping plant the seeds for a stronger, more connected future workforce across Nebraska. 

For more information or any questions, please see the Foundry’s website thefoundry.co or email hello@thefoundry.co.