ICAN

The Institute for Career Advancement Needs, Inc.

(ICAN) is a non-profit leadership development organization whose mission is to develop inspired and authentic leaders to transform the organizations and communities they serve.

09/02/2026

🌱 Build resilience. Practice gratitude. Strengthen your impact.

In today’s fast-changing workplace, resilience isn’t just a personal skill—it’s an essential leadership and team capability.

Join Laura Roccaforte for the Resilience & Gratitude Learning Burst on September 23, 2026, and discover how to:

✨ Understand the key attributes of resilient people and teams
✨ Explore the powerful connection between gratitude and resilience
✨ Experience the benefits of resilience and gratitude in the workplace
✨ Put gratitude into practice through an incredible activity with someone essential in your life

Walk away with practical insights—and a meaningful reminder that resilience can be strengthened, relationships can be deepened, and gratitude can make a difference.

📅 September 23, 2026
⏱️ 10:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. via Zoom

Ready to grow your resilience and lead with gratitude?

Learn More + Register: https://icanleaders.org/programs/learning-bursts/

08/17/2026

Registration is NOW OPEN for ICAN’s 7x7x7!

Get ready for an energizing evening of 7 speakers. 7 minutes. 7 thought-provoking topics.

Join us October 28 in Omaha for fresh ideas, meaningful dialogue, networking, drinks and appetizers—and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow leaders and business professionals.

Hear from seven local leaders as they share insights on leadership, business and community growth, then dive deeper during interactive Circle Conversations.

Your 2026 7x7x7 Speaker Line Up:
Ennis Anderson – CEO | Lauritzen Gardens
Jamie Gutierrez– CEO | Midwest Maintenance
Dan Kinsella – NE Managing Partner | Deloitte
Madeline Moyer – SVP | Security National Bank
Dr. Carole Patrick – President/CEO | VNA
David Roth – CEO | Omaha Airport Authority
Sherie Thomas – Executive Deputy Chief | Omaha Police Department

📅 October 28, 2026
📍Creighton University
🎟️ Register yourself or a block of 10! Sponsorships are also available.

Don’t miss this high-energy ICAN experience. Get your tickets today!

Learn More + Register here: https://icanleaders.org/events/7x7x7/

08/06/2026

Leadership doesn't happen by chance—it happens through intentional growth.

If developing stronger leaders is a priority for you or your organization, now is the time to act. The August 12 registration deadline is approaching for two impactful ICAN leadership development opportunities:

🔹 Defining Leadership – ICAN's flagship 4-month immersive leadership program designed to build self-awareness, emotional intelligence, communication, and leadership agility.

🔹 Learning Bursts - the next virtual Learning Burst - Discover Your Gifts on August 19, helping leaders better understand their strengths, work styles, and how to maximize team performance.

Whether you're investing in your own growth or developing high-potential talent within your organization, these programs provide practical tools, meaningful connections, and lasting impact.

📅 Registration closes August 12.

Learn more:
• Defining Leadership: https://icanleaders.org/programs/defining-leadership/
• Learning Bursts: https://icanleaders.org/programs/learning-bursts/

08/04/2026

⏰ Today's the deadline! Don't miss this special opportunity to get an early copy of ICAN Women's Leadership Conference Speaker - Michelle Gielan's new book, and discover the power of Resilient Optimism.

Learn practical strategies to stay resilient, lead with confidence, and turn challenges into opportunities—all grounded in the science of positive psychology. Then come back and discuss in two virtual sessions with Michelle and the ICAN Community.

Learn More + Register before the deadline ends today! https://michellegielan.com/ican-resilient-optimism/

08/03/2026

✨ The ICAN Honor a Leader Campaign is OPEN! ✨

Leadership changes lives—and now is your chance to recognize someone who has changed yours.

Has a mentor, colleague, educator, healthcare worker, volunteer, family member, or friend inspired you to grow, lead, or make a difference? Honor them through ICAN's Honor a Leader campaign.

With a donation of $50 or more, your honoree will be recognized throughout the year on ICAN's website, in quarterly social media and email features, and at the 2027 ICAN Women's Leadership Conference, where thousands will join in celebrating their impact. Your honoree will also receive a special notification letting them know they were recognized in their honor.

Learn more and submit your honoree: https://bit.ly/4fQEjOW

07/31/2026

Special Opportunity for ICAN Conference Attendees!

If you were inspired by Michelle Gielan's keynote at the ICAN Women's Leadership Conference, this exclusive opportunity is for you.

We're partnering with Michelle Gielan to give our conference attendees early access to her upcoming book, Resilient Optimism, before it's released this September.

When you participate, you'll receive:
✨ An advance digital copy of Resilient Optimism
✨ The brand-new Resilient Optimism Assessment and your personalized profile
✨ Two live, interactive sessions with Michelle and the ICAN community on August 27 and September 10 at 12:00 p.m. CT

Together, you'll explore the five behaviors of resilient optimism, discover your personal strengths, and learn practical strategies you can apply immediately in your leadership and life.

To participate, preorder the hardcover on Amazon and register by Tuesday, August 4.

Don't miss this exclusive opportunity created just for ICAN Conference attendees!

Learn more and register: https://lnkd.in/gzRrmxat

07/30/2026

At ICAN, we believe leaders are anyone who makes a difference, and we celebrate the leaders who inspire us every day. Through ICAN's Honor a Leader campaign, we recognize those who make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

Join us in celebrating our incredible 2026 Honorees:

Maxwell Ambris – Pastor, Fort Street Church of Christ
Kimberly Barnes – Executive Director, CASA for Douglas County
Wayne Brown – President, NorthStar
Tracy Crowell – Director, HR Business Partners & Recruiting, WoodmenLife
Linda Cunningham – Assistant Vice Chancellor and Executive Director, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Erin Dailey
Marsha Graesser – Director, Talent Development & Culture, WoodmenLife
Brenda Hampton – Hopper Operations Manager, H&M Trucking
Mary Harper – President, WeBuildNebraska PAC, LLC
Betty Harris – Past SVP Human Resources, Immanuel (Posthumously Honored)
Gretchen Harvey – President, Omaha Downtown Rotary
Sarah Herzog – Founding Member of WOW, formerly Ardent Mills
Giovanni Jones – Manager, Employee Learning and Development, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Patricia Kearns – Vice President of Construction and Capital Planning, Immanuel
Dr. Gina Ligon – NCITE, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Denise McCauley – President & CEO, WoodmenLife
Shannon Melton – Chief Operating Officer, Ignite Nebraska
Pam Mortenson – Vice President, Strategic Planning Officer, WoodmenLife
December Muhammad – Director of Employment Services, RISE
Yawah Nicholson – Director, Transplant Quality and Performance Excellence
Mehgan Nolan – 5th Grade Teacher, Minne Lusa Elementary, Omaha Public Schools
Michael O'Bradovich – Presbytery of Missouri River Valley
Renee Rafferty – SVP Behavioral Health & Wellness, Children's Nebraska
Lisa Roskens – CEO, Burlington Capital
John Sharp – Senior Vice President & General Counsel, WoodmenLife
Ashlei Spivey – Executive Director, IBBG
Yvonnda Summers – Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Creighton University School of Law
Allie Tobin – Training and Development Leader, Ghirardelli
Kirsten Treadwell – Senior Director, Event Operations and Technology, SHRM
Aileen Warren – President & CEO, ICAN
Thomas Warren – Chief of Staff, Mayor's Office, City of Omaha
Joni Wheeler
Dr. Sherman P. Willis – State Farm
Mike Yanney – Businessman and Philanthropist, Burlington Capital (Posthumously Honored)

Thank you for leading with courage, compassion, and purpose. Your influence creates stronger workplaces, communities, and futures.

Know someone who deserves to be recognized next? Stay tuned for the 2026-2027 Honor a Leader campaign which will open on August 3.

07/22/2026

Don't miss your chance to revisit your favorite moments from the 2026 ICAN Women's Leadership Conference!

🎥 Conference recordings are available through Friday, July 24 for all Conference Attendees—the perfect opportunity to catch a session you missed or rewatch a keynote that inspired you.

While you're there, be sure to explore the Continuing the Conversation Toolkit—a valuable resource filled with practical tools, reflection questions, and shareable resources to help extend your conference learning and bring new ideas back to your team.

Access the recordings via the link to the Event Hub in your post-conference email before the deadline, and make the most of your conference experience!

07/13/2026

Did you know we have merch for sale?! 🎉

Now you do! Whether you're looking for a cozy hoodie, a comfy t-shirt, a coffee mug, or other ICAN swag, our merchandise store is a great way to show your support while sporting the ICAN mission.

Every purchase helps spread awareness of our work and supports our commitment to developing leaders, strengthening organizations, and building thriving communities.

Ready to rep ICAN? Check out the store and find your new favorite item!

🛍️ Shop now: https://www.bonfire.com/store/ican/

07/09/2026

✨ Registration Deadline Extended to July 10! ✨

Jump into your leadership journey with the first Learning Burst on July 15: Clarifying Your Values.

Strong leadership begins with knowing what matters most. In this interactive session, you'll explore your core values, discover how they influence your decisions and leadership style, and learn how leading with clarity and purpose creates stronger teams and organizations.

📅 Session: July 15 – Clarifying Your Values
⏰ Registration Deadline: Extended to July 10
👥 Bring Your Team! Groups of 10 or more receive 20% off registration.

Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned professional, this Learning Burst will provide practical tools to help you lead with greater confidence, authenticity, and impact.

Secure your spot today: https://icanleaders.org/programs/learning-bursts/

Address

3738 South 149th Street, Suite 107
Omaha, NE
68144

Telephone

+14023920746

Website

https://icanleaders.org/

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