Global Builders Network from The Clifton Foundation

Global Builders Network from The Clifton Foundation Students who successfully complete a Builders program graduate into the Global Builder Alumni Networ

Calling all Clifton Builders, CSI Mavericks, and Global Alumni network members from Nebraska to Mexico City, Colombia, a...
06/09/2026

Calling all Clifton Builders, CSI Mavericks, and Global Alumni network members from Nebraska to Mexico City, Colombia, and beyond! 🌍

The countdown to our biggest event of 2026 has officially begun. We are bringing our global community together under one roof for a day dedicated to maximizing our collective strengths, sparking massive innovation, and charting the future of entrepreneurship.

📍 Where: Gallup Campus – Omaha, Nebraska

🗓️ When: Friday, September 18th, 2026

What’s on the Agenda?
💡 Masterclass Learning: Level up your leadership and strategic mindset with sessions led by top-tier industry experts and Gallup advisors.

🤝 High-Impact Networking: Connect face-to-face with fellow Builders and alumni from different generations and countries. Your next co-founder, mentor, or investor might just be sitting next to you.

🏆 The Annual Pitch Competition: Got a game-changing business idea? Step up to the mic. We are handing out major cash prizes for the top 3 spots.

Whether you graduated from the Clifton Strengths Institute (CSI) at UNL, joined us through the transformative programs in Mexico, or sparked disruption with Disruptores LAB in Colombia—this is your community. This is your launchpad.

"Your strengths are your greatest leverage. The Builder Summit is where you learn how to deploy them globally."

What happens when you combine a background in Law and Political Science with an unstoppable entrepreneurial drive? Meet ...
06/09/2026

What happens when you combine a background in Law and Political Science with an unstoppable entrepreneurial drive? Meet Valeria Martínez Arcila, a standout member of our Global Builder Alumni Network from Medellin, Colombia! 🇨🇴

As a 2022 cohort graduate of Disruptores LAB—our incredible joint initiative with COMFAMA and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)—Valeria Martínez is the perfect example of what happens when young leaders discover and deploy their natural talents.

The Impact of the Network
Currently studying Law and Political Science at UPB Medellín, Martínez credits her time in the program with shifting her perspective and expanding her horizons.

"The program helped me strengthen my leadership qualities, introduced me to wonderful people I currently work with today, and pushed me to become a person who is truly connected to the world."

The Venture: Ritaglia 🩰
Valeria Martínez didn't just stop at learning; she started building. She is the founder of Ritaglia, an innovative startup dedicated to the manufacturing of specialized apparel and dancewear for dancers. By leveraging her refined leadership skills and the network she built through Disruptores LAB, she is turning a creative passion into a thriving business.

Building the Future in 2026
Valeria Martínez’s journey highlights exactly why the Clifton Foundation invests in global talent. Whether in Nebraska, Mexico City, or Medellín, our mission is to empower the next generation of builders to change their industries.

With our 3rd Annual Builder Summit coming up in Omaha, Nebraska, later this year, it’s stories like Martínez’s that remind us of the power of a connected, global community.

Join us in celebrating Martínez’s success in the comments below! 👇

We are thrilled to welcome this dynamic group of change-makers and innovators to our global community. Swipe through to ...
05/23/2026

We are thrilled to welcome this dynamic group of change-makers and innovators to our global community. Swipe through to see the faces of this year's cohort!

👇 To our new Builders (tagged in the photos):

🤝 Connect: Hit follow on your fellow cohort members and start building those connections!

📲 Share: Add this post to your stories and let your network know you’re part of the 2026 crew.

Let’s give the incoming Clifton Builders a massive welcome in the comments! Drop some congratulations below! 👇🔥

Laser-focused on excellence! 🎯💡We are keeping our Builder spotlights rolling with Kelsie Caven, joining us from Savage, ...
05/22/2026

Laser-focused on excellence! 🎯💡

We are keeping our Builder spotlights rolling with Kelsie Caven, joining us from Savage, MN!

📍 Hometown: Savage, MN
🌟 Top 5 Strengths:
1️⃣ Individualization
2️⃣ Ideation
3️⃣ Maximizer
4️⃣ Focus
5️⃣ Input

The Builder Vibe:
Kelsie is the ultimate creative strategist and talent curator. With Input and Ideation, she is a constant sponge for new information, data, and fresh ideas. But she doesn't get lost in the brainstorming phase—her Focus strength acts as a laser filter, keeping her locked in on the goal and eliminating distractions. When it's time to build a team, her Individualization and Maximizer kick in beautifully; she intuitively spots the unique strengths of those around her and coaches them to turn great ideas into world-class results. 🚀✨

Drop a "🔥" to welcome Kelsie!

The ultimate visionary problem-solver! 🔮🛠️Our next spotlight is on Sophie Brendel, joining us all the way from Lake Winn...
05/21/2026

The ultimate visionary problem-solver! 🔮🛠️

Our next spotlight is on Sophie Brendel, joining us all the way from Lake Winnebago, MO!

📍 Hometown: Lake Winnebago, MO
🌟 Top 5 Strengths:
1️⃣ Achiever
2️⃣ Restorative
3️⃣ Individualization
4️⃣ Strategic
5️⃣ Futuristic

The Builder Vibe:
Sophie has a rare and powerful combination of strengths that makes her an incredible asset to any venture. With Futuristic and Strategic, she easily looks ahead to see what the future holds and maps out the absolute best roadmap to get there. But she doesn't just plan for the ideal scenario—with Restorative, she genuinely loves diving into complex problems and fixing what's broken. Add in her Individualization to perfectly leverage the unique talents of everyone on her team, and the relentless drive of an Achiever, and Sophie is completely unstoppable at turning obstacles into launchpads. 🚀💼

Drop a "💡" in the comments to welcome Sophie!

The ultimate team spark plug and peacemaker! ⚡️🕊️Our next Clifton Builder spotlight is all about bringing good energy an...
05/20/2026

The ultimate team spark plug and peacemaker! ⚡️🕊️

Our next Clifton Builder spotlight is all about bringing good energy and instant momentum. Meet Carmella Bailey!

🌟 Top 5 Strengths:
1️⃣ Adaptability
2️⃣ Activator
3️⃣ Positivity
4️⃣ Relator
5️⃣ Harmony

The Builder Vibe:
Carmella is the kind of leader who makes high-stress environments look easy. With Activator, she is the spark plug who turns ideas into immediate action—she doesn't just talk about it, she starts it! But when things change unexpectedly, her Adaptability kicks in, allowing her to pivot seamlessly without missing a beat. Backed by Positivity and Harmony, she keeps the team’s morale high and effortlessly diffuses tension to keep everyone moving in the same direction. Top it off with her Relator strength, and you have a leader who builds deep, authentic trust with every single person she works with. 🤝✨

Drop a "☀️" in the comments to celebrate Carmella’s incredible energy!

The wait is over! 🎉 Meet the newly selected 2026 Student Strengths Coaches for the Clifton Strengths Institute! 🌟We are ...
05/19/2026

The wait is over! 🎉 Meet the newly selected 2026 Student Strengths Coaches for the Clifton Strengths Institute! 🌟

We are so excited to welcome this incredible group of student leaders to our community. Swipe through to see the fresh faces joining the team!

👇 To our new coaches (tagged in the photos):

🤝 Connect: Hit follow on your fellow cohort members and introduce yourselves!

📲 Share: Share this post to your stories to celebrate your selection with your network.

Let’s give the incoming Class of 2026 a massive welcome in the comments! 💬✨

To the Class of 2026: You didn't just earn a minor or finish a program; you’ve mastered the language of Strengths.From t...
05/14/2026

To the Class of 2026: You didn't just earn a minor or finish a program; you’ve mastered the language of Strengths.

From the halls of the Clifton Strengths Institute at UNL to our global partners, you have spent the last few years uncovering the unique talents that George and Don Clifton believed could change the world. Today, you officially transition from "Builders in training" to Global Builder Alumni.

What awaits you next?
You are joining a prestigious legacy that spans from the inaugural 2016 cohort in Nebraska to the Disruptores LAB in Colombia and the "Top 60" visionaries in Mexico.

As a member of the Global Builder Alumni Network, your journey is just beginning:

Mentorship: Gain access to Coach Connect, linking you with industry leaders to sharpen your leadership edge.

Community: Reconnect with your peers at the 3rd Annual Builder Summit this year at Gallup’s Omaha campus.

Growth: Participate in our global pitch competitions and continue developing the talents that set you apart.

The Clifton Foundation was built on the belief that when you invest in a young person's strengths, the ROI is infinite. We can’t wait to see what you build next.

Welcome to the family. 🔴⚪️

We are bursting with pride to celebrate three incredible student-entrepreneurs who dominated the 39th annual New Venture...
05/07/2026

We are bursting with pride to celebrate three incredible student-entrepreneurs who dominated the 39th annual New Venture Competition last month! 🚀

This wasn't just any bracket. Our Builders competed in the Advanced Traction Bracket—a category reserved for experienced teams who have already proven their business models and are showing real-world financial growth. Balancing the rigors of a university degree while scaling a full-fledged venture takes a unique set of strengths, and these winners have them in spades.

🥇 First Place ($10,000)
Jackson Donley | SomeGuys Services
Junior Clifton Builders Management major. Jackson has shown what's possible when you combine a builder mindset with relentless ex*****on.

🥈 Second Place ($3,500)
Joseph Weinberger | J&D Lake Services LLC
Junior Clifton Builders Management major. Joseph continues to demonstrate the strategic development necessary to scale a service-based business in a competitive market.

🥉 Third Place ($1,500)
Andreas Katsaounis | Alpha Omega Pickleball
Sophomore Business Administration major. A rising star in the Accelerator, Andreas is proving that early-stage growth is all about identifying the right niche and leaning into it.

"The growth and strategic development these teams have shown since last year’s competition is remarkable. Balancing ventures with the demands of being a student is no small feat."

Jackson, Joseph, and Andreas—you represent the very best of the Clifton Strengths Institute and the Global Builder Alumni Network. We can’t wait to see where your ventures go in 2026 and beyond!

Drop a "Clap" or a comment below to congratulate these founders! 👇

Where creativity meets high-impact leadership! 🎨✨We are so excited to introduce Shelby Baker, a uniquely talented Builde...
04/21/2026

Where creativity meets high-impact leadership! 🎨✨

We are so excited to introduce Shelby Baker, a uniquely talented Builder hailing from Gretna, NE!

🎓 Major: Studio Arts
📜 Minors: Clifton Builders Management & Agricultural Leadership, Education, Communication (ALEC)
📍 Hometown: Gretna, NE
🌟 Top 5 Strengths:
1️⃣ Relator
2️⃣ Futuristic
3️⃣ Achiever
4️⃣ Maximizer
5️⃣ Individualization

The Builder Vibe:
Shelby brings a beautiful, visionary perspective to the world of business. As a Studio Arts major, she uses her Futuristic and Maximizer strengths to see a finished masterpiece before it even begins, constantly pushing for excellence in everything she creates. But her talent isn't just on the canvas—with Individualization and Relator, she has a rare gift for seeing the unique strengths in others and building deep, authentic connections. Backed by the grit of an Achiever, Shelby is the kind of leader who turns big, artistic visions into tangible, high-quality reality. 🖌️🚀

Drop a "🎨" to celebrate Shelby’s creative journey!

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