Breakout Speakers

Subject to Change

Mike Donahue is the founder and director of Value Up, a nationally recognized, Nebraska-based organization focused on strengthening school culture and student well-being. Over the past 30 years, he has spoken to more than one million students across the U.S. and internationally, and is the author of four books, including his latest, Value Up.
Known for his authentic, high-energy approach, Mike is a leading voice on student self-worth, resilience, and school climate, and has shared the stage with leaders such as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. His work is built on a simple but powerful belief: when students understand their intrinsic value, they make healthier choices and create stronger, more respectful communities.
A U.S. Air Force veteran originally from Boston, Mike lives in Minden, Nebraska with his wife Rachel and their five children, and has dedicated his life to helping young people recognize their inherent worth

The Influence Advantage: Making Effective Work Happen

In this session, Tiffany explores how leaders use their time intentionally to make effective work happen—by learning and connecting with others, managing up with purpose, and focusing on the work that moves organizations forward. Participants will reflect on practical daily habits that increase influence, create space for high-value work, and enable them to perform at their best.
A quick bio: Tiffany Sanderson is the sixth president of Lake Area Technical College, where she has led record enrollment growth, expanded scholarships, and modernized training facilities since 2023. Previously, she served as South Dakota’s Secretary of Education and directed the state’s technical college system, helping advance workforce initiatives like the Build Dakota Scholarship. A South Dakota native with deep experience across education and workforce development, Sanderson is passionate about connecting learning, leadership, and opportunity.

Jess Jasso (pronounced Ha-so) is in her 16th year with Northwestern Mutual. She serves as the Chief Development Officer as part of the Schenkel Network Office in Sioux Falls, SD. She is focused on growing the organization through a values-based approach that includes love, fun, authenticity, and purpose. She is active in Northwestern Mutual’s Women’s Field Association and was a founding Board Member of the organization.

Jess grew up in Hartford, South Dakota and graduated from South Dakota State University. She is involved in her church (Gloria Dei Lutheran), Leadership Sioux Falls – Class 40, serves on the Board of Directors for Lutherans Outdoors in South Dakota, is an avid Jackrabbit fan, and enjoys working out at Origin Strength. Jess is known for her loud laugh, optimistic attitude, aggressive lipstick, ridiculous dance moves, and genuine desire to do AND BE the best. She has three amazing children, Micah (12), Eleanor (10), and Rosie (1). Jess is a self-proclaimed cosmetics enthusiast, disciple of Jesus, lover of hoop earrings, hip-hop music, the color red, and all things Beyoncé.