Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell
SCHEDULE OVERVIEW
9 AM Registration & Check-In
9:30 AM Mayor's Welcome Address
9:50 AM Form of Government Overview BREAKOUTS: WORKSHOPS AND LESSONS
1:20 PM Keynote Speech: Create. Connect. Stay Rooted. Building Influence From Right Here.
1:40 PM Keynote Panel: Scroll, Snap, Explore: Living the Fifth Season IRL
2 PM Mayor's Closing Remarks
SESSION DETAILS
Mayor's Welcome Address
9:30–9:50 AM
WHIPPLE AUDITORIUM
Form of Government Overview
9:50–10:10 AM
WHIPPLE AUDITORIUM
Breakouts: Workshops and Lessons
10:15–11 AM
Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell
City of Cedar Rapids
The Mayor will kick off the conference with brief welcome remarks explaining the message behind "Welcome is Our Language", the conference's theme "Grow Here" and an overview of the day.
Angie Charipar
Deputy City Manager, City of Cedar Rapids
All attendees will receive a brief lesson in the functions of local government, how elected officials influence City policy, and how decisions are made in the Council-Manager form of government.
Collegiate Path
Location: Whipple Auditorium
Money Moves to Make in College
Malia Gudenkauf, Financial Educator and Founder of LM Finance
Learn how to take control of your finances before graduation! This session will explore smart strategies for budgeting, managing student loans, finding scholarships, and planning for life after college—all designed to help you build a strong financial foundation while you're still in school.
Pave Your Own Path
Location: Beems 1
Policy to Pitch Workshop
HOST: Mike Casella, Innovation and Customer Service Manager, City of Cedar Rapids
FACILITATORS: Haley Sevening, Planner III, City of Cedar Rapids | Jeff Wozencraft, Planner III, City of Cedar Rapids | Rob Davis, Flood Control Manager, City of Cedar Rapids
In this hands-on session, students will explore the Cedar Rapids City Council’s current priorities and work in small groups to brainstorm innovative solutions to real community challenges. With guidance from city staff, participants will begin shaping their ideas into actionable pitches, setting the stage for the afternoon’s competition.
Breakouts: Workshops and Lessons
10:15–11 AM
Employment Path
Location: Beems 2
Find Your Career Fit: Assessment & Workshop
Danielle Ebaugh, Career Services Supervisor, Kirkwood Community College
Attendees will take a brief career assessment that will utilize their skills and results to determine which future career paths align best with their interests. Then, learn more about the career paths and various industries Cedar Rapids has to offer.
Financial Jeopardy
11:05–11:25 AM
WHIPPLE AUDITORIUM
Lunch
11:25 AM–12:10 PM
BEEMS 1 & 2
EXHIBIT HALL
Lauren Wosje and Andrew Johnson
Associate Relationship Managers, U.S. Bank
All attendees will participate in an engaging financial education Jeopardy Game with questions in the categories of budgeting, saving/ investing, credit, fraud and other. Students will be guided through questions & discussion as they gain points to win the game.
Grab a lunch box and enjoy your food in Beems Auditorium, on the LivingLearning rooftop, or in our Exhibit Hall! Please let our team know if you have a dietary restriction so we can provide you with the correct meal. Students are encouraged to spend extra lunch time exploring the library, visiting the exhibit tables, and networking with other attendees and speakers.
Group Photo
12:15–12:25 PM
WHIPPLE AUDITORIUM
Get your merch on! It's time to rock your Mayor's Youth Conference t-shirt for a group snapshot!
SESSION DETAILS
Breakouts: Panels and Presentations
12:35–1:15 PM
Collegiate Path
Location: Whipple Auditorium
Student Engagement 101
FACILITATORS: Emily Grace, Student Life Coordinator, Kirkwood Community College | Jess Folkers, Admissions Counselor, Mount Mercy University | Lily Mayo, Student, Coe College | James Hutton, Coe College
Attendees will witness speakers discussing all the ways they can get involved in their community while balancing school, jobs, new friends, and more. Speakers will talk all things student employment, organizations, athletics, nearby recreational activities, and more.
Pave Your Own Path
Location: Beems 1
Pitch Competition
PANEL OF JUDGES: Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell, City of Cedar Rapids | Angie Charipar, Deputy City Manager, City of Cedar Rapids | Jennifer Pratt, Director of Community Development, City of Cedar Rapids | Scott Olson, Councilmember, City of Cedar Rapids | Ashley Turner, Student Program Coordinator, NewBoCo
Student teams will take the stage to present their innovative solutions much like a real-life entrepreneurial pitch competition. Each team will have a few minutes to pitch their idea, receive constructive feedback, and showcase how youth voices can help shape a more resilient and thriving Cedar Rapids. The top team will be recognized with a prize after the closing keynote.
Employment Path
Location: Beems 2
Next Steps: Local Employers & Job Opportunities
HOST: Juliet Abdel, President and CEO, Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance
FACILITATORS: Jennette Douglas, Director of Learning & Organizational Development, CRST | Sydney Garrett, Talent Acquisition Consultant II, Mercy Medical Center | Dain Brunscheen, Business Manager, LiUNA Local 43 | Teri Myers, NSS Knowledge & Engagement Leader, BAE Systems
Attendees will learn from employers from several of Cedar Rapids' largest industries, with a discussion based on the Session 1 assessment. Session will conclude with time for networking.
Keynote Speech
1:20–1:40 PM
WHIPPLE AUDITORIUM
Keynote Panel
1:40–2 PM
WHIPPLE AUDITORIUM
"Create. Connect. Stay Rooted. Building Influence From Right Here."
HOST: Courtney Misener, Writer, Speaker, Creator @themisenercrew, @courtmisener
Discover how creativity, community, and consistency can turn your passions into influence—right here in Cedar Rapids. Join a local influencer as they share their journey and show that you don’t have to leave home to make an impact online.
"Scroll,
Snap, Explore: Living the Fifth Season IRL" Panel Discussion
MODERATOR: Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell, City of Cedar Rapids
PANELISTS: Courtney Misener, Writer, Speaker, Creator | Abby Smith, Social Media, Cedar Rapids Tourism | Payton Donahoe, Student, Mount Mercy University
In Cedar Rapids, we’ve got something we like to call The Fifth Season—extra time to enjoy all four seasons. A chance to make the most of every moment. Join a panel of local voices, including CR Tourism’s social media manager and local influencers as they share how to explore the city, support local, and turn everyday adventures into scroll-worthy stories. Whether you're into festivals, food trucks, or just finding your next favorite hangout, this session will help you live your best CR life—online and off.
Mayor's Closing Remarks
2–2:10 PM
WHIPPLE AUDITORIUM
Mayor Tiffany O'Donnell City of Cedar Rapids
Make sure you stick around to receive this final recap of the day, celebrate the champions of the first-ever MYC Pitch Competition, and get reminders as you exit. Thank you!
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
MAYOR TIFFANY O'DONNELL
City of Cedar Rapids
Tiffany has been an active leader in our community for the past 24 years. She has been involved in organizations across the city focusing on building women leaders, helping communities in need, growing our arts and culture and growing our business community.
In addition to being sworn in as Mayor of Cedar Rapids in 2022, Tiffany is the Chief Executive Officer at Women Lead Change. Since joining the organization in 2015, she has led the expansion of the organization’s scope and reach, most recently reflecting that growth through a brand change. The organization, formerly called Iowa Women Lead Change, is now Women Lead Change. Under Tiffany's leadership, the Iowa-based team is now in five locations with offices in the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls/Waterloo, Des Moines, and Sioux Falls, SD.
Tiffany is the mother of two daughters and has been married to her husband Michael for 33 years. She enjoys cooking — her family was recently featured in Family Dinner with Chef Andrew Zimmern on the Magnolia Network. She is also a private pilot!
ANGIE CHARIPAR
City of Cedar Rapids
Angie Charipar is the Deputy City Manager for the City of Cedar Rapids and has served the City in various roles since 2009. She supports the City Manager and City Council by providing strategic guidance on various projects and initiatives related to City operations and community engagement.
She oversees the Parks & Recreation Department director, the Communications Division manager, the Organizational Health and Sustainability program managers, and the Special Event permit process. She also works with state and federal legislators to secure funding and policy initiatives favorable to the City of Cedar Rapids, developing a legislative agenda for the Mayor and City Council, and managing state and federal lobbyists.
Charipar holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Iowa and completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at Harvard University, John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2023. She has earned the recognition of the Iowa City Management Association’s Emerging Leader Award (2017), Corridor Business Journal Women of Influence Award (2018), and HER Women of Achievement Award (2024). Previous work includes 10 years in Congressman Jim Leach’s office and as AEGON’s Political Action Committee Grassroots Manager.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
ANDREW JOHNSON
U.S. Bank
Andrew Johnson grew up in Waukee, Iowa, and graduated from Des Moines Christian High School. He went on to study finance at Iowa State University, where he gained hands-on experience through internships in public accounting, private accounting, and banking. His final internship with U.S. Bank’s Government Banking team in Minneapolis led to his current role as a Relationship Management Analyst. In his position, Andrew works closely with internal teams and external clients to support their banking needs and develop solutions that help them succeed. As someone who was in high school and college not too long ago, he understands the challenges and decisions students face. He’s excited to share practical advice and insights to help you navigate your next steps— whether that’s college, a career, or something else entirely.
LAUREN WOSJE
U.S. Bank
Lauren Wosje is a Relationship Management Analyst on the Government and Higher Education team within the Institutional Client Group at U.S. Bank. She grew up in Chanhassen, MN, and is currently based in Minneapolis. Lauren earned her B.B.A. in Finance and Marketing from the University of Iowa, where she was actively involved in campus leadership and gained professional experience through multiple internships. Her roles have spanned educational programming, corporate strategy, and banking, ultimately leading to her current position at U.S. Bank. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys staying active—whether it’s running, skiing, golfing, playing pickleball, or spending time with family and friends. She’s passionate about personal and professional growth and open to answer questions or share anything that may be helpful for you today.
ABBY SMITH
Cedar Rapids Tourism
Abby Smith is the Marketing Manager at the Cedar Rapids Tourism Office, where she leads social media strategy, graphic design, and creative campaigns to promote Cedar Rapids as a destination for both leisure travelers and event organizers. Cedar Rapids Tourism works to highlight the city’s attractions, restaurants, hotels, and events while supporting the local economy. In her role, Abby focuses on showcasing the community through visual storytelling and digital engagement, ensuring visitors experience all that Cedar Rapids has to offer.
Abby graduated from the University of Dubuque in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Digital Art and Design and a minor in Marketing. While in college, she was a member of both the track and volleyball teams, balancing athletics with academics. Her passion for design extends beyond her professional role—she also enjoys painting and creating artwork as a side pursuit. In addition, Abby has a love for exploring local small businesses and parks, often blending her interests in creativity, community, and social media to share those experiences.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
COURTNEY MISENER
Writer, Speaker, Creator
Courtney is a writer, professional speaker, and emotional health advocate. She spent four years as the Director of Programs and Engagement at House of Hope in Cedar Rapids. Today, she travels the country speaking and creating content, all while managing her family’s robust presence on Instagram and TikTok.
What began in 2020 as lighthearted, family-friendly videos featuring her young sons has grown into a global online community of over 600,000 followers. Known as @ themisenercrew, Courtney and her family serve up laughter, connection and the occasional stanky leg with every post.
Originally from Tennessee and now based in Iowa, Courtney's Southern roots will make you feel like you're entering a conversation with a friend.
PAYTON DONAHOE
Mount Mercy University
Payton Donahoe graduated from Lisbon high school in spring 2024. In fall of 2024, Payton began his career at Mount Mercy as a Nursing and Public Health student, where he is involved in MMUNAS (nursing student club on campus). Payton is highly involved in campus organizations such as Ambassadors (aka student tour guides), manager for the Mount Mercy Track & Field program, and Green Bandana Project member (mental health awareness program). He is also always found around campus as a peer mentor to other students through Mount Mercy’s Catherine McAuley Scholars and Project Connect program. Payton continues to be highly involved at Mount Mercy to show individuals how passionate he is about the institution and to show the values of the Sisters of Mercy through his connections he makes throughout his time on campus.
MEET THE EXHIBITORS
During lunch, from 11:25 AM–12:10 PM, apply what you've been learning with a visit to our Exhibit Hall!
Meet with representatives from local colleges and universities, and discover how to connect to City jobs and community volunteer opportunities. Our Exhibit Hall is an information hub and place to pave your way to a thriving future in Cedar Rapids.
COE COLLEGE
Founded in 1851, Coe College is a nationally recognized four-year private college. Here you'll build relationships in the classroom, stack professional experiences, and become part of a nurturing and lively downtown campus environment.
KIRKWOOD COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Kirkwood Community College is proud to have served the needs of students in Eastern Iowa for more than a half century. As the area’s leading provider of accessible, affordable, and exceptional education and training, Kirkwood provides expertise and leadership that help students reach their full potential in their future careers.
MOUNT MERCY UNIVERSITY
Since 1928, Mount Mercy University has offered students a fulfilling education — promising people of all backgrounds a solid preparation for a changing world — in careers focused on service, ethical leadership, and social responsibility. Our students come from around the globe, creating a vibrant, diverse, and welcoming campus community.
CITY OF CEDAR RAPIDS
Discover exciting job opportunities that contribute to our city's continued growth and development. Explore positions that align with your career aspirations and be part of the dynamic future of our hometown.
REGISTRATION
