Future of Work

A dark-themed banner with bold white text reading "Future of Work" above a red line, under which the word "Symposium" appears in smaller white letters. To the right of the text, a red line graph icon with connected circles rises upward, ending in a white-outlined circle, symbolizing growth or progress. The background features subtle, abstract geometric shapes in various shades of black and gray.

The Work Revolution: Redesigning Careers with an Entrepreneurial Approach

The Future of Work Symposium is a series of conversations about how work, the workforce, and the workplace are changing. This year’s theme explores how workers across industries are designing careers that align with their skills, values, and ambitions—whether through freelancing, gig work, corporate innovation, or self-employment.

Work is being redefined as professionals seek greater autonomy, purpose, and flexibility in their careers. The rise of side hustles, portfolio careers, independent work, and purpose-driven innovation is reshaping traditional employment models. Discussions will focus on how individuals can future-proof their careers by thinking entrepreneurially, leveraging technology, and navigating new economic realities like automation, AI, and the creator economy.

Sep. 17, 2025 | 9 A.M. - 12 P.M.

UNO | Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center (CEC)

Find the CEC on Dodge Campus

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AGENDA

What happens when you blend deep personal passion with entrepreneurial vision? In this inspiring keynote, Genevieve Custer Weeks shares her journey from professional ballerina to founder and CEO of Tutu School, a nationally franchised network of boutique ballet studios for children. Drawing on her experience building a business rooted in creativity, values, and purpose, Genevieve explores what it takes to transform what you love into what you do.

Through candid stories and lessons learned, she will offer practical insights on how to align your career with your core interests, make bold moves with limited resources, and grow something meaningful—whether you’re launching a venture, pivoting careers, or rethinking the next chapter of your work.

This keynote will resonate with anyone who’s ever asked: Can I really build a career doing what I love?

Hear from University of Nebraska at Omaha Chancellor Joanne Li as she reflects on the evolving nature of work and UNO’s role in preparing learners and communities for a skills-based, entrepreneurial future.

Panelists: Alan Tipp, Emiliano Lerda, April Hibbler, Rick Knutdson

A conversation featuring local leaders and professionals on how individuals are reshaping their work through entrepreneurship, innovation, and career autonomy—from startups to freelancing to intrapreneurship.

Each session is offered twice:

Session 1: 11:00–11:30 AM

Session 2: 11:35–12:05 PM

Choose from:

A. From Lab to Launch: How Ideas Become Ventures and the Role of Universities

Facilitator: Brent Clark, UNEMED & FinTech Nebraska

Location: CEC 116

Go behind the scenes of Nebraska’s entrepreneurial pipelines. Learn how research and innovation are translated into real companies—especially in health and financial tech—and explore how institutions like UNO are helping turn ideas into impact.

Ideal for: Students, faculty, and community members interested in startups, research commercialization, or innovation ecosystems.

B. Startup Stories: Meet the Student Founders Changing the Game

Facilitator: Alex Wewel, Dale Eesley, Charlie Cuddy, and John Grange

Location: CEC 127

Step into an interactive showcase featuring student entrepreneurs who are building real businesses while still in school. In this science-fair-style session, you’ll have the chance to walk through displays, hear quick pitches, and engage one-on-one with student founders about their ventures, challenges, and lessons learned. Get inspired by the next generation of innovators—and maybe spark a new idea of your own.
Ideal for: Students, aspiring entrepreneurs, and innovation supporters.

C. Freelance Forward: Building a Career on Your Own Terms

Facilitator: TBD – Local Freelancers/Consultants Panel

Location: CEC 201

Freelancing and independent consulting are reshaping how people work. This session explores the platforms, mindsets, and real-life practices that support successful solo careers—plus tools for navigating autonomy, pricing, and finding clients.
Ideal for: Professionals exploring career independence, side hustlers, and gig workers.

D. Work Smarter: Using AI to Boost Your Career

Facilitators: Cassie Mallette, Ashley Smith, Mary Kyle

Location: CEC 205

AI is changing how we write, design, manage projects, and even make decisions. This practical session introduces tools and frameworks to use AI for productivity, problem-solving, and innovation—whatever your field or career stage.

Ideal for: Everyone—especially students, professionals, and small business owners looking to stay ahead.

E. Think Like an Entrepreneur: A Hands-On Framework for Problem Solving

Facilitator: Leif Lundmark Location: CEC 230

Discover how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to real-world problems using a creative, fast-paced activity that has resonated with executives and emerging leaders alike. This interactive session helps participants reframe challenges, spot opportunities, and walk away with a tool they can use in any career.

Ideal for: Anyone looking to be more innovative in work or life.

F. The Skills Advantage: Designing Your Career with Microcredentials

Facilitator: UNO Microcredential Team

Location: CEC 231

Learn how microcredentials and digital badges can help you stay competitive in today’s ever-evolving market. Find out how these innovative courses are developed, see a live demonstration of what makes UNO’s microcredentials engaging for adult learners, and get details on current and upcoming offerings designed to support your personal and professional growth.

Ideal for: People looking to re-skill, upskill or get involved in becoming a course developer!

Keynote Speaker: Genevieve Custer Weeks

What happens when you blend deep personal passion with entrepreneurial vision? In this inspiring keynote, Genevieve Custer Weeks shares her journey from professional ballerina to founder and CEO of Tutu School, a nationally franchised network of boutique ballet studios for children. Drawing on her experience building a business rooted in creativity, values, and purpose, Genevieve explores what it takes to transform what you love into what you do.

Through candid stories and lessons learned, she will offer practical insights on how to align your career with your core interests, make bold moves with limited resources, and grow something meaningful—whether you’re launching a venture, pivoting careers, or rethinking the next chapter of your work.

This keynote will resonate with anyone who’s ever asked: Can I really build a career doing what I love?

Panelists

Man with short dark hair and trimmed beard wearing a navy blue henley shirt, gazing calmly at the camera with an abstract, colorful mural in the background.

Alan Trip

Co-Founder

MTRLobjects

Smiling man with short dark hair and trimmed beard wearing a dark gray 'Elevator' T-shirt, standing with arms crossed in front of a concrete and brick wall.

Emiliano Lerda

Co-Founder & CEO

Elevator

Professional woman with long wavy black hair wearing a black blazer over a white top, smiling gently in front of a solid black background.

April Hibbler

Executive Program Lead

Nebraska Opportunity Exchange

Smiling man with neatly styled dark hair and beard wearing a light gray T-shirt, standing in front of a solid teal background.

Rick Knutdson

CO-Founder & CEO

Workshop

Event Information

Parking Information

Meetings and event guests park in Lot E. Please use the information provided here to ensure you get to Lot E and not another location or parking lot on the side or back of the building.

Google Maps Link (directly at Lot E entrance)

Get to Lot E Traveling East on Dodge:

The best access point for traveling this route is just after 67th and Dodge Street. You will turn right after UNO's Thompson Alumni Center, on University Dr W.
Then turn left on South University Dr Rd N.
This will lead you to the entrance for Lot E (on your right).

Get to Lot E Traveling West on Dodge:

The best access point for traveling this route is just after 67th and Dodge Street. You will turn left near Elmwood Park on University Dr E.
Then turn left on S University Dr R North.
This will lead you to the entrance for Lot E (on your left).

Download CEC Guest Parking Map

Join the Conversation – Future of Work Symposium 2025

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