Deb Allison - Nationwide Insurance Deb Allison (she/her) is an accomplished operations leader with experience in leadership, vendor relationships, contact center, underwriting, and shared business services. She is well-versed in building and leading highly effective, virtual and remote teams. She is committed to the development of next-generation leaders via direct work experience, involvement in associate resource groups, and volunteerism. Deb is currently a Director of Process Management within the Commercial Lines and Agribusiness Service Solutions team at Nationwide Insurance in Des Moines, IA. Deb is a graduate of Southeast Community College and Nebraska Wesleyan University.

Quentin Brown - Educare Lincoln After obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Public Administration degree, Quentin spent a major part of his career, over 15 years, building deep relationships, connecting people to desired services, creating opportunities, and building organizations in ways that allow them to do more, and grow resources. Since arriving in Lincoln in 2019, Quentin and his wife, Karla, have embedded themselves into the Lincoln community. Quentin was appointed to the Mayor’s Economic Recovery Taskforce, and was later appointed to the Community Health Endowment Board of Trustees. Quentin also serves on the board of the White Cane Foundation and NeAEYC, in addition to service on various other committees, primarily focused on human services and early childhood education. When not volunteering, Quentin spends his time leading Educare Lincoln, one of the nation’s leading early care and education schools. Within two years he stabilized operations, helped raise capital to renovate an outdoor learning space, opened two new classrooms, added leadership staff to support infrastructure, and has positioned Educare Lincoln to be a broader resource for the Lincoln community. Quentin and Karla enjoy working in the yard at their home in Lincoln, and are excited about the service they will bring to their community.

Macala Carter - Center for People in Need Macala Carter is a Nebraska native and has held positions of leadership within the financial services industry for the past 22 years. Her effecting role in banking was as Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Great Western Bank – where she advanced strategic and organizational measures for 1500 employees, spanning nine Midwest states.
    In July 2022, Carter made the transition from banking to nonprofit when she assumed the role of Executive Director for the Center for People in Need. The genesis of Carter’s work, to help low-income families with basic needs and educational opportunities, is personally rooted and a part of her identity story. Today, Carter looks to support the efficacy of the 1,700+ families receiving assistance each week by removing barriers and securing advancement opportunities.
    Carter’s commitment to community remains with her board work. She serves as board president for Family Service of Lincoln; board vice president for Quality of Life Foundation; and board treasurer for Leadership Lincoln. She’s supported in life by her partner, Rick, and her two children, Gavin and Ensley. In all, Carter believes we each hold responsibility to add value to the space we occupy, that we need to champion when something isn’t quite right, that we need to uplift so others can rise with courage…and to leave an imprint, even on just one person, is the truest honor.

Maribel Cruz - Talent Plus Maribel Cruz, Ph.D. is employed by Talent Plus as a Director of Leadership Consulting; she works with several Fortune 500 companies advising them in succession planning and leadership development. Maribel has lent her expertise and passion to the city of Lincoln via her role as an advisor to the Lincoln Public Schools Superintendent's Advisory Committee, in addition to co-chairing the 2020 bond special election to raise and secure funds for two new high schools. She serves on the Lincoln Lancaster County Planning Commission, where she strives to support the city's efforts to be an inclusive and sustainable community. Additionally, Maribel is the Board President of a local non-profit arts organization, The Angels Theatre Company. A former dancer, she co-founded the Lincoln Contemporary Dance Project and participated in the Mayor's Economic Recovery Task Force to address COVID's impact on the hospitality and entertainment industry in Lincoln, Nebraska. Maribel and her husband David enjoy spending time in the outdoors with their Keeshonden dogs and extended family. Attending arts performances and traveling abroad are among their favorite activities.