2025 Speakers and Panelists
Cara Kirsch
Ignite Women in Business Founder
Cara Kirsch is a seasoned employee benefits expert with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in helping employers create valuable benefit programs that align with their budget. Professionally, she leads business development and consulting, focusing on provider networks, cost-effective care strategies, and self-funded plans. Cara is also deeply committed to her community, serving on boards, mentoring women in insurance, and producing podcasts that empower individuals. She enjoys spending time with her family, including her new grandson, and pursuing outdoor activities.
Emma Fox
The Anti-BUCA Activist & Serial Entrepreneur
Born and raised in the Southwest of England, Emma arrived in the United States as an 18 year old in search of purpose. She quickly climbed the corporate ladder in the insurance industry, becoming a recognized leader and advocate for industry reform. After leaving the corporate world, she founded a successful consulting firm and multiple advocacy organizations. Driven by a passion for improving healthcare, Emma is dedicated to making healthcare more accessible and affordable for all.
Lisa Lackovic
The Brick Chick
Lisa Lackovic is the Omaha architectural representative for Endicott Clay Products based out of Fairbury, Nebraska. Lisa enjoys speaking locally and nationally on Generations in the Workplace, Negotiating Skills for Women and Leadership Styles of Men and Women to name a few.
Lisa grew up in the masonry industry and has 40 years’ experience promoting brick and mortar to architects, landscape designers, and contractors in Omaha. She developed a groundbreaking landscape contractor contest called “The Ultimate Backyard Challenge” that changed the game in hardscape in the Omaha market. Lisa founded and trademarked “Divas of the Dirt”, a networking organization for women in hardscape. She often refers to herself as “The Brick Chick” and serves as a resource to the construction community for all things masonry.
Lisa serves on the board of the Nebraska Masonry Alliance (NMA) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Omaha board of directors. She is currently chairman of College Possible Omaha. Lisa is past president of The Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW Omaha) and Habitat for Humanity Omaha. Lisa is married to Bob and
has 2 grown “Millennials”, Amy Gunn and Bobby Lackovic, and 6 “Generation Alpha” grandchildren.
Some of Lisa’s favorite pastimes are traveling, golf, spinning, yoga, gardening and mentoring young professionals.
Quinn Texmo
Community, Citizenship and Diversity Advocate
Quinn Texmo is fiercely passionate about advancing women in the working world. She is the Community & Citizenship Manager for Turner Construction Company and also serves as Diversity Advocate. She’s been in the construction industry in Omaha for 17 years. She has a master’s degree in organizational communication and a Bachelor’s degree in journalism, advertising and public relations from UNO.
Quinn currently serves as President of the La Vista Community Foundation, and is on the Women’s Fund Board of Directors as well as Leadership Nebraska Alumni Advisory Council. She is a past president for both CREW Omaha and SMPS Nebraska, past leadership team member for Women’s Fund Circles, a graduate of Leadership Nebraska, and a past MBJ 40 under 40 winner. In 2019, Quinn was awarded the CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) Impact National Award for Advancing Women’s Careers in the Commercial Real Estate industry, and then in 2020, Quinn was honored with the “I’m for her” award from CREW Omaha.
At home, Quinn runs her own personal petting zoo, with three crazy and hairy furballs. Finn, a 7-year-old mini Australian shepherd, and Iris and Ivy–her two sweet and salty kittens, and spends her spare time wandering around Europe.
Katie Wichman Zulkoski
Lobbyist, Government Relations Strategist
Katie Weichman Zulkoski is an attorney specializing in lobbying and government affairs. Katie started Zulkoski Weber in 2015, offering a client-focused, solutions-oriented, professional conduit for businesses and associations to interact with elected officials and public policy leaders. Over the last 10 years, Katie has created successful legislative strategies for Fortune 50 businesses, national non-profits, and Midwest-grown industries. Outside the firm, Katie dedicates much of her time to public service on state-wide, non-profit boards. Katie has received the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Group 4 under 40 award; was selected as a Finalist for the Inspire Lincoln’s Woman of the Year and has been recognized by the community for her work in founding Rise Lincoln, a speaker series and coaching community for Lincoln women in business. Katie graduated first in her class from Creighton University School of Law with a certificate of concentration in Business Law.
Holly Kovy
Large Group Market Leader
In her current role as Large Group Market Segment Leader at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska, Holly has overall accountability for employer groups with over 150 employees. She uses market intelligence and data to craft strategies that meet customer needs and support business growth. Holly is responsible for delivering customers solutions that are grounded in market and customer insights and analytics. Under her leadership, the market segment has grown into a $200 million book of business, with membership up by more than 50%.
Holly earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from Bellevue University and later completed her MBA from the same institution. She holds a producer’s license in Life and
Annuities, Sickness, Accident and Health, as well as the Group Benefits Disability Specialist (GBDS) designation.
Holly is actively involved with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She is passionate about mentoring individuals, sharing her knowledge and experience to help them grow. She values showing gratitude,
keeping communication transparent, and is a life-long learner committed to both personal and professional growth.
Candi Jones
Chief Executive Officer, Girls Inc.
Candias (Candi) C. Jones is a dynamic speaker, transformational leader, and visionary advocate who brings her lived experience as a Black woman and survivor of sexual trauma to her work and everything connected to her. As the CEO of Girls Incorporated of Omaha and founder of Coaching with Candi, her work with the girls in the community as well as her heart-centered advocacy is all about inspiring action and a commitment to healing.
With expertise in trauma-informed coaching, gender equity, and mental health, Jones connects deeply with audiences, empowering them to believe in the possibility of change and the ability to navigate the storms of life. Recognized with numerous awards for her leadership and service, and currently holding several board seats, she has been called a true “Renaissance leader,” a title that reflects her extraordinary ability to excel across multiple disciplines, inspiring others to rise. Celebrated for her authentic storytelling, she weaves together her lived experiences into powerful narratives that not only inspire but also challenge.
Candi’s leadership goes beyond traditional expectations; she creates spaces where healing and growth are not just possibilities but realities. Whether through her workshops, speeches, or organizational initiatives, it all is rooted in the power of love and connection. Her presence and heartfelt authenticity allow her to connect with people on a personal level in every room she enters.
Breckyn Moore
Business Student, University of Nebraska Lincoln
Breckyn Moore is a Business Management major at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, graduating in Spring 2025 with a strong academic foundation and a 3.605 GPA. Passionate about organizational efficiency and relationship-building, Breckyn excels in both professional and volunteer roles that require adaptability, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.
Currently, Breckyn serves as a Receptionist at South Lincoln Psychiatry, where she ensures smooth patient experiences through meticulous record-keeping, proactive communication, and personalized care. Previously, as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Nebraska Medicine, she gained valuable insights into patient care, collaboration, and responsiveness in high-stakes environments.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Breckyn is actively involved in Alpha Phi, and Open Door Mission, where she contributes to food distribution efforts to support the local community.
Breckyn is dedicated to making a positive impact in the business world and beyond and is excited to offer the perspective of the next generation of women in business to the 2025 Ignite Women in Business Panel!
Tickets
Register for Ignite Women in Business 2025
Bet on Yourself! Join us for a power-packed event designed to empower and support women in business by providing resources and tools that help you advocate for yourself in your life and in business!
Get In Touch
Do you have questions about the conference or interested in becoming a sponsor? Submit your contact information and a member of our team will be in touch!