Chamber’s Generation Next program challenges young leaders to make an impact through volunteerism; acts of service

The Chamber's Generation Next program wrapped up its 2026 cohort on May 20, with a group of 39 young professionals from a variety of businesses and non-profits in the area.

According to program organizer, James Porter, VP of Small & Minority Business at the Chamber, “This year, the Impact Challenge was introduced to provide additional framework to support participants’ growth. This included asking them to choose one of three ways to make an impact: through donation, volunteerism or acts of service,” he said.

The goal of the program remained the same – for participants to gain an understanding of community service, board governance, roles of elected officials and the significance of volunteerism as it relates to career ascension.

“Generation Next gives you exposure to different sectors, community issues and leadership perspectives that you may not otherwise encounter in your day-to-day role,” said participant Alan Silas of MetroLINK. “I think it helps make the region feel more connected. You meet people who are working on different pieces of the same larger community puzzle, and that perspective is valuable. For anyone who wants to be more engaged locally, professionally or civically, the cohort is a strong starting point.”

Makenzie Thompson, of Rock River Electric, said her biggest “ah-ha” moment during the cohort was realizing that leadership starts with action. “When we see a need, it’s our responsibility—not just as leaders, but as people—to step in, support those around us, and make an impact wherever we can. Real change doesn’t happen by waiting; it starts with the simple decision to act.”

Thompson said that because of the cohort, she was inspired to organize a donation drive at Rock River Electric.

 “It was amazing to see both our office team and electricians come together to support the effort. We collected over 200 food and personal care items for a food pantry.” 

She explained that what began as a simple idea turned into something much bigger through collective effort. “It ultimately became two meaningful ways to make a difference, through donation and through service.”

Tony Holland of Melody of Hope Advocacy Center said that a major takeaway of the cohort was remembering to stay focused during volunteering.

“During the program, I was able to deeply explore how I can make a difference, and it has been truly beneficial,” he said. “I made sure my volunteer time was held sacred.” As a result, “I have made the change to stop multitasking while volunteering with my Girl Scout troop, and in doing so, the time I am teaching and leading is done with 100% focus on the growth and development of the scouts,” he said.

All three participants say they’d recommend the program to others. “I would recommend this cohort to any young professional who is looking to grow and develop beyond the four walls of their office,” said Holland. “This cohort followed a process that forced change, adaptation and engagement at all levels, and the genuine networking was truly unmatched in other training sessions.”

Thompson said she’s made friends with other participants and hopes to have lasting relationships because of the program. “Overall, it’s an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally while making a positive impact on your community—and that’s something I would recommend to anyone looking to take that next step.”

Silas added that the experience was important to his role at MetroLINK, “Transportation is connected to almost everything else happening in the region,” he said. “Workforce access, economic development, downtown activity, education, healthcare and quality of life all depend in some way on people being able to move through the community. The cohort  gave me a broader understanding of regional priorities and challenges, which is useful in my work.”

The next cohort will begin in February 2027, with registration open this fall. Each cohort is limited to 40 individuals and meets once per month for 4 months.

Cohort Participants

Jakob Boley, Choreo, LLC
Donte Blanchard, Choreo, LLC
Jousha Blount, Augustana College
Nick Cave, LRS (Lakeshore Recycling Systems)
Josie Comeaux, IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union
Wade Conner, Wade’s Property Services, L
Ashley Dekarske, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith a Bank of America Company
Michele DeLathower, Deere & Company
Catherine Dittmer, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith a Bank of America Company
Kelli Duran, MercyOne Genesis Health System
Kiel Engstrom, TeamLogic IT Moline
Josh Fleming, Echelon Risk + Cyber
Rachel Forman, Ascentra Credit Union
Michaela Gryzlo, Quad Cities Community Foundation
Tony Holland, Melody of Hope Advocacy Center
Ashley Horberg, Blackhawk Bank & Trust
Shantel Jackson, Quad City Bank & Trust Company
Chad Kraklio, Morgan Stanley Davenport Branch
Vivian Le, RIA Federal Credit Union
Kaela Matt, Empeople Credit Union
Steven McConnell, St. Ambrose University
Kimmi Miller, Quad City Bank & Trust Company
Joshua Myers, Myers Martial Arts Academy LLC
Michael Possin, Deloitte LLP
Jerry Rodriguez, Shive-Hattery, Inc.
Julia Rodriguez, QCR Holdings, Inc.
Morgan Santee, RIA Federal Credit Union
Katie Schroeder, Deere & Company
Erica Schroeder-Cerda, LivWell Seniors
Landon Seibert, ABC Supply Company, Inc.
Alan Silas, MetroLINK
Jessica Skiles, Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce
Clare Tobin, German American Heritage Center
Makenzie Thompson, Rock River Electric Inc.
Erron Vandemore, Russell
Sarah Wallace, ACCESS Community Health
Olivia Warren, Origin Design
Cami Zucker, Lane & Waterman LLP

Cohort Presenters 

Pat Eikenbery, IMEG
Marcia Erickson, ActionCOACH
Kayla Kiesey, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley
Sue Lerschen-Cassatt, Illinois Quad Cities Rotary Club
Ty Lewis, Next Generation Consulting, Gallup Strength Coach
Natalie Linville-Mass, QC PastPort
Alvaro Macias, Second Ward Alderman, City of Moline
Sam McCullum, STEAM on Wheels
Scott Nauman, Fourth Ward Alderman, City of Bettendorf
Rachel Pitchford (Alumni), Humility Homes & Lead(h)er
Andy Rodriguez, RE/MAX Concepts 
Kelly Thompson, Quad Cities Community Foundation
Dr. LaDrina Wilson, Iman Consulting