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Announcing A Promotion to Strategic Partnerships Manager

We are excited to share that Rachael Kalhorn has been promoted to Strategic
Partnerships Manager
.

Rachael has been a vital part of the AIM team, previously serving as Executive &
Grants Administrator, supporting our mission to boost technology talent and
enhance community impact. Her work has significantly improved our grant
processes, cross-team collaboration, and organizational initiatives, helping AIM
continue to fulfill its goal of building a thriving tech ecosystem in Omaha and beyond.

In her new role, Rachael will lead efforts to develop and grow strategic
partnerships that strengthen AIM’s connections across sectors and open new
opportunities for program expansion, collaborative impact, and long-term
sustainability. Her leadership in this area will be crucial as we build connections
among AIM’s programs, partners, and community stakeholders.
Rachael’s dedication to teamwork, service, and innovation reflects AIM’s core
values and mission.

Please join us in congratulating Rachael on this well-earned promotion! We look
forward to her ongoing contributions and leadership in expanding AIM’s
partnerships and presence throughout the region.

AIM | OmahaxAI

AIM was excited to join UNO’s inaugural OmahaxAI conference at KANEKO Tuesday, October 7th. AIM’s Director of Development Blaine Nelson was honored to be one of three judges for the intra conference student AI competition. The competition was designed to celebrate and highlight how the next generation envisions using artificial intelligence in their careers. Contestants were judged on the following criteria:

Creativity & Innovation: How original is your idea? Does it present a new approach or apply AI in unexpected ways? Judges look for submissions that think beyond conventional applications.

Potential Impact: Will your concept make a meaningful difference in your chosen field? Proposals are evaluated on their potential to solve real problems or create new opportunities.

Technical Feasibility: Could your idea reasonably be implemented with current or near-future AI capabilities? While visionary thinking is encouraged, concepts should have a path to reality.

Clear Communication: How effectively do you explain your concept? Judges value well-structured proposals and presentations that clearly document your development process and decision-making.

With Aditi Rai being awarded a $1,000 scholarship for 1st place, Jingzian Gin being awarded a $600 scholarship for 2nd place, and Narges Shakerian being awarded a $400 scholarship for 3rd place.

Introducing AIM’s Newest Board Member

Jeanna Faulhauber is the Chief Information Officer at Lozier Corporation and a dynamic change leader with deep expertise in information technology, supply chain management, and large-scale enterprise transformation. With a proven track record in leading SAP and Oracle implementations, complex IT integrations, and organizational change initiatives, she consistently drives business efficiency and profitability through process improvement and strategic leadership.

Known for her collaborative and empowering style, Jeanna is passionate about developing talent, fostering innovation, and building high-performing teams. She brings a strong focus on delivering exceptional results, continuously improving performance, and enhancing stakeholder value. Her specialties span enterprise change management, cybersecurity, lean manufacturing, IT procurement, training and organizational development, and supply chain technology solutions.

Jeanna is widely recognized for her ability to align people, process, and technology to achieve transformational results while cultivating the next generation of leaders.

Greater Nebraska Outreach

On August 22, AIM’s Greater Nebraska Outreach Coordinator, Gretchen, represented AIM at the UNK Blue and Gold Showcase in Kearney. This event provided a valuable opportunity to connect with both new and returning UNK students, as well as their families, to share information about AIM’s services. To boost engagement, Gretchen introduced a Rocketbook Raffle, where three lucky students could win a Rocketbook courtesy of AIM. The raffle proved to be a great success, drawing significant interest from attendees—especially around AIM’s FAFSA Completion Services. These services, supported through AIM’s federally funded TRiO grants, are designed to help first-generation and low-income students overcome barriers to higher education by guiding them through the financial aid process. By assisting students in completing the FAFSA accurately, AIM ensures that they can access the maximum amount of federal, state, and institutional aid available. Despite the rain shortening the event to just two hours, turnout remained strong, and AIM’s presence left a lasting impression.

From Design to Bubbles

On Sunday, August 24, AIM’s Brain Exchange team and Jessica Coffman from AIM Code School brought hands-on STEM excitement to Waterloo Days, where over 50 children explored creativity by designing bubble wands with 3D pens before testing their creations with bubbles. Erin Lasiter, Senior Vice President and COO, was also on hand to strengthen community ties and share how AIM’s programs uplift learners across Nebraska. Notably, Isaac Piper, Director of Innovation Programs, continues to lead impactful youth outreach—heavily contributing to AIM’s successful engagement with more than 3,000 youth participants across its programs in 2024. Events like this exemplify how AIM fosters early tech literacy and innovation, connecting children to the tools and inspiration they need to envision a bright, technology-driven future for themselves and their communities.

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