An ember turned into a flame

Joni Wheeler had an idea to level the talent playing field when she created Ignite Nebraska alongside many team members at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska. Together, they put together a program that would elevate untapped talent to get access and support at high paying, high demand jobs. Today, Joni supports the Ignite Nebraska team as an advisor, connector, and mentor to all who cross her path.

At Ignite Nebraska, our team is dedicated to empowering individuals, transforming lives, and driving positive change in our community. Together, we're committed to providing high-quality training, personalized support, and meaningful opportunities for growth.

A woman with shoulder-length dark hair smiling, wearing a black T-shirt with the words 'Ignite Nebraska' and a red firework graphic, standing in an indoor setting with a blurred background.

Joni Wheeler

Founder

A young woman smiling, wearing a black T-shirt with 'IGNITE NEBRASKA' printed on it, standing indoors against a blue-lit background.

Kellee Mikuls

Executive Director

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing a black t-shirt with the words 'Ignite Nebraska' and a small necklace, smiling at the camera inside a building with a blurred background.

Shannon Melton

COO

A young woman with long dark hair smiling, wearing a black t-shirt that says "IGNITE NEBRASKA," standing in an indoor setting with a curved railing in the background.

Alejandra Orozco

Assistant Navigator

A smiling woman with glasses and curly hair, wearing a black t-shirt with the words 'IGNITE NEBRASKA' and a firework graphic, standing in an indoor setting.

Lynette Ingram

Navigator

Young woman with long wavy hair wearing a black T-shirt standing indoors, smiling at the camera.

Gabi Buller

Marketing and Research Manager

Our Board of Directors

Mary Hawkins

Steve Grandfield

Gretchen Twohig

Erica Wassinger

Bobby Brumfield

Three women standing together, smiling, at an event in front of artwork on the wall. Two women are wearing black T-shirts with 'Ignite Nebraska' printed on them, and one woman is dressed in a black dress with braided hair.
Two women are engaged in conversation at an indoor event; one is wearing a black t-shirt with
A woman giving a presentation in a conference room with a man sitting at the table behind her. The background has framed black and white photos on the wall.
Two women smiling for a selfie in an indoor setting with large windows behind them.
A woman standing and gesturing while giving a presentation at a conference room with attendees sitting at a long table. The presentation slide reads 'Set Priorities' and lists steps for creating a to-do list.
Three women standing together at an awards or certification ceremony, two holding a framed certificate and a box with the IGNITE logo, smiling for the camera.
Woman giving a presentation at a podium in a room with an audience, some of whom are wearing floral leis and are shrouded from the back. The room has framed documents or photos, a clock showing approximately 11:55, and a door with a fire alarm on the
Woman with long dreadlocks, glasses, and a blue sweater holding a microphone and smiling while speaking at an indoor event.
Four women standing together in front of a blue backdrop with medical cross and heart symbols, with red, black, and white balloons on either side, at an indoor event.