The AREA YP Mentorship Program connects young professionals with business leaders in our community, fostering growth, guidance, and career development. Through one-on-one mentorship, participants gain valuable insights, expand their networks, and build the skills needed to succeed in their industries.
2026 Mentorship Pairings: (Mentee – Mentor)
- Aditya Jawalikar (Kingland Systems) – Iacovos Zachariades (Global Reach Internet Productions)
- Aidan Shervheim (Skroot Laboratory, Inc.) – Mike Espeset (Story Construction)
- Alissa Millard (VisionBank) – Amy Lang (MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union)
- Andy Moore (Discover Ames) – Kevin Brooks (Brooks Consulting Service)
- Ashley Stone (Iowa State University Foundation) – Alison Doyle (Digital Ag Innovation Lab)
- Beth Murray (RES Properties) – Nicolle Hornberg (Kruck Plumbing & Heating)
- Bridget Good (b.e.good) – Ellyn Grimm (Dog-Eared Books)
- Cole Benton (10Fold Architecture + Engineering) – Dylan Kline (Ames Regional Economic Alliance)
- David Nelson (First National Bank) – Tyler Farner (Farner Storage)
- Fran Stoline (AgCertain Industries) – Michelle Vogel (Sigler Companies, Inc.)
- Grace Hillock (Iowa League of Cities) – Greg Piklapp (Ames Regional Economic Alliance)
- Grace Larkey (Chevron) – Renee Hansen (Sukup Manufacturing Co.)
- Hannah Feilmeier (Mary Greeley Medical Center) – Katie Shively (Danfoss Power Solutions)
- Isaac Jarnagin (Integrity Grove) – Dan McClanahan (McClanahan Studio)
- Jimmy Driskell (Hy-Vee) – Mitch Anderson (Story Construction)
- Josh Stoddard (10Fold Architecture + Engineering) – Kent Rotert (Colorbiotics)
- Josiah O’Polka (Haverkamp Group) – Doug Ragaller (Northwest Bank)
- Jozie Porter (Brown’s Shoe Fit Co.) – Anne Taylor (Dogtown University and A&R Marketing, Inc.)
- Justin Thiele (Discover Ames) – Shamaree Brown (Iowa State University Athletics)
- Kate Espinoza (Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County) – Melissa McGarry (Mary Greeley Medical Center Foundation)
- Leilani Stopko (Complete Connection Chiropractic) – Dan Culhane (Ames Regional Economic Alliance)
- Lucia Carlson (Ames Public Library Friends Foundation) – Sarina Flathers (Boys & Girls Clubs of Story County)
- Maddie Flack (Todd & Sargent) – Angie Strotman (Iowa State University)
- Matea Gordon (Global Reach Internet Productions) – Chris Sievers (John Deere)
- Morgan Brons (Northcrest Community) – Judi Eyles (Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship)
- Morgan Dalbeck (Saltech Systems) – Michelle Cassabaum (21st Century Rehab)
- Morganne Dennis (Iowa State University Research Park) – Jill Janes (Boone Community School District)
- Rachel Junck (Chevron) – Jeff Harris (RMH Architects)
- Shannon Thiele (Ames Regional Economic Alliance) – Amber Deardorff (Mary Greeley Medical Center)
- Sidney Hansen (Ames Regional Economic Alliance) – Amanda Thompson (Studio A Designs)
- Taryn Johnston (Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship) – Ashley Thompson (United Way of Story County)
- Taylor Wickman (AgCertain Industries) – Buffy Clatt (Ames National Corporation)
- Whitney Spencer (Iowa Home Consulting) – Jenna Fitch (Furman Corporation)
“Expanding from 15 to 33 mentorship pairings in just the second year of this program speaks volumes about the value of investing in the next generation of leaders in our region” said Shannon Thiele, Vice President of Affiliate Programming at the Ames Regional Economic Alliance. “The AREA YP Mentorship Program creates opportunities for our members to learn from experienced leaders, build confidence, and develop lasting relationships that strengthen both their careers and our broader business community.”
For more information about the AREA YP Mentorship Program, visit their website.