

What to Expect
Join us for a great monthly speaker series! We gather over breakfast to network, connect, and learn from engaging, thought-provoking speakers.

When
First Tuesday of every month!
7:15am - 8:30am (2026)
8:00am - 9:15am (2027)
Meeting dates are subject to change around holidays.

Where
Scott Conference Center
6450 Pine St, Omaha, NE 68106

Why
Leadership grows through connection. Each gathering gives women across the metro a place to build meaningful relationships, gain fresh perspectives, and leave with ideas they can put into action.

For over 4 decades
Metro Leaders Network has brought together accomplished professional and businesswomen from across the Omaha metro area. We exist to further the individual development of our members through meaningful networking and inspiring speakers.
Our Membership
Our members represent a true cross-section of business and professional life in the Omaha community. We're proud to foster diversity in backgrounds, industries, and perspectives — because the best ideas and connections come from a rich mix of experience.
Joan Brooks
Sales Xceleration
Fractional VP of Sales/Owner

With more than 25 years of experience in sales leadership and executive management, I serve as a Fractional VP of Sales for small and mid-sized businesses needing support with sales strategy, structure, infrastructure, and execution. I partner closely with business owners to create scalable sales processes, improve accountability, and build the foundation needed for sustainable growth. I’m passionate about helping organizations move from reactive sales efforts to intentional, strategic growth through clear direction, practical leadership, and data-driven decision-making.
Laura Brooks Dueland
Inclusion Analytics, LLC.
Co-Founder and CEO

Dr. Laura Brooks Dueland co-founded Inclusion Analytics, a woman-owned people analytics consulting firm. Laura earned her doctorate in Industrial Organizational Psychology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Before founding Inclusion Analytics, Laura worked as a consultant on topics ranging from healthcare compensation to personality assessments for selection and developmental coaching. Today, Laura uses the compensation and client-facing experiences she gained in previous consulting roles to lead pay equity studies, design assessments, and head up client relations at Inclusion Analytics. Together, with her co-founder, Dr. Emily Adams, Laura has developed assessments targeting organizational policies and employee perceptions that have been used by more than 100 companies across industries and sectors, from small non-profits to international technology companies.
Rebecca Deterding
YMCA of Greater Omaha
President and CEO

As President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Omaha, I work to strengthen communities through programs and services in our 14 locations, 4 early learning centers and 4 after school sites. Developing strong leaders and creating a positive culture is my passion.
Annette Devine
WoodmenLife
Chief Accounting Officer

I am responsible for overseeing all accounting functions within the company, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and internal policies. I lead the accounting team, by supporting strategic decision-making through financial analysis, and collaborate with other executives to align accounting practices with business objectives.
Krystal Elms
National Assurance Office | Eide Bailly LLP - Senior Manager

Deliver, audit and review services to nonprofit organizations, closely-held private companies and employee benefit plans. Assist in the oversight of audit quality and audit methodology across the firm.
Kathy English
Children's Hospital & Medical Center -EVP

Oversee clinical care and operations.
Lauren Hellman
Forvis Mazars LLP
Director - Assurance

I help my clients by bringing value added guidance and expertise in the financial services (financial institutions and insurance companies) industry through audits, compliance, attest and consulting services.
Puja Kandel
CMIT Solutions of West Omaha
Principal Owner

I am the owner of CMIT Solutions of West Omaha, an IT Managed Services business that I founded and lead with a commitment to vision-driven growth, trusted client partnerships, and disciplined execution, guided by purpose-driven leadership as an entrepreneur.
Kristi Krayneski
KB Business Consulting LLC
Owner

I provide fractional executive services and training to financial services and banks. My areas of expertise include leadership, project management, operational efficiency, sales management and strategic goal planning and execution in banking. I also support and assist small businesses with projects that help achieve their next stage of growth.
Stacy Nelson
U.S. Bank Private Wealth Management- Vice President

I am responsible for providing comprehensive wealth management strategies tailored to my clients’ specific needs. These strategies encompass Investment Management, Private Banking, Trust and Estate Services, and Wealth Planning. I often work closely with other client advisors, such as attorneys and accountants - to provide services that help my clients work toward their goals.
Jill Slupe
What's Next
President

Since 2007, I have been supporting business leaders and improve the way they sell, market, operate, and serve their customers. We start by listening. Then we uncover what's holding your business back and bring together the strategy, marketing, creative, and systems needed to drive growth. It starts with a Performance Review — a full breakdown of what's working, what isn't, and a prioritized 120-day growth plan. Think - Clarity. Alignment. Growth. I also serve on the following Boards; Nebraska Council on Economic Education, the Omaha Sister City Association, Metro Omaha Medical Society Foundation Board, Omaha Rotary Foundation Board, and Metro Leadership Network leadership team.
Kendra Soechtig
ADP
Senior District Manager

Acquire new clients for payroll, HR, healthcare and workers compensation benefits.
Karla Steele
K Steele Solutions
Owner

Contract work for GROW Omaha and clients nationwide.
Susan Swensen
PEMF Nebraska
Owner/President

Jamie Wagner
University of Nebraska-Omaha
Director -Center for Econ. Education

I teach and research various economic topics and I work with K-12 teachers in the Omaha area to train them in economics and personal finance content and pedagogy.









