{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"241: The Ecosystem of Opportunity:  How Community Colleges Build Stronger People, Businesses, and Communities with Amy Lasack of NICC","description":"What if education wasn\u2019t a one-time phase of life, but an evolving journey designed to meet people exactly where they are? In this episode of The Found Podcast, Molly sits down with Amy Lasack, Vice President of Business and Community Solutions at Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), to explore how workforce development, education, and community collaboration intersect to create real opportunity. Amy shares how nearly 25 years in Iowa\u2019s community college system shaped her belief that workforce is an ecosystem, not a straight line. Together, Molly and Amy discuss how education must adapt to modern learners, how local communities can unlock hidden career pathways, and why saying \u201cyes\u201d to things that scare you just a little might be the key to growth. From hands-on learning and AI innovation to deeply personal lessons about family, leadership, and purpose, this conversation highlights how meaningful change happens when institutions listen closely to the people they serve. Whether you\u2019re a business owner, parent, leader, or lifelong learner, this episode offers a hopeful look at what\u2019s possible when education meets community. What You\u2019ll Hear in This Episode   Why workforce development works best as an ecosystem   How community colleges are redefining education pathways   The shift from linear careers to flexible learning journeys   How NICC partners with businesses and communities to solve real problems   Making education engaging through hands-on learning, technology, and AI   The power of exposure in helping students discover career paths   Overcoming imposter syndrome and saying yes to growth opportunities   Leadership lessons shaped by personal loss and family priorities   Resources &amp;amp; Links   Register for Trainer Talent Expo:  https:\/\/nicc.augusoft.net\/index.cfm?method=ClassInfo.ClassInformation&amp;amp;int_class_id=104976   Northeast Iowa Community College: https:\/\/www.nicc.edu   Connect with Amy Lasack on LinkedIn   Email Amy: lasacka@nicc.edu   Follow NICC:   Facebook: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/neiowacc   LinkedIn: https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/school\/northeast-iowa-community-college     ","author_name":"The Found Podcast with Molly Knuth","author_url":"http:\/\/www.mollyknuthmedia.com\/podcast","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/40184020\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/198887870"}