We highlighted our MICC stars at our annual Champion’s Breakfast! This event is all about recognizing and celebrating those who are partnering, overseeing, exemplifying, and investing in our vision. Our participants, board members, supporters, and community partners joined us for a morning of breakfast, networking, and inspiration.
MICC CEO Amy Gudmestad and co-emcee Ann Meehan (‘08) greeted the crowd. Ann shared, “I’m excited about what the future holds and grateful for the growth I’ve experienced so far at MICC. MICC has taught me so much; I know that I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for what I have learned during my time at MICC. I am excited to be with you today to honor the valuable partnerships that exist between MICC and our community, and to celebrate those who embody our values and bring our vision to life.”
First up was our Nonprofit Community Champion: Lutheran Social Services! For over five years, the MICC Programs Team has worked closely with Lutheran Social Services staff to provide meaningful learning opportunities for participants across all programs. We are grateful for Lutheran Social Services’ ongoing partnership, expertise, and commitment to empowering our participants through inclusive and impactful education.
Next we honored our current MICC Board Members and shared our gratitude for our retiring board members. Alice Kirkland, an attorney with Littler, served two full terms on the Board, and her steady presence, professionalism, and counsel have strengthened our governance and helped shape MICC’s future. Jeff Gauvin, step-parent of MICC graduate and Champions Breakfast co-emcee Ann Meehan (‘08) served two terms as Board Chair, providing steady leadership during one of the most challenging times in MICC’s history—the pandemic. We are deeply grateful for Jeff’s guidance, insight, and enduring support of MICC’s mission.
At Champions Breakfast, we also honor our MICC staff who have reached milestones. Chris Nelson, Activities Assistant, Nate Keating, Elective Instructor, and Jena Kulenkamp, Transition and Resource Manager, all celebrated five years.
MICC Chief Financial Officer Tim J. Peterson was honored for 10 years of service. Tim has guided this organization with integrity, precision, and a steady hand—leading us through perfect audits year after year. MICC Associate Director of Administration and Compliance Danielle Friedland was also honored for 10 years of service. She is the quiet force behind so much of MICC’s success—steadfast, reliable, and brilliant at what she does.
This year’s Corporate Community Champion was Walgreens! Over the past five years, Walgreens has been a valued and consistent employment partner for more than 30 participants in MICC’s Careers program. The support provided by Walgreens managers—through training resources, employment opportunities, and a strong commitment to open communication and collaborative problem-solving—has been instrumental to our participants’ success in the workplace. Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to creating inclusive opportunities for our participants.
MICC Chief Advancement Officer Ben Lentz honored new and advancing members of our Hatlen Leadership Circle. Like our founders Beverly and Roe Hatlen, our benefactors in the HLC have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to our vision. Since 2010, the HLC has grown to over 66 families. See a full list of those honored below!
Finally, our Individual Community Champion was Sue Westphal. Our corporate contact at Best Buy for several years, Sue elevated our MICC graduation event and created a legacy of excellence that continues to guide us year after year. From facilitating MICC’s use of Best Buy’s spaces for our Graduation celebrations to strengthening the ongoing relationship between MICC and Best Buy Headquarters, her leadership has been nothing short of exceptional. Thank you, Sue!
The event wrapped by congratulating the Class of 2005 and Class of 2015 on their milestone years of independence. We also invited all graduates present to stand for applause and a group photo together. Amy shared final words with all attendees, stating, “Thank you for being part of this journey. As we celebrate what’s been accomplished, we look toward what’s next—with hope, determination, and a shared belief that the best is yet to come. Together, we don’t just imagine what’s possible, we create it.”
Thank you to all who attended! See a full list of our 2025 MICC Champions and more photos from the event below:
Full List of 2025 MICC Champions:
- Nonprofit Community Champion: Lutheran Social Services
- Board of Directors Retiring Members: Alice Kirkland and Jeff Gauvin
- MICC Staff: Chris Nelson (5 years), Nate Keating (5 years), Jena Kulenkamp (5 years), Tim J. Peterson (10 years), Danielle Friedland (10 years)
- Corporate Community Champion: Walgreens
- Hatlen Leadership Circle New Members: William and Helen Hartfiel, Mary and Don Newton, Douglas and Wendy Steele
- Hatlen Leadership Circle Advancements: Adrienne and Joseph Carrica, Jim and Michele Frome, Deborah and Bill Johnston, Chaim and Evelyn Teitelbaum, Pat and Trina Bryant, Kathie Constantine and Mike Bono, Rick and Kate Hartfiel, Mark and Mary Ziegler
- Individual Community Champion: Sue Westphal
- Independence Milestones: Congratulations Class of 2005 and Class of 2015