This morning we had the pleasure of hearing from SWMN CEO alumni. Austin Taylor '20, Gavin Reisch '23, Chloe Olivier '23, Belle Smidt '23, and Cybil Vander Top '21, spoke to the young professionals about their CEO experience and how they use the connections, knowledge, and soft skills they learned during CEO as they navigate into their careers. They shared what they are doing now, experiences of the badge and class business, creating their individual business, cultivating a mentor relationship as well as building your network. Many spoke about the importance of professionalism, setting yourself apart from your peers, the importance of clear communication, doing what you say you'll do, learning to work with a group of people and not always having to do things your way, listening to others, learning to step up and do something without being asked or told, the importance of practicing the skills you have learned, being on LinkedIn, and taking responsibility for your own actions. WOW! That was amazing to have alumni share how they are using what they learned. Many referred to their CEO experience as a real-world experience where you are treated like an adult. Thank you to alumni for spending time with us!

Remember the application for the SWMN CEO program is open for sophomores and juniors in Luverne, Adrian, Pipestone, H-BC, Ellsworth, SWMC, and Edgerton Public. Go to www.southwestminnesotaceo.com to apply for the 2025-26 year!