Stefanie Monge, Editor
Stefanie Monge is the editor of Silicon Prairie News. She is a seasoned startup strategist, community builder and journalist with a passion for entrepreneurship and experience as a founder herself. Stefanie has spent the last 15 years working with startups around the world. She was the first-ever entrepreneurship reporter at the Omaha World-Herald where she wrote about startups and small business in the late 2000s. Since her time at the Omaha World-Herald, Stefanie has spent 12 years promoting equity and access in STEM fields, has 10 years of experience producing corporate wellness and team-building events, and has served as a startup advisor and board member for six years.
Stefanie is an avid traveler, having backpacked around the world for 2 years as a digital nomad. She is the founder and executive producer of international leadership development retreats and conferences, including GETconf (Gender Equity in Tech Conference), Think Start Do Women’s Entrepreneurship Series, and Welcor Retreats.
Story archive: Stefanie Monge
Ani Schutz, Multimedia Reporter
Ani Schutz is a multimedia reporter at Silicon Prairie News. She discovered her passion for journalism through various mediums, including photography, graphics, audio and interactive elements, which she uses to tell enlightening and innovative stories.
While working at Goldenrod Pastries, a small business in Lincoln, Nebraska, Ani gained valuable insights into the local business community. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, crafting and cooking. Ani lives in Omaha with her partner, Corrin, their dog, Ivy, and their cat, River.
Story archive: Ani Schutz
Ben Goeser, Daily Reporter
Ben Goeser is a daily reporter for the Silicon Prairie News. Growing up in Omaha, he developed a passion for storytelling when overhearing the conversations of family members around the dinner table on holidays. He attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he became a recurring voice and producer on the college’s radio station. Ben graduated with both a BS in history and a BA in English and has taken on roles in local radio and social media management. At SPN, he is excited to promote the stories of business leaders, creatives and entrepreneurs in and around his hometown.
Story archive: Ben Goeser
Cally Nguyen, Social Media Intern
Cally is a Social Media Manager intern at Silicon Prairie News. Born in Da Nang, Vietnam, she moved to the United States at the age of 7. Growing up, Cally developed a passion for creating content on social media, experimenting with various niches and building communities around shared interests. She finds joy in content creation, from watching designs come together to analyzing post-performance metrics.
Previously, Cally served as the Social Media Manager and Graphic Designer for the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) Southeast Asian Organization, where she led multiple event campaigns. Currently, she is an event planning member of Maverick Productions at UNO, where she helps organize large-scale campus events. These experiences have provided valuable insight and skills for navigating the professional world.
Outside of work and academics, Cally enjoys scrapbooking, a hobby that is basically graphic design on paper. She also has a love for music, particularly R&B, and enjoys singing in her free time. Cally is excited to contribute to SPN and be part of a new community.
Matt Wynn, Executive Director
Matt Wynn is the Executive Director of the Nebraska Journalism Trust, which launched and funds the Flatwater Free Press. Most recently, he was an editor on the investigative desk at USA Today, where his investigation into the proliferation of model bills in statehouses was awarded the Goldsmith Prize for Investigative Reporting. Prior to that, he was the Director of Investigative and Enterprise at MedPage Today. He also spent time as a reporter at the Omaha World-Herald and other newspapers. An Omaha Central alum, he graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He lives in Omaha with his wife, Sarah, and three children.
Christine Baude, Director of Operations and Finance
In her role, she helps develop the financial and logistical procedures that this growing organization needs. Christine comes to us from Charles Drew Health Center, where she proved her mettle throughout the pandemic, setting up systems for getting people treated and vaccinated amid unprecedented challenges. A UNO graduate in history and literature, Christine lives in Omaha with her husband and son.
Barbara Soderlin, Director of Development
Barbara Soderlin leads development efforts across the Nebraska Journalism Trust, building relationships with donors, community members, and partners who join with us to strengthen Nebraska journalism. Her background includes eight years reporting on Nebraska business, schools, and communities for the Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star, and five years in development with the University of Nebraska Foundation, supporting UNL’s agriculture and natural resources education and research.
Favorite Nebraska road trip stops with husband Ryan and daughters Cee-Cee and Clara include Chimney Rock, Homestead National Monument, Carhenge, Smith Falls and any place with ice cream or pie
Han McClelland Wagoner, Development Associate
Han McClelland Wagoner has a background in nonprofit administration, veterinary clinics, and a little bit of everything in between. Han grew up in Omaha and has lived and worked in this community for most of their career. They enjoy road trips, writing music, reading nonfiction, and spending time with their dog Roosevelt. Han has an Associates in Liberal Arts from MCC and will graduate with their Bachelors in Cross Sector Collaboration and Nonprofit Management in 2024.
Yubia Ramirez, Operations Associate
Yubia Ramirez is an Operations Associate at Nebraska Journalism Trust. Yubia pursued an Advertising/Public Relations degree at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. She brings experience in the advertising and marketing field. A Nebraska native, she loves traveling and attending concerts in her free time.