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 discovered her passion for journalism and storytelling in various mediums, including photography, video, graphics, audio and interactive elements that tell enlightening and innovative stories.
Ani gained valuable experience working for two years at Goldenrod Pastries, a small business in Lincoln, Nebraska. Her role there provided her with insights into the local business community. During her college years, Ani covered many diverse topics—from Nebraska Supreme Court hearings to drag queens in the Great Plains.
Outside of work, Ani spends most of their time taking care of the jungle of plants in her home. They also enjoy long walks, taking long road trips (preferably somewhere warm), the art of restoring furniture and participating in “sports” such as darts and cornhole leagues. Ani lives in Lincoln with her dog, two cats and a tortoise.
Story archive: Ani Schutz
Ben Goeser, Reporting Intern
Ben Goeser is a reporting intern 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
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, Director of Advancement for Nebraska Journalism Trust, works with donors and leaders across Nebraska to build awareness and support for nonprofit, collaborative, community-based news. Her career has included time reporting on Nebraska businesses, schools, and communities for the Omaha World-Herald and Lincoln Journal Star. Barbara also served as director of development at the University of Nebraska Foundation, building support for agriculture education and research at UNL.
Favorite road trip stops with husband Ryan and daughters Cee-Cee and Clara include Chimney Rock, Ashfall Fossil Beds, 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.