Leadership Team
The Leadership Team of Engineering Leaders of Tomorrow is comprised of dedicated students and advisors from the six core clubs. It is broken down into four committees. Each committee is responsible for a part of the conference. Further detail is given below, along with who leads each committee and their contact information.
Corporate Relations
Corporate Relations recruits only the finest companies to sponsor this conference. Each company sponsoring is not only getting great publicity for its brand but is making an investment in Iowa State engineering students. Take a look at the Corporate Relations Directors and their background below.
Gabe Folkedahl
Gabe is currently in his senior year at Iowa State University, pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE).
Inspired by his experiences at last year’s Engineering Leadership Program (ELT) conference, Gabe decided to return to the Corporate Relations team on ELT again this year, eager to explore leadership opportunities within the engineering community. Alongside his academic endeavors, Gabe is a member of the Cy Launch M:2:I team, where he works with other likeminded aspiring engineers to launch a rocket at a NASA competition each Spring.
His passion for NDE extends beyond the classroom, as he sees it as a crucial aspect of ensuring the safety and reliability of aerospace structures. With aspirations to pursue a career in Aerospace Engineering, Gabe is committed to leveraging his knowledge and experiences to contribute to the advancement of aerospace technology and exploration. Gabe’s eagerness to learn and his strong passion for leadership will surely prove integral to the planning team.
Andrew Jesus
Andrew Jesus is a driven and multi-talented individual who is currently a Senior studying Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Computer Science. He has proven to be an asset to his conference planning team as the Corporate Relations Executive, with his strong communication skills and passion for bringing companies together.
When Andrew is not busy with conference planning, he enjoys various activities that reflect his love for the outdoors and innovation. He is an avid pilot and takes to the skies whenever he can, whether for leisure or to sharpen his skills as an aerospace engineer. Additionally, Andrew is an accomplished snowboarder and wake surfer, and he loves to capture the beauty of his adventures through photography.
In addition to his recreational pursuits, Andrew is a dedicated coach for a robotics team, guiding young minds toward discovering their passion for technology. He is also the Director of a non-profit organization, where he works tirelessly to improve the lives of underprivileged children in his community.
Andrew’s desire to make a positive impact on the world is what drew him to the conference planning team. He is excited about the opportunity to create an excellent event that will bring people together and support meaningful causes. Andrew’s passion for innovation, coupled with his strong communication and leadership skills, makes him a valuable member of the team.
Logistics
The Logistics Committee has been coordinating with all of the other committees, joining all of the ideas and making the Leadership Team act as one cohesive unit. They have also been coordinating with the Conference Planning and Management to provide the best meals and venue in Ames.
Tia Blansett
Tia Blansett has explored multiple different subject areas during her time as a Cyclone. Her multifaceted educational journey encompasses graduate studies in Cybersecurity, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), and Construction Management, reflecting a broad interest in security, user experience and project management.
Tia’s commitment to excellence is further demonstrated through her active involvement in various student organizations, including the Student Veterans Association (SVA), Graduate Society of Women Engineers (Grad SWE), and IEEE Eta Kappa Nu (HKN). Her extracurricular involvement in these groups showcases her dedication to fostering community, promoting diversity in STEM fields, and contributing to meaningful causes.
Before returning to academia, Tia spent over a decade in the defense industry as an information technology specialist and cyber security manager, where she developed a deep expertise in safeguarding critical information systems against emerging threats. She holds multiple IT certifications including the internationally recognized, Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). Her professional background, combined with her academic pursuits, uniquely positions her to contribute valuable insights and leadership in the context of this engineering conference.
Oluwagbemiga Felix-Aremo
Shope is a Senior in Aerospace Engineering here at Iowa State. This is his first year in the committee, he brings his expertise to the Logistics team.
Shope is closely involved in many clubs and organizations across the university. He is in NSBE (National Society of Black Engineers), ASA (African Student Association), AIAA (American Institute Aeronauts and Astronauts) and Cyclone Rocketry. Felix likes to spend his free time getting active outdoors, weather that be hiking, running, biking. Felix is also a well rounded athlete, playing soccer and basketball. He enjoys watching soccer and basketball as well as supporting our cyclones.
Tanner Post
Tanner is from Omaha, Nebraska and an Alumni of Roncalli Catholic High School. In high school he was a 4-sport athlete and served on student government. He is a current member of Triangle Fraternity and part of the Aerospace Development team of the Wind Energy Student Organization at ISU. His goals for the future include working in the renewable energy industry and pursuing a master’s degree in some undecided engineering. This is his first year working as part of the Engineering Leaders of Tomorrow team.
Tanner’s Enthusiasm has led him to join many clubs and organizations during his time as a student. He is currently a member of the Aerospace Development Team of the Wind Energy Student Organization (WESO), where he designs, manufactures and tests leading edge wind turbine designs using airfoils. He is the current Academic Chair of Triangle Fraternity and was recently elected to the executive team to serve in the new role of Vice President of Academics. Additionally he has spent time in SAE Aero, Cyclone Rocketry, and Satellite Research Group clubs and student organizations on campus. In his free time Tanner loves to play sports and go to the gym as well.
Marketing
If you are a student and have heard about us, then you probably interacted with the Marketing Committee. They are in charge of getting the word out about the conference and communicating its many benefits to ISU students.
Olivia Cramer
Olivia Cramer is a passionate and driven Industrial Engineering student at Iowa State. Having already completed a degree in Applied Mathematics at William Penn University, she brings a diverse perspective to problem-solving and resilience in engineering, as well as being familiar with the transition and adaptation that comes with being a transfer student.
Born with proximal femoral focal deficiency, Olivia has found that learning to find strength in adversity has shaped both her academic and personal journey. Outside of academics, she loves to meet new people and learn their story as well as advocate for adaptive fitness through her online platform, working to empower others to embrace their differences and pursue their dreams with confidence.
Nicholas Von Briesen
Nicholas is a budding mechanical engineer and a Junior within the engineering community at Iowa State university. Beyond his academic pursuits, Nicholas enjoys spending his free time on the water, where he jumps, Tricks, and Slaloms for the Iowa State Waterski Enthusiast club.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Nicholas is deeply committed to his academic and professional development. As a member of ELE, he seeks to cultivate the skills and knowledge necessary to become a future leader in the field of engineering. With a keen eye for innovation and a passion for problem-solving, Nicholas approaches each new challenge with determination and enthusiasm.
In his role as a leader on the Marketing team of the Engineering Conference Leadership, Nicholas brings his unique blend of creativity and analytical thinking to the table.
Nolan Zimmerman
Nolan is a leading senior in Aerospace Engineering with a minor in Industrial Design. As the president of Triangle Fraternity he brings valuable insight and expertise to our team. Nolan is a passionate follower of Formula 1 where he hopes to work in the near future, designing F1 cars for cutting edge competition. In his free time he enjoys to golf, watch professional baseball, plan engaging event for Triangle and work.
Programming
Programming has put together an exciting lineup of conference sessions and key speakers. The individuals leading the sessions are comprised of distinguished faculty, strong student leaders, and company professionals. You will walk away from each session, bringing with you a new idea or way of thinking that will change your world. If you haven’t already, check out the conference schedule under the “Conference Schedule” and “Sessions” tabs.
Ritvik Karthik
Ritvik Karthik is a third year Industrial Engineering Student here at Iowa State. As a returning member to the Engineering Leaders of Tomorrow committee, he brings his experience to the programming team.
In Addition to his duties on the committee he is also on the cabinet of the Iowa State chapter of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers where he helps plan their annual conference for 2026. He is also a member of Students for Open Discussion. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, biking, and general outdoor activities as well as participating in intermural sports. He also enjoys cheering on our fellow cyclones, attending many of our football and basketball games.
Vikram Timsina
Vikram Timsina is a ambitious Junior pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering and a Sales Engineering Minor. With a strong passion for leadership, Vikram was thrilled to join the planning team as a Logistic Executive for 2 years and returning for a third year as a Planning Executive.
Outside of his involvement in conference planning, Vikram is a highly active member of his university’s community. He serves as the Engineering Career Fair student operations director and is a member for the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) and the Sales Engineering Club.
With a strong passion for engineering and a natural talent for leadership, Vikram was drawn to the planning team due to his experiences attending the conference in the Fall of 2022. Instantly he knew that he wanted to help plan this conference and has been involved planning the conference for the past two years and is excited to continue to contribute his skills and expertise to make the 2025 conference even better.
Advisors
The club advisors have been an integral piece of the Leadership team. They have provided insightful guidance in planning this conference. They are all distinguished professionals in their field at Iowa State. Read more about each Iowa State Faculty member below.
Holly Dunlay-Lott
Holly Dunlay-Lott is an academic advisor/student services specialist in Materials Science and Engineering. Prior to this role, Holly served as the Associate Classification Officer and Honors Liaison in The College of Engineering at Iowa State University. In addition, she co-advises Emerging Leaders in Engineering, the Engineering Leaders of Tomorrow conference, and co-leads a group of students to Australia every three years as part of a study abroad program. Prior to working at ISU, Holly worked at DMACC and in finance. Holly earned her B.S. in Finance and International Business as well as her M.Ed. in Higher Education from Iowa State University. Holly is originally from Waterloo but now calls Ames home. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, attending musicals and plays, and cheering on ISU athletics.
