GREEN BAY – Each year, the Greater Green Bay Chamber recognizes and honors young professionals making a real impact through leadership and innovation as well as workplaces where the next generation thrives through the Future 15, Young Entrepreneur of the Year and Next Generation Best Place to Work awards.
These award recipients and finalists will be recognized in March at the Future 15 and Young Professional Awards event, and will also be featured in stories in the Press Times each week leading up to the event.
This week, get to know Future 15 award winners Bryan Cayabyab, Michelle Cheney, Daniel Lindstrom, Emily Heling, Brittany Helf, Sarah Klapper and Jason Mathwig.
Now serving as a continuous improvement leader at Alive & Kickin’ Pizza Crust, Bryan Cayabyab knows the importance of prioritizing people in his work.
“I’ve built my career around one simple belief: when you put people first, performance follows.
It started in nursing, and that experience shaped everything about how I work today,” Cayabyab said. “Listening well, staying steady under pressure, thinking about problems from a human standpoint first. Over time I moved into manufacturing and organizational work, but the goal has always been the same: help teams get better results by building trust, clarity, and practical systems people can actually follow.”
That philosophy has served him well in his role, where he streamlines Alive & Kickin’ Pizza Crusts’ use of performance tools to track results and reduce waste.
“The real work is change management: getting people aligned, building good habits, and helping teams support each other so improvement actually sticks…” Cayabyab said. “The experiences that shaped me most were the ones where change had to be real — not just talk. I’ve been part of long-term transformations where the biggest challenge wasn’t the strategy. It was getting everyday leadership behaviors and team habits to actually line up with the values. That taught me quickly: culture changes when people feel respected, when expectations are clear, and when leaders show up consistently. Working closely with frontline teams has also had a huge impact. When you spend real time on the floor, you learn what’s genuinely getting in the way — and you learn that the best solutions are usually simple, practical, and built with people, not handed to them.”
Cayabyab said his leadership style is heavily influenced by those who have been leaders to him.
“I’ve also been lucky to learn from leaders and mentors I’ve worked alongside over the years — people who didn’t need the credit, but set the tone through humility, discipline, and how they treated others. That’s the kind of leader I try to be,” he said.
And for those just starting out in their professional journeys, Cayabyab recommends, “Be someone people can trust. Skills matter, but your reputation matters more. Show up, follow through, keep your word, and treat people well. Stay curious. Ask questions. Learn the basics really well before trying to be flashy. And don’t be afraid of hard seasons. The tough situations will either build you or break you, and if you stay humble and keep learning, they’ll build you.”
Michelle Cheney has found a way to turn her passion for fundraising into a career
Now, in her role as senior philanthropic advisor at the Wisconsin Humane Society, Cheney uses her passion for fundraising to support both the Green Bay and Door County animal shelters.
“I have loved my career in fundraising as a frontline gift officer because I deeply value building relationships with people, learning about their values, and walking with them to connect their values and story to opportunities for giving back to missions in our community,” she said.
Cheney said she couldn’t have gotten to this point in her professional journey without the people who have supported her along the way.
“I believe the most influential part of my career journey has been the people I have worked alongside and the ways in which they have helped me identify my strengths, and supported how transferable skills can be carried to new opportunities…” she said. “My two greatest role models in my life are my father and my husband. My father had a lifelong vocation in the health care field and was truly passionate about helping his patients. The posture of his heart was one of a problem solver and always coming alongside people in their journeys. I experienced with my husband early in our marriage his bold transition to a new career field and returning as an adult learner. His authentic pursuit of meaningful work helped him identify a long term career where he can have a positive impact in our community, and I look up to his confidence and clarity of his dreams amidst seas of what felt like unknowns at times.”
Looking ahead, Cheney said she plans to continue making an impact in her community through her work.
“What’s next for me is to continue to deepen my relationships with the philanthropic community in Green Bay and remain steadfast in my commitment to the Wisconsin Humane Society,” she said. “My goal is to continue to support transformational fundraising that has a ripple effect to the clients we serve and the animals we care for.”
After moving from the Upper Peninsula, earning his bachelor’s degree in urban and regional studies from UW-Green Bay and his master’s degree in city and regional planning at Ohio State University, Daniel Lindstrom is now the development services director for the city of De Pere, where, “The combination of a Wisconsin planning education and a nationally recognized graduate program gave him both a deep understanding of local community dynamics and a broader metropolitan perspective on growth, development and public policy.”
In addition to his education, Lindstrom’s approach to his professional life has also been shaped by his 16 years as a competitive swimmer, culminating in a collegiate career at UW-Green Bay.
“Those lessons — showing up every day, pushing through challenges and leading with consistency — continue to shape how he manages teams and guides long‑term community initiatives.”
“Lindstrom’s career has also been shaped by the economic cycles that defined the last two decades. Entering the profession during the 2008–2009 recession, he learned early how fragile local economies can be and how essential steady, pragmatic planning is when development slows, and communities face uncertainty. The years of recovery that followed exposed him to renewed growth across Wisconsin, reinforcing the importance of balancing opportunity with long‑term sustainability. As the COVID‑19 pandemic brought the global economy to a sudden halt, it forced municipalities to adapt overnight and deepened his commitment to resilience‑focused planning. Today, he sees the affordability crisis — spanning housing, transportation, childcare, and access to food — as the defining challenge for planners. In his view, these pressures require a daily shift in how communities think about land use, infrastructure, and economic development, demanding solutions that are both people‑centered and grounded in the realities families face.”
“Lindstrom credits much of his success to the people who shaped him long before he entered the planning profession. He first points to his parents, who worked long hours and shifts to ensure that he and his brothers had access to the education and experiences that would allow them to pursue their dreams. Their example of sacrifice, perseverance, and unwavering belief in their children remains the foundation of his work ethic today. He also looks to two early professional mentors, Quasan Shaw and Nicolas Sparacio, a former Future 15 honoree, who played pivotal roles in his development as a young planner. Both taught him how to hold himself accountable, how to meet the demands of a challenging profession with integrity, and how to maintain the highest professional standards.”
“Lindstrom often says that De Pere and his young family will keep him busy for years to come. Two small children at home and a city in the midst of meaningful transformation, the next chapter of his work is rooted firmly in place. He is especially energized by the redevelopment unfolding throughout downtown, where years of planning and partnership are beginning to reshape the urban fabric, and by the long‑term opportunities tied to the Southbridge Connector project, which is poised to influence growth patterns, economic development, and community connectivity for decades. For Lindstrom, the future is less about chasing the next job title and more about stewarding the projects, people, and places he believes in.”
Emily Heling, a design specialist for the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) of Brown County, grew up in Shawano before coming to Green Bay for college. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in Design Arts and Spanish and Latin American Studies; she also completed a minor in Marketing and a certification in Translation and Interpretation.
Throughout her life, Heling focused on involvement, which played a crucial role in her career development.
“Throughout high school, I stayed actively involved — participating in golf, band, National Honor Society and dancing at a local studio, which I had been part of since I was four years old,” Heling said. “During college, I continued dancing and helped restart the university’s competition dance team after it had paused during COVID. I also interned for three years with The Teaching Press as a book designer, working alongside authors, editors and production teams to design and publish four books.”
The Teaching Press book design internship was especially influential in Heling’s career, particularly because of the skills she gained.
“I deepened my knowledge of design programs and explored different visual styles, but more importantly, I learned how to design with purpose — creating work that not only looks meaningful, but functions well in mass production.
Collaborating with copyeditors, a full production team, professors and community authors strengthened my teamwork and communication skills. I learned how to give and receive feedback professionally, meet deadlines and think beyond my own creative lens. It helped me understand that strong design is rarely a solo effort — it’s built through collaboration.”
In her time so far at the ADRC, Heiling has had many achievements.
“One of my proudest achievements has been designing and implementing the organization’s very first brand book,” she said. “I gathered and defined everything design-related — colors, typography, tone of voice, marketing guidelines and visual standards — and brought it together into one cohesive guide to help ensure clarity and consistency across every department. Beyond creating it, I had the opportunity to apply those standards in our new resource design project, which made the work feel even more impactful and lasting.”
Heiling’s advice to those hoping to make an impact early in their career is, “Don’t wait. Take the risk. Jump in head first. Growth rarely happens in our comfort zones — it happens when we say yes to opportunities that stretch us, even if they feel a little scary. You won’t have everything figured out, and that’s okay. Every experience, even the missteps, will teach you something valuable. Trust that you are capable of learning as you go. Be curious. Ask questions. Raise your hand. Volunteer for the project. Step into rooms that challenge you. The path won’t always be perfectly clear, but courage has a way of creating clarity.”
Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer for AbbyBank, Brittany Helf has worked hard to have a career she is proud of.
“I help structure financing solutions for business owners and commercial real estate projects. My background includes experience in SBA 504 and 7(a) lending, supporting entrepreneurs as they grow and invest in our local economy,” she said. “Earning trust in complex commercial and SBA lending, structuring large real estate transactions and being viewed as a strategic partner to business owners is something I’m incredibly proud of. I’ve built my career through resilience, results and relationships.”
Helf grew up in Illinois and was the first in her family to graduate from high school and college, earning a degree in international business and marketing.
“Being a first-generation high school and college graduate has been one of the most influential experiences in my life. It taught me resilience, work ethic and the confidence to step into opportunities even when they felt outside my comfort zone. It taught me how to advocate for myself in spaces where my background wasn’t typical.”
She also fought to earn her place in a male-dominated field.
“Early on, I was told “no” and was told by others that they weren’t willing to take a chance on me. Those moments could have been discouraging, but instead they fueled me. They pushed me to work harder, sharpen my skills and prove that I belonged at the table.”
As Helf made her way to where she is today, she looked up to her mother.
“She worked hard and did the best she could with what she had, and that example of resilience shaped me deeply,” she said. “Watching her navigate challenges with strength taught me perseverance, responsibility, and the importance of showing up for your family no matter what.”
Beyond her career, Helf is currently completing her MBA at UW-Oshkosh and focusing on her community.
“I serve on the Greenville Planning Commission and Park Committee and founded Friends of the Greenville Parks, a nonprofit focused on enhancing local park amenities and creating meaningful events for families. I am also on various nonprofit boards and committees. My husband and I are raising our three sons in Greenville, and I am passionate about building strong communities both economically and for future generations.”
“Long term, I see myself continuing to step into greater leadership roles while remaining deeply connected to the community,” Helf said. “Whether through banking, public service or nonprofit leadership, my goal is to continue to give back and volunteer my time to the passions I have.”
For those focusing on their own careers, Helf gives advice based on her experiences.
“Do not wait until you feel fully ready, step into opportunities even if they stretch you. One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone.’ Be willing to ask questions, make mistakes, and advocate for yourself as you pursue your dream role. Just because someone doesn’t take the time to see your potential doesn’t mean the next person won’t. Focus on building strong relationships and protecting your reputation early in your career. Skills can be taught, but integrity and work ethic cannot. And remember, ‘no’ isn’t always rejection, sometimes it simply means ‘not right now.’ Let that fuel your motivation, not define your path.”
After a 15-year career in higher education working at UW-Eau Claire and UW-Green Bay, Jason Mathwig now serves as the industry alliance director at New North, Inc., where he leads two nonprofit industry alliances — the NEW Digital and NEW Construction alliances.
“Some of the most influential experiences in my career were in my 15 years in higher education at UW-Eau Claire and UW-Green Bay,” he said. “These roles really shaped who I am today. Not only did it hone my technical skills in areas such as public speaking, marketing, event planning, project management and supervision; working in admissions and continuing education taught me the importance of building relationships, understanding diverse audiences, and connecting people with opportunities. Those skills translated directly into my current role, where collaboration across industries and fostering meaningful partnerships are central.”
In his professional journey, Mathwig has benefited from many relationships and partnerships he’s developed along the way, but especially from the mentorship of his first boss.
“I’ve been blessed with many strong female leaders in my professional life,” he said. “Whenever I get asked this question, there is always one person that does rise to the top and that is my first ever boss I had at UW-Eau Claire, Heather Kretz. Her guidance and example taught me the importance of integrity, collaboration, perseverance, or visionary leadership and having some fun along the way. Early in my career, she encouraged me to take on challenging projects, step into leadership opportunities, and always focus on building meaningful relationships. Her mentorship helped me see the value in connecting people, fostering partnerships, and thinking strategically, lessons that continue to guide me in my current role today. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.”
Today, Mathwig looks back proudly on his accomplishments, including bringing back in-person summer camps following COVID-19 disruptions and helping to found the first-ever Champions of Construction Awards, and looks toward the future with excitement for what’s to come.
“Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing the NEW Digital and NEW Construction Alliances and helping drive collaboration across industries in Northeast Wisconsin,” he said. “I want to explore new ways to connect businesses, educational institutions, and workforce partners to tackle emerging challenges and opportunities in technology, construction, and workforce development. On a personal level, I hope to continue developing as a leader, mentoring others, expanding my strategic impact, and finding innovative solutions that strengthen our regional economy and community.”
For the past seven years, Sarah Klapper has worked at the Bay Area Workforce Development Board, where her work “lives at the intersection of strategy, innovation, compliance, and people, always with the goal of improving lives and creating opportunities for others.”
But she couldn’t have gotten to where she is now, serving as director of impact and operations, without taking steps to improve and find opportunities for herself.
“The experiences that have been most influential in getting my career to where it is now have been stepping into opportunities to build, improve, and lead meaningful work,” she said. “Some of the biggest growth moments in my career have come through restructuring programs, developing new initiatives, and being willing to try new approaches that create stronger outcomes for the people we serve. Leading the restructuring of the Independent Living Program for former foster youth across a seventeen-county region was especially impactful because it challenged me to think strategically, lead through change, and stay focused on creating a more sustainable and youth-centered model. While there were certainly risks involved, those experiences taught me that growth comes from being willing to learn, take initiative, and say yes to opportunities that stretch your leadership and allow you to create something better.”
Taking those risks, Klapper said, is the best advice she would offer to anyone just starting out on their professional journey.
“Get involved, take chances, and lean into feeling uncomfortable,” she said. “That is where growth happens, it’s also where opportunity and connection happen.”
A four-year volleyball player at UW-Stevens Point, where she earned her bachelor of science in health sciences, Mathwig is no stranger to the importance of connection.
“[I’m] now recognizing the importance of those friendships and commitment to a team and vision have shaped my experience, outlook, and perspective on my career and journey…” she said. “One of the most influential people in my life was actually a personal experience that happened during college while I was playing volleyball. I was going through a difficult time, and having a coach who truly believed in me, supported me, and challenged me to be better changed everything. That experience helped me develop confidence, step into leadership, and understand the power of encouraging others to see their own potential. It shaped the way I lead today and continues to influence how I support people in my work and community.”
Supporting the community, Klapper said, is something she plans to continue to do in her professional life.
“I hope to continue helping and strengthening what already makes greater Green Bay special — our commitment to partnership,” she said. “This community has an incredible drive to collaborate, and my vision is to continue building on that foundation - by staying engaged, listening closely, and ensuring that the work we do remains people-centered and inclusive.”
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