The Green Room
LEADING THE NEXT GENERATION:
How Gen Z Thinks, Works, and Connects
Free Virtual Event | Wednesday, Feb. 18 | Noon - 1 p.m. CT
The presence of Gen Z (born 1996-2012) in the workplace is growing, already making up 18% of the U.S. labor force. Millennials remain the largest cohort at 36%, with Gen X close behind at 31%. One (1) continuing education credit for Iowa Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) will be available. To register for the webinar, please fill out the form on this page.
As this next generation enters the workforce, they bring new expectations shaped by digital-first experiences, economic instability, mental health awareness, and values-aligned living.
Join  April Schmaltz from Delta Dental of Iowa and her guest, Dr. Nikki Harken, author and University of Northern Iowa professor, for the next Delta Dental of Iowa Green Room: "Leading the Next Generation: How Gen Z Thinks, Works, and Connects."
Together, they will discuss how to:
In addition to her responsibilities at the University of Northern Iowa’s Department of Communication and Media, Dr. Nichole (Nikki) Zumbach Harken is the author of Next Step, a practical guide designed to help students navigate the challenges of “adulting” after graduation—covering essentials such as health insurance, financial planning, workplace expectations, relocation, benefits, and early career decision making.
Her Next Step program at UNI expands on the book’s mission, delivering seminar-based coaching that supports students as they transition from college to adulthood. The program addresses key life skills and has been recognized by UNI leadership for reducing student stress and increasing postgraduation confidence.
She holds an Ed.D. in Higher Education: Student Affairs, an M.A. in Communication Education, and dual B.A. degrees in Communication/Theatre Arts Education and Elementary Education—all from the University of Northern Iowa.
April Schmaltz is the president and CEO for Delta Dental of Iowa. She leads with passion to improve the health and smiles of our customers and communities. April has been with Delta Dental since 2014, leading sales, marketing and product development. She has held a variety of executive leadership roles in the health care and financial services industries.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Mary’s University and a Master of Business Administration from Iowa State University. In addition, April serves on numerous professional and community boards and councils including serving as president of the Healthiest State Initiative Board of Directors and board chair of the Global Insurance Accelerator.
President and CEO Delta Dental of Iowa
President and CEO Delta Dental of Iowa
President and CEO Delta Dental of Iowa
President and CEO Delta Dental of Iowa
Host | Jeff Russell
President and CEO
Delta Dental of Iowa
Host |
About The Green Room
The Green Room is a conversation series that is:
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