Ninja Warrior to Speak at Inspirational PCDC Banquet

The Phelps County Development Corporation’s 2026 Hall of Fame banquet will be a night of inspiration and celebration with the theme “Leading Today – Shaping Tomorrow.”

Former UNL athlete and Ninja Warrior Maggi Thorne of Omaha will give the keynote address.

Thorne is a nine-time participant in the popular TV show American Ninja Warrior. She travels the nation inspiring women, youth, and community leaders to live with purpose, resilience, and a “Never Give Up” spirit.

The Hall of Fame Banquet is set for Thursday, October 29, at the Holdrege Country Club with a social hour starting at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Reservations are encouraged by October 20. 

Thorne competed on the UNL track team in sprints, hurdles, and relays. After college, she worked for the Nebraska Athletic Department as the assistant director of capital planning and construction. After a decade of leading, designing, and managing more than $340 million in construction projects for UNL, Maggie shifted her career from building buildings to building people.

She is now the Chief Strategy Officer for CareerPathway.com, where she leads national initiatives focused on building unified workforce ecosystems that connect education, industry, and community partners. She has a passion for workforce innovation, economic mobility, and helping bridge the gap between young talent and top industries. 

Also at the banquet, two local businesses will be inducted into PCDC’s Business Hall of Fame. Axios Workforce & Talent Development (Alex Mahundi) will be honored with the Friend of Phelps County Award. MomenTum Dance Academy (Madeline Schany) will receive the Entrepreneurial Spirit Award.

Hall of Fame Banquet tickets are $50 in advance and $60 after the October 20 deadline. RSVP and purchase tickets by calling PCDC at (308) 995-4148 or emailing Stacy@PhelpsCountyNE.com.