AXIOS Selected as Friend of Phelps County

AXIOS Workforce & Talent Development has been selected as the 2025 Friend of Phelps County Award, Business of the Year. 

The organization will be honored at PCDC’s Hall of Fame Banquet on Thursday, October 29, at the Holdrege Country Club. American Ninja Warrior competitor Maggi Thorne will give the keynote address.

AXIOS is a non-profit organization founded by Alex Mahundi of Holdrege. Its goal is to invest in the next-generation workforce by equipping them to discover their life purpose and learn how to use their gifts to impact their community positively. Axios reaches students through classes at area schools, one-on-one tutoring and mentoring.

“I was surprised, grateful, and humbled,” Mahundi said when he was notified of the award. “This recognition means a great deal to me because AXIOS began with a desire to help young people discover their strengths and see a future for themselves here. I see this honor as a reflection of the people who believed in that mission and helped bring it to life.”

AXIOS recently celebrated its fifth anniversary and the milestone of reaching more than 1,000 students, helping them discover their unique talents and potential career paths.

Mahundi said his organization’s success comes from relationships. 

“Schools, families, businesses, churches,  donors, volunteers, and staff have all invested in our young people,” he said. “We've listened to what students need and built programs that help them grow in confidence, explore careers, and connect with opportunities. The community has made that possible.” 

Mahundi said he is thankful for everyone who has supported AXIOS, including the Phelps County Community Foundation and Phelps Memorial Health Center.

In the past year, AXIOS has expanded its services outside of the classroom to offer professional counseling.

The services provided by AXIOS help both students and Phelps County employers, as AXIOS matches Phelps County graduates with meaningful careers in their hometowns. 

AXIOS also recently launched a gap-year mentoring program aimed at high school graduates who are unsure about their next steps. It will help young people gain real-world experience before committing to a career path.

In selecting AXIOS, PCDC board members noted the unwavering commitment to making a positive difference with youth across the Phelps County community and beyond. 

“AXIOS Workforce & Talent Development is a deserving recipient of the Friend of Phelps County Award for its consistent dedication to investing in the future of our community through student development, encouraging youth education, and leadership training that elevates our youth,” PCDC President Jared Engelbert said. “By creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and discover their potential. AXIOS Workforce & Talent Development has become a powerful source of inspiration for students throughout Phelps County. Its commitment to fostering leadership skills, character development, and personal responsibility equips young individuals with the confidence and tools needed to make a positive impact in their schools, workplaces, and communities.”

The selection criteria looked for a business that consistently supports the community, strengthens the culture, has grown in its outreach across Phelps County, and has provided inspiration to other citizens, groups, businesses, and to the overall community.  

Hall of Fame Banquet tickets are $50 if purchased by Oct. 20 and $60 after Oct. 20. Tables of eight may be reserved for $375 by Oct. 20 and $450 after Oct. 20. RSVP and purchase tickets by calling PCDC at (308) 995-4148 or emailing Stacy@PhelpsCountyNE.com.