Next OnBoard
Next OnBoard Annual Award
Next OnBoard Outstanding Member of the Year 2021 Recipients



Katie Hoppenjan (UPS), Nela Powell (Formation Capital, LLC), and Maddie Thykeson (Gratus Capital) were selected as the 2021 Next OnBoard Outstanding Members of the Year for their many contributions serving on Next’s leadership team. Katie Hoppenjans served as our Membership Chair and continuously improved the experience for new and existing members. Nela Powell served as our Governance Chair guiding the leadership team to a successful year. Maddie Thykeson served as our Marketing Chair managing social media and outreach for NOB. Thank you to these incredible women for volunteering their time to lead Next OnBoard!
Outstanding Member of the Year Award Description
This award recognizes an honorable member of Next OnBoard who exemplifies what it means to be a “Nexter”. The recipient is an early career professional who serves as an outstanding role model for advancing OnBoard’s mission to increase the number of women in executive leadership and on corporate boards in both public and private for-profit corporations.
Previous Recipients
- 2019 – Katie Hull
- 2018 – Anna Biegen
- 2017 – Erin Elliott
- 2016 – Christina Schenck
- 2015 – Carrie Gorman
- 2014 – Erica Svobada
Making Connections Award Description
Making connections is all about recognizing the Nexter who recruits the most Next OnBoard members to engage young professionals early in their careers as they learn about board governance, connect with senior professionals and build a network of accomplished peers.
Previous Recipients
- 2017 – Christina Schenck
- 2016 – Yami Joshi and Erica Svoboda
- 2015 – Yami Joshi and Erica Svoboda
- 2014 – Carrie Gorman