About Us
Who We Are
The AXIOS Program is geared towards investing in the next generation of workforce by mentoring and equipping them to discover their purpose in life and learn how to use their gifting to impact their community positively. Most young men and women finish high school or even college with no clear vision for their future. They struggle to understand their giftings or talents. They do not know where they fit in the workforce.
The AXIOS Program takes a holistic approach through workforce development, education, faith, and collaboration in preparing this young generation of workforce to be innovative and have an entrepreneurial mindset. We use evidence-based curriculum and tools to build character and come alongside them to discover how they are wired.
The AXIOS Program is a two-semester program. From August to December participants will be exposed to classroom education, presentations from leaders and organizations in the community. The second semester participants will have opportunity to job shadow, learn about financial responsibilities, and be mentored.
The AXIOS Program target participants from 8th grade to high school and beyond from Phelps County and nearby counties. We work with school counselors and principals
Our Mission
To mentor and equip the next generation to discover their purpose in life and learn how to use their gifts to impact their community positively.
Our Vision
Empowering next generation to live up to their potential.
Our Values
Respect
Reliability
Connection
Founder & Volunteers
Making a difference in the lives of
students and communities
Alex Mahundi
Founder
Alex has been involved in the life of kids for over 18 years. He coached high school soccer for several years and currently serves as the Family Pastor at Trinity Evangelical Free Church. Mentoring and equipping the next generation to discover their purpose in life and learn how to use their gifting to positively impact their community is one of his greatest passions.
Married to his best friend Kadi, they have been blessed with three children – Samara, Solomon, and Serena. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays University, he is currently finishing a Master of Business Administration degree from Wayne State University.
Dave owns his business called South Platte Crop Consulting LLC where he is a crop consultant. He is also the agency agronomist for Bergman Ag a local Pioneer Seed Agency. He is married to Laurie and together they have four girls, Abbie, Sydney, Alivia, and Lainey.
Dave enjoy’s going and visiting his girls when he has the chance. Dave and Laurie also like to spend time in the mountains. “I usually try to go on one mission trip during the winter.” In 2019 and 2020 Dave had the pleasure of traveling to Tanzania with Alex to do work in his hometown of Songea.
Dave is also actively involved on the local TeamMates board, Holdrege FCA booster club, Midwest Region International FCA Advancement board and Trinity mission committee.
“It has been a great pleasure to watch Alex develop and grow the Axios program.” Dave said, “Alex is filling a need of young adults seeking guidance in understanding their God given gifts and helping them find direction in life after high school.”
Dave Nelson
Board Member
Dave owns his business called South Platte Crop Consulting LLC where he is a crop consultant. He is also the agency agronomist for Bergman Ag a local Pioneer Seed Agency. He is married to Laurie and together they have four girls, Abbie, Sydney, Alivia, and Lainey.
Dave enjoy’s going and visiting his girls when he has the chance. Dave and Laurie also like to spend time in the mountains. “I usually try to go on one mission trip during the winter.” In 2019 and 2020 Dave had the pleasure of traveling to Tanzania with Alex to do work in his hometown of Songea.
Dave is also actively involved on the local TeamMates board, Holdrege FCA booster club, Midwest Region International FCA Advancement board and Trinity mission committee.
“It has been a great pleasure to watch Alex develop and grow the Axios program.” Dave said, “Alex is filling a need of young adults seeking guidance in understanding their God given gifts and helping them find direction in life after high school.”
Rick Bergman
Board Member
Rick Bergman is a farmer and a sales representative for Pioneer Hi-Bred International. He lives north of Holdrege, Nebraska with his wife, Julie.
They enjoy spending time with their four married children and twelve grandchildren, especially when they can get together at Johnson Lake in the summer.
Rick serves as a director for Southern Public Power District, is a past school board member of Phelps County R-4 School and Holdrege Public Schools, has served in various leadership capacities at Holcomb Evangelical Free Church, and is a past board member of Global Connection International. Rick has participated in mission trips to Haiti, Cambodia, and several different African countries.
He has enjoyed working with Alex Mahundi on several projects in Alex’s native Tanzania. Rick is excited to be part of the Axios group and looks forward to seeing students trained to better understand their talents and prepare them to make a positive impact in their community.
Samantha Thorell graduated from the University of Nebraska with Elementary and Special Education undergraduate degrees. She then continued her education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a master’s in Education Administration. Samantha was a classroom teacher for 10 years prior to becoming a principal at Bertrand Community School for two years. She is married to Lance Thorell and has 4 children: Ledger, Archie, Vivian, and Millie.
Samantha has always been heavily involved in anything related to educating and mentoring children. In her life, she has experienced being a social worker, coach, teacher, administrator, and mother just to name a few. Samantha is passionate about the work being done with the Axios program. She feels that helping our youth find their way in this world is one of the best investments we can make for future generations.
Sam Thorell
Board Member
Samantha Thorell graduated from the University of Nebraska with Elementary and Special Education undergraduate degrees. She then continued her education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney with a master’s in Education Administration. Samantha was a classroom teacher for 10 years prior to becoming a principal at Bertrand Community School for two years. She is married to Lance Thorell and has 4 children: Ledger, Archie, Vivian, and Millie.
Samantha has always been heavily involved in anything related to educating and mentoring children. In her life, she has experienced being a social worker, coach, teacher, administrator, and mother just to name a few. Samantha is passionate about the work being done with the Axios program. She feels that helping our youth find their way in this world is one of the best investments we can make for future generations.
Invest in youth and your community
both now and for the future