Description

NACC's Young Professionals Network (YPN) and Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Action and Sustainability Committee (IDEAS) collaborate for a Mentor Discussion Panel. Panelists will discuss cross generation mentorships and the benefits that come with forming trusted mentor/mentee relationships and a professional network.

Breakfast is included in registration. 

PANELISTS

MODERATOR


Dr. Nicole Armstrong, MBA, PMP, Founder & CEO, iDrink by Zipoura

Dr. Nicole Armstrong, MBA, PMP, is the Founder and CEO of iDrink by Zipoura, a next-generation mobile platform for drink ordering and venue discovery—redefining how people order, experience, and connect with bars, nightlife, and live events. The app helps guests order ahead, skip the line, and enjoy VIP experiences. She is also the Founder of She's a Professional LLC, a business and career consulting firm dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs and professionals through education and strategic guidance. She is the visionary behind S.M.I.L.E. (Single Mothers in Lifelong Education), which supports single mothers through education and mentorship, and Life's Lessons, an initiative focused on teaching life skills missed in elementary and high school to help with real-life experiences. Nicole is also a published author and a devoted mother of three and grandmother of four, Dr. Armstrong is passionate about creating opportunities through innovation, education, and leadership.

MENTORDan Firks, Principal Agent & CEO, The Dan Firks Team | Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group

Dan Firks is one of the Naperville area's most recognized real estate professionals, serving the community for over two decades as Principal Agent and CEO of The Dan Firks Team at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group. Known for his client-first philosophy and deep local roots, Dan has built a reputation on honest guidance, market expertise, and a genuine love for helping people find their place in the communities he calls home.

Beyond real estate, Dan is the owner of Naperville.com, a community platform dedicated to celebrating everything that makes Naperville a great place to live, play, and dine. His commitment to Naperville extends well beyond transactions. He's an active voice for local business, community connection, and giving back.

Dan brings the same energy to mentorship that he brings to his clients: straightforward, experienced, and always ready to help the next generation of professionals find their footing. He's honored to join the YPN panel and looks forward to an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a lasting career in real estate.

MENTEEChristopher Salas, Real Estate Agent, The Dan Firks Team | Coldwell Banker Real Estate Group

Christopher Salas brings a truly unique perspective to real estate. With a background in critical care nursing, he has built a career around one constant: people first. The same skills that made him exceptional at patient care, attentiveness, calm under pressure, and creative problem solving, are the ones he brings to every transaction.

Based in Naperville, Christopher has developed a deep understanding of local market trends, neighborhoods, and amenities. He specializes in working with VA buyers, first-time homebuyers, REO properties, sellers, and investors, making him a versatile resource for clients at every stage of their real estate journey.

Whether you are buying your first home, navigating a complex investment, or serving our country and looking to use your VA benefits, Christopher is committed to making the process smooth, clear, and personal.

MENTOR

Damon Fisch, Law Office of Damon M. Fisch

Damon Fisch is a lifelong Naperville-area resident, Naperville Central High School graduate, and experienced real estate attorney whose career in real estate began as a paralegal in 1996. Since becoming an attorney in 2002, he has represented clients in countless residential and commercial real estate transactions and has extensive litigation experience involving eminent domain, title insurance, foreclosure, eviction, and other real estate disputes.

Before founding the Law Office of Damon M. Fisch, P.C., Damon practiced with Helm & Wagner in Naperville and served as Vice-President and Litigation Counsel for Fidelity National Title Insurance Company. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Iowa, a J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law, and an M.B.A. from Illinois Institute of Technology. Damon has also taught in the Paralegal Studies program at College of DuPage and currently serves on its Advisory Board.

MENTEE
Will Owens, Law Office of Damon M. Fisch

Will Owens is an Associate Attorney at The Law Office of Damon M. Fisch, P.C. Will focuses his practice on civil litigation matters involving breach of contract, mechanic’s lien litigation, real estate litigation, lease disputes, and evictions.

Will received his J.D. from Northern Illinois University College of Law in 2021, where he graduated cum laude. While in law school, he was a staff editor on the NIU Law Review and interned with the Honorable Sara L. Darrow, Chief United States District Judge for the Central District of Illinois. Will is the current Chair of the NACC Young Professionals Network and is also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and DuPage County Bar Association

MENTORDoreen Booth, Baird & Warner

MENTEE

Ashley Abraham, Ride Assist Naperville

Ashley Abraham is the Executive Director of Ride Assist Naperville, a role she has held since 2021. With extensive experience in nonprofit management, Ashley specializes in fostering collaboration, empowering teams, and building meaningful relationships with board members, donors, and community partners.

Her leadership expertise spans program development, volunteer recruitment, operational efficiency, and strategic fundraising; all skills she has leveraged to drive sustainable growth and maximize impact for the Naperville community. Guided by values of integrity, empathy, and innovation, Ashley leads by example, fostering trust and driving excellence in everything she does.

HOSTED BY

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

The Young Professionals Network (YPN) hosts monthly breakfast gatherings designed to help emerging professionals build meaningful connections while growing both personally and professionally. Each breakfast offers a welcoming, high-energy environment where attendees can connect with peers, exchange ideas, and expand their network over breakfast.

This series alternates between open networking and professional development–focused conversations, featuring timely topics and practical insights relevant to today’s young professionals. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your skills, gain fresh perspective, or simply connect with others navigating similar career paths, YPN breakfasts are designed to leave you with new connections and takeaways you can put to work right away.