Olga Detrixhe received the "Rising Star Award" at the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet on January 29. The award recognizes leadership and service within her profession, as well as the community.

Olga grew up in Germany and travelled more than 5,000 miles to obtain her Master's Degree at Fort Hays State University, where she also met her husband. While not a native of Hays, once here, she entrenched herself in the local community. She's been volunteering for the Hays Area Young Professionals, serving on the Sister Cities Committee, advocating for CASA, and facilitating for Leadership Hays.

A Sales Supervisor for Nex-Tech, Olga has found success in an industry with less than 10% women. She is not only one of the youngest leaders on her team, but will soon be one of only a handful of International leaders that facilitates peers in the global IT community.

"This award is a testament to how our company truly lives out 'The Nex-Tech Way,'" said Olga. "Our Board of Directors and management team encourage growth in employees along with their service and leadership. I felt empowered to stretch out of my comfort zone and take some risks outside of my direct job responsibilities, and it's genuinely fun to be a part of that."

Photo:  Olga Detrixhe shows her award to Nex-Tech co-workers Kris Fair, Brian Meder, Roy Inlow and Dustin Schlaefli.