metroMAGAZINE SEPT/OCT 2022 Issue

WOMEN WHO WOW

tar

People with wealth have something in common. Us.

Vandenacl< Weaver Truhlsen's national caliber estate planning team protects and maximizes wealth

Vandenack Weaver Truhlsen estate planning clients are all different. Each has walked their own path and has their own degree of success. All however have something in common. They want elite level knowledge and to know they matter.

Vandenack Weaver Truhlsen delivers that and more. We're savvy in both business and the law and up-to-the-minute on all industry issues and trends. We're also determined and down-to-earth. We'll give you 100% day in and day out regardless of the number of zero's in your net worth.

Call and set up an appointment today. You'll reap the rewards other successful people have. Vandenack Weaver Truhlsen's national caliber estate planning team will maximize your wealth and keep you prepared for every eventuality in the days and years to come.

OFFICE/SALES

MISSION STATEMENT

NOV 29

WHAT ELSE IS possible?

Women who WOW! That’s what! I can’t say this often enough: We live in an amazing community! I feel so blessed being surrounded by folks who are committed to making a difference, going above and beyond, and being true game- changers! Over the past several years (since 2015, in fact) metroMAGAZINE has been collaborating with planit inc. and featuring an amazing woman making a difference in both the corporate world and the philanthropic community.We have had the honor of interviewing 34 so far and it’s a pretty darn impressive list of“Game-changers”!

We are now taking it to the next level. Over the past seven years, we called this series “Game-changers”In 2022, we changed the name to“Women whoWOW”!With this change we are launching a nomination process to get the community more involved. I like to think that I am plugged in to the people and happenings of the Omaha metro community, but with so much activity going on, up-and coming-leaders, and behind-the-scenes workings of so many remarkable women, we want to hear from you.

“Women who WOW” will be featured in both metroMAGAZINE and Midlands Business Journal. Beginning in January 2023, we will select a woman from the nominations we receive to be featured in MBJ once a month and in metroMAGAZINE four to six times each year.

This “Women who WOW” ongoing series will spotlight the region's most influential businesswomen along with up-and-coming leaders. We're seeking women from every industry and profession (corporate and nonprofit) who've made a difference in their communities,

blazed a trail, and are leaving a mark on the Omaha metro and Lincoln business communities.

One of the reasons I love being in the publishing/media industry is that I get to shine a light on those who fly under the radar and don’t often receive recognition for what they are doing and creating. And it’s so much more than recognition—it’s inspiration. In my 30-plus years of running my own publishing company, I know that the stories we share can and do inspire others. It inspires others to look at their lives or businesses and ask, “What Else is Possible?”

Oftentimes when I choose to step off the cliff and take a big leap, it is because I have been inspired by the choices and actions of others. I am asking for your input to help us shine a light on those women doing incredible work in our communities.

I want to take this opportunity to thank planit inc.’s Renee Black and Lesley Brant for collaborating with me and metroMAGAZINE and sponsoring this series since 2015. Renee and Lesley are certainly two “Women who WOW.”

The nomination form is up and running and just waiting for you to nominate a woman who WOWs!

We hope you enjoy this issue featuring past “Game-changers” as they share a little more about their journey and what inspires them.

What else is possible, my friends?

AndreA L. Hoig • aha.com

presents WOMEN WHO WOW

ARE THEY

Seven years ago, two woman-owned businesses came together to present profiles of woman leaders in every issue of metroMAGAZINE. On the pages that follow, we catch up with some of the 34 women featured as “game-changers” and “Women who WOW” since 2015.

In 2015, planit inc. (then planitomaha) and metroMAGAZINE presented the first “Game-changer” profile featuring a woman executive. As woman business leaders themselves, metroMAGAZINE publisher Andee Hoig and planit inc. co-founders Renee Black and Lesley Brandt wanted to celebrate accomplished women in the community.

“Recognizing women leaders specifically is important to showcase how women have a seat at the table and are making a major impact in their organizations and their communities,” Black said. “There are so many wonderful events and volunteerism happening in Omaha, but we saw a need to call out the women who make a difference in the boardroom and in their communities.”

“We need to recognize women leaders at the highest levels so our next generation of female professionals can see women being celebrated for our accomplishments and success in our careers and communities,” Brandt said. “We understand life demands the desire to serve your community while elevating your professional career. It’s difficult to do both, and we wanted to acknowledge those outstanding leaders who are serving Omaha and leading their organizations.”

In the past seven years, metroMAGAZINE has featured 34 high-profile women representing nonprofits and businesses spanning a wide varieties of sectors including medicine, banking, media, corporate, education and more, with titles like president, CEO, founder, senior vice president, executive vice president, and senator.

Both Black and Brandt have seen changes for women in the workplace since they started their careers, and even since the first “Game-changer” profile was published. Black said she’s seen more “acceptance in the C-suite and having your voice be heard and respected,” and Brandt said that although there is still more work to be done in this area, “there are more women professionals making greater impacts on their organization’s bottom line and changing corporate environments.”

They’ve enjoyed reading the profiles, too, both women said, and even had the tables turned on them in 2018 when they were the featured subjects. Fittingly, the magazine’s publisher was the final “Gamechanger” profile before the feature was rebranded as “Women who WOW” in 2022.

“I appreciate the talented, committed female leadership in Omaha and what I have learned is that a collective effort is better than a single effort to support women at the highest levels in an organization,” Black said.

“I have enjoyed reading the profiles and learning about the women and how much we all share in common on so many levels,” Brandt said. “I think the surprise factor comes when you read a profile and walk away impressed knowing that female leader is amazing at what they do and serving their organization and Omaha so well.”

metroMAGAZINE invited former “Gamechangers” and “Women who WOW” to share what they’re doing today—some are in the same professional positions, some have retired, and some have taken on new roles since they were featured in our magazine—and also get their responses to some intriguing and fun questions. Their profiles are featured on the following pages.

~You can help determine future “Women who WOW” profiles! Nominate a friend, mentor, co-worker, boss, or other important woman using this easy online form:

STOry by kara SchweiSS | PhOTOgraPhy by JiM SchOLZ aND Debra S. kapLaN

Women Who WOW

ARE

MELANIE MORRISSEY CLARK CLARK CREATIVE GROUP

PRESIDENT, CLARK CREATIVE GROUP

“EVERY SINGLE DAY WHEN I WALK INTO OUR OFFICE

I STILL FEEL JOY AND GRATITUDE.”

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“Challenges are gifts that force us to search for a new center of gravity. Don’t fight them. Just find a new way to stand.”

~ Oprah Winfrey

If you had not followed your current career path, what do you think you might have done instead?

I would most likely be working for a nonprofit. I originally majored in social work in college, and nonprofit work has always been my passion. I have channeled this through my volunteer work in the community, and that has been a rewarding way to incorporate this into my life.

What or who inspires you?

Right now I would say my 25-year-old triplets and our younger team members at Clark Creative Group inspire me—this new generation that is just entering the workforce. Their fresh take on creative projects, their optimism and their passion for social justice gives me hope in these challenging times.

What do you want people to know/remember you for?

Why is Omaha a good community in which to do business?

Omaha is a great business community because it’s easy to network here. Despite the size of our city, everyone always seems to know everyone else. Newcomers are welcomed and can easily access our community. Reputation is everything, and customers tend to follow a good reputation.

What have you enjoyed most about being an entrepreneur/business leader?

I truly love the work we do, and getting to do that work with my husband Fred makes it even better. We’ve been partners for 30 years, and we raised our triplets alongside our business. We are still doing the same dance, yet every single day when I walk into our office I still feel joy and gratitude.

If you could go back in time and visit your younger self at the start of her career, what would you say to her?

Work hard but don’t take yourself too seriously, laugh as much as possible, and put most of your energy into just being a good human being. The rest will follow.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

MELANIE MORRISSEY CLARK PRESIDENT CLARK CREATIVE GROUP

Making a difference in someone else’s life—through a personal relationship, volunteer efforts or just a kind word.

From my dad: Embrace change, because it is inevitable.

Women Who WOW

JANYNE PEEK EMSICK, PH.D.

CEO, YOUREXECUTIVECOACH.COM AND EMSICK ARCHITECTS, INC.

If you had not followed your current career path, what do you think you might have done instead?

Definitely would have either been on stage or teaching those whose dream was to be on stage. By the time I was 16, I played a dozen instruments and was composing music. After my undergrad, a highlight was directing a 150-member children’s choir. Those were really sweet days.

What or who inspires you?

I am captivated by people who lift the eyes and hearts of others to new heights. My husband and I love documentaries. Whether it is astronauts, musicians, social justice transformers or athletes, I am always inspired by someone who leads others towards “better” when faced with hard places.

If you could go back in time and visit your younger self at the start of her career, what would you say to her?

To know and not do is to not yet know (Kurt Lewin). Walk your talk. True learning results in action – changed behaviors. Align your life’s work with your values and aspirations.

What has been the best technological advancement that has affected your business?

I’ve lived long enough that there are many (smiley emoji). Most recently, the acceptance of virtual meetings transformed the ability to coach and consult with clients. On a given day, I could be meeting with clients in Bangladesh, Brazil, Syria, Kenya, the Netherlands, England, and right here in Omaha.

When I launched my coaching and consulting business 30 years ago, we still had dial-up AOL for email and chat. I leased a dedicated ISDN line into my home office to improve internet speed. When you compare that to the technology we experience to share our presence, our knowledge, our resources— it’s amazing! I can’t wait for “what’s next!”

What have you enjoyed most about being an entrepreneur/business leader?

I am energized by the vibrance of making new big things happen, like the upcoming inaugural Omaha Gratitude Summit or Professional Women

Connect Global, as much as the intimacy of the spark that comes when an executive experiences a transformational “a-ha” during 1:1 coaching.

“TOGETHER, WE’VE GOT THIS!”

JANYNE PEEK EMSICK, PH.D.

Women Who WOW

MARGARET HAYNES RISEMARK AND RIGHT AT HOME

CEO AND PRESIDENT, RISEMARK AND RIGHT AT HOME

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

~ Maya Angelou

If you had not followed your current career path, what do you think you might have done instead?

Had I not been blessed with joining Right at Home, I imagine I would have likely landed working for a nonprofit where I connected with their mission. When I made the decision in 2010 to switch industries, I wanted to find a way to blend my business background with something in the health and human services space.

What have you enjoyed most about being an entrepreneur/business leader?

I’m extremely blessed to work with an incredible team, along with passionate business owners across the globe. It is energizing to help—and see—business owners build sustainable, profitable businesses in their local communities. It is through that reach that so many lives are being touched in a meaningful way.

What or who inspires you?

The Right at Home mission “to improve the quality of life for those we serve” truly inspires me. It is a call to action that motivates me daily, both professionally and personally.

Why is Omaha a good community in which to do business?

I love the inviting feel of Omaha. It’s large enough to provide numerous opportunities, yet still small enough to feel a sense of community. The Midwest values of hardworking, genuine and kind people make it a great place to live and work.

What do you want people to know/remember you for?

My hope is that I will be remembered for the way in which I loved deeply, laughed often and positively touched someone’s life.

If you could go back in time and visit your younger self at the start of her career, what would you say to her?

The journey ahead is going to be amazing. Don’t rush through it, but rather work to stay in the moment and cherish every day. Maintain curiosity, help those around you, and strive to bring your best every day.

What are some of your future aspirations?

I just recently embarked on a long-term career goal of mine in terms of leading a company. While only a few months into the role, I am grateful for the opportunity to take on a new challenge and expand my own learning.

“TURN OBSTACLES INTO OPPORTUNITIES. WHEN YOU FIND YOURSELF FRUSTRATED, TAKE THE TIME TO MOVE YOUR THOUGHTS FROM YOUR HEART TO YOUR HEAD.”

MARGARET HAYNES

Women Who WOW

WHERE ARE THEY

PATRICIA KEARNS • QLI

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

~ Maya Angelou

What have you enjoyed most about being an organizational leader?

The greatest joy of being a leader is the opportunity to help team members be their best, which often includes helping them achieve more than they thought they could. The power to do good for others is a privilege.

What or who inspires you?

My team! Each QLI team member has different talents, perspectives and passions, and I learn something new from at least one of them every day. I’m also inspired by the compassion my team members demonstrate for the individuals and families we serve and for each other, along with the energy they pour into changing lives.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

QLI’s founding leader, Dr. Kim Hoogeveen, taught me early in my professional development that our thoughts drive our emotions, and we do have control over our thoughts. This education and his advice to always be intentional about what I think has served me well over the past 22 years in all aspects of my life.

PRESIDENT & CEO, QLI

If you could go back in time and visit your younger self at the start of her career, what would you say to her?

Always be yourself. As a young professional, I was still navigating identity and what I valued. It’s a time of life that many of us are easily influenced because we don’t yet have clarity on who we are. Through that journey, we should trust our instincts and own our ideas even if it’s out of step with those around us.

What have been the best innovations or technological advancements benefiting your business since you started?

There are so many technological advancements that have improved efficiencies with communication, evolved how we provide rehabilitation, and created environmental controls for the individuals we serve. As a physical therapist, my favorite advancements are in the area of robotics because of how this has improved and accelerated physical recovery, leading to better rehab at a lower cost.

Why is Omaha a good community in which to do business?

Omaha is a place where people truly care about people. It’s filled with leaders who are passionate about economic growth and prosperity for all. The generosity of the community creates a framework for businesses to succeed. QLI is an example of a business that has grown from long-shot idea to industry leader—thanks to the support of this community.

“AT THE INTERSECTION OF PURPOSE, CAMARADERIE AND ACCOMPLISHMENT IS JOY.”

PATRICIA KEARNS

& CEO

Women Who WOW

SUSAN KOENIG KOENIG|DUNNE

OF COUNSEL, KOENIG|DUNNE EXECUTIVE COACH

ARE

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“Choice is your greatest power.”

~ Caroline Myss

What or who inspires you?

The beauty and preciousness of life inspires me daily. Seeing the goodness of people, the beauty of the earth, and the limitless possibilities I’ve been granted simply by being alive. Recognizing that the future is not guaranteed and that my death could come within the hour inspires me to take nothing for granted and to celebrate what is right here.

If you could go back in time and visit your younger self at the start of her career, what would you say to her?

“Call forth your courage to ask for what you want.”

Even as you strive to make contributions, pause to reflect on what you want more of and what you want less of. When tempted to simply please others—your boss, your boyfriend, your business associate—be brave and make the ask, be it for more time, money or respect.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

Who you are “being” is more important than what you are “doing.” For years I was busy “doing” in my legal career and community. As I transitioned into coaching, I discovered it’s not just how many items we cross off our to-do list or the volume of goals reached. Rather, was I present? Empowering? Loving?

What have you enjoyed most about being an entrepreneur/business leader?

Seeing Koenig|Dunne has become Nebraska’s leading divorce law firm. From my small solo practice has grown a team who will carry on our mission long after I’m gone. They are dedicated to the values of caring for our clients, our community, and each other. It is pure joy to see their commitment each day.

What have been the best innovations or technological advancements benefiting your business since you started?

The most innovative technological advancement in the history of our firm and, arguably, divorce in Nebraska, is one created by Koenig|Dunne: Untie Online. The brainchild of my law partner Angela Lennon, it’s an easy-to-use online service for people who want to do their own divorce. It’s helping people all across the state gain greater access to justice.

What do you want people to know/remember you for?

That in my presence they saw the wonder of who they are, the gift they were to me, and the contribution they made to the world.

What are some of your future aspirations?

I aspire to live beyond the age of 100. If I’m so fortunate, I have about 10,000 days remaining to cherish. I hope to spend time with those I love, to write, and to use my skills as an end-of-life doula where I am called.

“TO MOVE FORWARD ON YOUR PATH IS TO REMEMBER THE PAST, TO CHOOSE ANEW, AND TAKE A SINGLE SMALL STEP.”

SUSAN KOENIG EXECUTIVE COACH KOENIG|DUNNE

Women Who WOW

BEVERLY KRACHER CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY

ROBERT B. DAUGHERTY CHAIR AND PROFESSOR OF BUSINESS ETHICS & SOCIETY, CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear, for newer and richer experience.”

~ Eleanor Roosevelt

If you had not followed your current career path, what do you think you might have done instead?

I like working with my hands. My dad wanted me to be a mechanic. Maybe I would have opened the first all-female car repair shop.

What or who inspires you?

All the people who get up every day, work a regular job (or maybe three), raise their families with love, and do it again the next day. They make the world go round.

What have you enjoyed most about being an organizational leader?

Starting something from scratch that no one else has done; providing jobs that weren’t there before; making people proud who are connected to the work.

What do you want people to know/remember you for?

Joyful mischievousness.

What’s the best example of what NOT to do you’ve learned from?

Watching people get caught up in the material world so they can’t change jobs to do something they enjoy because they need the money and security of something that bores them.

What has been the best technological advancement that has affected your business?

Email, text, Slack, etc.

Why is Omaha a good community in which to do business?

We want to make profits or run sustainable organizations with integrity, honor and fairness.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

View the sunlight, ideally without glasses, for a couple of minutes after waking up. It triggers the first dopamine release of the day and makes us more energetic. This is from the Huberman Lab. Everyone should listen to this science podcast.

What are some of your future aspirations?

Travel, travel, travel with teaching and research projects as I go, so that I enjoy myself but leave something good along the way.

BEVERLY KRACHER

“LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT MAKING SURE SOMETHING LIVES AFTER YOU ARE GONE.”

Women Who WOW

ASHLEY KUHN BLAIR FREEMAN

ASHLEY KUHN PRESIDENT BLAIR FREEMAN

PRESIDENT, BLAIR FREEMAN

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“Here’s to strong women, may we be them, may we know them, may we raise them.”

~ author unknown

What or who inspires you?

My parents inspire me daily. They started from the bottom, with nothing, worked tirelessly for a better life, and through that hard work created generational wealth for their family. Through example, they push our family daily to leave the world a better place than it was before we got here.

If you could go back in time and visit your younger self at the start of her career, what would you say to her?

Be kind and be bold! Don’t allow self-doubt and fear to slow you down in your career. Take time every day to see the joy of life, laugh regularly, don’t rest in the lows of life, and find ways to impact other people for the positive and allow them to pour into you the same way.

Why is Omaha a good community in which to do business?

In Omaha, I have found a familial spirit to everything that is done and I feel like that drives the success of our city. I love that we are a big city that manages to keep a small-town feel. The ability to collaborate for the greater good makes Omaha a unique and beautiful place to do business.

What do you want people to know/remember you for?

I want people to remember me for touching their lives. I hope that everyone that I meet walks away inspired to live to their full potential and inspired to reach back and inspire the next person in line.

What have you enjoyed most about being an entrepreneur/business leader?

I enjoy meeting new people, connecting and learning from them. I enjoy the time that I get to spend with other people and sparking the flame of passion for what they do.

“IF WE PLACE BEING A GOOD HUMAN AS THE INTENTION TO ALL THINGS THAT WE DO, THAT INTENTION WILL ALLOW US TO BUILD GREAT THINGS, NO MATTER WHAT FIELD WE WORK IN.”

Women Who WOW

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

MALORIE MADDOX BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEBRASKA

CHIEF MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS AND STRATEGY OFFICER, BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEBRASKA

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“If I’d observed all the rules, I’d never have got anywhere.”

~ Marilyn Monroe

What or who inspires you?

(WOWT anchor) John Knicely. He is a man who deserves his success because of his unwavering kindness toward others. Dennis Wilden was my mentor for many years at WOWT. He was tough but he made me better at my job.

What have you enjoyed most about being an entrepreneur/business leader?

I have enjoyed learning from others who are amazing at their jobs. I am never afraid to say, “Explain that to me. Help me understand.” I have found that people have far more respect from you being vulnerable than they do if you pretend you have all the answers.

If you had not followed your current career path, what do you think you might have done instead?

Nearly five years ago, I made a significant career transition. I spent the first 20 years of my career as a journalist. I transitioned to work for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska. Since then, I studied and obtained my Producer’s License and now lead 11 departments. I am very thankful for the job I have now.

What do you want people to know/remember you for?

At the end of the day, I want people to remember me for how I treated them. I have a sign on my desk that says, “Put a little heart into everything you do.” That is my goal every day.

What are some of your future aspirations?

I lost my husband to cancer this past year. As a leader, it was my biggest test of my strength. I can’t predict where I will be in ten years, but I hope to make my son proud of me no matter what the future looks like.

If you could go back in time and visit your younger self at the start of her career, what would you say to her?

Trust your gut. The biggest mistakes I have made in my career were moments I did not listen to my gut instincts. I think we all learn hard lessons in these circumstances.

What has been the best technological advancement that has affected your business?

Text messaging. For any business. I love for my team to be able to reach me at all times.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

“Be yourself. It is why I hired you.”

MALORIE MADDOX

MARKETING,

OFFICER

OF NEBRASKA

“I LOVE…MAKNG A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES.”

Women Who WOW

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

MAKAYLA MCMORRIS UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA

CHIEF COMMUNICATION & MARKETING OFFICER, OFFICE OF STRATEGIC MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS, UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA AT OMAHA

What is your favorite inspirational quote (and who said it)?

“Risk is the essence of any reward - to try the thing that no one else is willing to try.”

~ Bozoma Saint John

What do you want people to know/remember you for?

Being a good human, someone you can count on. That I was able to bring out the best of the people that I interact with. I am a strong believer in the idea that it is our responsibility as leaders and entrepreneurs to lift others up as you climb.

What have you enjoyed most about being an entrepreneur/business leader?

Nothing can beat the feeling of watching an idea evolve into something real and tangible that makes a positive impact on someone’s life. The fact that I have had an opportunity to do this throughout my professional career is a true blessing.

What or who inspires you?

I gain inspiration from my two children every day. When I wake up in the morning, it is my goal to be the person that I would have wanted to look up to at their age.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve received?

“Start with ‘why’” is an incredibly simple but profound way of living your life and leading an organization. This advice from motivational speaker Simon Sinek revolves around the idea that instead of interacting with an audience from the angle of who you are or what you do, start with why you do it in order to rally people to a cause or an action.

What has been the best technological advancement that has affected your business?

Online streaming has radically changed how marketers position, promote and track engagement with their brand. The accuracy that we can target incredibly specific demographics with—and the level of data and insights we can gather in the process—would have blown me away when I began my career. I can’t imagine doing the work we do today without it.

If you could go back in time and visit your younger self at the start of her career, what would you say to her?

Trust your journey. Every challenge you face, every opportunity you encounter, and every relationship you build is leading you exactly to where you need to be. The lessons you learn along the way will make you that much more prepared for the road ahead— just keep going.

MAKAYLA

“IT’S SO IMPORTANT, MORE THAN EVER: ‘REAL WOMEN AREN’T PERFECT AND PERFECT WOMEN AREN’T REAL.’”

Women Who WOW • WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

KIM MICKELSEN • BOZELL

CEO, BOZELL

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.” ~ author unknown

If you had not followed your current career path, what do you think you might have done instead?

I had seriously considered going to law school to become a lawyer.

What have you enjoyed most about being an entrepreneur/business leader?

Nurturing great talent and watching them hone and grow their talent even more.

If you could go back in time and visit your younger self at the start of her career, what would you say to her?

I would tell her to make sure she takes time for herself and self-care. I didn’t do that until I was much older and the stress took a toll.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

If at first you don’t succeed, try again. This has been a mantra for me all through my career and I’m not afraid of failure (I learn from it and try again).

What has been the best technological advancement that has affected your business?

The internet. It has changed marketing dramatically and enabled small businesses to have significantly more opportunity to market themselves in a costeffective way.

Why is Omaha a good community in which to do business?

It’s a stable economic market with great, authentic people.

What do you want people to know/remember you for?

I hope people who know me, know me to be authentic, highly principled, fair and open-minded.

What or who inspires you?

Curiosity. I am insatiably curious and love to learn, so in a field where I get to work with many kinds of businesses and challenges, it is a perfect fit.

What are some of your future aspirations?

As I retire I’d like to travel more and experience parts of the world I haven’t seen. And spend lots of time with my grandkids.

“KEEP YOUR FACE ALWAYS TOWARD THE SUNSHINE, AND SHADOWS WILL FALL BEHIND YOU.”

KIM MICKELSEN CEO BOZELL

Women Who WOW

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

SAMANTHA MOSSER BANKERS TRUST

NEBRASKA MARKET PRESIDENT, BANKERS TRUST

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”

~author unknown

I don’t know who originally said it, but my mother repeated it to me continuously growing up.

If you had not followed your current career path, what do you think you might have done instead?

I would most likely be a dentist or professor. I was going to dental school until my last semester and decided to pursue my business career aspirations instead. I taught economics along with money and banking courses at Nebraska Wesleyan University in the evenings until I had three children; I had to stop due to time constraints.

What have you enjoyed most about being an entrepreneur/business leader?

Helping others succeed, whether that’s clients, colleagues or the nonprofits I serve. I have also enjoyed building relationships because ultimately that’s what it’s all about—you can accomplish a lot if you build trust! Building relationships is an important part of my role at Bankers Trust and one of the main reasons I wanted to join the organization.

What or who inspires you?

My father inspires me; he is my hero. He did not have the best upbringing as a foster child but has always been committed to providing a better life than he had for his family. He is an extremely hard worker and made sure we were well cared-for and loved.

What are some of your future aspirations?

I love board-governance work and recently obtained my National Association of Corporate Directors Directorship Certification, which is the premier designation available in the United States and ensures you are qualified to serve in a director role. I have extensive nonprofit board experience and plan to continue to give back in this capacity along with serving on private corporate boards.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

You are the average of the six people you spend the most time with; choose wisely.

What do you want people to know/remember you for?

Giving 100% to my family, company and the community. Following through on my commitments and doing what I say I’m going to do.

“YOU CAN DO ANYTHING YOU PUT YOUR MIND TO; DON’T LIMIT YOURSELF!”

SAMANTHA MOSSER

MARKET PRESIDENT BANKERS TRUST

Women Who WOW

JOAN SQUIRES OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS

PRESIDENT, OMAHA PERFORMING ARTS

What or who inspires you?

I’m inspired by the work of the extraordinary artists on our stages. Their ability to create performances that touch people, tell a story, inspire young people, encourage us to think, and remind us of what it is to be human is incredible. It’s a privilege to support their work.

If you could go back in time and visit your younger self at the start of her career, what would you say to her?

As a young female manager, there were times I didn’t always stand up for myself as strongly as I should have. I would tell my younger self to have the confidence to speak up more for what I believed in.

Why is Omaha a good community in which to do business?

The Omaha community is unbelievably supportive and generous. I know we’re the envy of many of my colleagues who are impressed how much the community supports our work along with other worthy projects that make Omaha better.

What do you want people to know/remember you for?

Omaha Performing Arts has provided performances and experiences that didn’t exist before we were launched 20 years ago—and those events have made a significant difference in everyone’s lives who have attended or participated in them.

What have you enjoyed most about being an organizational leader?

I enjoy the wide variety of what we do and the diversity of people we work with from across the community. I like contributing to our quality of life and I know that we help attract and retain Omaha’s workforce. The board, staff and volunteers who help make this possible are a privilege to work with.

What have been the best innovations or technological advancements benefiting your organization since you started?

The best advancements include the tech systems that enable us to now target market much more effectively and the systems that help us sell mobile tickets over the internet. They have been gamechangers. I still remember sorting paper tickets on racks in the box office!

What are some of your future aspirations?

Right now, we’re focused on opening Steelhouse Omaha on May 12, 2023. We’re also preparing for the next campus expansion phase with the Center for Arts Engagement next to the Holland Center. I’m excited about what these two new venues will do for our community.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

My father always told me I could do anything—and I believed him!

“IT’S IMPORTANT TO GET UP EVERY DAY WITH A POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND FOCUS ON MAKING A DIFFERENCE.”

JOAN

Women Who WOW

WHERE ARE THEY

CARMEN TAPIO NORTH END TELESERVICES

FOUNDER AND CEO, NORTH END TELESERVICES

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

~ King Solomon

If you had not followed your current career path, what do you think you might have done instead?

I would likely be a landscape designer, landscaper or in some field of design.

If you could go back in time and visit your younger self at the start of her career, what would you say to her?

I would say it’s going to be fine, keep going. Everything you are doing and learning will make a difference now and in the future. I would also say you are perfect just the way you are and you don’t have to measure to other people’ ideals.

What have been the best innovations or technological advancements benefiting your business since you started?

We have always been a people-centric organization underscored by best-in-class technology. Our top-box technology enabled us to quickly expand our work-from-home operations, which has been a game-changer for our clients.

What have you enjoyed most about being an entrepreneur/business leader?

I love creating things from a blank sheet of paper. I love involving and collaborating with others— watching them grow, achieve and shine!

What are some of your future aspirations?

My future aspirations include continuing my work leading Forever North Real Estate as a real estate developer, growing Nebraska Black Women United (www.nebraskablackwomenunited.org), growing North End Teleservices LLC (www. northendteleservices.com) and hopefully lots more gardening and starting my beekeeping!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

You can make a difference by creating jobs, putting people to work and taking care of families.

What or who inspires you?

My parents inspire me. The human spirit inspires me. I’m inspired by God.

What do you want people to know/remember you for?

My hope is that I am remembered and known for caring about people and for improving the lives of people and moving our community forward in a significant way.

“THERE IS NOTHING THAT IS WASTED IN OUR LIVES.”

CARMEN TAPIO

AND CEO

Women Who WOW

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”

~ Frederick Douglass

Basically, it means many times progress cannot occur unless hardships are made along the way. I have lived that quote, so can fully appreciate it.

PRESIDENT AND CEO, ICAN

If you had not followed your current career path, what do you think you might have done instead?

I would have been a teacher. When I started college, that was the area I was most interested in pursuing. I have a lot of admiration for teachers as they truly are difference-makers for so many, including myself. I would not be who I am today without very good teachers who invested in me.

What have you enjoyed most about being an entrepreneur/business leader?

The thing I have enjoyed the most about being a business leader is seeing others develop and reach their full potential. It is so rewarding when I see people “make it,” especially when it is defined by their own expectations, not necessarily others’. It is even richer when I have had the opportunity to be a part of that growth.

What are some of your future aspirations?

Some of my future aspirations include helping the ICAN organization reach more individuals, traveling internationally with my husband, and growing in the area of Rotary service. I also want to continue to be a role model for others in any way that I can. Finally, continuing to give back through community service is important to me.

What do you want people to know/remember you for?

I would want people to remember me as a good person who tried to do her part to make someone’s life easier and to also make the world a better place.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

The best piece of advice I have ever received was to be myself. Life is too short to try to be anyone else. Also, to try to connect with your individual purpose is another piece of advice that has stuck with me.

What or who inspires you?

My grandsons Evan and Kingston inspire me. They are two free-spirited, smart individuals who I enjoy being around. They are fun but also can be brutally honest. They give me hope for the next generation. I also LOVE their hugs and kisses.

“THERE IS MORE THAN ONE WAY TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE MEANT TO BE.” I HAVE TRIED TO EMBRACE MY LIFE’S JOURNEY KNOWING IT IS NOT ALWAYS WHAT I EXPECTED, BUT ACCEPTING HOW AND WHAT IT WAS/IS. EVEN AT THIS STAGE OF MY LIFE, I’M STILL EXCITED TO SEE WHAT LIES AHEAD.

AILEEN WARREN PRESIDENT AND CEO ICAN

THEbusinesscase FORpetinsurance

Gym reimbursements, hotel discounts, mental health resources, and more options in today’s competitive benefits packages offer more than yesteryear’s standard health insurance package. Cutting-edge companies understand that their employees are unique and that they need to provide various benefits to meet their interests and needs. One such interest to consider is the animals that patiently wait at home.

Almost 70% of American households have a pet. Yet, research shows that less than 15% of companies currently offer pet insurance as a benefit, although it aligns with many of employees’ top values including family and financial health.

If pet insurance has not made it to your slate of voluntary offerings as an employer, this is your opportunity to rethink the proposition. Here are three reasons you should add pet insurance to your company benefits package.

Pets are family, too. Pet adoption rates have risen dramatically as many employees spent more time at home over the last few years. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals noted that 20% of American households added a pet to their home during the COVID-19 pandemic. And a whopping 78% of owners consider their pets to be a member of their family. Employees devote time, attention and money on their loyal companions. Companies are missing the mark if they are not considering how they can support this important member of the family. Employees are concerned about finances. MetLife’s U.S. Employee Benefits

Trends Study identified finances as the top employee concern, surpassing mental and social health worries. The increased cost of living in many locales and inflation have ignited the fire. Employees are in dire need of a financial break, and medical care for pets can be expensive. A recent study by LendEDU uncovered that almost half of pet owners expect their animal’s health care costs to be the same or more as their own. Sudden, unplanned expenses—for humans and for pets—can be crippling. Pet insurance can also provide peace of mind, decreasing the mental anguish of unexpected expenses.

deana bennett

Pet insurance is a low-cost voluntary benefit. Adding a new benefit may sound like it would blow up your budget. The good news is that pet insurance comes in a variety of offerings, ranging in monthly cost and coverage. Employers can determine how much of the monthly premium (if any) they want to pay, and employees get access to discounted coverage.

Offering pet insurance to your employees is a kind gesture that acknowledges who and what is important to them. If your company has not jumped on the pet insurance bandwagon yet, this may be your cue to build that business case.

For more information, please contact your trusted advisor at Swartzbaugh-Farber – ‘Client Centered – Client Advocates™’.

WHENTOUSEcoaching: TIPSONfindingtherightfit

The McLean Institute of Coaching, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, indicates that 70% of those people who seek out and obtain coaching benefit in various ways such as improved performance and better communication. A variety of evidencebased research can be found at the Institute’s website: instituteofcoaching.org. Coaching can help you clarify goals, identify obstacles to achieving goals, improve self-awareness, and develop strategies to work more productively.

It is important to know when you might want to seek out a coach rather than a psychological professional. Some coaches have psychological credentials as well as coaching credentials—and I personally gravitate towards such coaches—but it is important to be clear about what you are seeking from a professional, and to find the right professional and right fit.

In general, coaching focuses on setting goals and developing and implementing strategies to achieve them. Therapy focuses on mental health and emotional healing. Therapy focuses on cognitions, while coaching focuses on behaviors.

Providing therapy requires a license, and therapists are subject to ethical rules and guidelines established by a licensing board. Coaches may hold certifications in particular areas of coaching but licensing is currently not required at the federal or state level.

Seeking a Coach

If your primary goals include finding direction and clarity, identifying specific goals and developing strategies to achieve them, coaching is a possible path. Coaching can be provided one-on-one or in group settings.

Coaches have varying specialties such as leadership coaching, positive psychology, health coaching, business coaching, spiritual coaching, and life coaching. The first step is to decide which type of coach you need. You can then identify coaches with credentials that match your purposes in seeking one. Rather than searching the internet for coaches, consider reaching out to your network for a referral.

Know what you are willing to pay. Coaching can get very expensive. Before hiring a coach, discuss the amount of sessions to achieve your initial objectives and know what that will cost.

Interview your prospective coach. The coach should be a great listener. Ask about their experience. Ask for examples of their successes with other clients. Inquire about the style the coach uses as well as the tools. Ask for references.

Consider a coach from another locale. With the ease of meeting over videoconferencing, access to coaches abounds.

Be Clear About Boundaries

The best coaches know the boundaries of their abilities. It is important to discuss and make your boundaries clear early on. If your boundaries are disregarded or minimized in any way, ever, there is one word: RUN. A free peer-coaching service might seem tempting, but if the coach you choose through that service has no real coaching experience and tries to impose mental-health diagnoses on you, or worse yet, starts reaching out to people you know with comments about you: again, RUN. You are better off paying for a coach or using insurance for therapy than using a free coach who doesn’t have the credentials and skill.

When Your Coach Should Refer you to a Therapist

There is a significant interrelationship between cognition and behavior. Psychotherapy is outside the scope of coaching work. Most coaching certification organizations provide a list of signs and symptoms that indicate when a referral should be made to therapy.

Therapeutic Coaches

There are some professionals who blend coaching and therapeutic approaches. Typically, this is a coach who has a mental-health counseling background but uses a coaching approach. The same principles apply to selection of a therapeutic coach. What are your goals? How can the coach help you achieve them? What is their method? Establish boundaries and a plan, and understand costs.

Keep Your Business Goals in Mind

If a primary goal in seeking coach is to help you with practice issues, keep in mind that the background of the person with respect to business matters. If you are entrepreneurial, seek someone who understands that. If you are interested in leadership, seek an effective leadership coach. If your goal is to achieve a better work/life balance, there are coaches who have backgrounds specific to that.

professional licensing LEGAL issues

Some occupations require a license to engage in the occupation. A license is awarded by a government agency with the authority to designate which professions require licensure, what services can be provided, and the requirements to obtain a license. Some licenses are issued by federal agencies; however, the bulk of professional licenses in the United States are issued by states. Typical professions requiring licensing include health care professionals, lawyers, accountants, engineers, real estate professionals, teachers, cosmetologists, building contractors, land surveyors and electricians. Additionally, license may be required for commercial fishermen, insurance agents, milk samplers, food preparers.

By way of example, licensing requirements for Nebraska can be found at the following link: https://dhhs.ne.gov/licensure/Pages/Professions-and-Occupations.aspx

Most licenses have specific requirements regarding education and training as well

as passing an exam. Because licenses are mostly stateissued, the licensing rules for a particular profession vary significantly from state to state. Some states grant reciprocity once a professional has a license in another state. Many states do not.

mary e. vandenack

The National Occupational Licensing Database was developed by the National Conference of State Legislatures and various other entities to create a tool to provide clarity as to the occupational licensing requirements across the United States. Nearly one in four workers in the United States are required to have a license to engage in their profession.

The stated purpose of licensing requirements is to protect the public from health and safety risks. A professional license is intended to indicate that a particular person has achieved certain levels of education and training that create special expertise to engage in an occupation. With that said, professional licensing can also create barriers to employment and limit the numbers of professionals that can engage in a particular profession in a particular state.

Once a professional obtains a license, the professional is subject to ongoing compliance. That is, each profession has rules. If the rules are violated, disciplinary actions can be taken in regard to the professional license.

Some of the common issues that result in licensing challenges include poor mental or physical health, substance abuse and addiction, inappropriate professional relationships, financial mismanagement, and criminal charges and convictions. Licensing issues may also result related to the culture of an organization and excess demands on a professional.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of substance abuse issues, burnout, and mental illnesses among professionals was gaining growing attention. The pandemic helped bring further attention to the challenges related to many professional occupations.

To the extent that mental health, physical health, substance abuse or similar issues result in a complaint or other license challenge, it is important to obtain skilled support in addressing the issue. Many states are offering voluntary programs for licensed professionals in certain occupations. The viability of these programs varies by profession and by state. Participation in voluntary programs, in some instances, can help avoid licensure issues.

As a starting point, be clear about the rules to keep a professional license intact. In the event that you cross state lines, even with a license, be clear about what the scope of practice is in each state; what is permissible in one state could be a crime in another. In the event of concerns about a licensing issue, seek counsel with someone with professional license experience early in the process.

stephanie vondrak d.d.s.

coincidence—OR somethingelse?

Dr. Stephanie Vondrak is board certified by the American Academy of Craniofacial Dental Sleep Medicine to treat patients suffering from sleep apnea with sleep apnea appliances.

Do you believe in coincidences?

It was January 2008. Standing in line for new glasses, the last thing I expected was to meet a future patient who would remain special to me throughout her life.

A long-time contact wearer, it was unusual for me to purchase glasses. But my unexpected circumstance of recovering from a proximal humerus fracture left me with limited mobility of my right arm and placed me in need of a new pair.

Upon introduction, I liked Donna. She was just one of those naturally friendly people. The energy around her positive and bright. She was someone that could draw others in with no effort at all. Still, something was missing. I could not see Donna’s full expression. Her hand, strong and stiff, intentionally hid the lower third of her face. Guarded and ashamed, Donna did not want me, a dentist, to see her smile.

This “coincidence” was the beginning of a wonderful doctor-patient relationship. A little over a month and three or four consultations later, Donna worked up the courage to have a seat in my treatment chair. As my arm healed, we treatment-planned together. We set goals and established expectations. I had the opportunity to get to know Donna’s glowing personality and extroverted charm. Her current smile was no match to the person inside.

With trust, we rebuilt. It took about a year: removing the hopeless teeth, restoring the

broken ones, placing implants, establishing a new stable bite, developing an excellent homecare routine, and understanding what a healthy mouth could truly feel like. It was a journey, and she would say, “It was worth it!” Donna‘s finished smile reflected the lovely person within.

So, coincidental—maybe?

Patients like Donna have shown me the power of listening and understanding. Donna’s story is one of grace and trust. Her willingness to let a stranger see her weakness gave her the opportunity to get better.

This year marks my 20th year as a dentist. I am fortunate to have met and cared for many wonderful individuals. Reflecting back, the memories of these opportunities and special people is my favorite part. Donna’s journey is especially meaningful.

Donna entered my life at a time of personal vulnerability and economic uncertainty. The beautiful outcome: we helped each other. We healed physically, emotionally rebuilding Donna’s smile and our confidences at the same time.

Thank you, Donna, for trusting and helping me. I will always remember my good fortune to “accidentally” meet you in line for glasses on that cold January day.

I am grateful.

Walking the Walk for Inclusivity

Tri-Faith Initiative: United We Walk 2022

Name of Organization: Tri-Faith Initiative

Event Name: United We Walk 2022

When: September 11, 2022

Where: Tri-Faith Commons

Why: To celebrate our city’s diversity and show support for a more inclusive Omaha.

Special Guests: Marisa Hattab, DEI Officer for Douglas County; Roger Garcia, Douglas County Commissioner; Farhan & Fatima Khan, American Muslim Institute (AMI); Deb and Senator John McCollister, Countryside Community Church; Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Emeritus of Temple Israel; Preston Love, Jr., 4Urban Institute for Urban Development; Congressman Don Bacon; Congressional Candidate; State Senator Tony Vargas; State Senator John McCollister; State Senator Wendy DeBoer; State Senator John Cavanaugh; Keith Station, Deputy Chief of Staff for the City of Omaha; Christian Espinoza, Human Rights and Relations Department, City of Omaha; a Yesenia Valenzuela, Community Relations Coordinator, City of Omaha Event Planner if any: Vic Gutman & Associates

Attendance: approximately 2,500

Amount Raised: $154,901

Mission: We cultivate inclusive environments to advance interfaith relationships and understanding.

About: The Tri-Faith Commons is located at 132nd and Pacific Streets and currently houses Temple Israel, Countryside Community Church, American Muslim Institute, and the Tri-Faith Center; this intentional and collaborative co-location is the only one of its kind in the world.

For more information: trifaith.org, info@trifaith.org

Sponsors: The Sherwood Foundation; LinkedIn; metroMagazine; Midlands Business Journal; Vic Gutman & Associates; Greater Omaha Chamber; CQuence Health Group; Heritage Communities; Scoular; Holland Foundation; Security National Bank; UNMC College of Public Health; Healthy Blue; Kiewit Luminarium; River City Mixed Chorus; Dr. CC and Mabel L. Criss Memorial Foundation; Bansal Family Charitable Fund; Awakin@Lincoln; OutNebraska; Business Ethics Alliance; Centris Federal Credit Union; Nancy & George Behringer; Michael and Laura Alley; Todd and Betiana Simon; Institute for Urban Development; Lamar Outdoor Advertising; Creighton University; Methodist Health System; All Makes; Children’s Hospital & Medical Center; College of Saint Mary; Avidor; Fraser Stryker; Hawks Foundation; Kiewit Companies Foundation; Regan & Mike Mackintosh Family Fund; Slaggie Architects; OneWorld Community Health Centers; OPPD; The Jewish Federation of Omaha; The Jewish Community Relations Council of Omaha; Hindu Temple; Ideal Pure Water; Bergman Incentives

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) AMEE, TED, AND RACHEL ZETZMAN ARE ALL SMILES AS THEY SHOW THEIR SUP PORT FOR THE TRI-FAITH INITIATIVE’S MISSION.

TEMPLE ISRAEL EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NATE SHAPIRO (LEFT) AND TEMPLE ISRAEL DIRECTOR OF ENGAGEMENT AND EVENTS MINDI MARBURG (RIGHT)

TRI-FAITH VP OF OPERATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT AND UNITED WE WALK MC ERIK SERVELLON GETS THE CROWD PUMPED UP FOR THE DAY AHEAD.

SPIRITUAL LEADERS FROM ALL OVER THE CITY CAME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND INCLUSION.

GRAND MARSHAL PRESTON LOVE JR. OF THE INSTITUTE FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT (FAR LEFT) ORCHESTRATED SHUT

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEBRA KAPLAN (PHOTOGRAPHER); MELE MASON (VIDEOGRAPHER)

FIRST VICE CHAIR ON TRI-FAITH’S BOARD OF DIRECTORS RICK MACINNES (LEFT) AND TRI-FAITH INITIATIVE FOUNDING MEMBER RABBI ARYEH ARZRIEL (RIGHT).

PARTICIPANTS PROUDLY SHOWCASED THEIR AFFILIATIONS AND RESPECTIVE ORGANIZATIONS – IN THIS CASE, CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL & MEDICAL CENTER (ONE OF MANY EVENT SPONSORS).

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) RACHEL RING, PAM MOMSKY, SHARON BRODKEY, CANTOR JOANNA ALEXANDER, AND RABBI DEANA SUSSMAN BEREZIN STAND BEHIND A JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA BANNER.

(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) JORDANA, JENNIFER, AND JIM GLAZER JOIN IN ON THE FUN.

MARTHA HOIG WITH ANDEE HOIG, PUBLISHER OF EVENT SPONSOR METROMAGAZINE

IN ADDITION TO HOMEMADE HONEY CAKES, THE TEMPLE ISRAEL BOOTH OFFERED INFORMATION ABOUT REFORM JUDAISM AND THE UPCOMING HIGH HOLY DAYS.

AMAL ALEXANDER (FAR LEFT), HER DAUGHTER (FAR RIGHT), AND OTHER AMERICAN MUSLIM INSTITUTE MEMBERS GREETED VISITORS AS THEY TOURED THE MOSQUE.

PARTICIPANTS ROUND THE FIRST CORNER ON THE WALK ROUTE JUST PAST COUNTRYSIDE COMMUNITY CHURCH’S PARKING LOT.

Launching SHARE Iowa Community Foundation for Western Iowa: SHARE Iowa Launch Party

Name of Organization: Community Foundation for Western Iowa

Event Name: SHARE Iowa Launch Party

When: Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Where: The Arts Center at Iowa Western Community College

Why: SHARE Iowa, an initiative of the Community Foundation for Western Iowa, is a local and regional web platform designed to yield good throughout western Iowa. SHARE Iowa is a key resource for western Iowa communities to con nect to causes they are passionate about to cre ate lasting impact where it matters most. SHARE Iowa officially launched on Tuesday, September 13 and the community was invited to celebrate with us at the Arts Center at Iowa Western, with live music, food, networking and a special ribbon cutting.

Attendance: 150

Mission: The mission of SHARE Iowa is to inspire a culture of giving in western Iowa. With a hyperlocal approach to our area nonprofits while also being able to make the best of the broader SHARE Iowa excitement, we can support our nonprofits like never before.

About: The Community Foundation for Western Iowa is dedicated to creating a lasting legacy in our region by engaging our citizens and commu nities for durable change and fostering a culture of philanthropy. This is where giving grows.

For more information: sharegood@givewesterniowa.org

PHIL TAYLOR, CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER FOR CHILDREN’S SQUARE U.S.A.; AND TIM DICKMEYER, DIRECTOR OF THE ARTS CENTER AT IOWA WESTERN

DR. DANIEL KINNEY AND HIS WIFE JENNIFER (IOWA WESTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGE PRESIDENT AND LAUNCH PARTY HOST); AND JOSH KALLSEN, POWERTECH AND LAUNCH PARTY SPONSOR

MARIAH GARCIA, DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS AND EVENTS; AND NIKKI CRUICKSHANK, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AND BENTLEY, AVAILABLE 3-YEAR-OLD LAB AT MIDLANDS HUMANE SOCIETY.

FROM LEFT: TRAVIS CASTLE, AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE CASTLE & ASSOCIATES AND PRESENTING SPONSOR OF THE SHARE IOWA LAUNCH PARTY; DONNA DOSTAL, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR WESTERN IOWA; MATT SAAR, MARKET PRESIDENT OF AVAILA BANK; AND MICHAEL HOLTON, CITY ADMINISTRATOR FOR THE CITY OF TREYNOR, IOWA

THE TEAMS AT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR WESTERN IOWA AND SHARE OMAHA CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF SHARE IOWA!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEBRA S. KAPLAN

DONNA DOSTAL AND MARJORIE MAAS POSE WITH THE SHARE GOOD DEVELOPMENT TEAM.

CATRINA TRABAL, COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER AND DONNA DOSTAL, PRESIDENT AND CEO, WITH CHELSEA BEST, SHARE MY SMILE PRESIDENT, AND MICHELLE IRIONS, SHARE MY SMILE VICE PRESIDENT

CAROL WOOD, COMMUNITY FOUNDATION COMMITTEE MEMBER; DONNA PRITCHARD, CB AMBASSADOR; AND LINDA PRIMMER, COMMUNITY FOUNDATION COMMIT TEE MEMBER AND LAUNCH PARTY SPONSOR, ENJOY THE LIVE MUSIC AT THE LAUNCH PARTY.

DONNA AND COMMUNITY FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS:

MEMBERS OF TS BANK AND TS PROSPERITY -- AND THIS YEAR’S GIVINGTUESDAY712 SPONSOR -- CELE BRATE AT THE SHARE IOWA LAUNCH PARTY! FROM LEFT: TRISHA BECCARD, KELSEY STUPFELL, AND KRISTI KRAYNESKI

TAMERIA FRANCISCO, MOSAIC IN WESTERN IOWA; AND (??) WITH TOGETHER.

AMERICAN MIDWEST BALLET TEAM MEMBERS, WESLEY HOUSTON AND HANNAH CLARK.

SPARE CHANGE OMAHA

TEAM MEMBERS OF FAMILY INC. CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF SHARE IOWA!

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR WESTERN IOWA STAFF AND BOARD MEMBERS CELEBRATE THE RIBBON CUTTING AND LAUNCH OF SHARE IOWA WITH THE COUNCIL BLUFFS AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, CB AMBASSADORS, AND WESTERN IOWA DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION.

Car Crazy!

Midlands Humane Society: Wags & Wheels Car Show

Name of Organization: Midlands Humane Society

JOHN AND ANGIE MAHRENHOLZ WITH VIOLET

LINDA LAURITSEN AND BRENDA FLOYD

BOB SELLERS WITH HIS DOG MITCHELL TYRONE

MARIAH GARCIA AND NIKI CRUIKSHANK

BOB MARBLE AND NICOLE LUELLEN WITH DEUCE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROGER HUMPHRIES

AUSTIN TECH WITH SON RYKER AND DOG BELLA

RAQUEL HAWLEY AND MEGAN HANSEN WITH KYLEE

AL CRUICKSHANK AND ALEXIS DOHMES

SHANNON AND CAMERON TROTTER WITH SON COLLIN / DOG LOUIE

MIKE RAINS WITH BEANS

TONY AND HEATHER SCHNITKER WITH NORMAN

Doggone Great!

Nebraska Humane Society: Black Tie & Tails

When: June 10, 2022

Where: A View West Shores

Why: A fundraiser for the Nebraska Humane Society

Catered by: A Catered Affair

Attendance: 500-plus

Amount Raised: $700,000

Event Summary: Black Tie and Tails is a gala to showcase the lifesaving work the Nebraska Humane Society performs for pets and their peo ple in the metro area.

Mission: The Nebraska Humane Society protects, saves and enriches the lives of animals in the communities we serve. We provide education, give sanctuary to animals, encourage adoptions and promote responsible pet ownership.

About: Black Tie and Tails hit its goal and then some! The glittering gala put on by the Nebraska Humane Society Guild “Friends Forever” hon ored 30 years of the guild, and members outdid themselves. Guests were greeted by rescued mini-pony Valentina, whose story of rehabilitation was inspiring. Inside, a huge silent auction, collar toss for libations and keepsake photo booth kept participants busy during the cocktail hour. Then it was on to the program, dinner and a visit by 13 cuddly puppies! The “view” was spectacular, and the weather cooperated beautifully. The event raised more than $700,000. Huge thanks to Honorary Chairs Bruce and Deb Grewcock, spon sors, donors, guests and volunteers who made the evening happen. It was truly a testament to the services the agency continues to provide to Omaha residents and animals.

For more information: (402) 444-7800, www.nehumanesociety.org

THE COLLAR TOSS!

VALENTINA—A RESCUED MINI PONY—GETS LOVE FROM A GUEST.

ALLIE JOHNSON CUDDLES A PUP

(L-R) TAMMY BIGGS, MANDI AND ROB CHAPLIN, DEE AND JOHN ALEXANDER, STEVEN TURNER AND FRIEND KATIE, ELIZABETH AND BJ BUMGARNER, TOM SIMONS, JESSICA MUFFLY, RACHEL AND ROB RUTAR, ALEXA AND STEVEN ELONICH.

Touching things up… Project Houseworks: Brush Up

Name of Organization: Project Houseworks

Event Name: Brush Up

When: August 20, 2022

Where: throughout the Omaha area

Why: To paint the homes of low-income seniors—for free—to improve their homes and neighborhoods.

Attendance: 450 volunteers painted 27 homes

Amount Raised: $108,000

Mission: Project Houseworks enhances lives and strengthens communities through the preserva tion of quality affordable housing.

For more information: www.projecthouseworks.org

Sponsors: Presenting Sponsors: United Healthcare, Lozier Foundation, Nebraska Total Care and Diamond Vogel

PHOTOS

Good Medicine

Methodist Hospital Foundation: Laughter is the Best Medicine

Name of Organization: Methodist Volunteers In Partnership/Methodist Hospital Foundation

When: April 22, 2022

Where: A View on State

Why: Fundraiser to grow Methodist Women’s Hospital and expand health care for all women in our region.

Special Guests: Comedian Kris Covi

Event Planner: Event Chair: Sarah Lindau, Methodist VIP President; Honorary Chairs: Dr. Kris Hoffman & Gary Hoffman

Attendance: 311

Amount Raised: Approximately $140,000 Event Summary: Laughter is the Best Medicine, presented by the Methodist Volunteers In Partnership, a support group of Methodist Hospital and Methodist Women’s Hospital, was held on Friday, April 22, 2022 at A View on State. Over 300 guests laughed their way through a festive night of drinks, dinner and comedy to benefit Methodist Women’s Hospital. Kris Covi, “Nebraska’s tallest comedian,” was the event’s special guest and entertained the participants after dinner. Mission: Methodist Hospital Foundation Mission: To improve the quality of life by supporting excel lence in health care and health care education provided by Methodist Health System.

About: With over 500 volunteers, the Methodist Volunteers In Partnership (VIP) is an affiliate group of Methodist Health System offering support to the Methodist Hospital Foundation, Methodist Hospital, and Methodist Women’s Hospital through volunteer service and special event fundraising to advance the organization in the community.

For more information: www.methodisthospitalfoundation.org

Sponsors: Partner Sponsor: Methodist Medical Staff; Leader Sponsors: Dr. Rudolf & Suzanne Kotula, American National Bank; Host Bar Sponsor: MMC Contractors; Entertainment Sponsor: Huron; Dessert Sponsors: Dr. Kris Hoffman & Gary Hoffman and Immanuel; Decorations Sponsor: Dr. Robert & Sarah Lindau; Program Sponsor: Scott & Traci Damrow

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEBRA S. KAPLAN

HONORARY CHAIRS DR. KRIS HOFFMAN AND GARY HOFFMAN

STEPHANIE AND JACK KORALESKI WITH RICHARD AND PAT HAHN

RANDY AND LAURA STEVENSON

KELLI AND DR. BRENT TIERNEY WITH DR. BRADLEY AND TRACI COPPLE

JULIE AND DR. JOSHUA SMITH

EVENT CHAIR SARAH LINDAU AND DR. ROB LINDAU

Fashion Explosion!

Omaha Fashion Week: The Magis Season

Name of Organization: Omaha Fashion Week

Event Name: Omaha Fashion Week - The Magis Season: Fall 2022

When: August 24-28, 2022

Where: Omaha Design Center

Why: Omaha Fashion Week is a socially con scious organization with a strong mission and purpose: to serve as an incubator for fashion industry talent and provide opportunities for the Omaha community to enjoy a unique, red-carpet experience.

Attendance: 2,300

Event Summary: Omaha Fashion Week wrapped a MAGIS season celebrating four fashion-packed days of talent in the Midwest, after an entire year away from the runway. The Omaha Design Center proudly hosted 34 designers, over 250 models, and Omaha Fashion Campers on the run way this season! Omaha did not disappoint, with over 2,300 attendees showing their support over the four days.

About: Omaha Fashion Week has had a hand in creating a thriving local fashion ecosystem where fashion designers, design students, and fashion entrepreneurs can learn to make a successful career in the fashion industry. The Omaha Fashion Week team believes building an attractive place for talented professionals to call home is vitally important and they are proud to be part of the landscape of annual arts and culture events that help make Omaha a vibrant community.

For more information: (402) 937-1061, www.omahafashionweek.com

SATURDAY NIGHT’S SPLENDERE FEATURED DESIGNER SHOWCASE

WINNER OF THE 2022 FEATURED DESIGNER GOLDEN SHEARS AWARD, ELLE GLO APPAREL BY LAUREN GLOWACKI,

WINNER OF THE THURSDAY NIGHT AUDERE EMERGING DESIGNER SHOWCASE, CARL’S BAD DESIGNS BY CARLEA BADOLIAN.

WINNER OF THE FRIDAY NIGHT VIVERE EMERGING DESIGNER SHOWCASE, DESIGNS BY REY BY REYANNA MOORE.

OMAHA FASHION WEEK KICKED OFF A WEEK OF SHOW CASES WITH A BRAND-NEW SHOW FORMAT

SABRINA JONES SPIRIT AWARD WINNER ALYSSA DILTS

Children's