Aboutthe2025InspireAwards
About the 2025 Inspir
OnWednesday,September24,2025,the11thannualInspire:Celebrating Women’sLeadershipAwardstookplaceatPinnacleBankArena.Thisevent honorsoutstandingwomenwhoaremakingadifference.Foroveradecade, Inspirehasrecognizedexceptionalindividualsacross12categories,highlighting theirprofessionalaccomplishmentsandtheirdedicationtoimprovinglifeinLincoln.
Thisyear,thecommunitysubmittedmorethan370nominations demonstratingthe deepadmirationandrespectthesewomeninspire.Fromthesenominations,theInspire AdvisoryBoardselectedfivefinalistsineachcategoryandnamedoneoverallwinner. Aswemarkoureleventhyearofcelebratingleadershipandimpact,weinviteyouto discoverthestoriesoftheseextraordinarywomen.
Thank you for beinganinspiration.
Congratulationstoournominees fortheInspire Excellence in Healthcare Award. Yourdedicationto excellingin yourcareer, sharing yourskillsandcontributingtoour communitymakes a realandlastingimpact. Thankyouforallyoudo.
Ourawardnomineesare:
• ShellyAndre,InfectionPreventionist
• Andres(Andie)Davis,ManagerNursing
• BrookeGraf,ClinicalPracticeCoordinator
• SueLilly,ClinicalNurseSpecialist
• PamLivingston,Director,EnvironmentalServices
• NicoleRagon,ClinicalEducator
• AmandaSaathoff,Quality-PatientSafetyProgramManager
• JennyStachura,ChiefNursingOfficer
• TammyStrait,ClinicalEducator
• StaceyWerth-Sweeney,DirectorofQuality-PatientSafety
• LeahWulfekoetter,DirectorofNursing
2025INSPIRE WOMANOFTHEYEAR
MichaellaKumkebeganworkingatthe FoodBankofLincoln in2015.InMay2021,shewas namedPresidentandCEO. Sheservesalongsidearemarkableteamthatisdedicatedtoservingourneighbors ina16-countyserviceareain SoutheastNebraska. Ms.Kumkevolunteersonthe CityofLincoln’sAge-Friendly
LincolnCommittee,theLincolnChamberofCommerce BoardofDirectors,andthe BryanMedicalCenterBoard ofTrustees.
Sometimesshepretendstobe achef,readsoverduelibrary books,enjoyslocalcraftbeers, andexploresLincoln’strails withherfellownature-loving spouseAriana,andtheiradorablemuttFrankie.
ThisiswhatMichaella’snominatorsharedabouther:
MichaellaKumkeisapowerfulexampleofservantleadershipinaction.AsPresidentandCEOoftheFoodBank ofLincoln,sheleadswithclarity,compassionandadeep commitmenttodignity.Herworkprovidesindividualsand familiesacross16countiesinsoutheastNebraskawith accesstofood,hopeandsupport.
UnderMichaella’sleadership,theFoodBankofLincoln distributedover10millionmealsinthelastfiscalyear.She hasprioritizedneighbor-centeredapproaches,partnering withlocalagenciesanddesigningprogramsthatserveeveryonefromchildrentoveteransinbothlargeandintimate settings.Herdedicationtoadvocacyisequallystrong.She activelyengagesinpolicyconversationstoprotectprogramslikeSNAPandMedicaid,recognizingtheiressential roleincommunitystability.
Michaellahiresandmentorswithcare,creatingspace forotherstogrowintotheirstrengths.Hercolleague sharedthatMichaellatookachanceonherwhenshe didn’tfeelfullyqualifiedandthencontinuedtochampion hersuccess.Michaellafostersateamwhereeveryvoiceis valued,andleadershipisshared.InMichaella’swords— “Sowhatifyourvoicequivers?Saywhatneedstobesaid” speakstotheheartofhermentorshipstyle.
Michaellaisneverafraidtospeaktruthinanysituation. Butshedoesitwithincrediblegraceandagenerosity ofspiritthatinvitespeopleintoconversationinsteadof turningthemaway.
MichaellaKumke
2025WomanoftheYear Finalists 2025 W
AAnneBurkholder
TheBurkholderProject FOUNDERSAWARDWINNER
nneBurkholderisthefounderandownerofThe BurkholderProjectinthehistorichaymarket.She soldnearlyeverythingsheownedtopurchasethe buildinginthelate1980s,determinedtocultivateaspace whereartistsfromeverybackgroundcouldworkanddisplayart.Inadditiontoprovidingspacefordozensoflocal artists,shetoopaintsinastudiowithinthebuilding.She hasbeenpaintingNebraskalandscapesforover70years, andcapturesmomentsforthosewhowanttoknowand cherishthebeautyofTheGreatPlains.
CocoChairez
NewStartCleaning
CocoChairezistheproudownerofNewStartCleaning,a Lincoln-basedsmallbusinessdedicatedtoservingboth homesandlocalorganizationsthroughoutthecommunity. Knownforherreliability,fairness,andtrust,Cocoleadsadiverse teamwhilecreatingopportunitiesforwomentothriveinstable andflexiblejobs.
SheisafirmbelieverinequalrightsforwomenandispassionateaboutempoweringotherLatinastostarttheirownbusinessesshowingthemthatit’spossible,andthatthere’snostopping thosewhoaredeterminedtosucceed.
Beyondherbusiness,Cocoisdeeplyinvolvedinneighborhood initiatives,oftenvolunteeringhertimetosupportfamiliesinneed andlocalschoolevents.ShetakesprideinrepresentingtheLatinocommunity,championingthevaluesofsmallbusiness,and modelingperseverance,leadership,andserviceforherchildren.
WChristie Stukenholtz
SeniorCareFinder
henChristieStukenholtzstruggledtofind careforhergrandmother,sheuncovereda nationwidecrisis–andbuiltasolutiontothe problem.AsCo-FounderandCEOofSeniorCareFinder, thenation’sonlycompletedirectoryofseniorlivingand careoptions,shehastransformedhowmillionsoffamiliesnavigatetheagingjourney.RecognizedasaSenior HousingNewsExecutivetoWatch,UNLDistinguished Entrepreneur,andMidlandsBusinessJournal40Under40 honoree,Christieisaleadingindustryvoice,drivingbold innovationandchange.Thoughhercareerspannedthe globe,sheproudlychoseLincolntoplantroots,growher company,andgivebacktothecommunity.
RRafaAhmed
LPSStudent
YOUNGLEADERAWARDWINNER
afaisaproudSudaneseimmigrantandcurrentseniorscholaratLincolnNorthStarHighSchool.Being raisedinLincolnshetakesprideinhercommunityby stayinginvolvedinandoutsideschool.AtNorthStar,she isthepresidentofherschool’sNationalHonorSocietyas wellasamemberofLNSHopeSquad.Outsideofschool RafaisadedicatedmemberofLincolnPublicSchoolsEquityCadre,worksattheBelmontCommunityCenteras anafterschoolprogramstaff,andisamemberofYouth LobbySchool!
ExcellenceinBusiness (small/medium100employeesorless)
AWINNER AmyGreen
IvannaCone
myGreenisthefounderandownerofIvannaConein Lincoln.Rootedinfamilyandcommunity,Amy passionatelycraftswhimsicalandinnovativeicecream flavors,withthousandsofflavorsmadesinceopening28years ago.ShehastransformedIvannaConeintoabelovedlocalstaple, emphasizingfamily,fun,andadelightfullyquirkysenseof humorthatkeepseveryonesmiling.Amyfindshermostmeaningful workinprovidingjoyandcomfortduringlife’smostspecialand challengingmoments—whetherit’sfirsttastesforbabies,first dates,lasttastesinhospice,orofferingnourishmentandcomfortduringchemo.Herloveofchallengesandunwavering commitmenttoqualityhavemadeIvannaConeacherishediconin Lincoln.Amy’svisionandwarmthdefinetheheartofherbeloved icecreamshop.Herloveofchallengesandthepeopleonbothsides ofthecounterhavemadeIvannaConeaspecial,oneofakindplace.
FINALISTS
AliciaRetzlaff, TechnoGals|AmazonWebServices(AWS)
AliciaisCo-founderof TechnoGals, a platformacceleratingearly-careerleadership,and a SeniorLeaderat AWS.With 20+ yearsincorporate rolesand10+yearsintech,shedrivescloudtransformation,adoption,andSaaSinnovationstrategies. Sheleadshigh-performingteamsandmentorsrisingwomenintech.She’s passionateaboutpeople-firstleadershipand prioritizescultivatinginclusiveenvironmentswherediversity thrives.She’sa championofbold,authenticleadershipand creatingspaceswhere othersfeelseen,supported,andunstoppable.Alicia livesinNebraskawith herfamilyandloves traveling,videogames,andlocalbreweries.
CocoChairez, NewStartCleaning
CocoChairezis theproudownerofNewStartCleaning, a Lincoln-basedsmall businessdedicatedtoservingboth homesand localorganizations throughout thecommunity Knownforher reliability, fairness,andtrust,Cocoleads adiverseteamwhile creatingopportunitiesforwomento thriveinstableandflexiblejobs.Sheis a firmbelieverinequalrightsforwomenandis passionateaboutempoweringotherLatinastostart theirownbusinessesshowing them thatit’s possible,and that there’s no stopping thosewhoare determinedtosucceed.Beyondherbusiness,Cocoisdeeplyinvolvedinneighborhoodinitiatives, oftenvolunteeringher timetosupportfamiliesinneedandlocalschoolevents.Shetakespridein representing theLatino community, championing thevaluesofsmall business,andmodelingperseverance,leadership,andserviceforherchildren.
RachelBarth,C.M., LincolnAirport(LNK)
RachelBarthservesastheDirectorofMarketing&AirServiceDevelopmentattheLincolnAirport(LNK),wheresheleadsstrategicmarketing,communitypartnerships,andnewairserviceinitiativesforLNK.Knownaffectionatelyasthe “airporthype-woman,”She’spassionateaboutconnectingthecommunitytotheairportthrougheverything fromoutdoormoviestonewflight launches.RachelisactivewiththeWomeninAviationCornhuskerChapter,servesonnumerousnationalaviationboardsbut locallyherimpactisfeltthroughhereffortsinhostingcommunityblooddrivesandservingoneconomicdevelopmentcommittees.ForRachel,aviationisn’tjustaboutflights—it’saboutcreatingliftfortheentirecommunity.Withacaringculture, contagioushumor,andaknackforrunway-readymarketing,sheloveslivingouthervaluesat30,000feet(andontheground).
RyanMickSwaroff, RemboltLudtke,LLP
Ryanis a partneratRembolt Ludtke,where shefocusesherpracticeoncomplexfamilylawmatters,including divorce,custody, andsupport,andshetakesprideinmentoringnewlawyers.Shealsoservesasanadjunctinstructorat theUniversity ofNebraskaCollegeofLaw, teaching TrialAdvocacyto thenextgenerationofattorneys.Deeplycommittedtoservice, Ryanvolunteerswiththe VolunteerLawyersProject, representingdomesticviolencesurvivors,andspeakstoorganizations aboutherjourneyfrom adifficult childhoodto arewardingprofessionalandpersonal life.Outside thecourtroom,sheis momtoCamandGigiandshareshercouchwith herspoiled rescuedog,Crunchwrap.
Ryan Swaroff
Stephanie Theis
AWA RD SPONSOR
Excellence inBusiness (large101employeesormore)
EWINNER
ErinHart
DuncanAviation
rinistheManagerofInnovationandContinuous ImprovementatDuncanAviation,wheresheleads initiativesthatempowerteammemberstodrive efficiency,collaboration,andpositivechange.Inher18 yearswiththecompany,shehasadvancedfromDuncan Aviation’sfirstCorporateApprenticetoatrustedleader knownforpeople-centeredinnovationandmentorship. Erinisalsodeeplyengagedinhercommunity,servingas Co-chairoftheWomenofDuncanAviationgroup,Chair ofUnitedWay’sCommunityImpactCommittee,andan activevolunteerwithlocalschools,nonprofitsandher church.Sheispassionateaboutlistening,liftingothers, andcreatingspaceswhereeveryvoiceisvalued.
DorisRobertson, UnionBank&TrustCompany
ExecutiveVicePresidentforUnionBank&TrustCompany(UBT),DorisalsoservesasthePresidentoftheUBT’sHolding Company.DorisembracestheUBTphilosophyofcaringabouteachother,thecustomersandthecommunity.Doris beganhercareerinpublicaccountingandwaspreviouslyhonoredbytheNESocietyofCPA’swiththeOutstandingCPA inBusiness&Industryaward.Dorisalsobelievesingivingbacktothecommunityandhasservedonnumerousnonprofit boardsoverhercareer.ShecurrentlyservesontheontheCommunityDevelopmentResourceBoard,theNEWesleyan BoardofGovernors,theSoutheastCommunityCollegeLearntoDreamandFoundationBoardandisactiveinanumber ofroleswithinherchurch.
ErinBond, SpeedwayMotors,Inc.
ErinBondleadsPeopleOperationsatSpeedwayMotorsandSpeedwayProperties,whereherfocusissimple:make workaplacepeopleactuallywanttobe.With15+yearsinHRandleadership,she’spassionateaboutcreatingfair, supportiveenvironmentswherepeoplecangrowandsucceed.OutsideofSpeedway,Erinlendsherexpertisetothe NebraskaStatePersonnelBoardandtheUniversityofNebraska’sHRandStrategicLeadershipBoard.She’salsodeeply committedtoliftingupwomenandencouragingthemtousetheirvoices whileshowinghertwodaughterseveryday whatleadershipandresiliencelooklike.
HeatherHicksHilgers, HilgersGrabenPLLC
HeatherHicksHilgersistheco-founderofHilgersGrabenPLLC,thenation’slargestwoman-ownedlawfirm,which specializesinlitigationandeDiscovery.Heatherhasbuilthercareeraroundadeepcommitmenttoastrongcompany cultureandexcellentclientservice.
Heatherisapassionateleaderandentrepreneur.Shechampionswomeninthelawanddrivesforward-thinking legal solutions.Shebalancesherprofessionalworkwithanactivefamilylife,alongwithadeepcommitmenttovolunteerism inhercommunity.
TheresaLichtenberg, WhiteheadOilCo/U-StopConvenienceShops
TheresaLichtenbergisLeadStoreSupervisorandPDIImplementerforWhiteheadOilCo/U-StopConvenienceShops. Theresaoverseesdailyoperations,managesstaff,andensuresexceptionalcustomerservice.Theresabeganwiththe companyin1998,workingherwayupthechainfromcashiertoherpresentposition.Theresahasbeenanoutstanding mentorformanyofthemanagersshehasbeenincontactwith.Sheisdedicatedtohelpingup-and-comingemployees andencouragesthemtobethebestinthebusiness.Theresahasalsodemonstratedacommitmenttotheprofessional developmentofatrainingprogramwithinthecompany.Sheisamotivatedandconscientiousindividualwhotakespride inherworkeveryday.TheresaisanessentialpartoftheteamatWhiteheadOil.
AWA RD SPONSOR
ExcellenceinEducation
Dr.AblaHasan
UniversityofNebraska-Lincoln
AblaHasanisProfessorofPracticeofArabiclanguage andcultureatUNL,alsoservingastheProgram’s undergraduateadviserandcoordinator.Sheistheauthorof: DecodingtheEgalitarianismoftheQur’an:RetrievingLostVoices onGender(BloomsburyStudiesinIslamicThought:2019),OnPain andSuffering:AQur’anicPerspective(BloomsburyStudiesinIslamic Thought:2022),andTheQur’anicDilemma:AHermeneuticalInvestigationofal-Khidr(Routledge:2022).AwardsincludetheDivision ofStudentLife,theUniversityofNebraska-LincolnTeachingCouncil, andtheUNLParents&FamilyAssociationCertificateofRecognition forContributionstoStudents2025,the2023Rev.Dr.MichaelCombs AwardforScholarsofEqualityandJustice,UNL’sfirstannualWomen’s andGenderJusticeAwardin2023,theCollegeofArtsandSciences DistinguishedTeachingAwardfor2022,andtheCollegeofArtsand SciencesEngagementAwardfor2021.
FINALISTS
AnnieLeaf, LincolnPublicSchools
Withmorethanthreedecadesofexperienceineducation,AnnieLeafistheAssociatePrincipalatScottMiddleSchool.Shebeganher careerasamiddleschoolteacherinGrandIslandandPalmyrabeforejoiningLincolnPublicSchoolsin1998.Duringhertimeinthe classroom,shetaughtavarietyofgradelevelsatDawesMiddleSchool,CavettElementary,andRousseauElementary,andcontributedtocurriculumdevelopmentforHealth,SocialStudies,andScience.Herdedicationtoeducationledhertoserveasaninstructional technologycoach,professionallearningcoach,andInstructionalCoordinator.Anniehasbeenacommittedmentortonewteachers and,morerecently,othernewadministrators.Sheexcelsatbuildingstrongrelationshipswithstudents,families,andcolleagues.For tenyears,shealsosharedherloveofteachingwithelementaryandmiddleschoolstudentsatBrightLightssummercamp.
CandiceHowell, NebraskaWesleyanUniversity
Candice,theAssociateDeanforStudentSuccessatNebraskaWesleyanUniversity,isadedicatedstudentaffairsprofessionalandpassionateadvocateforbelongingandinclusion.Inherrole,shehasmentoredandsupportedcountless students,helpingthemnavigatechallengesandseizeopportunitiesthathaveshapedtheircollegiatejourneysinmeaningfulways.Beyondcampus,Candicehasservedonseveralboardsandcommittees,includingtheWoodsCharitable Foundation,theNebraskaCoalitiontoEndSexualandDomesticViolence,andcurrently,theCityCouncil’sPedestrian/ BicycleAdvisoryCommittee.Herworkisguidedbyadeepcommitmenttoamplifyingthevoicesofminoritizedcommunitiesandcreatingpathwaysforindividualstorealizetheirfullpotential.
JanBretz, JBConnections
Janisaformerhighschoolteacher,playdirector,speechcoach,andcompetitionjudge.Inretirement,shehascontinued toshareherpassionforstorytellingandcommunicationbycoachingspeakersforTEDxLincoln,TEDxOmaha,andthe NebraskaCorrectionalCenterforWomen’sTEDx,aswellasofferingpresentationcoachingtoindividualsandorganizations.AproudmemberofRotary14,sheespeciallyenjoysservingmealsatTheGatheringPlace.Sheisalsoinvolved withIgniteLincolnandtheNebraskaStorytellingFestival.Janandherhusband,Randy,delightintheirgrowingfamilyof grandchildrenandgreat-grandchildren morethantheycaneasilycount.
RachelPejsarSnelling,MSN,RN, BryanHealth
RachelPejsarSnelling,MSN,RN,istheClinicalEducation&ProfessionalDevelopmentManageratBryanMedicalCenter,whereshechampionsnurseresidency,onboarding,andcontinuingeducation.Knownforherpassionforcultivating relationships,educationanddevelopingotherstobringtheirbesttoworkdaily.Sheisanationalconferencespeakerand publishedauthor,heraccoladesalsoincludeNebraska’s“40Under40”EmergingNurseLeader,VizientImpactAward finalist,andBryan’sBeyondExpectationsandDAISYnominations.Outsideofwork,Rachelenjoystraveling,volunteering, andspendingtimewithherthreechildren.
AWA RD SPONSOR
ExcellenceinEntrepreneurship
BWINNER
BrendaKasaty
RoseCatCoffeeCompany
rendaKasatyisawife,amotherofthreegirls,a licensedsocialworker,ahomebaker,acoffeeenthusiast,andanunapologeticdreamer.Shehas beentouchedbyindividualswithIntellectualandDevelopmentaldisabilitiesthroughoutherlife,particularly watchinghernephewgrowup,workingasaPARAinan IDDhighschoolclassroom,coachingadaptiveathletes, andmostrecentlywithfriendsintheLincolncommunity. RoseCatCoffeeCo.andReadingSocietyistheculminationofyearsofdreamingandanunrelentinghopethat togetherwecancreateaconnectedcommunitythatwill changethewaythatindividualswithIDDaretreated,valued,accepted,seen,andintegratedintotheirowncommunities.
AWA RD SPONSOR
FINALISTS
AnnaAlcalde, UrbanLegendsArtStudio
AsanowneroftheinteractiveUrbanLegendsArtStudio,aformerGraphicArtistandschoolartteacher,AnnaAlcaldeis morethancapableofteachingcreativeskillstoallagegroups,youngandold.UrbanLegendsArtStudiooffersinstudioart partiesaswellastravelsoffsitetoexploreartwithseniorsinrehab/retirementhomes.CLC’satschools,GirlScouts,veterans andevendevelopedaspecialeventforthestudentsofTheChildren’sSchooloftheblind,inNebraskaCity.OneofAnna’s personalpassionsisteachingherweeklyartlessonsforadultsandkidsontheautismspectrumaffiliatedwithAFN.Shehas beenthereciprocateformanyawardsforherinnovativelessons,includingaMayorsArtAwardandGirlsScoutsofNebraska partnershipoftheyearandservedontheboardforHildegardArtCenter.AnnaisalsoveryinvolvedwithLincolnArtCouncil.
ChristieStukenholtz, SeniorCareFinder
WhenChristieStukenholtzstruggledtofindcareforhergrandmother,sheuncoveredanationwidecrisis–andbuilta solutiontotheproblem.AsCo-FounderandCEOofSeniorCareFinder,thenation’sonlycompletedirectoryofsenior livingandcareoptions,shehastransformedhowmillionsoffamiliesnavigatetheagingjourney.RecognizedasaSenior HousingNewsExecutivetoWatch,UNLDistinguishedEntrepreneur,andMidlandsBusinessJournal40Under40honoree,Christieisaleadingindustryvoice,drivingboldinnovationandchange.Thoughhercareerspannedtheglobe,she proudlychoseLincolntoplantroots,growhercompany,andgivebacktothecommunity.
KathyAndersen, BrintTech|LincolnPartnershipforEconomicDevelopment
KathyAndersenisCEO&Co-FounderofBrintTech,astartupdevelopingtracehydrogengassensorsforindustry.Theyhavesecured over$2.7Minfunding fromtheUSDepartmentofEnergy,stateprograms,andChevronTechnologyVentures.Kathyalsoservesas DirectorofInnovation&EntrepreneurshipattheLincolnPartnershipforEconomicDevelopment,whereshegetstochampionand helpotherbusinessownersandentrepreneurs.KathyisBoardPresidentofNMotion,BoardSecretaryofGlobalTiesNebraska,AdvisoryBoardforNebraskaWesleyanUniversity’sInnovation&EntrepreneurshipProgram,EntrepreneurshipCommunityFellowfor theNebraskaCenterforEntrepreneurship,NISInnovationFellowshipMentor,BoardMemberofVoteWiseNebraska,andOrganizer andCo-Founderof1MillionCupsLincoln.Hergreatjoysareherhusband,theirtworambunctiouscats,andtheirnativegarden.
NatalieElsberry, OfTheEarthFlorals
NatalieistheownerandchiefcreativeofficerofOftheEarthFlorals.WhenNataliefoundherpassioninflowers,she quicklystartedherin-homeweddingflowerbusiness,IBloom.ItwasevidentthatLincolnwascravingdelightfulflorals foreveryday,andsoshestartedOftheEarthFlorals.Withapassionforhercommunity,smallbusiness,andhelping others,thenewlocationtheymovedtoinAugustishelpingfillpeople’scupsdailywithgoodiesfromthenewcafe, togiftsforanyone,flowersinspiredbynature,andaneventspacetohostalloflife’scelebrations.Nataliefindsjoyin bringingdelighttohercommunity.
ExcellenceinGovernmentService
CWINNER
ChiefMichon Morrow
LincolnPoliceDepartment
hiefMichonMorrowhasservedwiththeLincoln PoliceDepartmentsince1995andwasappointed ChiefinMarch2024aftereightmonthsasActing Chief.ShebeganhercareerasaDomesticViolenceAdvocatebeforebecomingacommissionedofficerandhas servedinamultitudeofassignmentsacrossthedepartment.Passionateaboutleadership,officerwellness,and communityservice,shefacilitatestheIACPLeadershipin PoliceOrganizationsandFirstLineLeadershipprograms. Sheservesonseveralnonprofitboards,includingClinic withaHeartandBraveBeCAC,andpreviouslyservedwith FriendshipHome.SheholdsaMaster’sinForensicScience andismarriedwithtwoadultchildren.
FINALISTS
AmyGoodro, LancasterCountyAttorney’sOffice
AmyisadeputycountyattorneyintheLancasterCountyAttorney’sOffice.SheearnedherjurisdoctoratefromUNL’s CollegeofLawin2014,finishinginthetop15%ofherclass.InspiredbythededicationandintegrityoftheLancaster CountyAttorney’sOffice,shehasbeenacriminalprosecutorthereforoveradecade.Shehasconductedmorethanfifty jurytrialsforoffensesrangingfromthefts,domesticviolence,sexualassaults,tohomicides.Amy’stirelessworkethicis drivenbyhercompassionforvictimsandguidedbyadeepsenseofjustice.
JamiePospisil, LincolnFire&Rescue
JamiePospisilservesastheBattalionChiefofEmergencyMedicalServices(EMS)forLincolnFire&Rescue,bringing over21yearsofdedicatedservicetothedepartment.Inherleadershiprole,ChiefPospisiloverseesEMSoperations, training,andstrategicinitiatives,ensuringthedeliveryofhigh-qualityprehospitalcareandoperationalexcellenceacross thecity.Asacommittedleaderinemergencyservices,ChiefPospisilispassionateaboutcontinuousimprovementand hasplayedakeyroleinshapingahigh-performingEMSsystem.AsamemberoftheEMSTaskforcewiththeAmerican HeartAssociation,shealsocontributestonationaleffortstoimprovecardiacandstrokecareinemergencyresponse systems.
SaraHoyle, CityofLincolnandLancasterCountyHumanServices
SaraHoyleistheDirectorofHumanServicesfortheCityofLincolnandLancasterCounty.Shehasspenthercareer servingourcommunityinthefieldofhumanservices.Inhercurrentrole,shehastheprivilegeofworkingwithnon-profit agenciesandadministeringservicesinjuvenilejusticeandgeneralassistance.Throughherleadership,theHumanServicesOfficehasbeenrecognizednationallyforeffectiveprogramminginjuvenilejustice.Sara’scompassionforchildren hasledtoherappointmenttothe NebraskaChildren’sCommission.Saraservesonnumerouscommitteesincludingthe HomelessCoalition,NewAmericansTaskforce,andYouthCrisisResponseCoalition..
SoulinneePhan, CityofLincolnClerk’sOffice
SoulinneePhanhasproudlyservedastheCityClerkofLincolnforfiveyears,following21yearswiththeCity’sFinanceDepartment.She leadsasmallbutmightyteamcommittedtoconnectingresidentswiththeCityCouncil,theMayor,andcitydepartments,alwaysstriving toservewithintegrity,efficiency,andheart.SoulinneeisanactivememberoftheNebraskaMunicipalClerksAssociation,itsEducation Committee,andtheSoutheastAreaClerksAssociation.ShewashonoredwiththeMayor’sAwardofExcellencein2017.Beyondher roleatCityHall,SoulinneeisaguestspeakerforprogramssuchasMyCityAcademy,GARE,andLEADS.ShehostsLincolnStorieswith SonyonLNKTVandhasservedasayouthmentorandcoachformorethan30years.Shevalueshertimewithherhusband,Phuong,and theirchildren,EnzoandSubi.Soulinneeremainsdedicatedtosupportingherfamily,upliftinghercommunity,andleadingwithpurpose.
AWA RD SPONSOR
CELEBRATINGWOMEN WHOLEAD,
ExcellenceinHealthcare
DWINNER Dr.FarrahPlate, DDS
AlignDental
r.PlatereceivedherBSindentalhygienein1999followedbyherDoctorateofDentalSurgeryin2005from theUNMCCollegeofDentistry.Dr.Plateandherhusband ChrisownandoperateAlignDental.Theyprovidemobiledental caretospecialneedsresidentsinvarioushealthcarefacilities.As avolunteerdentistatthePeople’sCityMissionFreeClinic,Dr. Plateunderstandsthenegativeimpactthatteethcanhaveon aperson’sself-esteem,particularlyfemales.Thereisnogreater rewardthangivingthesebeautifulwomentheirsmilesback.Dr. PlateaspirestoimproveaccesstoqualitydentalcareforLincoln’s mostvulnerablebyworkingwiththelocaldentalcommunity, families,nonprofits,andtheStateofNebraska.Herproudest accomplishmentsareher26-yearmarriagetoChrisandtheir2 daughters,Ava,20andElla,14.
FINALISTS
JillRine, MarathonHealth&DuncanAviationFamilyHealth
Withover28yearsofexperienceservingtheLincolnarea,Jillisadedicatedphysicianassistantwhosecareerspansfamilypractice, pediatrics,andgeriatricmedicine.Herpassionliesinbuildingmeaningfulrelationships withpatients,colleagues,andthebroader community believingthateveryconnectionholdsthepowertocreatelastingimpact.Beyondtheclinic,Jillvolunteers,lending hertimeandenergytonumerouslocalorganizations.She’sespeciallycommittedtoyouthdevelopmentbothinthegymandinthe community.Herphilosophyissimple:everyinteractionleavesamark,andweeachchoosewhatkindofmarkthatwillbe.Jillisalso involvedwithClinicwithaHeart,findingjoyinservingLincoln’sdiversepopulationandformingconnectionsthattranscendmedicalcare.Jillistheproudmotherofsixandgrandmotheroftwo,drawingdailyinspirationfromtheloveandgrowthofherfamily.
JordynReady, BryanHealth
AstheCommunityLiaisonforBryanHealth,Jordynservesasabridge,connectingpatientstovitalresourcesthroughout Nebraska.JordynisaCertifiedSocialWorker,thePresidentofWomeninHealthcareAdministrationandMarketing,CochairoftheLincolnWalktoEndAlzheimer’s,andanactivememberoftheCoalitionofOlderAdultHealthPromotion. ThroughheradvocacyforwomenfacingDV,mentalhealthchallenges,andhomelessness,alongwithhervolunteerwork withlocalnon-profitsthataimtosupportwomen&families,Jordynstrivestobreakdownbarriersandinspirewomen toachievetheirfullpotential.
MariaOlivas, AseracareHospice
MariaOlivashasdedicatedhercareertoservingpatientsandfamilieswithcompassion,dignity,andadvocacy.Shehasproudly servedastheSr.ClinicalHospiceLiaisonatAseracareHospice,wheresheistheonlyclinicalliaisonsupportingtheNebraskapod. Maria’shealthcarejourneybegan27yearsagoasaCertifiedNursingAssistant,whereshequicklydiscoveredhercallingtocarefor others.Marieisdeeplyengagedinhercommunity.ShefoundedandleadsacommitteeofwomenthatlaunchedtheSeniorExpo, nowanongoingeventthatconnectsolderadultswithvaluableresourcesandsupportsystems.Sheisalsoanactivememberofthe CoalitionforOlderAdultPromotionandWomeninHealthcareAdministrationandMarketinginLincoln.Whensheisnotoutinthe communitybuildingrelationshipsandpromotinghospiceeducation,Mariaenjoystimewithherfamilyandcaringforherfourcats.
SydnieMurphy, BryanHealth
SydnieMurphyistheCredentialingManageratBryanHealth,amentor,speaker,andadvocateforresilience.Sheleads aBYPprofessionaldevelopmentcourse,mentors’newleaders,andsupportsaninternfromBryanCollegeofHealth Sciences.Sydnievolunteersbyspeakingtofosteryouth,organizingeventsforlocalnonprofits,cleaninghomesforfree, andjoiningmedicalmissiontrips.Shehasapublishedletter,sharedbyLoveWhatMatters,writtentothemanwho carjackedheratgunpoint—turningtraumaintohealing.Growingupinfostercareshapedherpassionforhelpingothers riseandbuildingabrighterfutureforherson,Oscar.
AWA RD SPONSOR
SWINNER SandraRojo
LincolnLiteracy
andraRojoisapassionateadvocateforeducationandempowermentthroughlanguage.OriginallyfromMexico,Sandra movedtotheUnitedStatesasateenagerandbeganworking afterschoolwhileadjustingtoanewcultureandlanguage.Determinedtosucceed,sheenrolledinEnglishclassesthroughLincoln Literacy,whereshequicklystoodoutforherdedicationanddrive.
Today,SandraservesastheSeniorAssociateDirectorofEnglish LanguageLearnersatLincolnLiteracy.Inthisleadershiprole,she overseesateamofmorethan180tutorsand25staffmembers, whilemanagingover$1millioningrantsdedicatedtoexpanding accesstolanguageeducation.Herjourneyfromlanguagelearner toleaderisapowerfultestamenttoresilience,hardwork,andthe transformativepowerofeducation.
AmberNore, BigBrothersBigSistersLincoln
AmberCamilleNoreistheDirectorofCommunityEngagementforBigBrothersBigSistersLincolnwheresheleads fundraising,donorrelations,volunteerrecruitmentandcommunitypartnerships.SheistheFounder&CuratorofMagnolia,aboutiqueartprojectforemergingartists.AproudmomtoChloe,26,andadoptivemomtohernieceMarsiline, 16,Amberisanactress,writer,musician,reader,plantlady,advocate,showchoirmom,andpatronofthearts.She volunteerswithorganizationsincludingOptimists,Rotary,Kiwanis,PEO,JuniorLeague,ECHOCollective,andLasagna Love.AmberdividestimebetweenherfamilyhomewiththegirlsandtheirdogandherartgalleryspaceintheHaymarketwithhercats.
Dr.RuthMarcec-Greaves, LincolnChildren’sZoo
Dr.RuthMarcec-Greavesisaveterinarian,scientist,andconservationleaderwithover15yearsofglobalexperiencein animalcare,research,andnonprofitleadership.AsGeneralCuratoratLincolnChildren’sZoo,sheoverseesanimalwelfareandeducationwhilementoringthenextgenerationofconservationists.Shealsofoundedaninternationalnonprofit protectingendangeredspeciesinCentralAmerica,andwithherfamilyrunsanothernonprofitprovidingenvironmental educationtounderprivilegedchildren.HoldingbothaDVMandPhD,Ruthbridgesscienceandcompassion,empoweringothersthroughteaching,mentorship,andadvocacy.
LeahDroge, FriendshipHome
LeahDrogeistheExecutiveDirectorofFriendshipHome.Shehasover20yearsofvictimadvocacyexperienceandcreditswhatshehaslearnedfirstandforemosttothesurvivorsshehaswalkedalongside.SheisaformerChairoftheLincoln HomelessCoalition,arepresentativeontheNebraskastatewideDomesticAbuseDeathReviewTeam,andpartnerin Lincoln’srecentSurvivorServicesAssessment.Sheservesonthe boardoftheNebraskaCoalitiontoEndSexualand DomesticViolenceandisaTeamMatesofLincolnvolunteer.Shebelievesthatwearestrongertogetherandispassionate aboutbuildingsurvivor-centeredcommunitysolutions.
TaraKnuth, LincolnChildren’sMuseum
TaraKnuthistheCEOoftheLincolnChildren’sMuseum,wheresheleadswithstrategy,heart,andadeepbeliefinthe powerofplaytobuildstrongfamilies.Withover15yearsinnonprofitleadership,sheisknownforcreatinginclusive cultures,championinginnovation,andexpandingaccessforchildrenofallbackgrounds.Sheisactivelyinvolvedinlocal coalitionsandadvisoryboards,includingtheVisitorPromotionCommitteeforVisitLincoln,andisamemberofbothRotary14andtheJuniorLeagueofLincoln.Aproudmotheroffiveandgrandmotheroftwo,Tarabringslivedexperience toherworkandispassionateaboutempoweringotherstoleadwithpurpose.
CELEBR ATING
filamentservices.org
ExcellenceinPhilanthropy
KWINNER
KaylaAbel
FamilyServiceLincoln
aylaAbelistheDirectoroftheWomen,Infants,and Children(WIC)programatFamilyServiceLincolnand aregistereddietitiancommittedtomakingLincoln thehealthiestplacetoraiseafamily.Withabackground innonprofitandgovernmentagencies,sheadvocatesfor strongcommunitypartnershipsandphilanthropy.Kaylais activelyinvolvedinnumerouslocalorganizations,includingtheLincolnChildren’sMuseum,AsianCommunityand CulturalCenter,andLincolnLittles.Sheandherhusband, Jack,aimtoinstillvaluesofserviceandgenerosityintheir threechildren,inspiredbythelegacyofservantleadership passeddownthroughtheirfamilies.
CathyParker, BryanHealth-Retired
CathyParkerretiredfromBryanHealthnineyearsago,astheNurseManagerforEmployeeHealthServices.Duringher career,sheassumedmanyleadershipopportunities,bothwithinheremploymentaswellaswithinvariousprofessional andcommunitygroups.Sinceherretirement,shecontinuestovolunteeratBryanHealthandFriendshipHome,both organizationsforwhichsheholdshighregardrelatedtopurposeandvalues.Inaddition,shevaluestimewithfamily, includingthepast53yearswithhusband,Dan.Shehastwosonswithfamiliesincludingthreeteen-agegrandchildren.
Dr.PaulaHarre, Domesti-PUPS|RetiredOrthodontist
Forover40years,Dr.PaulaHarrestraightenedteeth,bentwires,and accordingtosomepatients twistedafewpocketbooks.Alongtheway,shesatonmoredentalandcommunityboardsthanshecancount,grilledhundredsofhopeful dentalandorthodonticschoolapplicants,andsharedhertime,energy,andresourceswithlocalandnationalnon-profits. Nowretired,Paulahastradedbracesforleashes.SheworkswithDomesti-PUPSservicedogs,walksandhostsdogs fromtheCapitalHumaneSociety,andvolunteersattheLiedCenter oftenleavingherhusband,DanDuncan(retired ExecutiveDirectorofNebraskaInnovationCampus),inchargeofvacuumingdoghair.Dandoesn’tmindtoomuch;he’s gotHuskersportstokeephimcompanywhilePaulaisoutsavingtheworld onewaggingtailatatime.
KatieOhnoutka, MakingStridesAgainstBreastCancer
KatieOhnoutka,aseven-yearbreastcancersurvivor,hasdedicatedherselftomakingatangibledifferenceinthelives ofothersfacingbreastcancer.In2019,shelosthermothertometastaticbreastcancer,aheartbreakinglossthat further strengthenedhercommitmenttofightingforafuturefreeofcancer.In2022,KatiebecametheEventChairforMaking StridesAgainstBreastCancer,leadingeffortstoraiseawarenessandcriticalfundsforresearch,support,andprevention. Thisyear,shewashonoredtotakeontheroleofNorthRegionVolunteerLead,apositionthatenableshertoempower otherstolead,organize,andadvocatewithintheirowncommunities.
MichelleBring, UnitedWayofLincolnandLancasterCounty
MichelleBringservesastheSeniorDirectorofMarketingandResourceDevelopmentforUnitedWayofLincolnand LancasterCounty,whereshehasraised$121Mforthecommunitysincejoiningtheteamin2006.Duringthistime,Michellehascontinuouslyadjustedstrategiestomeetourcommunity’smostpressingissues.Thishasledtothecreationof community-driveninitiativesfocusedoneducation,childhoodliteracy,childabuseprevention,andfamilystability.Every day,Michelleencourageslocalorganizationsandpeopletogivebackbymakingacharitabledonationorvolunteering. Overthelast16years,Michellehasfacilitatednearly31,000communityvolunteeropportunitiesfromthisgenerous community.
SPONSOR:
AWA RD SPONSOR
LincolnCommunityFoundationisproud tosponsortheInspireAwardsand congratulatesthisyear’snominees.
"Ifyouractionscreatealegacythatinspires otherstodreammore,learnmore,domore andbecomemore,then,youarean excellentleader.” -DollyParton
Excellencein Women’s Athletics
DWINNER Dr.HeatherKiefer
UniversityofNebraska-Lincoln
r.HeatherKieferisanAthleticPsychologistattheUniversity ofNebraskaandownerofKieferCounseling&Performance Psychology,LLC.Dr.Kieferisalicensedpsychologistwith dualtraininginmentalhealthandsportperformanceandisalso aCertifiedMentalPerformanceConsultant(CMPC).Withover eightyearsofexperienceworkingwithathletesfromyouthto professionallevels,Dr.Kieferspecializesinsportandperformance psychology,mentalskillstraining(i.e.,self-talk,imagery,energy/ arousalmanagement,mindfulness),andidentitydevelopment.She ispassionateabouthelpingathletesnavigatechallengessuchas disorderedeating,interpersonalrelationships,anxiety,depression, andadjustment.Dr.Kiefer’scommitmenttotheLincolncommunity hasinvolvedconsultationandpartnershipwithlocalgyms,high schools,andyouthsportorganizationstoprovidementalhealth andmentalperformancetrainingandresources.
FINALISTS
AmandaSchaefer, FearlessFastpitch
AmandaSchaefer,knownbyherathletesas“CoachAB”,isacertifiedMentalPerformanceCoach.Shehasplayedor coachedateverylevelinthesportofsoftball.Itisnowhermissiontomakementalskillstrainingaccessibletoyouth athletesacrossthecountryandglobally.AsthefounderofFearlessFastpitch,TheFearlessWarriorProgramhashelped over800familiesandcounting.Shealsopartnerswithnonprofitswhosharethesamevisiontomakeanimpactand changelives;includingtheAthlete’sRiseFoundationandPlayforPaige33.AsaLincolnnativesheenjoysbeingatourist inherowncityandsupportinglocaleateriesandevents
NicoleKubik, LincolnSouthwestHighSchool
Nicoleisinher21styearofcoachingvolleyball,24thyearofcoachinggirlsbasketball,and23rdyearasaTrack/Field Coach.Sheisastrongadvocateformulti-sportathletes,believinginthevaluablelessonskidscanlearnfromplaying differentsportsandbeingcoachedbyvariouscoaches.Nicoleenjoyssharingherexperiencesasacollegiateand professionalathlete.Shestatesthatthemostenjoyablepartofcoachingforherisbuildingrelationshipswiththekids.
SarahPravecek, WildernessRidgeClubandResort
SarahPravecekisthefirstfemaleDirectorofGolfintheNebraskaPGASection,bringingover14yearsofexperiencein thegolfindustry.Anaccomplishedplayer,sherecentlycapturedherfourthWomen’sNebraskaPGASectionChampionshipandhasbeenhonoredastheWomen’sPlayeroftheYearthreetimes.Sarahwasbroughtonwithastrategicfocus togrowthegameofgolfamongwomen.Underherleadership,participationinwomen’sleagueandeventshasdoubled overthepasttwoyears.Sarahisanactivecontributortotheadvancementofthesport,servingontheNebraskaPGA Section Committee.
StephanieKolbas, LincolnEastHighSchool
StephanieKolbasisatrailblazinggolfcoach,mentor,andNebraskaHallofFameinducteewithover30yearsofexperience. AformerHuskergolfer,U.S.Opencompetitor,andthree-timeStateAmateurChampion,shehasledhighschoolboys andgirlstostatechampionshipsanddevelopedcollegiateathletes.Herlegacyincludesbuildingapowerhouseprogram atLincolnPiusXnurturingyoungplayerswithfaith-basedleadershiprootedinintegrity,perseverance,andgrowth.Now leadingthegirls’teamatLincolnEast,Stephaniecontinuestoinspirethroughmentorshipandpassionforthegame.Asa U.S.KidsGolfDirector,shenurturesouryouthandseesgolfasaplatformtobuildcharacter,confidence,andcommunity. Herathleteslearntoleadwithgraceandlivewithgratitude carryingherlessonsfarbeyondthefairway.
From all of us at Wilderness Ridge Club & Resort, congrats to Sarah Pravecek and all Inspire finalists!
SARAH PRAVECEK
As Nebraska’s first female Director of Golf, her leadership at Wilderness Ridge and dedication to advancing women's golf continues to inspire the next generation. She is also a four-time Nebraska PGA Women's Champion and three-time Nebraska PGA Women's Player of the Year. Director
AWA RD
SPONSOR
KristenBrown
HuskerDeputyAthleticDirector/SeniorWomanAdministrator
SueWilkinson
AmeritasPresidentandChiefOperatingOfficer
Founders Award
AWINNER AnneBurkholder
TheBurkholderProject
nneBurkholderisthefounderandownerofThe BurkholderProjectinthehistoricHaymarket.She soldnearlyeverythingsheownedtopurchasethe buildinginthelate1980s,determinedtocultivateaspace whereartistsfromeverybackgroundcouldworkanddisplayart.Inadditiontoprovidingspacefordozensoflocal artists,shealsopaintsinastudiowithinthebuilding.She hasbeenpaintingNebraskalandscapesforover70years andcapturesmomentsforthosewhowanttoknowand cherishthebeautyofTheGreatPlains.
KelleyPeterson, Pen&Plug
SayingKelleyisanonprofitmarketingguruisanunderstatement.Shemakesahabitofmixinghermarketingexpertise withherpassionforhelpinggreatcauses.Afternearly12yearsasanagencycreativedirector,KelleyfoundedPen& Pug-anewbusinessofferingmarketingstrategy,creativewriting,andnonprofitfundraisingservices.Whenshe’snot busyputtingherpentowork,Kelleyenjoysspendingtimewithherfamily,teachingatUNLCoJMC,managingherpug Chubs’sinfluencercareerAND,spearheadingPurposePalooza!-aneventthatintentionallybringslocalnonprofitsand localmarketerstogetherforgood.
KellyLauer, FittingFutures
KellyLaueristheco-founderandexecutivedirectorofFittingFutures(formerlyTheWhiteCaneFoundation).InspiredbyatriptoSt.Louis, wheresheandherhusbandDavesawtheimpactofgiving“newclothingoutfits”tokidsinTitleIschools,theyrealizedfamiliesinLincoln couldbenefittoo.Since2019,FittingFutureshasworkedwithBelmontElementaryandexpandedto19TitleIschools.Theorganization spends20minuteswitheachchild,helpingthempicktwonewoutfitswithtagson.Manyofthesestudentshaveneverexperiencedthis before.Kellyandherteamfocusonensuringaproperfit,creatingaprivate,dignifiedmomentwhenchildrenseethemselvesinafulllengthmirror—feelingseen,heard,andcelebrated.Kellybelievessuchexperiencesfosterself-confidenceandbelonging,empowering childrentobecomefutureleaders.Whenchildrenfeelgoodaboutthemselves,theyshowupwithmoreconfidenceandpurpose.
MonikaZinke, FreshStart
Monicaispassionateaboutbuildingcommunityandservingothers.Shehasworkedinsocialservicesfor30yearswitha varietyofprograms,includingdisasterservices,domesticviolenceandsexualassault,mentalhealth,fostercare,employment counseling,homelessness,andbasicneeds.Ms.Zinkealsoworkedinhighereducation asanAdjunctProfessorforBellevue University.ShehasbeentheExecutiveDirectorofFreshStart,atransitionalshelterandgoalsprogramforwomen,sinceMay 2008.MonicahasbeenthechairoftheProjectConnectLincolneventsinceitbeganin2009.ProjectConnectisaoneday servicefairforthoseexperiencingoratriskofhomelessness.Guestshaveaccesstoservicesprovidedbythenearly100agenciesinvolvedwiththeevent.Outsideofwork,sheenjoysspendingtimewithherfamily,supportingthearts,andtraveling.
SuziDearmont, LincolnHygieneNetwork
SuzifoundedLincolnHygieneNetwork,Lincoln’sonlydedicatedhygienebankwithaclearmission:toimprovethe health,dignityandself-esteemofimpoverishedandvulnerablepersonsbyensuringaccesstohygieneandperiod products.Underherleadership,theorganizationhasbecomeavitalcommunityresource,earninghonorssuchasthe PeriodHeroAwardfromAlwaysin2023andtheCommunityPartnerAwardfromtheLincolnHomelessCoalitionin2022. Guidedbyapassionforservice,Suzihasdevotedmanyyearstoupliftinghercommunitythroughorganizationslike LancasterCounty4-HandBarnabasCommunity.Aftera39-yearcareerinLincoln’sfinancialindustry,shenowdevotes herretirementtoservingothers.
NE BRAS KA WE SLE YAN UN IVERSIT Y
nebr wes le y an . ed u
Celebratingthose WHO INSPIRE.
NWUapplaudsour community’sInspireAward nomineesandwinners.
Fer yal Ak po-Id r isso u (’26 )
ErinBon d (’08 )
Le ah Dr og e (’04 )
ErinHa rt (’06 )
C andice H owel l (st aff)
Mic h on Morrow (’97 ,MFS ’06 )
Doris Robert so n (B oardofGo vern o rs)
VWINNER
VittoriaQuaranta
UniversityofNebraska-Lincoln
ittoriaisahighlymotivatedstudentandcommunity leader.Shegraduatedwithherassociate’sdegreeat just16yearsold,andisnowstudyingmathematical financeandcomputersciencewithdreamsofworkingin softwaredevelopment.SheisaNationalMeritscholarship recipient,andhaswonotherawardsforheracademicand leadershipaccomplishments.Vittoriawasrecognizedby severalstaterepresentativesforearningherGoldAward asthefounderofUnifiedEntrepreneurs,aclubinpartnershipwithAutismFamilyNetworkthatprovidesopportunitiesandmentorshipinentrepreneurshiptoyoungadults withdisabilities.
EllieEckman, LincolnSouthwestHighSchool
Ellieisadedicatedhighschoolseniorwhostrivestoachievesuccessbothonandoffthecourt.Apassionatevolleyball player,shealsosharesherloveofthesportbycoachingyoungathletes.Beyondathletics,Ellieparticipatesinshowchoir, andbringsenergytoeveryperformance.Sheservesasaschoolambassador,welcomingandsupportingnewstudents, andisaproudmemberoftheHopeSquad,promotingkindnessandmentalhealthawarenessamongherpeers.Ellie hasalsocontributedtohercommunitythroughtheYouthFitness,Sports,andOpportunityTaskForce,reflectingher commitmenttohealth,leadership,andservice.
FeryalAkpo-Idrissou, UniversityofNebraska-Omaha
FeryalAkpo-IdrissouisaPre-MedstudentintheHonorsProgramattheUniversityofNebraskaOmaha,whereshemajorsinMolecularandBiomedicalBiologyandminorsinMedicalHumanitiesandChemistry.SheistheFounderofHealthRoots,astudent-ledorganizationdedicatedtoaddressinghealthdisparitiesthroughhealthliteracy,preventativecare, andcommunityoutreach.Alongsideheracademicandleadershiproles,FeryalvolunteerswiththeSpecialOlympics, playsonUNO’sClubSoccerteam,andleadsprojectsthatbridgeaccesstohealthcare.Inspiredbyheryoungerbrother’s medicaljourney,sheispassionateaboutpursuingmedicineandincreasingrepresentationinhealthcare.
MareliMaguina, SoutheastCommunityCollege
MareliMaguinaisadedicatedSalesAssociateatZalesJewelrywhereshecombinesherpassionforhelpingpeople withherknowledgeoffinejewelrytocreatemeaningfulcustomerexperiences.Sheiscurrentlypursuingherdegree inBusinessAdministrationatSoutheastCommunityCollege.Asafirst-generationcollegestudent,Mareliseeshigher educationasagenerationaldream onethatrepresentsthehardworkandaspirations ofherfamily.Balancingher academicjourneywithherprofessionalrole,shecontinuestobuildafuturerootedinperseverance,ambition,anda commitmenttoexcellence.
MarlanaSaalfeld-Green, UniversityofNebraska-Lincoln
MarlanaSaalfeldisadoublemajorinSecondaryEducationandPoliticalScienceattheUniversityofNebraska–Lincoln. SheservesasPresidentoftheOmicronChapterofDeltaSigmaThetaSorority,Inc.,ahistoricallyBlacksororitydedicatedtoscholarship,service,andsocialaction.SheisalsoPresidentofFutureTeachersofColor,wheresheworksto supportandupliftBIPOCeducators.MarlanatutorsstudentsinLincolnPublicSchoolsandvolunteerswithWildLearning,aself-directedanddemocraticlearningspacethatempowersyoungpeopletoshapetheirowneducation.Shealso helpedspearheadaStudentBillofRightsinitiativetobetterprotectmarginalizedstudentsatherUniversity.Inherfree time,sheenjoysplayingguitarandreading.
YoungLeaders Award
RWINNER RafaAhmed
LPSStudent
afaisaproudSudaneseimmigrantandcurrentseniorscholaratLincolnNorthStarHighSchool.Being raisedinLincolnshetakesprideinhercommunityby stayinginvolvedinandoutsideschool.AtNorthStar,she isthepresidentofherschool’sNationalHonorSocietyas wellasamemberofLNSHopeSquad.Outsideofschool RafaisadedicatedmemberofLincolnPublicSchoolsEquityCadre,worksattheBelmontCommunityCenteras anafterschoolprogramstaff,andisamemberofYouth LobbySchool!
ChloeNore, CommunityVolunteer
ChloeAnaisNore,26,isapassionateadvocate,mentor,andpeerleaderintheLincolncommunity.Diagnosedatage12 withararemedicalcondition,shehasfacedimmensechallengeswithresilienceandgrace.Inrecoveryfromsubstance use,ChloerecentlycompletedtheNebraskaPeerSupportTrainingprogramandnowsponsorsotheryoungwomenon theirrecoveryjourneys.Shevolunteerswithlocalnonprofitsandspeakspubliclyaboutdisabilityandrecovery,usingher livedexperiencetoupliftothersandinspirehope.
Elizabeth&EcenceColley, BelmontElementaryStudents
ElizabethColley:Myhobbiesarereadingagoodbook,playingsocceroutsidewithmyfriends,andplayingcardgames.Iama memberofLongoria’sTMA,Belmont’sTRACKSteam,Belmont’sLeadershipProgram,andviolinclass.AsaBelmontstudent,I helpotherswithoutbeingasked.Iamkindandrespectfultoalladultsandchildrenintheschoolandcommunity.Iamkindand encouragingevenwhennooneislooking.Mypurposeinlifeistohelpandinspireotherstodogood.Andthat’sallaboutme. EcenceColley:Myhobbiesarereading,studyingspace,drawing,andhelpingthehomeless-thoseinneed.Iamamemberof LTMA-Longoria’sTacticalMartialArtsAcademy,TRACKS,andamemberofBelmontSchool.Ilookforwardtogettingtohelp morepeople.Also,inspiringothersisalwaysmymaingoal.AsaTRACKSscholaratBelmont,Imakeitmydutytomakean impactinthecommunity.AsImovethroughlife,Iwillmakesuretokeepinspiringotherstodogoodandsucceed.
LilyArdingerStibal, UniversityofNebraska-LincolnStudent
LilyArdingerStibal,aUNLstudentstudyingpsychologyandtheenvironment,usesherpersonalexperiencetodriveresearchandadvocacy.SherecentlycompletedaninternshipatBoysTownNationalResearchHospital,whereshestudiedthe everydaylivedexperiencesofteensandyoungadultswithhearingloss.Adedicatedmentor,Lilyhasspentsevenyearswith theLincolnCommunityPlayhouse’sPenguinProjectandasacounseloratYMCA’sCampKitaki.Shealsoco-foundedtheSFP LegacyClubtopreservethehistoryofLPS’sScienceFocusProgram.AnAmericanJuniorAcademyofSciencesDelegate andLPSInspireAwardWinner,Lilyisfocusedonadvancinghereducationandutilizingherleadershipskillstoserveothers.
PixieDevitt,
LincolnEastHighSchoolStudent,CupcakesforaCause
PixieDevitt,age16,isthecreatorofCupcakesforaCause,anannualfundraiserthatprovidesgiftstotheYMACgiving tree.Pixiesellshomemadecupcakes,andusestheprofitstopurchasegiftsthatarethendonated.Overthespanof 6yearsbeginningin2019attheageof9,shehasraisedover$11,900anddonatedupwardsof680giftstochildren inLincoln.PixieisanhonorsstudentatLincolnEastHighSchoolwheresheparticipatesincrosscountry,soccer,show choir,andstudentcouncil.ShealsovolunteersthroughtheSeniorKitakiKidsprogramattheYMCACampKitaki.Inher freetimesheenjoysplayingthepianoandguitar,ballet,singing,andbaking.Herplansforthefutureincludeearninga degreeinbusiness,andcontinuingherworkinnonprofit.
AWA RD SPONSOR
WEKNOWA PL AYMAKER WHENWE SEEONE.
Congratulations, InspireAwardWinners!
Hudlisproudtoservethecareersand ambitionsofsomeofthemosttalented womeninsportstechnology,and we’rethrilledtocelebratethisyear’s InspireAwardwinnersandnominees.
2025INSPIRENOMINEES
AlishaGuse
AbigailRehm
AlanaDearden
AlexaDavis
AliciaRetzlaff*
Allie Woolworth
Allison Woods
AmandaCorcoran
AmandaSaathoff
AmandaSchaefer*
AmandaSwenson
AmberC.Nore*
AmyGoodro*
AmyGreen*
Amy Tabor
AndieDavis
AngelaGarbacz
AngelaPillow
AnnaAlcalde*
AnneBurkholder*
AnnieLeaf*
Annie Wilhite
Arica Wieting
AshleeDeGarmo
Ashley Tobias
AspenHemmerling
Aubrey Yost
AudreySvane
BattalionChiefJamiePospisil*
BethanyArnold
BetsyFinch
BobbiClinch
BrendaKasaty*
BrookeCarlson
BrookeGraf
CandiceHowell*
CarlaAbendroth
Carole Tanner
CathyMartinez
CathyParker
CherylHansen
ChloeNore*
ChristaSchiessl
ChristieStukenholtz*
ChristinKamm
ChristinaKrivolavek
CindySchwaninger
CindySell
Claire JeniseSanMiguel
CocoChairez*
CoriBeattie
CindySell
Crystal Wichita
DanielleGarcia
DawnMoore
Dawn-ReneeSmith
DaynaSwenseth
DebbieBuckley
DebbieDugan
DeniseEllis
DorisRobertson*
Dr AblaHasan*
Dr. DeniseBulling
Dr FarrahPlate*
Dr HeatherKiefer*
Dr HeidiStark
Dr JessicaHeckman
Dr JessicaJacobson
Dr KylieEnsrud
Dr Meg Wetta
Dr MichelleM.Inzauro DNP
Dr PaulaHarre
Dr RachelHuston
Dr. RuthMarcec-Greaves, DVM,PhD*
Dr TheresaDelahoyde
DrewGiordana
EcenceColley*
EchoBell
ElaSchlisner
Elena Wolf
ElizabethColley*
EllieEckman*
EmilyKoopmann
EmilyKrupicka
Emily Trauernicht
EricaCarey
ErinBond*
ErinDwyer
ErinHart*
ErinLenz
ErinMichaud
Erin Wirth
FeliciaMendoza
FeryalAkpo-Idrissou*
Haley Waggoner
HannahJohnson
HathawayHutchings
HazellRodriguez
HeatherHicksHilgers*
HeatherSmith
HilaryMaricle
HollyMartin
Jackie Wright
JamieHarder
JanBretz*
JanCoy
JaneRaybould
JenLandis
JennGjerde
JennaNasif
Jenna Vitosh
Jenni Tran
JennieSovey
JenniferJ.Schellpeper
JennyStachura
JessicaJohnson
JessicaStates-Thiele
JessyHunt
JillJacobs
JillRine*
JoannaStahl
JordynReady*
JoyMaryBroer
JulieBoyd
KadenceEklund
KaileenKranz
KaraE.Brostrom
KaralynnHoefer
KarenLamb
KariKingston
KariSwansonNeth
KathyAndersen*
KathyCarter
KatieHaszard
KatieLeuHoatson
KatieOhnoutka
KaylaAbel
KaylaMeyer
KelleyPeterson*
KellyEms-Wood
KellyLauer*
KimberlyLuis
KristenHeiser
Kristin Vest
KyndalHudson
LaceyRohe
LaCreshaBrooks
LamaIbrahim
LaniyaJames
LaurieFraser
LeahDroge*
Leah Wulfekoetter
LeturaIdigima
LilyArdingerStibal*
LisaGlathar
LisaMcClung
Lisa Wells
LizLange
LizRingCarlson
LoriJohnson
LynnKohout
LynneMcNally
MacalaCarter
MaddieGraham
MairaSherman
MakaylaSilva
MandyPeterson
MarcyHaas
MareliMaguina*
MariaOlivas*
MarlanaSaalfeld-Green*
MaryChoate
MaryJaneGlade
MaryJoPankoke
MayorLeirionGaylorBaird
MegDamme
MeganBolmer
MeganMcLaughlin
MelissaBartels
MelissaBowers
MelissaHayes-Connolly, Ph.D.
MichaellaKumke*
MichelleBring
MollyOglesby
MonicaZinke*
NancyKrumland
NatalieElsberry*
NatalieLeon
NicoleKubik*
NicoleRagon
NinaChase
PaigePiper
PamCarrier
PamLivingston
PamelaDingman
PattyBailey
PixieDevitt*
PoliceChiefMichonMorrow*
RachelBarth*
RachelGarver
RachelGlock
RachelPejsarSnelling*
RafaAhmed*
ReginaPetersen
ReginaSullivan
RoeJaf
RoseHoodBuss
RyanMickSwaroff*
SadieThompson
SandraRojo*
SaraHernandez
SaraHoyle*
SaraJackson
SarahEverding
SarahHartman
SarahPravacek*
Sarah Wood
Sasha VanZandt
ShannonBuzynski
ShannonGeorge
Shannon M Crellin
ShannonSchultz
ShawnaHerwick
ShayHomeyer
SheilaO’Connor
ShellyAndre
SoulinneePhan*
Stacey Werth-Sweeney
StacyClouse
StasiGrenfell
StephanieKolbas*
StephanieMosby
StephanieTheis
SueLilly
SusanBecker
SusanSteider
SuziDearmont*
SuziGausman
SydnieMurphy*
TaisaBrumagen
TamiFrank
TamiLewis-Arendt
TammyStrait
TaraKnuth*
Taryn Tolliver
TheaBouwens-Keys
TheresaLichtenberg*
TiffaniChildress
TinaUdell
Torrey Wilson
TracyEdgerton
TracyHuynh
TramKieu
ValerieHinrichs
VittoriaQuaranta*
ZahraaRida
ZanibAlRazaq
*DenotesFinalist
