Edge Magazine April 2024

This beautiful lifestyle village has what you need to live easier and enjoy your retirement!

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REACH US

We want to hear from you. Ideas, suggestions, compliments and critiques, send them to us at Kathy@EdgeMagazine.com

LETTER from the EDITOR I have always

been in awe of the copious local organizations that provide vital services and programs to the Omaha community. I’m equally impressed by the outpouring of support that residents give to those organizations. This issue of Edge shares the stories of individuals with several such organizations who are leaders and innovators to help create better opportunities.

Our cover story features Aileen Warren, president and CEO of the Institute for Career Advancement Needs (ICAN), which provides leadership programs to individuals and businesses. ICAN’s upcoming Women’s Conference will welcome more than 3,000 in-person and virtual attendees to hear from international thought leaders on the theme, “Elevate: The Collective Power of Women.”

Boys Town provides opportunities for youth, including ensuring that any student can play sports. Our community story spotlights the organization’s upcoming Booster Banquet, which helps support its sports programs, and this year’s banquet keynote speaker will be MBA legend Darryl Strawberry.

Marian High School senior Dominika Kouassi is a 20 Under 20 Nebraska award winner for her passion and commitment to “representation matters,” which is her personal creed for being a leader within her community. Her story in the youth section is inspiring and poignant.

Take a fresh trip down memory lane at Memoir—the newest concept from Flagship Restaurant Group, which has created a menu that nods to its other concepts, including Blue Sushi Sake Grill and Roja. While downtown, check out The Stuffed Olive for the Snickers martini or choose from one of its 100+ cocktails.

Grab your tickets to attend one of these great upcoming events or support one of the many other incredible organizations working hard to help better the Omaha community.

Kathy Rygg Executive Editor

Cover photo by Omaha Headshot Company

PUBLISHER AND OWNER

Carole Sprunk

(402) 587-2259 // Carole@EdgeMagazine.com

CO-OWNER

Michael Meyer

(402) 517-0350 // Michael@EdgeMagazine.com

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Kathy Rygg

(402) 490-3213 // Kathy@EdgeMagazine.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Gabby Hellbusch

(402) 320-7080 // Gabby@EdgeMagazine.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nicole Buntgen, Anna Hartman, Shelly Nosbisch, Mike Watkins and Andy Williams DESIGNERS

Quentin Lueninghoener

(402) 517-1228 // Quentin@HanscomPark.com

Ben Vankat

Ben@HanscomPark.com

PHOTO STAFF

Christopher Tierney Photography

(402) 350-5699

Omaha Headshot Company

(402) 677-3096

CONTACT US

P: (402) 587-2259

Carole@EdgeMagazine.com PO Box 620 Elkhorn, NE 68022

POSTMASTER:

MAY 3 & 5

EL ÚLTIMO SUEÑO DE FRIDA Y DIEGO

(The Last Dream of Frida and Diego)

Composed by Gabriela Lena Frank

Libretto by Nilo Cruz

ORPHEUM THEATER

TICKETOMAHA.COM

DESIGNING

A DREAM HOME

the art of interior design meshes functionality with aesthetics to create a space that inspires comfort and joy. When Ellen Turnage, interior designer with Interiors Joan and Associates, took on a custom build project, she meticulously moved through each layer of the design process to create a dream home that exudes relaxation. Nestled in the The Sanctuary, the 7,000-square-foot home pairs coastal vibes with modern luxury.

STORY BY NICOLE BUNTGEN

PHOTOS BY TOM KESSLER PHOTOGRAPHY

For interior designers like Turnage, every project is managed and coordinated to exceed client expectations. The process starts with learning the homeowner’s goals, dreams, and inspirations to help lay the groundwork for the design. “A lot is captured through normal conversation,” Turnage said. “Learning their lifestyle and what they need allows us to explore avenues that will fulfill their requests.” For this project, Turnage determined that durable finishes perfectly suited the young family’s active lifestyle, and warm, driftwood sand tones with variations of indigo blues inspired memories of the clients’ visits to the east coast.

Whether it’s a home refresh or a new build, Turnage said the goal is always to share a client’s vision, deliver expectations, and turn their dreams into a reality. Beautiful designer touches—like the great room’s specialty-shaped cocktail

table or the powder bath’s oversized light fixture—welcome a classic yet casual home with unforgettable details. “We lay out and explain all the moving parts, pieces, and details so they can visualize their space, walk through it, and imagine themselves living there,” Turnage said.

Cohesion is a crucial component of interior design and brings harmony to one’s home through thoughtful pieces and carefully selected textures and colors. Turnage ensured each room carried a distinct mood while encompassing the classic coastal atmosphere the homeowner longed for.

From the generous space for entertaining to the lush landscaping, the five-bedroom private residence provides everything a family could desire. A two-sided stone fireplace detailed in the hearth room shares the covered deck living space area, extending outdoor enjoyment through all seasons. The refined eastern

COZY SITTING ROOM

shoreline color palette echoes an ombre of deep blues, an extension of the rest of the home.

Whereas the main floor embodies charm and soft elegance under its soaring ceilings, the downstairs Irish pub features heavier woods and moodier vibes through darker granite and leather pieces anchoring the space. The guest bedroom offers the comfort and privacy one would find in an upscale hotel room, including a comfortable lounge chair, work station for your laptop, and counter-height bar stool. The soft tranquility of the master bathroom with its tonal colors and soft shading makes for a romantic retreat, and the ribbed sink and drop chandelier nods to times past with a modern flair. “Beyond skimming a color palette, we’re looking at hardware, finishes, lighting,

textural elements, the overall space—all details that are important in each finished design,” Turnage said.

Collaborating closely with the client and contractors made the project even more rewarding. Whether it’s conversations with tile setters regarding the design layout for a backsplash or partnering with cabinet designers, the team effort ensures every detail is perfect for the client. Simple design details, like the kitchen island’s decorative legs, start as a vision in Turnage’s mind before drawing and bringing it to life. “Every piece is thoughtful and intentional, and every project is unique to itself,” she said. “It takes a team of people to make everything come together.”

The three-year project carried purpose and intention through every detail of the

ATTENTION TO DETAILS

SPA-LIKE BATH

process, and the result was a home that embodied the homeowner’s wishes: refined, sophisticated, and casual. “This is their living space—we want it to be right, and it needs to be about them,” Turnage said. “Every detail was about her family. We appointed every room according to her wishlist and checked the box for everything important to her. This truly was her dream home.”

Designing is a substantial process that involves many layers beyond choosing beautiful decorations and furniture. Each project takes time, effort, and dedication from the designer and client to ensure the most successful result. Planning projects, learning client personalities, and discovering their lifestyles enable Turnage to plan the best space, resulting in a cohesive atmosphere that meets their needs. “The reward is knowing we have provided an outstanding design aesthetic with an interior that improves and inspires the client’s overall health and well-being. It’s a process that we happily do every day.”

To schedule a design consultation, contact Ellen Turnage, designer with Interiors Joan and Associates, at ellen@ interiorsbyjoan.com.

INTERIOR

IRISH PUB-INSPIRED LOWER LEVEL BAR

One of my clients recently shared that working with me for the last few weeks has not only produced steady and consistent weight loss, but she hasn’t missed out on anything she enjoys doing. She still relishes meals but has learned why her old routine wasn’t working and is happily acquiring new skills and habits. Who knew that getting healthy could be gratifying and effective?

Are you tired of feeling restricted or frustrated with all your efforts to make your body respond in a positive way?

Have you tried most diets, workouts, and fads but are still looking for something that permanently works?

If so, let me introduce myself! I’ve experienced the same frustrating, age-related hormone-changing, lack of results despite “doing everything right.” But I am also stubborn enough not to settle for accepting poor health just because I’m getting older.

I’ve learned that our bodies will respond to interventions no matter what our age, habits, routines, and family history, if we are willing to let go of what we assumed was always true.

I’ve worked for more than 33 years helping people live a healthier life. My concentration now is teaching women over 40 to heal their metabolism through scheduled meal routines, simplified strength training, and weekly 1:1 coaching—and that last part is the game changer for most of us.

We all know exercise and eating routines are at the foundation of a healthy life, but who has the time, energy, or acumen to filter through all the noise and make a plan that’s easy to execute?

I’m intent on helping you fix your health so that you can enjoy living without lifestyle diseases (which plague most of the adult population). Seeing the scale change, fitting in your clothes (or buying new ones), improving digestion and gut issues, clearing brain fog and menopausal symptoms is possible. These are the results of learning to live differently around eating and exercise.

Here’s the criteria to join my program, Formula3:

• Women over 40 years old

• Strong desire to feel better and finally see permanent changes in your health

• Willingness to learn about metabolism, meal timing and quality, exercise, sleep, and stress.

If this is you, contact me: kristen@klivfit.com, www.klivfit.com, or text 402-809-5158.

Kristen Grundke, owner of KLivFit

www.hocwestomaha.com

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Ashley

Institute for Career Advancement Needs (ICAN) President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Aileen Warren has experienced too many can’t-miss moments to recount at the organization’s annual ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference. But her first event as leader of the Omaha-based non-profit was most memorable—and stress-inducing.

It was the 2022 ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference, and National Basketball Association (NBA) Dallas Mavericks CEO Cynt Marshall was scheduled as the afternoon’s closing keynote speaker. Thousands of conference attendees would be showing up in a few days to soak up insights from the first black female chief executive in the history of the NBA. There was one problem: The Mavericks pulled off a surprise and made the NBA playoffs and were now playing the same day Cynt was scheduled to speak.

The Institute for Career Advancement Needs Celebrates Over Four Decades of Developing Leaders

Story by ANDY WILLIAMS

Photos by MIKE BUCKLEY, DEBRA KAPLAN, and courtesy of ICAN

ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference 2023

THE ART & LEADERSHIP SCIENCE OF

AmyK Hutchens speaking at the 2023 ICAN Women's Leadership Conference

For Marshall to grace the stage in Omaha, ICAN had to make a last-minute agenda change. “We scrambled and switched her to the morning session, but we were afraid she still might not make it,” Warren said. “She arrived 45 minutes before she had to go on stage. We were so nervous and were all backstage wiping our brows when she walked through that door. She made it and knocked it out of the park.”

ICAN’s signature event has enjoyed similar fortune through its 31 years of strong growth and inspiration for local and regional leaders. Last year’s edition of the ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference set a record with more than 3,200 attendees who gathered in-person and virtually to listen and learn from international thought leaders. This year’s powerhouse event on May 15 promises to be even bigger and better with the theme “Elevate: The Collective Power of Women” and another world-class lineup of compelling speakers, including Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha.

A pediatrician, professor, public

health advocate, and best-selling author, Attisha’s research exposed the Flint, MI, water crisis and protected thousands of children from dangerous levels of lead exposure. “To me, it almost feels magical, in terms of the engagement and the networking and the leadership development that people experience,” said Warren, who attended many of ICAN’s Women’s Leadership Conferences and other programs during a 35-year human resources career in Omaha-based companies. “It’s pretty amazing.”

The conference will also highlight a financial marketplace with banks, investment companies, and other financial institutions helping women take control of their finances, and the third installment of a Male Allyship session offering to stress the importance of men supporting women leaders. Last year’s conference also invited 50 under-represented participants to attend on scholarship grants, and ICAN expects a similar-sized group of scholarship recipients this year. “We want to help women understand the power they hold and what a differ-

Panel discussion at the ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference 2022

ICAN President & CEO Aileen Warren. Photo by Omaha Headshot Company

ence they can make when they come together,” Warren said. “Whether it’s in the workplace, in the community, or with their girlfriends, we’re going to lift up some of those stories around the U.S. of women who have come together and done things that brought remarkable change in their community.”

While the Women’s Leadership Conference has been the pinnacle event through the years for ICAN, the organization has fostered many other leadership development programs that impact local leaders over its 43-year history/since its founding in 1981.

ICAN’s Defining Leadership Program is celebrating 20 years of helping leaders better understand their strengths to make them more effective and learn “how they want to show up as a leader,” according to Warren.

Spoken Word Poet Jewel Rodgers at the 30th anniversary

ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference

ICAN Defining Leadership faculty members and graduates

To date, 1,300 leaders have graduated from the 4-month program that features a suite of assessments and exercises that highlight their skills and activate their potential. A Defining Leadership Alumni Association was also formed to help graduates stay in touch and encourage fellow attendees. “We have a saying at ICAN,” Warren said, “that to understand people, you must first understand yourself. Some people say, ‘I want to be like that person.’ But the best leaders learn what makes them authentic and what they stand on as a leader. That’s what Defining Leadership is all about.”

In 2023, ICAN partnered with Creighton University to resurrect its 7x7x7 Leadership Exchange event—seven

presenters for seven minutes on seven different topics—with more than 400 participants in its first year back since the pandemic. ICAN also creates custom leadership development programs for companies of any size to address topics such as managerial essentials, team building, communication, and collaboration.

ICAN’s programming is designed to help organizational leaders stay ahead of the pace of change, invest in their talent pipeline and respond to emerging trends—such as the impact of artificial intelligence on the world of work, talent acquisition and management in an increasingly competitive job market, and a hybrid-remote work environment

ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference 2022

Attendees enjoying the ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference 2022

Members of ICAN’s Defining Leadership for Women program - Class 40

“TRUE LEADERSHIP IS NOT EASY, I DON’T CARE HOW GOOD YOU ARE.”

ICAN PRESIDENT AND CEO AILEEN WARREN

that continues to reshape the workplace. “How work gets done has changed forever, and that’s something we continue to explore,” Warren said. “It’s almost a competitive advantage now if companies can master the new environment. People got a taste of remote or hybrid work, and most people appreciated it because it allowed them to have a better work-life balance they don’t want to give up.”

ICAN’s offerings nurture what Warren calls the “art and science” of leadership. The science of leadership comes in the form of theory, research, and strategy. While the art—the soft side of leadership—shines through in the emotional intelligence and empathy it takes to be an ever-evolving and improving people

leader.

“Not everybody is able to dig deep and find that,” Warren said. “Even though ICAN believes everyone can be a leader in their own way, we know for some people some parts of the art of leadership don’t come easy. True leadership is not easy, I don’t care how good you are. There is so much that goes into good leadership, some parts that are extremely rewarding and that keep you up at night. It’s something you have to enjoy doing to be good at it. The practice of leadership is the art for me—when a person can take all the science, internalize it and make it authentic to themselves in how they show up as a leader.” For more information, visit ICANleaders.org.

ICAN Leadership Development program participants

ICAN Women’s Leadership Conference

2022

ICAN Defining Leadership for Men

Harmony in healing:

benefits of chiropractic care for busy parents

Story by DR. ZACH KUCERA

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, juggling work, family, and personal commitments can take a toll on the body. For hard-working parents, finding effective ways to manage stress and maintain overall well-being is crucial. One highly beneficial avenue is chiropractic care, offering a holistic approach to health that aligns perfectly with the demanding lifestyle of busy parents.

1. Stress Relief and Mental Clarity: The demands of parenting and a busy work schedule can lead to heightened stress levels. Chiropractic care has been shown to reduce stress by rebalancing the body, improving blood flow, and releasing muscle tension. This not only provides physical relief but also enhances mental clarity, helping parents stay focused and energized throughout their busy days.

2. Improved Sleep Quality: Sleep can be a precious commodity for hard-working parents, and the quality of that sleep matters. Regular chiropractic care has been linked to improved sleep patterns.

By addressing spinal misalignments and other imbalances contributing to sleep disturbances, chiropractic adjustments can help parents achieve a more restful and rejuvenating sleep.

3. Boosting Immune Function: With hectic pick-up and drop-off schedules and multiple activities and weekly commitments, busy parents don’t have time to be under the weather. Sharing is caring until your child passes along something going around school. Chiropractic care aims to enhance the body’s natural healing abilities by ensuring proper nerve function. This can contribute to a strengthened immune system, helping parents stay healthy for their families.

4. Increased Energy Levels: Just like a nagging cough can consume your energy, blockages within the nervous system can keep you from having true vitality. When imbalances in the body are removed, energy is used more effectively and flows efficiently throughout the body. This leads to parents feeling enabled to tackle

their daily tasks with more enthusiasm, patience, and resilience.

5. Postural Improvement: Long work hours and constantly being on the go can result in poor posture, leading to discomfort and potential health issues. Chiropractic focuses on proper motion of the spine, which in turn improves posture. Not only does this reduce the risk of chronic complaints but contributes to looking good, feeling good, and performing as your best self.

Chiropractic care offers a natural and non-invasive way for busy, hard-working parents to enhance their overall well-being. By addressing the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of your health, our office empowers parents to navigate the challenges of daily life with greater ease, resilience, and grace. Prioritizing self-care through chiropractic is an investment in both your own personal health and in the ability to be present as your best self for the ones you love most.

MEMOIR’Slove letter

Story by ANNA HARTMAN Photos by CHRISTOPHER TIERNEY PHOTOGRAPHY

The threads that weave their way through the Flagship Restaurant Group meld in Memoir, the company’s most recent restaurant concept—a self-professed love letter to the restaurant industry. Tucked into the corner spot of the Mercantile Building in new Omaha development Brickline at the Mercantile, the luxurious yet comfortable spot is already winding its way into guests’ memories.

The dining room is imbued with a sense of nostalgia and comfort, with book nooks lining the walls and warm jewel tones adorning the furnishings. Tantalizing aromas permeate the senses as diners emerge from the busy street, shoulders immediately dropping as they begin to unwind. No detail is too inconsequential—wicker-backed server stations flank the entrance, supporting hammered metal water pitchers and tidy piles of neatly wrapped flatware.

STRIPED BASS WITH CHILI-HAZELNUT PESTO

MEMOIR

930 Harney St., Omaha (402) 513-7055

ourmemoir.com

The light-flooded space is anchored by a large central bar beneath a coffered ceiling that mutes conversations to a pleasant hum. Green subway tile surrounds the walls of the open kitchen, providing a reassuring glimpse of the staff milling about in pursuit of culinary excellence.

Alex Tomes, Executive Chef, is no stranger to Flagship. He shared, “I worked with Flagship when the original Roja location opened. Learning from Tony Gentile (Co-Owner and Chief Cu-

linary Officer) taught me to be a humble leader and teacher, opening my mind to the concept that being a chef was more than cooking good food.”

Tomes spent time expanding his horizons both in Washington state and the Kansas City area before returning to Omaha as part of the Memoir opening team. “I got into the industry the way you see it in the movies, as far as culture and people hanging out together being friends,” he said. “That’s what kitchens were to me growing up.” That cama-

EXECUTIVE CHEF ALEX TOMES

Photo courtesy of Memoir

MEMOIR DIP AU JUS WITH FRIES

YELLOWTAIL SASHIMI

raderie drew him to restaurants and ultimately to Roja Mexican Grill where he worked and maintained contact with Flagship during his time away.

Through experiences that built upon each other, Tomes realized that to understand regional food you must comprehend the derivational history of a culture—why a certain group eats the things they do, paying homage to its roots while executing flavors and technique. He also gained a fresh perspective of the job of a

chef, discovering how to motivate large teams while executing someone else’s vision. The executive chef believes in simple hospitality, that small, genuine gestures lead to customer loyalty.

Tomes was taught that anything you don’t make in house should be sourced locally. To wit, the restaurant serves Le Quartier bread, and the team is anxiously awaiting the growing season, when the opportunity to create connections with farmers will be at its peak.

KALE & FARRO SALAD WITH CHARRED GRAPE, APPLE AND ALMONDS

PRIME FLAT IRON WITH RED CHIMICHURRI

ARRAY OF MEMOIR MENU ITEMS

Guests are invited to linger over starters such as the tenderloin beef carpaccio topped with crispy capers and a shower of parmesan, or the inventive, artfully plated yellowtail sashimi, tantalizing tastebuds with a little kick of heat from serrano pepper balanced by a dressing of citrus and white Shoyu.

Generous salads and sandwich offerings include the kale and farro salad in which hearty greens and grains are

tossed with shaved parmesan, sliced almonds, charred grapes, thinly sliced apple, and aged goat cheese and drizzled with a turmeric vinaigrette. Sandwich lovers will relish the Memoir dip au jus with horseradish aioli and fries.

Memoir is open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch, and during weekday happy hour from 3-6 pm the eatery offers a 25-percent discount on wine, cocktails, sake, starters, and sushi.

BERRIES & CREAM WITH VANILLA PANNA COTTA AND MERINGUE COOKIES

Photo courtesy of Memoir

The

1140 Capitol Ave.

(402) 953-1985

harmonichg.com/brand/ stuffed-olive-omaha/

What you need:

• 1.5 oz. 360 Double Chocolate Vodka

• ¾ oz. Frangelico

• ¾ oz. Buttershots liqueur

• 1 oz. cream

• Caramel and chocolate sauces

Prep glass with caramel and chocolate swirls

steps5 to the perfect cocktail

Combine all ingredients in shaker with ice and shake well

Add caramel and chocolate feathering on top

Strain into glass

1

2

THE BAR: The Stuffed Olive THE BARTENDER: Donovan THE DRINK: Snickers

Professional growth through volunteering

Story by EDGE CONTRIBUTOR

Around 25 years ago, Barb True was looking for a meaningful way to use her discretionary time. After taking inventory of her values, she decided to volunteer at community nonprofits. “I found it extremely fulfilling,” said True, vice president of claims and support services at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE). “I feel a deep responsibility to give back to my community.”

After spending time in board positions at various nonprofits, True refocused her energy to Partnership for Autism Career Employment, now known as Prosper Workforce Services (PWS). PWS is a subsidiary of Autism Action Partnership (AAP) and connects adults with autism to employment opportunities. Currently, True serves as an AAP board member at large.

Supporting individuals with autism is a cause near to True’s heart. “I have a great nephew who is neurodivergent and a dear family friend on the [autism] spectrum,” True said. “[Being involved] helps me understand and support them in the best way possible.”

When she looks at her involvement in the community and how it relates to her professional life, True said she’s proud to say her own core values align well with BCBSNE’s mission to champion the health and well-being of its members and the communities it serves.

In 2023, BCBSNE sponsored AAP as one of 20 statewide health agencies under the Combined Health Agencies Drive’s (CHAD) umbrella. Through its Health of Nebraska sponsorship, BCBSNE supports programs that address social determinants of health and a variety of health diagnoses, alongside CHAD, a local, donor

Barb True

designation-driven organization that has been the fundraising arm for Nebraska’s premier health agencies since 1972.

AAP’s initiatives promoting support, inclusion, and prosperity have significantly impacted the lives of individuals with autism across Nebraska. True said she’s witnessed firsthand the effect PWS has on the lives of adults with autism, including a successful employment placement at BCBSNE.

“I’m so pleased to share that, through PWS, BCBSNE employed an individual with autism,” True said. “He was incredibly successful during his time at Blue Cross and was able to start living independently, paying for his own apartment.”

True believes in focusing on the commonalities between individuals who learn differently and happen to have autism and neurotypical individuals, leveraging the limitless potential for progress. She highlighted Justin Dougherty’s, AAP’s president and CEO, mission to dispel myths surrounding autism and emphasize the valuable contributions individuals with autism bring to the workforce. “I find the need to contribute to something greater than myself is key to living with a sense of purpose,” True said.

Specific to AAP and those who are neurodivergent, True has learned that the desire to connect with other humans through relationships, to live a full and productive life is universal with most people’s hopes, dreams, and aspirations. “If we all choose to focus on strengths and possibilities,” True said, “There’s so much more we could all accomplish together.”

For more information on AAP, visit AutismAction.org.

FOR ALL SPORTS

fStory by MIKE WATKINS Photos by MIKE BUCKLEY

or the past 57 years, Boys Town Boosters have been providing Boys Town youth the opportunity to play sports, giving them an outlet where they can have fun and learn valuable life lessons. A substantial way Boys Town supports these athletic programs is through its annual Booster Banquet—a fundraiser that ensures any child who wants to play a sport can do so. This commitment helps Boys Town youth succeed both on and off the field.

“Each spring, supporters come

together to recognize student-athletes and raise funds for sports equipment, uniforms, camps, facility upkeep and other necessities to experience the same learning opportunities that are available to other youth across the country,” said Development Director and event organizer Ashley Howe. “There are over 1,200 attendees that include individuals, corporations, foundations, and staff, as well as 300 Boys Town student-athletes. Over 85 percent of our Boys Town youth are involved in sports.”

Former NBA player Shane Battier speaking at the 2015 Boys Town Booster Banquet

This year’s banquet, which is scheduled for Tuesday, April 30th, at Embassy Suites La Vista, features dinner, a special professional athlete speaker and silent and live auctions. While the event itself draws a large crowd, this year’s keynote speaker is former Major League Baseball player Darryl Strawberry.

Howe said Strawberry has a passion for Omaha and for Boys Town, and his friendship with Martie Cordaro, a Boys Town Booster and President of the Omaha Storm Chasers and Union Omaha, brings him to Omaha to speak on behalf of the organization and its impact.

“As you can imagine, our speaker is the most important aspect of the night, not

only to draw in greater attendance but to share their story with our student-athletes,” Howe said. “Many obstacles in Darryl’s life mirror what our youth have gone through or may still be going through. His message of hard work, dedication and faith will truly resonate with our youth and show them that no matter what life throws at you, you can overcome.”

Doors to the evening’s celebration open at 5 p.m. for a social hour and silent auction followed by dinner and program at 7 p.m. Howe said the first part of the program will recognize the Competing with Character award winners who will share their stories of success thanks to

“[DARRYL STRAWBERRY’S] MESSAGE OF HARD WORK, DEDICATION AND FAITH WILL TRULY RESONATE WITH OUR YOUTH AND SHOW THEM THAT NO MATTER WHAT LIFE THROWS AT YOU, YOU CAN OVERCOME.”

BOYS TOWN DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR ASHLEY

HOWE

Ron Gartman, President and CEO of Godfather’s Pizza, perusing the silent auction at the Boys Town Booster Banquet (pictured middle)

Parents and kids enjoying the Boys Town Booster Banquet

Boys Town Booster Banquet community partners

Boys Town athletic programs. This will be followed by the recognition of Boys Town athletes for their outstanding accomplishments this school year, as well as a presentation of the Alumni Hall of Fame inductees.

“Since its founding, the Booster organization has raised over $4.7 million for athletic facilities, sports camps and equipment for the kids at Boys Town,” Howe said. Tickets will remain available until they sell out at 1,300 attendees. All sponsorship levels give attendees access to the VIP Patron Party with Strawberry. Tickets are available at www.Booster24. givesmart.com. If you are interested in learning about joining the Boys Town Boosters or attending the banquet, contact Ashley Howe at 402-416-4000 or ashley.howe@boystown.org.

Olympic medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee speaking at the 2013 Boys Town Booster Banquet

Former NFL quarterback Drew Brees at the 2014 Boys Town Booster Banquet

Former NFL star and coach Mike Ditka speaking at the 2005 Booster Banquet

Kouassi modeling in The Legacy Empowerment Kids Fashion Show in October 2022

OUR youth

BUILDING A HEALTHY COMMUNITY

Dominika Kouassi is an exceptional Nebraska youth who is making a real difference. The 20 Under 20 Nebraska award winner is the first US-born child of Togolese immigrant parents, and she sees herself as part of a larger community. Deeply involved in her Marian High School community in both leadership and performing arts, Kouassi also gives back to her Omaha community through her Midlands African Chamber internship and by participating in Creighton University’s Summer Research Institute (SRI).

Edge: What part of the Creighton University’s Summer Research Institute experience stood out to you?

Kouassi: What stood out was seeing the health disparity of colon cancer in African Americans within the Omaha community. I knew colon cancer affected African Americans more than any other race, however, I never stopped to think about how that affects the community around me. Being able to be a part of spreading research-based awareness for this issue was very meaningful to me. I also enjoyed the volunteer work I did. During the SRI program, I volunteered with one of my mentors, La’Trese Rideout, at “A Mothers Love,” in which I helped fold baby clothes and organize diapers to give back to mothers in the Omaha community.

Edge: What do you enjoy about your internship with Midlands African Chamber? How does it connect with your creed, “representation matters?”

Kouassi: I get to listen to new perspectives. I go to a lot of networking events, which exposes me to new people and influencers in the community. I get to soak up a lot of information and advice I can take to my future. This connects to “representation matters” because I will use the valuable information I learn there to be a leader in my community and among my peers. I think the issue with my generation today is that we often wait for representation, however, something I learned beginning my freshman year is that sometimes you have to be the representation in places where it lacks.

Story by SHELLY NOSBISCH Photos courtesy of DOMINIKA KOUASSI

Edge: As a child of Togolese immigrant parents, how does your family influence the way you view community?

Kouassi: My parents taught me that my community is my family. Many of my aunts and uncles (my mom and dad’s friends) immigrated to America around the same time. I grew up with their children and call them my cousins, even though they are really family friends. The Togolese immigrants built their lives from the ground up in America, and they all went through a common struggle. Seeing that as a kid and understanding that as a teenager has shaped my sense of community.

Edge: Who inspires you?

Kouassi: My mother inspires me.

Coming from a small village in Africa, she left her home to study in the United States. After years of hard work and study, she became a lawyer and practices law at her own law firm 402 Legal. On top of that, she is also the CEO and founder of the Midlands African Chamber. As a first generation American in my family, there is a lot of pressure on me to succeed. However, because of my mother, I know success is not unattainable. If she succeeded and continues to do so, then so can I.

Edge: What activities do you participate in at Marian?

Kouassi: Show choir has been the driving force in becoming who I am today. It has allowed me to not only grow in my talents but also my self-confidence

Kouassi completing service hours at Saint Bernard’s Child Care. Photo by Clare Eckert

Dominika Kouassi

Kouassi at Marian High School’s show choir preview night

and how I carry myself in my daily life. I also have done every fall musical and spring play production since my sophomore year. On top of that, I have been in choir since freshman year, and this year I am in Honors Select Women’s Choir as the Soprano 2 section leader. Outside of the arts, I am involved in Marian Student Board, Campus Ministry, Health Occupations Students of America team, Science Olympiad team, and journalism.

Edge: What do you enjoy doing in your downtime?

Kouassi: In my downtime, I like to

sleep. Most of my extracurriculars run into the late night or require early mornings, so when I do have free time, sleep is my number one priority. I also like to read, whether it’s required for class or a book I picked up on my own.

Edge: Where do you see yourself in the future?

Kouassi: I see myself studying medicine to become a pediatrician, but I’d also like to minor in public health administration and journalism. And if I had the time, I would like to make music or still participate in some choral activity.

Kouassi at the Creighton Summer Research Institute Colloquium

Kouassi performing in a show choir competition. Photo by Michael Mann

POSITIVE TEAM PLAYER

Hailey Whitmarsh | Senior | Millard North High School

Story by SHELLY NOSBISCH Photo by REACTION PHOTOGRAPHY

Millard North High School senior Hailey Whitmarsh has an enthusiasm for volleyball that’s contagious. Although she tried many recreational sports growing up, volleyball was a clear favorite. “One of my favorite memories was my parents coaching my YMCA volleyball team,” she said. “We would always have super fun Saturdays. The whole team would go out to eat almost every game day.”

Whitmarsh now plays for both her club team and Millard North varsity volleyball. “Being part of an amazing high school team has been so rewarding. The team this year had so many talented athletes who also were easy to work with on and off the court. I love playing for Millard North because my head coach Rian Robinson was fun to play for and she helped me grow as a player. I also love going on trips with my club team because it makes us even more connected. We went to Florida twice with my favorite coaches.” Her focus and determination have paid off, and Whitmarsh will play volleyball in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) for Hastings College after graduation.

She gets her drive to compete both from within and from others. “I am very mentally motivated, so if I am confident and telling myself that I am capable, I typically perform better,” she said. “My drive to compete comes from wanting to win but also from encouragement from my family, friends, and coaches. It shows that when someone believes

in you, you believe more in yourself.”

Although Whitmarsh is typically a positive, mentally strong player, there was one point in her athletic career that proved challenging. “I would get very down on myself, and it was hard to regroup and forget about the last points. I continued to make mistakes but still put a smile on my face. I had to learn to shake off points quickly and stay positive. No matter what, your game won’t be perfect, so mistakes will absolutely happen.”

Whitmarsh is most proud of her ability to work hard wherever she is needed. “On all my club teams except one I was an all-around outside hitter, but when it came to school ball, I was too short. Although it was hard for me to change to a defensive specialist/libero, it was best for me, and I have enjoyed adapting.”

She also participates in many extracurricular activities outside of volleyball. “I run hurdles and 4 x 4 on the Millard North varsity track team, dance feature in varsity show choir, and sing in choir. I’m also in National Honor Society, Mustang Mentor program (leading freshman at school), club volleyball, Senior Class Board, and Student Council.”

Whitmarsh’s positive attitude keeps the team smiling. During her 16’s year, her team was in a challenging match during a tournament. “I said if we won, I would do a backflip. We ended up losing pretty badly, but we were all having a lot of fun, so we performed a cheerleading skit after the game for everyone and ended up [recording] my backflip on the Hudl film.”

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