HERE’S TO THE UNIQUE.
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Four Sisters Boutique | Omaha, NE
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EXECUTIVE
publisher
Todd Lemke
associate publisher
Bill Sitzmann
EDITORIAL
editor-in-chief
Kim Carpenter
interim editor-in-chief
Daisy Hutzell-Rodman
associate editor
Natalie Veloso
assignment editor
Claudia Moomey
content creator
Bella McAtee
contributors
Tamsen Butler
Brandi Long-Frank
Heath Mello
Steve Jordon
Deborah Ward
Sara Locke
Lisa Lukecart
Tally Velasco
INFORMATION
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CREATIVE
creative director
Rachel Birdsall
senior graphic designer
Renee Ludwick
graphic designer II
Nickie Robinson
graphic designer I
Joey Winton
photographers
Bill Sitzmann
Katie Anderson
photo editor
Sarah Lemke
SALES
executive vice president
sales & marketing
Gil Cohen
branding specialists
Dawn Dennis
George Idelman
Francine Flegg
Sandy Matson
contributing branding specialists
Greg Bruns
Tim McCormack
top level
revenue generator
Michelle Schrage
senior sales coordinator
Alicia Hollins
sales coordinator
Sandi McCormack
OPERATIONS
business manager
Kyle Fisher
ad traffic manager
David Trouba
distribution manager
Damian Ingersoll
FROM THE EDITOR
T here’s been good news for female CEOs in America in the last couple of years. Since 2023, the number of female CEOs at Fortune 500 companies has been over 10%, according to Forbes. That’s up from 8% in 2022.
One woman in that 10% is right here in Omaha. Beth Whited has led multiple departments across Union Pacific over the past 35 years. She has been at the forefront of helping create great benefits at this company, securing outstanding maternity/paternity leave agreements.
The women on the following pages have pushed businesses forward in incredible ways, as all are incredible leaders whether their title is CEO, executive director, or board chair. Jeana Goosmann created a law firm that now employs over 50 people, including several women leaders. Grow Nebraska Women’s Business Center has helped innovative women produce businesses from a mobile nail salon to an in-home care business, and Emsick Architects has banded together with other female architects around the nation to support each other in a field traditionally dominated by men.
In the department stories, Melanie Clark discusses why it has been important that she has been president of the board on several charitable organziations over the years. Monique Farmer is certainly On the Rise the public relations professional was the 2023 president of Public Relations Society of Nebraska while writing a book and running her own PR firm.
Teri Shepherd, this magazine’s OmAHA! subject, is a humble, yet strong businesswoman who is passionate about lifting others and creating opportunities for more women in her profession. That thread is one that runs throughout many of the articles in this magazine our annual Women in Business edition.
Along with these articles, you’ll also find the Best of B2B Ballot. This is your chance to tell us what you think is the best in business around Omaha. Voting takes place now through Dec. 31.
Daisy Hutzell-Rodman is an editor at Omaha Publications. She can be reached for story suggestions and pitches at daisy@omahapublications.com
B2B
ABOUT THE COVER
Standing in her place in the boardroom. Beth Whited spoke to B2B about her long railroad journey. Story page 14.
Cover photography Bill Sitzmann
Cover design Renee Ludwick
“I WAS RAISED TO BE STRONG AND PUT WOMEN’S ISSUES FIRST.”
-MELANIE MORRISSEY CLARK
A CHARITABLE ROLE MODEL FOR WOMEN
MELANIE CLARK’S LEGACY
Melanie Morrissey Clark recalled feeling vulnerable as her ex-boyfriend watched her through a window, waited in the parking lot, and threatened her at work for months.
“You are in danger,” a human resources manager warned the then-20-year-old woman.
Clark’s ex even brought a gun to her apartment. Luckily, her father intervened. The stalker received much-needed mental help, eventually moving out of Nebraska.
“I’ll never forget how scary that was,” Clark said.
The terrifying situation sparked a passion in Clark for domestic violence prevention. Her feminist mother had lit the flame for giving back at an early age, leading to Clark volunteering for over 27 years sometimes as a board president with countless nonprofit organizations like the Women’s Fund of Omaha, Girls Inc., and the Women’s Center for Advancement (formerly YWCA Omaha).
“I was raised to be strong and put women’s issues first,” Clark, 58, said.
While growing up in North Omaha, the Marian High School graduate saw her parents struggle and felt the drive to succeed. She is a first-generation college graduate. After earning a journalism degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, she started her career as an editor for Kidz Magazine until falling for Fred Clark while on a blind date. A year after tying the knot, the duo launched Clark Creative Group in 1992 with just $2,000 in their bank account. The marketing agency is now 13
employees strong and specializes in services such as branding, video production, and strategic planning.
The agency enables Clark to combine her two worlds of media and charity. She selects her causes with intention. Clark particularly cares about women’s equity, education, and advancement; and the need for available birth control, STD testing, cancer screenings, abortion, and infertility treatments. That last procedure remains especially poignant for the mother of triplets who utilized in vitro fertilization.
“Women should have choices and access to reproductive health care in order to have financial security, career advancement, and a healthy, happy life,” Clark said.
One organization aimed at improving, empowering, and advocating for gender equality the Women’s Fund of Omaha grew under Clark’s watchful eyes. She served on the board for 14 years, including being president for eight years, and started their publication Today’s Omaha Woman.
Today, Clark’s focus is on the Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska (formerly Nebraska Family Planning), which provides high-quality sexual and reproductive health care access to women in all areas of the state, including unbiased education. Scout Black, the organization’s manager of evaluation and learning, mentioned that Nebraskans face a unique challenge, especially in rural areas, since half the counties don’t have hospitals or birth centers offering obstetric care. As president, Clark used her professional skills and resources to help the organization. She and her company collaborated with Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska
on the re-branding and website design of the organization. They also assisted with the rolling out of the launch.
Joanna Murray, executive director of the Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska, said, “She is continually committed to this community and is making a huge difference. We are grateful for her leadership.”
Clark tells those interested in volunteering to take it slowly and wade into the shallow end with smaller roles before diving into the deep as a board president. She met lifelong, like-minded friends through worthy causes.
“It widens your world. It broadens your world. It reminds you of what’s important,” Clark added.
She hopes the younger generation will take an interest in volunteering, inspiring daughter Sophie Clark to chair with her for the Friends of Planned Parenthood Moxie event. Sophie, an account executive at Clark Creative Group, can’t fathom the amount of work her mother put into various causes while raising triplets.
“I feel I am privileged to have the life I have and have the confidence as a woman,” Sophie, 27, said. “I owe it to my mom and to my community to continue her legacy. I’m her biggest fan.”
For more information about Reproductive Health Collaborative Nebraska, visit rhcnebraska.org. B2B
BIZ + GIVING | STORY BY LISA LUKECART | PHOTO BY BILL SITZMANN
2024 Results
OFFICIAL BALLOT BEST OF B2B
CELEBRATING BUSINESSES THAT HELP OTHER BUSINESSES KEEP THE BIG O’S ECONOMY ROLLING.
Who in Omaha has the best business lunch? Which photographer puts business events in the right light? December offers you a chance to vote in Best of B2B, a contest voted on by business leaders for business leaders. Only this ballot, printed in this December 2024/January 2025 issue, will be accepted. We will not accept copies, faxes, or scans. A minimum of 5 categories must be filled out. Ballots must be postmarked by Dec. 31, 2024. Readers will find the results in B2B’s annual Best of B2B issue, delivered by April 1.
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PLEASE MAIL YOUR ENTRIES TO: Best of B2B 5921 S. 118th Circle, Suite 101 Omaha, NE 68137
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AN ATTORNEY FOR CEOS
GOOSMANN LAW
Jeana Goosmann’s delicate turn of phrase and gentle manners make her someone with whom one would enjoy grabbing lunch or a coffee, or having a chat. They do nothing at all to soothe her opponent when she steps into a courtroom.
“I’m a farmer’s daughter,” Goosmann said. “Dad farmed right until the end, and was still out there working at 86. He instilled those Midwest values in me: that you work hard, you’re true to your word, and your reputation is everything.”
The reputation the high-stakes trial attorney has built since opening her own firm has made Goosmann Law a well-respected and highly soughtafter name by CEOs and business owners in more than 12 states, as well as the largest female-owned law firm in the Midwest.
“It’s both exciting and sad that we have that distinction,” Goosmann added. “I really had to build my dream job, because when I got started, it just didn’t exist for me. But I couldn’t be more proud of the team we’ve built. We work hard to find people who love being lawyers, and who want to understand the people they are serving, not just the problem they are solving.”
Proclaimed online as “the CEO’s Attorney,” Goosmann’s journey from farmer’s daughter to fierce client advocate has been rich with serendipitous connections and an insatiable hunger for knowledge.
“I was a business major in college, and was taking entrepreneurship classes when they tasked us with building a company,” she recalled. “After that experience, I found myself always in tune with business strategy.” But it wasn’t enough for the intrepid entrepreneur. She went on to seek an education in the legal field, and found that as her qualifications expanded, so did her network.
“I graduated from Creighton’s School of Law in 2002, then earned an executive MBA from Dartmouth, and I’ve attended the Harvard College Business leadership program. I’m always trying to grow myself so I can evolve and grow this firm. I’ll always seek additional avenues to inform and educate myself on how to do that sustainably for my team and our clients,” Goosmann said.
She continues to utilize the weight she’s built behind her brand in the media, appearing on shows such as “Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid” and speaking at events and conferences such as the American Bar Association, Annual Midwestern Bankruptcy Institute Conference, and more. While she built her law practice with her mind focused on business, she is generous with her knowledge and experience, and works tirelessly after-hours to share what she has learned about law, litigation, and life through her many speaking events, charitable contributions, and the release of her 2019 book, “Worth It: Business Leaders Ready. Execute. Deliver.” endorsed on the cover by Erin Brockovich.
“Erin Brockovich was a keynote speaker at an event I attended,” Goosmann said. “Her message was, ‘Look what I did as a single mother of three. You all own law firms, what are you doing with yourselves?’ And I thought, ‘She’s right.’ That was when I decided to stop putting it off and to write my first book.
Goosmann has a lifetime’s worth of accomplishments of which to be proud, but the achievement she’s most forthcoming about is the team of more than 50 people who stand behind her name.
“I’m grateful for the way our talented team has just snowballed. Everyone here is massively impressive and dedicated, and I’m so grateful to be surrounded by people who are so driven and inspiring. One of my favorite things that happened in the last year came about when our team was strategizing on a case. We needed to find someone with expertise in a very niche legal matter, and we partnered with my former dean from Creighton Law, Patrick Borchers. Once we had finalized the case, he said that he’d had so much fun working with our team that he wanted to make it a permanent arrangement. Someone I always admired so much is now an attorney at my law firm,” Goosmann reflected.
She continued, “Soon after, my chief operating officer role opened up and he suggested Tricia Sharrar, who had been the associate dean when I attended Creighton. She served there for 26 years, and about a year ago, she became my COO. It feels like such a privilege for this passion and knowledge to have come full circle in this way.”
FEATURE | STORY BY SARA LOCKE | PHOTO BY BILL SITZMANN
“I’M
ALWAYS TRYING TO GROW MYSELF SO I CAN EVOLVE AND GROW THIS FIRM. I’LL ALWAYS SEEK ADDITIONAL AVENUES TO INFORM AND EDUCATE MYSELF ON HOW TO DO THAT SUSTAINABLY FOR MY TEAM AND OUR CLIENTS.”
-JEANA GOOSMANN
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information call 402.502.9985 or AmericanPaymentSystems.com Local & Family Owned Business
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For more information call 402.502.9985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystems.com a Local & Family Owned Business
Terminals & Point of Sale Systems Customer Service Card Programs (Including the PinPoint Card Program) For more information call 402.502.9985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystems.com a Local & Family Owned Business
• Guaranteed Lower Fees
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• Low-cost Terminals & Point of Sale Systems
• Low-cost Terminals & Point of Sale Systems
• Top-rated Customer Service
• Top-rated Customer Service
• Gift & Loyalty Card Programs (Including the PinPoint Card Program)
“SHE
HAS BUILT AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE EVERYONE HAS STAKE IN THE DECISIONS, AND NOTHING IS DONE UNILATERALLY.”
-Tricia Sharrar
11 years in a row Local & Family Owned
• Gift & Loyalty Card Programs (Including the PinPoint Card Program) For more information call 402.502.9985 or AmericanPaymentSystems.com a Local & Family Owned Business
For more information call 402.502.9985 or visit AmericanPaymentSystems.com a Local & Family Owned Business
“Jeana is just such a dynamic and energetic individual, and it’s impossible not to be completely fired up after talking with her,” Sharrar said. “Coming to Goosmann and seeing that inclusivity and diversity reflected had me sold immediately.”
Sharrar also appreciated the collaborative environment. “It was a multi-day interview, and during one day I got to meet with 14 people from the firm. She has built an environment where everyone has stake in the decisions, and nothing is done unilaterally. Jeana centers her team and makes sure everyone is on board with any big decisions. It’s all about her people and creating an environment where everyone is able to bring the best of themselves and thrive and grow.
“Jeana has built a strong environment where each person fills the gaps in what the firm has to offer,” Sharrar continued. “Where everyone’s skills came together to serve our clients from the strongest position. Without weaknesses. That approach has her sitting at very important tables with very powerful people, and bringing just as much to that table as anyone else invited. She makes it look easy, but it’s not, it’s just worth it.”
Goosmann Law has offices in Omaha; Sioux City and Spirit Lake, Iowa; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and, according to their website, serves “business leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs, and Fortune 2000 companies” with comprehensive expert legal services and solutions.
“EVERYBODY DOESN’T HAVE TO GO TO HARVARD OR GET A MASTER’S DEGREE. YOU JUST HAVE TO OPEN YOUR EYES TO THE OPPORTUNITIES AND GO AFTER THEM.”
-BETH WHITED
BETH WHITED
LEADING WITH HUMANITY
AND VISION AT UNION PACIFIC
Men, women, and families were wading across the Rio Grande near Eagle Pass, Texas, skirting razor wire strung along the Mexican border as they struggled to get into the United States.
Beth Whited, president of Union Pacific Railroad, was among those watching from the U.S. side of the riverbank. She was there on business, meeting with federal officials about cross-border trade, when she saw firsthand the immigration crisis unfolding on our nation’s southern border.
She found herself counting her blessings.
“There was a woman carrying a toddler, I’m going to say 18- or 24-months old, and she stumbled and hit that wire,” Whited recalled. “I was very upset. It’s a real humanitarian crisis. Nobody thinks, ‘Oh, yeah, I’m going to have to get up, walk 100 miles, cross the river, deal with razor wire, to get my kids someplace where they might have a chance at a better life.’ Nobody should have that experience.”
A top executive at one of Omaha’s biggest companies, Whited reacted to the scene unfolding before her not as a business leader, but as one mother witnessing a moment of crisis for another.
Her focus on humanity during a crisis is something Elizabeth Farris Whited brings to her job as president of Union Pacific, the nation’s largest U.S.-based freight rail company. Whited is the first female president of the railroad known affectionately as “Uncle Pete,” rising to the role in August 2023.
It is a first that Whited, 59, embraces, although she is just as proud of the multifaceted career she has enjoyed during her 37-year tenure at Union Pacific, where she has risen steadily through her leadership of numerous corporate departments.
“I came to the railroad with a public college accounting degree,” Whited said. “Everybody doesn’t have to go to Harvard or get a master’s degree. You just have to open your eyes to the opportunities and go after them.”
Born in Illinois and raised in Indianola, Iowa, Whited joined Union Pacific right after college, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Iowa on a Saturday and starting work at the railroad the following Monday.
She used her accounting skills in various roles for 15 years in the finance department and was then invited to consider working in marketing and sales.
“I was asked, ‘You want to try marketing?’ In my mind, I’m thinking, ‘I’m not going to be any good because I’m an introvert,’ but I did it anyway,” Whited said.
She eventually went on to run marketing and sales.
Another big career move came much the same way: she was asked to use her problem-solving skills to lead human resources. It turned out to be one of the most fulfilling roles of her railroad career. “I think I made a huge difference there, more than anywhere else I’ve worked.”
FEATURE | STORY BY STEVE JORDON | PHOTO BY BILL SITZMANN
One of Whited’s first jobs in her role as chief human resource officer (CHRO) was to revise the railroad’s parental leave policies. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Whited understood the complexities and challenges of being a working mother and balancing family responsibilities with work demands.
She and her husband, Kelvin, have three children, and both worked outside the home. Parenting was always a “team sport” in her household, she said.
Whited changed the rules to allow up to 12 weeks of parental leave for employees, nearly double the leave time she received when she had her first child in 1993.
She also spearheaded an effort to allow two weeks of “parental time” for the parent who did not give birth, including fathers and people who adopt.
“I will say we get very strong support from the men who work here, in general, for things like enhancing parental leave,” she said.
During her years as CHRO, Whited worked to ensure there was more diversity within the workforce and to give everyone an opportunity to succeed.
One step toward gender diversity was reviewing the language used in job postings to advertise positions. For example, when a job posting required someone to be “proficient” in a specific skill, women were less likely to apply, Whited found.
“Women won’t call themselves ‘proficient’ until they’ve done the thing with excellence,” she said. “If the job posting says ‘proficient,’ we’ll get way more men who are unqualified for the job than women who are qualified.”
She said using neutral words like “experience” draws a more diverse field of candidates, including qualified women. “We try to make it a more welcoming posting for everyone.”
Whited firmly believes in cultivating diversity, saying people with various skin colors, sexual orientations, and other differences add value to any company’s bottom line.
“People with different backgrounds and life experiences come at problems and issues and communications and everything else from a variety of points of view, and you end up with a better product,” she said.
For example, she was in a diversity and inclusion training discussion group when someone mentioned that the company’s holiday policy recognized Christian festivals but not those of other religions.
“I left the meeting, and we changed the policy,” she said. “If you want to celebrate a different religious holiday, you can trade. Just work with your supervisor.”
Although she may find this hard to believe, Whited has been around railroading long enough to be a bona-fide “senior elder statesman” among Union Pacific executives. She’s been around long enough that she even has a story about the late John Kenefick, a legendary CEO at Union Pacific who enjoyed a good cigar.
“When we moved into the new building (in 2004 in downtown Omaha), we had a no-smoking policy,” Whited said. “Mr. Kenefick had an office in the building, but every one of us would look the other way when he was smoking.
“Nobody’s telling John Kenefick not to smoke his cigar.”
Besides finance, H.R., and marketing and sales, Whited also led offices dealing with sustainability, strategy, and investor relations. But there’s one job she has never tried: locomotive engineer.
“I’m not allowed to because I’ve never been trained and licensed,” she said. “But I’ve been in locomotives a bunch of times. The coolest one was the Big Boy (a historic 1940s-era steam locomotive–the world’s largest and only operating Big Boy). There’re two guys and a whole bunch of valves and levers.”
Whited is now on the board of Humanities Nebraska, the Omaha Symphony, and the Aksarben Foundation, and is 2025 chair-elect for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. If there is one lesson she has learned in her career of wearing many hats, it’s to embrace new challenges.
“Be open to the possibilities. Don’t close your mind off and think, ‘I wouldn’t be good at it.’”
Visit unionpacific.com for more information.
LEVELING THE PLAYING FIELD
GROW
NEBRASKA WOMEN’S
BUSINESS
CENTER HAS A MISSION TO EMPOWER WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS
In a business world largely steered by men, GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center (GNWBC) is driving female entrepreneurs to equal success. Since 2021, the center has been empowering Nebraska’s women in business with real-time resources, technical training, and a strong network to help them build sustainable businesses in a competitive market.
“We’re here to be the bridge between the entrepreneur and their goals in business,” Eden Butler, executive director of the GNWBC, explained. “We connect you with resources that not only help your business grow, but also create sustainability, all while contributing to the overall economic development of Nebraska.”
Female entrepreneurs face heightened challenges, such as limited access to funding, training, and scaling opportunities. By bridging these gaps, the GNWBC as a subsidiary of its parent organization, the GROW Nebraska Foundation creates a space where all business owners can thrive.
One of the most common hurdles for budding businesses is the financial aspect, explained Nekola Distefano, business development specialist at GNWBC. “I’ve seen many people with great business ideas that will fill a need within the community, but they are unsure of how to begin,” Distefano said. “Structuring their businesses so that they can be sustainable beyond being a hobby is how they can make a true impact.”
While GROW Nebraska has long focused on marketing and e-commerce sales for small businesses, the need for a dedicated women’s
business center to tackle specific inequities in the entrepreneurial space was clear. The GNWBC currently supports nearly 500 clients at any given time, spanning various industries and business stages, from startups to more established ventures.
“How do people find your business today if no one uses a phone book?” asked Janell Anderson Erhke, founder and CEO for the GROW Nebraska Foundation. “Helping new and existing business owners become easily discoverable to potential customers is critical.”
“HELPING NEW AND EXISTING BUSINESS OWNERS BECOME EASILY DISCOVERABLE TO POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS IS CRITICAL.”
-JANELL ANDERSON ERHKE
GROW Nebraska is well-known for promoting Nebraska-made products, including its standout role as the nation’s top distributor of Dorothy Lynch salad dressing through its online platform, buynebraska.com. Butler emphasized their strategic partnerships with platforms like Google, Amazon, Shopify, and TikTok Shop, which help connect local businesses to broader opportunities.
The GNWBC is an initiative through the Small Business Association. Their services, provided for no cost, include in-person consultations, online training such as Office 365 guidance and franchising tips personalized technical support, and regular events focused on business growth.
Building Success Through Support Programs
One of GNWBC’s flagship programs is Snap and Boost, a training course that breaks down the elements of small business success into actionable steps. “We take the business plan, split it into six sections, and focus on a new key item each week,” Butler shared.
Each weekly lesson focuses on critical topics, such as determining a mission statement, pricing structures, marketing, and financial projections. By the end of the course, participants graduate with a stronger grasp of their business plans and the confidence to seek funding or partnerships.
Financial literacy is essential to the program. In week six, bankers, CPAs, and financial experts guide participants on profit projections, helping them understand their financial health a crucial step for long-term success. Beyond the program, personalized one-on-one counseling sessions address all business-specific challenges.
The GNWBC also values networking and community building. “We stress the idea of ‘look to your left, look to your right,’” Butler said. “There’s always someone in the room with similar goals. What’s stopping you from working together?”
Another essential resource from the GNWBC is the BAIL (Banker, Accountant, Insurance, and Legal) Office Hours program. Every Wednesday at the Commonwealth building, entrepreneurs can ask questions of 18 service providers completely free and with no appointment needed.
CONT. PAGE 20
FEATURE | STORY BY NATALIE VELOSO | PHOTO BY BILL SITZMANN
Thanks Omaha for over 40 Years!
“I HAVE PERSONALLY WATCHED AS NEW BUSINESS OWNERS COME INTO THE SPACE AND LEAVE WITH REAL-LIFE SOLUTIONS AND DECISIONS FOR THE GROWTH OF THEIR ORGANIZATIONS.”
-Nekola Distefano
“I have personally watched as new business owners come into the space and leave with real-life solutions and decisions for the growth of their organizations,” Distefano added. The beauty of BAIL Office Hours is the convenience and accessibility it offers to business owners who might otherwise struggle to
“As a small business, where else can you go on a weekly basis and walk out with all of your questions answered?” Butler asked. With expert guidance on topics from government contracting to legal consultations, BAIL Office Hours has become an indispensable resource for entrepreneurs.
Empowering Communities, One Entrepreneur at a Time
The GNWBC’s primary mission is to empower female entrepreneurs, particularly those from underserved communities. “While we focus on women of color in North Omaha, we recognize that supporting everyone is essential for a strong community,” Butler said.
For that reason, the GNWBC doesn’t limit its services to women alone.
“The more we expand our programming, the more men have started knocking on our doors,” Butler noted. Other underserved groups such as veterans, minorities, and refugees are another service priority for the center, strengthened through collaborations with organizations such as the Refugee Empowerment Center (now the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement).
“It’s going to take all of us to build a better, brighter Nebraska,” Butler said.
The GNWBC’s impact shines through the success stories of the women it empowers. A standout is Quality Beginnings, founded by nurses Kashika Whitelaw and Denesha McGhee, who graduated from the Snap and Boost program. They recognized
the need for in-home health care for the elderly and disabled, and turned to the GNWBC for help solidifying their business plan and securing funding.
With the center’s support, Quality Beginnings has continued to build its reputation and connections while successfully delivering vital in-home care to those in need.
Breaking Barriers and Building Futures
The GNWBC focuses on making its resources accessible to all by removing language and cultural barriers. Recent efforts, like offering Nebraska Small Business Assistance Act grant information in both English and Spanish, highlight their commitment to inclusivity.
“We’re just getting started, and while the impact so far has been great, we know there’s so much more we can do,” Erhke said. “I’ve challenged the GNWBC team with an ambitious goal: to become the top women’s business center in the country.”
The center is gearing up to host more networking and technical assistance events, expanding its reach and support for business owners across Nebraska. With a growing roster of programs and partnerships, the GNWBC is committed to shaping the future of entrepreneurship throughout the state.
As Butler noted, the center’s work wouldn’t be possible without the support of its many partners across Nebraska. “GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center doesn’t stand alone,” she noted. “We’re backed by a network that’s equally committed to helping women succeed in their business ventures. It’s truly a team effort.”
Butler’s message to aspiring female entrepreneurs resonates deeply: “As women, we juggle numerous responsibilities while trying to achieve our business goals, which can make it easy to lose perspective. If you have a passion, we’re here to help you navigate that journey no matter where you’re starting from.
“Don’t wait for permission to pursue your passion. The time is now.”
For more information, visit gnwbc.org.
MEETINGS CHANGE THE WORLD. WE’RE READY WHEN YOU ARE.
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WOMEN IN BUSINESS
Company presidents set the vision, standards, and goals of their organizations—no small feat. Their effective leadership, tenacity to see a business through trials and market changes, and ability to identify innovative solutions are all essential to a business’ success.
But who makes a good leader?
In this continuing profile series, B2B spotlights a few Omaha corporate executives, sharing tales of their career climbs, what drives them in their daily work, and lessons in effective management. Their talents and relationships in business have garnered them the respect of both their employees and peers.
Learn more about the leaders of these local companies. Their stories are inspiring, and their experience invaluable.
PRIME CHOICE INSURANCE, LLC
COURTNEY CALLAWAY
Founder and CEO Courtney Callaway started Prime Choice Insurance in 2012 as a solo effort. Today she leads a growing, all-female team of agents specializing in the individual health insurance market, which includes Medicare and Affordable Care Act plans. Prime Choice serves clients who do not have coverage through a big group plan, like small-business employees, self-employed individuals, college students, early retirees, and people on Medicare.
As an independent agency, Prime Choice agents work with all major carriers to find plans that fit their clients’ individual budget and health needs.
“We also proactively adapt our processes to comply with new and changing government regulations,” Callaway said. “Our processes are scalable, which lets us continue to serve our very large customer base while also remaining compliant with government expectations.”
Prime Choice’s team is relatively young, Callaway said (the average age is 36), but represents 100+ years of collective industry experience. She added that clients appreciate working with agents they know will be available through future stages of their lives.
“We’ll be here for the long haul,” she said. PRIME
MYSTAFF
MyStaff is a woman-owned staffing firm specializing in placing permanent and seasonal corporate office positions including administrative, accounting, human resources, legal, marketing, and executive leadership roles. The firm works with companies across Nebraska, western Iowa, South Dakota and Colorado.
Owners Virginia Frazey and Lindsey Jones launched MyStaff in 2017 with decades of industry experience between them, CEO Brad Jones said, and the entire team represents 170 years of recruiting experience. Its recruiters live throughout the region, which gives them unique insights into the communities the firm serves and fosters local connections.
“Some of our team members have been supporting the same companies for over three decades, and that’s advantageous to our customers because we have intimate knowledge of their company cultures, leadership styles, key employees and specialized skills desired to best fit their organization,” he said. “Based on customer feedback, we’re often viewed as an extension of our client’s human resource team.”
MyStaff provides flexibility to its employees, Jones said. “We’ve never been the type of organization where you have to ask to go to a doctor’s appointment or if you’re taking a long lunch; we’re not clock watchers that way,” he said. “We try to attract people who know and love staffing (with) a more autonomous environment, where they can structure their day the way that they need to.”
The all-female team of recruiters has been entrusted to work from home.
“This has really made it more inviting for experienced people to come to our team,” he said. “They already know how to be successful; we just try to give them all the tools that they need to do it in a fully remote environment.”
The women the MyStaff team have proven to be excellent communicators who offer supportive and practical advice to business owners, hiring managers and job seekers,” Jones added.
“Navigating impactful career decisions requires an experienced partner who offers strategic advice, empathy, and the ability to recognize overlying skills and culture preferences,” he said. “Each step of the MyStaff process provides a personal service experience and the network and connections we’ve built enable top-tier hiring solutions.”
MYSTAFF
BOYS TOWN, NE 68010
402.614.1441
MYSTAFF.COM
LIMELIGHT EXPRESSIONS
KIMMYLEA KONSEL-TAYLOR
Commercial real estate transactions can be high-stakes, complex, and time-sensitive. Choosing the right partner in today’s uncertain market is critical.
Building relationships is at the heart of Kristi Andersen’s success.
“Omaha is a special place where people do business with people they like and trust,” Andersen said. “My commitment to my clients goes beyond closing deals; I’m dedicated to building lasting relationships based on trust, integrity, and mutual success.”
Andersen, vice president at CBRE, has created a unique niche as a top-producing commercial real estate agent who also has an extensive 25-year background in media, communications, marketing, and public relations. The combination of these skills proves valuable to investors seeking high returns, business owners looking for the perfect location, and developers navigating a large project.
Backed by the resources of the largest commercial real estate firm in the world, Andersen and her team at CBRE can provide insights into the latest market trends to provide opportunities that others may overlook. Her background as a skilled communicator allows her to simplify complex transactions and negotiate the best possible outcomes, ensuring that clients are always informed and confident in every decision.
“Omaha is my home. It’s where I live, work, and raise my family, and while the commercial real estate market has had its recent ups and downs, there’s no place I would rather be,” Andersen concluded.
When you work with Andersen, you’re not just hiring a broker—you’re gaining a partner who’s genuinely invested in your success and dedicated to delivering results that exceed expectations.
Kimmylea Konsel-Taylor established LimeLight Expressions in 2007 for one reason....to help people! With over 25 years of experience in the event planning industry, she has created a business model that is more unique than most because she prioritizes building relationships with her clients and establishing trust through consistent communication. From multimillion-dollar international events to local events, LimeLight Expressions’ approach to serving the needs of their clients is to build a relationship that feels more like family.
LimeLight staff takes pride in guiding their clients through the entire process so they can be confident the event will exceed expectations. LimeLight Expressions is family owned and operated with over 25 awards in the industry. “We truly enjoy the process of taking our client’s vision and creating an atmosphere that impresses all those in attendance. To us it is about making the entire event an incredible experience that places our client in the LimeLight.”
Pivotal to LimeLight Expressions’ success is its team of experts who share the same passion for providing excellent service to all clients. “Our team is more than just colleagues. We’re family,” Konsel-Taylor remarked. This sentiment extends to the company’s clientele, treating each of them as part of the LimeLight family. As a former client once expressed, working with LimeLight Expressions’ tremendous team will help you realize your vision. This family-owned company provides consistent, personalized support that helps you create events you’ll never forget.
LimeLight Expressions can be seen in USA Today, MSN, International Business News, LA Weekly, Inside Weddings Magazine, The Knot, Nebraska Wedding Day Magazine and Omaha Magazine
LIMELIGHT EXPRESSIONS
INFO@LIMELIGHTEXPRESSIONS.COM
LIMELIGHTEXPRESSIONS.COM
402.915.3534
Photo credit: Katie Hammond Photography
CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD/THE LUND COMPANY
TANYA SHAPIRO
Tanya Shapiro’s role as president of Cushman & Wakefield/The Lund Company is impressive. She oversees the physical, operational, and financial aspects of the company’s portfolio of multi-family and commercial properties. She also manages client accounts and assists in the growth and development of her team and the organization.
“My role involves expanding and securing new business, managing project portfolio that meets or exceeds projections, motivating employees to provide outstanding client service, and participating in the internal management of the company,” Shapiro said. “We are a full-service commercial real estate firm that includes brokerage, development, and third-party property management. Our brokerage and commercial management sectors are members of the Cushman & Wakefield Alliance. Our multi-family sector operates separately and is newly rebranded as ‘Lund Living.’ We pride ourselves on delivering comprehensive solutions tailored to meet each client’s unique requirements, leveraging our extensive network and resources to offer unparalleled service to tenants and residents.”
Shapiro earned her bachelor’s degree from Bellevue University and her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She also earned a Certified Apartment
Portfolio Supervisor (CAPS) designation from the National Apartment Association. Shapiro is a graduate of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Omaha program and has served several years on the Commercial Real Estate Summit steering committee.
She has also been involved with several womencentered events, causes, and organizations, including Women’s Center for Advancement; Habitat for Humanity’s Women’s Power Luncheon; Girls, Inc.’s Girls Night Out; and American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women.
Cushman & Wakefield/The Lund Company has been a great place to build a career, Shapiro said. The company has a proven track record of supporting women in their professional development and hiring or promoting women into all leadership levels.
“Women are an essential part of our company’s team for several reasons. Having a significant representation of women in our team fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment. It encourages collaboration, respect, and mutual support among all employees,” Shapiro explained. “Of our corporate leadership roles, 76% are held by women. When looking at the entire organization, more than 85% of our management positions are held by women.
This demonstrates our commitment to gender diversity and the value we place on the unique perspectives and skills that women bring to leadership roles.”
Women also constitute a significant portion of Cushman & Wakefield/The Lund Company’s clientele, as they are increasingly becoming key decision-makers and influencers in the real estate market, Shapiro said.
“Their perspectives and insights are invaluable in shaping the services and solutions we offer. By understanding and addressing their unique needs and preferences, we can provide more tailored and effective real estate services,” she said. “Our dedication to supporting women as clients aligns with our broader mission to make a positive impact in the community. By empowering women through exceptional real estate services, we contribute to their success and, in turn, to the well-being and growth of the community as a whole.”
CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD/THE LUND COMPANY
450 REGENCY PARKWAY, SUITE 200 OMAHA, NE 68114
402.393.8811
LUNDCO.COM
LUNDLIVING.COM
ELITE DISABILITY SERVICES NEBRASKA
ASHLEY HAYES
Ashley Hayes is a CEO/founder, devoted advocate for the rights of people with IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities), philanthropist, and native of Omaha, Nebraska.
As CEO of Elite Disability Services, she has created an unparalleled culture of connection, collaboration, and advocacy that shapes the extraordinary level of informed care that participants receive at Elite.
Her career spans 20+ years, and her devotion to quality of care, individual choice, and innovation has led to transformational changes in the community she serves. These changes are never more present than during the annual Summer Inclusion event that promotes awareness of the issues faced by the DD
community and also creates the opportunity for collective advocation toward the causes that directly benefit a grossly marginalized portion of the population. She has long believed that educa-
tion is the doorway to inclusion. As a result, she is often sought out as a mentor for new HCBS (Home and Community Based Service) providers in Nebraska to help usher them into the culture of care that the company she founded represents.
Ashley has made significant inroads in every area of focus that commands an HCBS provider’s attention. To date she has helped coordinate opportunities for the inclusion of hundreds of people with IDD in the communities in which they live, additionally she has helped them seek out gainful and competitive employment, while never losing sight of those unique and person-centered ways to help boost the skills needed for increased independence. This is all done while ensuring that she finds new and innovative ways to alternatively improve the quality of life enjoyed by every member of what is sincerely referred to as the “Elite Family.”
On November 6, 2024, the company Ashley founded (Elite Disability Services) was recognized as a 2025 Best of Omaha winner for adult daycare
services. This accolade served as public affirmation of her unwavering focus toward the uplifting of others and reinvigorated an already tireless devotion to serving the underserved. This unwavering commitment has led to collaborative opportunities between Elite Disability Services and other Home and Community Based Service Providers that would previously have been referred to as “competitors.” But where others saw competition, Ashley saw allies. Her only expressed competition has been to provide the most exemplary care possible for the people who deserve it the most.
Ashley Hayes personifies what it means to craft your purpose moving toward something rather than running away, and she is committed to moving forward because action is the foundational key to success.
ELITE DISABILITY SERVICES INC.
12231 EMMET STREET OMAHA, NE, 68164 402.671.2041
INTERIORS JOAN AND ASSOCIATES
KRIS PATTON
Interiors Joan and Associates owner and designer Kris Patton’s passion for interior design was evident early on, but it was also fostered by a creative family.
“My dad was an engineer and he was very artistic, so he could draw anything, and my mom was an interior designer as well,” she said. “I obviously inherited some solid genes and some skill sets, but basically since I was in a baby carrier, I’ve been around the business.”
The business is generational. Interiors Joan and Associates was established in 1963 by Patton’s grandmother, Joan Sorensen.
“Interior design was a new career then. We have evolved into a full-service design studio. We have a studio of the most hardworking professionals who take their job really seriously,” Patton said. “We have many resources at our fingertips, we have many lines that we have direct account with; a lot of these companies we have worked with over 30 years. We understand the companies we represent and what we can offer our clients.”
Patton graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and is credentialed by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). She’s been an ASID past president, won one of the organization’s national design awards, and been deeply involved in ASID Designer Showhouse events. She’s also NCIDQ (National Council for Interior Design Qualification) certified. Patton certainly helped out her mother and grandmother at the studio as a youth, but she also worked at three different design studios during college to diversify her experience before launching her design career with Interiors Joan and Associates.
The firm has showrooms in Omaha and Lincoln with designers specially trained to interpret clients’ individual style and identify their specific needs, Patton explained. Clients receive personalized and professional interior design services for their new and remodeled homes and businesses.
“I work with our young designers and senior designers routinely. Collaboratively, we bounce ideas off each other when working on projects. Our firm works with clients, builders and contractors. This consists of everything from new construction to accessory calls.” Patton said.
She’s also in charge of buying for the studio, representing Interiors Joan and Associates at the major design markets in the spring and fall and year-round buying.
She’s proud of the firm’s currently all-female design team, Patton said, although qualified women and men are both considered.
“We have mostly women working for us, but it is not a women-only field,” she said, adding that she’s happy to be surrounded by talent.
“The designers at our studio have the education, qualification and experience to be really good at what they do. You have to have the knowledge to be able have a vision for the project. However, you also need the skill set to sell and explain your vision,” she said. “We push ourselves to do things that are different than what people are seeing; more importantly, what is right for the space—not just putting something into the space that is trending.”
INTERIORS JOAN & ASSOCIATES
13130 W DODGE RD. OMAHA, NE 68154
402.330.0685
INTERIORSBYJOAN.COM
JJT TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS
BECKI CLOYED
Becki Cloyed, one of the owners of JJT Transportation & Logistics since 2012 (her partners are Joel Euler and James Quimby), recently read in an industry publication that only 30% of executives in transportation today are female. It’s a greater percentage than in the past, Cloyed said, but she’d nevertheless like to see that number increase further.
“We are still behind 50%,” she said. “But there are getting to be more and more women in our field. We not only have women in management here, but we also have women drivers. And we’d welcome even more of them.”
JJT originated in 2008 as a three-truck operation in Wathena, Kansas. Its primary operations are now located in Omaha on J Street, fittingly and today’s JJT serves as a total transportation solutions company. The company has grown more than tenfold since Cloyed arrived, and the industry is growing, too. Transportation and logistics are both key components to the supply chain, and it’s a sector the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows having
a steady demand for workers now and projected into at least the next decade.
“We’re excited to be supporting that,” Cloyed said.
The company has long been known for its willingness and ability to find solutions to special circumstances and nonstandard freight. However, the last year and a half has presented new and unique challenges, Cloyed said. When transportation was deemed an essential industry at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, JJT operations never wavered.
“The pandemic has affected the supply chain. JJT has taken a very creative approach to help our customers solve those issues in the supply chain. We’ve increased staff, we’ve increased availability,” she explained. “We have taken our commitment to our customers and our carriers seriously.”
That’s required some sacrifices, including a certain amount of employee turnover. “As a lot of people have found ways to work from home, we didn’t have that option,” Cloyed said, adding that her team found ways to get the job done with respect to the company’s mission of “keeping the stores supplied and the vendors supplied with what they need to keep them in business.”
That resourcefulness has kept JJT going strong, too.
“We have experienced growth and we have gained market share, and I think that’s because of the diversity in our business,” Cloyed said. “We not only can provide assets to our clients, we also do a great job of networking and finding other carriers to partner with to move our customers’ freight.”
The company’s devotion to providing the best service possible to its customers also involves an ongoing investment in quality vehicles, equipment and technology. JJT also continues to uphold a reputation for innovation, Cloyed said, like providing real-time tracking that allows JJT to stand behind its commitment to delivery with shipment guarantees. “Not everybody has that.”
“We look at all aspects of the business,” Cloyed said. “We’re on the cutting edge. We’re always looking for process improvement.”
JJT TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS
7006 J ST. OMAHA, NE 68117 402.614.4777 JJTTRANS.COM
NORTH END TELESERVICES
CAMELEA MENDOZA
It’s a Monday morning, and Camelea Mendoza, Chief of Staff at North End Teleservices makes a beeline to her office to see how the day will unfold.
When asking Camelea how she landed on the executive leadership team as a Chief of Staff, she stated, “To be in any administrative role, you must operate from a place of compassion. Many people perceive administrative jobs as a subservient position, but it is truly critical position in any organization.”
In her entry-level role as administrative assistant, Camelea had a unique opportunity to be nur -
tured by her CEO for leadership. Her ability to lead, learn, serve, handle pressure, command and make tough decisions has put her in a place where she has earned the trust of her colleagues, as a trusted advisor and manager who is able to act on behalf of the CEO. “It is important that up-andcoming women and minority professionals know that executive leadership is possible.”
When she accepted the job as an administrative assistant more than six years ago, she didn’t know it would be like this. “I didn’t think I would be this busy”, says Camelea. “I worked for a doctor
who traveled a lot, and although he was busy, our fast-paced environment at North End Teleservices means that no day is the same. It is something that I have come to appreciate and thrive in.”
To say that Camelea was merely thriving may be a gross understatement considering her career trajectory catapulted her from administrative assistant to executive assistant, and now Chief of Staff. Camelea’s presence on the executive team defies the typical demographic seen among her CoS contemporaries. According to Zippia, in 2024, the average CoS is 51 years old, and overwhelmingly a non-minority, male.
At North End Teleservices, the majority of Csuite executives are women. Being developed in an organization that lives out inclusion as second nature and as a business imperative means she can celebrate herself and other women in leadership, and also stands out as an African American woman. “I believe that women are some of the best leaders. We often wear many hats—personally and professionally and can bring a special perspective and impact to the work that we do,” says Camelea. According to Forbes, The Ready-Now Leaders report from the Conference Board shows that organizations with at least 30% women in leadership roles are 12x more likely to be in the top 20% for financial performance.
When Camelea started at North End Teleservices, she didn’t know it would land her in executive leadership, in a very necessary, but often misunderstood role. “There is a lot of misconception around the CoS role. Camelea is one of the few people that really sees the day-to-day and strategic flow of work and interactions from my office. She is a trusted advisor that is not a secretary but a true business professional with a rare combination of skills and responsibility. Camelea’s role helps accelerate my work and decision-making. She is relied on by the entire team,” says Carmen Tapio, CEO of North End Teleservices.
North End Teleservices is an omnichannel provider of contact center outsourcing solutions and was recently named as one of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s 2024 100 Top Small Businesses. Camelea plays an integral part of the organization’s growth and excellence
NORTHEND TELESERVICES 1500 N 24TH ST OMAHA, NE 68110 402.934.3624
CONSTELLATION COLLECTIVE
Wendy Wiseman, a notable marketing professional in the region, is CEO of Constellation Collective, a full-service branding, marketing and advertising firm. She made her mark as an award-winning marketer in the highly competitive, highly technical telecommunications industry and parlayed her experience into a respected and connected expert in growing brands and developing leaders.
Wendy’s core value is to “make the world work for everyone in it.” She enjoys getting to know
people, forming relationships and helping others tap into their best and highest use. As a marketer, this core value translates into the passion to dive deep into brands to unearth smart, creative strategies to take them to new heights. Her core strengths are vision, creativity, connectivity and energy. With these, she brings significant value to organizations in need of vision, leadership and motivation to move to the next level.
Wendy joined then Zaiss & Company 35 years ago and changed the name to Constellation a
year ago. Zaiss & Company was founded by Tracy Zaiss to offer smart account planning-based marketing strategies to clients. Wiseman credits the success of the agency over the years to this practice and commitment to learn about clients’ brands, industry, competitors and market shifts and trends. Account planning yields smart strategies for brand positioning, media placement and strong creative that builds business.
Wiseman led the evolution of the firm to Constellation Collective identifying six core tenets of the firm:
Ideation: Abhorring ordinary ideas and combining what we know about our clients’ businesses and markets with creative, salable marketing strategies that move the needle toward goals.
Brand Power: A commitment to clients to dig in from many angles to yield the most reliable and sure-to-work strategies.
Deep Dives: Going to the deepest depths of our clients’ business, emerging ready to help create industry leaders.
Reach: Getting strategic, creative messages in front of the right people who need to see them –multiple times – to act.
Plug-in: Helping alleviate the pressure of staffing a whole marketing department with our experts dedicated to client brands.
Seek & Find: Expertise in the world of search strategies.
Outside of work, Wendy says her greatest accomplishment is being Mom to children Leigh, Will and Jarett, all successfully launched and living in Omaha. A third-generation Omahan who has lived in several other cities, Wendy’s passion for Omaha runs deep and she revels in being a part of its great growth. She lends this passion and expertise to the boards she serves on, advocating for organizations that are making a difference to the people of our community, including Lauritzen Gardens, where she serves as President of the Board of Directors
JILL OF ALL TRADES CONSTRUCTION LLC
KIM STEWART
I have been in the construction industry since 1978. From new construction, commercial cleaning and floor care, to painting, decorating, designing and remodels. I truly enjoy the industry, and when I first began, there were no women in the trades and working next to men has its challenges. I learned from some of the best, and got better through a lot of experience. I knew I wanted to perform quality work, and that has truly been my goal since day one. Today there are many more women in the trade industry. However, I know it is still a male dominated industry. I work with subcontractors and general contractors as well as designers and architects to insure the job is done right and on time. Permits are pulled when required. I tell my team that if you put quality ahead of the dollar, you’ll be successful. I believe people want quality work at a fair price and that’s what I provide.
JILL OF ALL TRADES CONSTRUCTION, LLC
402.905.8144
JILLOFALLTRADES2@HOTMAIL.COM
KALA NAIL & SPA
Kala Nail Spa mission is to provide the finest services in nail care, in a relaxing environment and with a friendly atmosphere. Give yourself a little guilty pleasure by indulging yourself in our pipeless whirlpool spa chair that provides a full body massage meanwhile, beautify yourself with waxing, and drift off in a top quality facial.
Our professional staffs are well-trained technically and artistically. We are equipped with the best in nail care technology. We stock only top of the line professional nail care products. Our professional nail artists will always bring you the latest in nail designs. Our manicurist utilize only the best in nail care products to achieve the best results in nail care treatment.
Sanitary is the utmost concern here at Kala Nail Spa. Hospital grade disinfectant are used to ensure against the transmission of nail fungi and other bacteria, thus assure our clients of having a clean and safe experience. We will build our reputation and image on meeting our client’s need first.
KALA NAIL & SPA
15475 RUGGLES ST., STE. 111, OMAHA, NE 68116
402.991.8807
KALANAILSPA.COM
JENNIFER DIMOTTA
UPRISORS LEADERSHIP
Jennifer has dedicated her career to leadership development, coaching thousands of executives and emerging leaders. She is deeply committed to helping her clients drive business growth by fostering leadership wellness and cultivating the next generation of healthy, effective leaders. A passionate advocate for female leadership, Jennifer has spoken nationwide on the transformative power of women in leadership.
She has been honored with several prestigious awards, including Colorado’s Most Influential and Powerful Leader Award and recognition as one of the Top 100 Women to Watch.
Jennifer has continuously expanded her expertise throughout her career. She holds a Master’s in Leadership from Bellevue University and is a Certified Health Coach. Additionally, she has served for more than six years as a board member of Midland States Bancorp, a publicly traded company.
Beyond her client work, Jennifer is a highly soughtafter speaker across the country. In her personal time, she enjoys home renovation projects, with a special focus on revitalizing the Benson area
UPRISORS LEADERSHIP UPRISORS.COM
CORDIA
CAROLYN ROOKER
If you’ve had the chance to meet Carolyn Rooker, Cordia’s Business Development Manager for the Midwest Region, you will agree that her energy is contagious. Raised as the daughter of a public works director in a small rural town south of Fort Worth, Texas, Carolyn grew up surrounded by the world of public works and construction. Her father would take her along to read meters and fix water leaks and even riding in the front-loading bucket of a John Deere tractor to city projects— long before modern safety regulations were in place.
Carolyn’s path took her far from rural Texas to Nebraska for college and graduate studies, where she spent many years championing and supporting vulnerable children and families in the nonprofit sector. In 2015, she was recruited to the corporate energy sector. Initially, she did not expect to work in the energy field, but her ability to energize and motivate those around her proved to be a valuable asset.
In her role at Cordia, Carolyn draws on her diverse background to foster collaboration and problem-solving. “I see myself as a connector, working to partner with customers in a way that goes beyond traditional sales,” she explains. “It’s about understanding their needs and aligning our services to help solve their problems, with a focus on authentic customer service and meaningful partnerships.” This approach is critical to Carolyn’s success, as it allows her to engage with clients and projects on a strategic level, identifying how Cordia’s services can best support sustainability and energy efficiency goals.
Cordia, a leader in the district energy industry, provides sustainable energy solutions to communities and businesses across the U.S. District energy systems are central heating and cooling systems that distribute steam, hot water, or chilled water from a central plant to heat and cool buildings in a city or neighborhood. Cordia’s district energy network services approximately 70% of downtown Omaha, delivering heating and cooling solutions that are not only efficient but also reliable and resilient.
“At Cordia, we don’t just provide energy—we provide solutions that empower our customers
to reach their sustainability goals,” Carolyn says. “Our district energy systems are designed with the future in mind, offering scalable solutions that adapt as energy needs change.” This commitment to sustainability includes investing in technologies that minimize energy waste, promote the use of renewable resources, and improve resiliency during extreme weather events.
Carolyn effortlessly and passionately drives Cordia’s mission forward. Her leadership exemplifies how women in traditionally male-dominated fields, such as energy and construction, are reshaping the industry.
Carolyn embodies the spirit of adaptability and lifelong learning and demonstrates the value of diverse experiences and perspectives in leadership. She continues to inspire others by breaking barriers and creating pathways for more women to join the energy sector, fostering a culture of inclusion and growth. With her at the helm in the Midwest, Cordia is not only powering cities but also empowering people, one sustainable project at a time.
CORDIA CORDIAENERGY.COM
WHITTEN DENTISTRY
DR. KARRY WHITTEN, OWNER OF WHITTEN DENTISTRY & SPA
Karry Whitten, DDS, has been practicing in the Omaha area since graduating from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in 1997.
Redefining dentistry on a professional, personal, and technological level, Dr. Whitten is dedicated to changing the way people think about the dentist. She and her team serve their clients in all aspects of facial care, including ongoing dental needs, cosmetic dentistry, aesthetic services, and spa treatments.
Whether a patient looking for minor enhancements to boost their confidence and self-esteem or wanting a full-mouth smile upgrade, Whitten Dentistry has the training and knowledge to assist patients every step of the way. As a Kois Center and an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) provider, Whitten Dentistry is up-to-date on the latest products, techniques, and research that allow them to deliver top-notch care in esthetics and systemic oral health to make each patient want to smile more.
“We’re serious about your smile. It’s your first impression,” Dr. Whitten said. “Your expression of joy—it has the power to brighten someone’s day. We want to ensure that when you look in the mirror, you see the very best version of yourself. We’re here to help you achieve your best dental health result with the most cutting-edge and pain-free technology. We work hard to keep up to date on the latest innovations in the industry to deliver an unequaled dental experience that’s focused on you. It’s our firm belief that dentistry and facial esthetics is personal, not general.”
Dr. Whitten takes the time to understand each patient’s unique needs and goals, creating a personalized, tailored treatment plan each time.
New patients are welcome to experience the Whitten Dentistry Difference by scheduling a consultation today.
WHITTEN
PLANT LADY OMAHA
LISA PETERSON
Lisa Peterson perceives green as the color of life, renewal, and hope.
Originally from Omaha, she has a 30year botanical career with experience at nurseries and florists as well as interior plantscaping.
Peterson previously ran Plants Perfect in Phoenix, and launched Plant Lady Omaha to nurture a variety of plants in lobbies, offices, and residences. She utilizes her background in design to create silk arrangements.
LISA PETERSON PLANTLADYOMAHA.COM
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NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL-NEBRASKA
JENNIFER BRASE, MANAGING PARTNER
As a wife and mother, Jennifer Brase splits her time between her family and being the leader of a top Northwestern Mutual office. When asked how she juggles all her responsibilities alone, she replies, “I don’t—I have help. My husband and I tag-team with the kids, and I have an incredible team in our office.”
Brase counsels others to take a piece of advice she took from a leader whose words made an impression on her early in her career: “Your time is valuable, don’t be afraid to hire out what you can so you can focus on what is most important.” Brase incorporates this motto into her personal life and her company.
“No successful person is ‘doing it all’ on their own, even if it feels like they are. Everyone needs help now and then,” Brase said.
Brase is committed to helping people, especially women, achieve financial independence and literacy through Northwestern Mutual Omaha. Women face unique challenges that need to be considered, including the gender pay gap, longer retirement periods, and likelihood of exiting the workforce. According to the company’s Planning
& Progress study, the average American woman believes she will need $1.5 million to retire, but on average women have only saved $80,000. Most of the time, these huge gaps between expectations and reality stem from uncertainty of what to do, how to get started, or where to look for credible advice.
Brase understands that individuals are often more comfortable working with those who have similar experiences. Women are often more comfortable working with female advisors—people who understand their experiences and their financial needs.
Northwestern Mutual Omaha has a state-wide network of advisors serving clients across Nebraska, and is continuously looking to recruit and develop women who are dedicated to helping others feel empowered by their comprehensive financial plans. Brase recognizes the importance of developing female professionals and leaders, which is why the company has a variety of resources dedicated to their growth.
“We also offer the opportunity for our advisors to volunteer and further connect with those in the community,” Brase said. “Specifically, our team is
involved with several national and local nonprofits whose missions are to support children and families affected by childhood cancer. We, in partnership with these organizations, are committed to lightening the financial burden for these families as they receive the support they need during treatment. Since the start of our involvement with this effort in 2007, we have raised over $1.4 million for childhood cancer research. We’ve found that our commitment to causes such as this and offering the opportunity to volunteer are what attract advisors and clients to our company.”
She continued, “I love this state, but most importantly, I love the people who live here. I started my career with Northwestern Mutual because I knew I would have the opportunity to develop strong, authentic relationships with people here and offer them a helping hand as they build financial security. Our team is always looking for people who share the same mission.”
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL
9300 UNDERWOOD AVE STE 500 EMBASSY TOWER 402.391.6651
NORTHWESTERNMUTUAL.COM
I have been involved with Santa Monica in a variety of capacities for over 21 years. From Administrative Assistant to Board Member to Executive Director for the last 13 years. I knew when I stepped into this roll that Santa Monica had not lived into its full potential and we could be doing more. That was my challenge to the Board, my team and myself. We need to grow into whatever the women we serve need. In eight years, we have expanded from one location and one level of care to four locations, four levels of care and two additional services, doubling our staff and increas -
ing the budget by 85%. And I don’t think we are done. I have a master’s in public administration and thrive on the business side. I did spend over half of my career in direct client care and programming, and it was very rewarding. Today the team I have is dynamic when it comes to treating the women we serve, so I can focus on the business. Empowered Women Empower Women. I have been blessed to have Shannon Motter with me on this journey for the last ten years. She believed in my vision, and today she is an enormous part of building the vision for Santa Monica.
Shannon , Associate Director/Clinical Director, has her bachelor’s and is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Shannon oversees the clinical and programmatic side of Santa Monica. Shannon has been in the field for over 15 years and has been a perfect fit for Santa Monica.
SANTA MONICA
HEATHER@SANTAMONICAHOUSE.ORG 402.558.7088
SANTAMONICAHOUSE.ORG
SANTA MONICA HOUSE HEATHER KIRK
Janyne
EMSICK ARCHITECTS
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN A MALE-DOMINATED FIELD
In the world of architecture, where men have traditionally dominated the field, Emsick Architects stands out as a beacon of change. Founded 12 years ago, the Omaha-based firm reshaped the architectural landscape with its innovative designs while redefining workplace culture by being a predominantly female-led team. Spearheading this transformation was Janyne Emsick, Ph.D., who, alongside her husband, Mike, built a company that excelled in design while championing flexibility, diversity, and resilience.
Emsick’s approach to building Emsick Architects was grounded in a philosophy that placed people at the center of the business model. This vision emerged from her earlier experience with her own coaching and consulting business. “When I started my coaching and consulting business 32 years ago, I was intentional in hiring smart, talented women who wanted meaningful work that could flex around their responsibilities with children,” Emsick recalled. “At one point, I had a team member who had six children under the age of 5, and she worked evenings after they went to bed and she absolutely hit it out of the ballpark.”
This model continued at Emsick Architects, where flexibility was embedded into the firm’s DNA. From the beginning, the company aimed to create an inclusive culture that supported women’s career growth while accommodating the different stages of their lives.
“THROUGH WIA, WE ATTRACTED WOMEN ARCHITECTS FROM ACROSS THE COUNTRY, NOT JUST OMAHA.”
-JANYNE EMSICK
“Our two primary architects, Amy and Meghan, had their first children within a month of each other. We collaborated to plan for continuity during their maternity leaves and reached out to Women in Architecture (WIA) for resources,” Emsick shared. “Through WIA, we attracted women architects from across the country, not just Omaha.” This effort to reach out to professional organizations and bring in women with diverse backgrounds proved pivotal in shaping a team that was strong in numbers, as well as experience and resilience.
Janyne and Mike’s leadership journey was not without its hurdles. Over the years, the couple faced significant personal challenges, including health issues and natural disasters. Emsick spoke candidly about their experiences: “Both Mike and I faced cancer in the last two-and-a-half years, and now we’re dealing with our second hurricane in 10 days,” she said in reference to their Flordia home. These events tested their resolve, yet they remained steadfast in their commitment to their clients and their team. Emsick’s approach to overcoming these challenges involved clear communication, prioritization, and a determination to keep the business moving forward.
“In 2022, when Mike was in the hospital after his femur snapped, I remember having a conference call from the hospital saying, ‘What do we need to do to keep delivering great design for our customers? What are our priorities?’ Our team stepped up in ways we couldn’t have imagined,” Emsick recounted. During times of crisis, Emsick Architects demonstrated its resilience as a team, with each member stepping up to ensure the firm continued to deliver outstanding architectural designs.
A key aspect of Emsick Architects’ success was its adaptive leadership style, which focused on understanding the unique needs of each team member. Mike, the firm’s principal architect, played a crucial role in maintaining this culture of adaptability. He took a hands-on approach to leading the team, fostering a supportive and flexible work environment. “Mike was adaptable with the team, understanding what each person needed whether it was doing the work they loved and excelled at or balancing work with their family,” Emsick explained. “Together, we were clear about expectations and what needed to get done, and we focused on how to work around personal needs. For example, Mike might say, ‘We need to wrap this meeting because it’s lunchtime for Amy’s child.’”
This personalized approach allowed the firm to maintain a high standard of work while creating a supportive environment for employees. It was not uncommon for team members to adjust their schedules or work remotely to accommodate personal obligations, which was made possible by the firm’s commitment to clear communication and defined expectations. “Mike adapted his leadership to get work done through others, which was key,” Emsick added. “We both adapted as we learned from our team what they needed.” This strategy not only empowered individual team members to perform at their best, but also fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility throughout the firm.
FEATURE | STORY BY BRANDI LONG-FRANK | PHOTO BY BILL SITZMANN
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The architecture industry, known for its rigorous demands and long hours, posed challenges for women who often juggled multiple roles in their personal and professional lives. By emphasizing flexibility and understanding the complexities of work-life balance, the firm not only attracted top female talent but also retained it. For Emsick, the ability to adapt to each employee’s circumstances was crucial for cultivating a supportive workplace where women could succeed in their careers without having to sacrifice their personal lives.
“When we started Emsick Architects, our first team member was a woman between her first and second year of grad school at the University of NebraskaLincoln. She stayed with us for five years, and we were just at her wedding,” Emsick said. This supportive culture extended to navigating significant life events, such as maternity leaves, career transitions, and even crises like hurricanes or health issues. The firm’s commitment to supporting its team members through various stages of their lives helped create a close-knit, loyal group of professionals who were dedicated to the company’s success.
“As a leader, she treats staff members like family seeking to develop all our own unique talents,” said Colee Meyer, senior associate at Holland Basham who used to work at Emsick. “She encouraged and embraced my natural tendency to lead. As a new graduate, she taught me the basics and best practices of running an efficient firm.”
The firm’s partnership with Women in Architecture (WIA) played an instrumental role in attracting talent from across the country, creating a diverse and dynamic team. “Several female candidates expressed reaching out specifically because they wanted to help out women during their maternity leaves,” Emsick explained. This proactive approach to hiring helped Emsick Architects stand out as a firm where women’s careers were supported at all stages. The firm’s inclusive hiring practices not only strengthened its workforce, but also enriched its culture, making it a place where diverse ideas and perspectives flourished.
For Emsick, legacy was a vital component of her vision for Emsick Architects. She viewed the firm not just as a business, but as a platform for leaving a lasting impact through design and culture. “I’m a legacy thinker. I’ve thought about how our small but mighty design studio would leave behind a legacy of design that brings our clients’ visions to life,” she shared. “We attracted smart, talented women, and
“WE ATTRACTED SMART, TALENTED WOMEN, AND THIS BUSINESS HAS BEEN A PLACE WHERE THEY COULD THRIVE THROUGH THE MULTITUDE OF STAGES WOMEN EXPERIENCE AS PROFESSIONALS, PARTNERS, AND MOTHERS.”
-Janyne Emsick
this business has been a place where they could thrive through the multitude of stages women experience as professionals, partners, and mothers.”
Emsick Architects’ projects reflect a commitment to quality, innovation, and inclusivity principles that guided the team through both smooth and challenging times. The firm takes on diverse architectural projects, from residential developments to commercial spaces, all while prioritizing design excellence. Each project undertaken by the firm is an opportunity to not only deliver great design, but also foster a culture of collaboration and growth. The legacy of Emsick Architects extends beyond its physical projects; it is also evident in the lives and careers of the women who work there and have grown professionally.
Emsick often emphasized the importance of cultural fit when considering a career move, a principle that guided her own hiring practices. She believed that finding the right workplace culture was crucial for long-term career satisfaction and growth. “I always told people, ‘It’s as important for you to interview the company as it is for them to interview you. You need to know if the company aligns with your personal and professional goals,’” she advised. “Be clear about what you want and find a culture that matches how you work and that brings out the best in you.” This advice was not only applicable for prospective employees, but also served as a guiding principle for Emsick Architects as a whole.
For Emsick, the challenges the firm has faced only strengthen its resolve to create a legacy. “Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it,” she opined. “The challenges made us better and stronger as a business. It’s all about finding ways that make sense both for business and for the team.” This resilience and commitment to growth became defining characteristics of Emsick Architects, setting the firm apart in a rapidly changing industry.
To learn more, visit emsickarchitects.com.
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PAT THE PICKUP
NEBRASKA’S FIRST TAP TRUCK
What was once a humble school-bus-yellow pickup truck has been given a second life as Nebraska’s first tap truck. Pat the Pickup, a 1957 Chevy now painted a stunning Robin’s egg blue has been restored into a beverage station on four wheels.
“There’s nothing more Nebraskan than a beer out of the bed of a pickup,” said Abby Miller, founder and owner of Pat on Tap. Through a multitude of experiences, Miller found an honest passion for making people happy and reminding them to live life to the fullest.
Turning the vehicle into a fully operational business was no easy feat. Still, Miller, a college student at the time, was determined to make her dream a reality, no matter the obstacles.
“I think being a college student was such an interesting mix for this,” Miller said. “I had no money, so it had to work, because I’m putting all my money into this.” Miller received mixed opinions, but her father believed in her and supported her both financially and by helping with the pickup’s tedious restoration.
The search for a vintage pickup started on eBay, with results popping up from all over the country. Little did Miller know, the perfect truck was waiting just seven miles from her home.
“I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, no way, this has to be fake, right?’” Miller said. Wasting no time, she tracked down the owner, struck a deal against several competitors, and skipped class the next morning to purchase the pickup.
The Chevy, in desperate need of TLC, left Miller’s team puzzled. After several setbacks in starting the exterior restoration, Miller went against the norm and began renovating the interior with a little help from Google.
“There’s no guide on how to restore a truck unless you know the right people, and I didn’t know those people yet,” Miller said. They say it takes a village, and indeed it did. Local friends from a body shop took on the intricate project, generously putting in several hours after their regular work days ended.
It was important for Miller to be completely hands-on with her project, as it gave her a sense of pride and allowed her to witness the fruits of her blossoming dream. After four months of continuous sanding and painting, and multiple trials and errors, Pat the Pickup was brought to life. “Pat is actually named after my grandma, Patsy,” Miller explained. “I have a really strong history of entrepreneurship in my family that (have) all served the community, so it’s a testament to them.”
The business, Pat on Tap, has been around less than two years, but is booked and busy, hosting everything from corporate events to grand weddings. It even went so far as to win the grand prize in the University of Nebraska Lincoln’s New Venture Competition after being a finalist the previous year.
One dream may have been accomplished, but Miller is far from finished. A margarita cart, chic mini-golf rentals, and other unique, high-quality rentals are a few ideas for expanding Pat on Tap. While Nebraskans had the first taste of Pat, several states across the Midwest can expect a visit from the iconic pickup soon. No matter the event, Pat on Tap strives to create countless memories, blending nostalgia with unforgettable experiences.
To learn more, visit patontap.com.
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HOW I ROLL | STORY BY TALLY VELASCO | PHOTO BY BILL SITZMANN
“I WAS DRAWN TO PR BECAUSE IT GAVE ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO WORK WITH DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS.”
-Monique Farmer
MONIQUE FARMER, APR
A VISIONARY IN PUBLIC RELATIONS
Monique Farmer, APR, wasn’t a stranger to the art of communication. Her journey into public relations began with a deep-rooted passion for writing, which she cultivated as early as third grade. Teachers recognized her natural talent, which she continued to nurture over the years.
“I always found writing to be fun and challenging a puzzle,” Farmer said. That love for words eventually led her to pursue a career that balanced creativity and strategy in public relations, a field where she could help organizations communicate effectively while honing her own talents.
Farmer’s company, Avant Solutions, has a mission to deliver impactful communication strategies. Farmer is inspiring to others because of her natural ability to push people outside of their comfort zones while guiding them toward their goals. Just as her teachers encouraged her early on, she does the same for those she works with, fostering a supportive, yet challenging environment. She is truly generous in pouring into the next generation of public relations professionals.
Farmer’s early journey into journalism laid the foundation for her career in public relations. Initially setting her sights on becoming a newspaper reporter, she shifted her focus during her sophomore year of college when she realized public relations would offer more versatility. “I was drawn to PR because it gave me an opportunity to work with different organizations,” she explained.
That decision led her to study advertising and public relations at Midland University. However, the journey has seen its share of challenges.
One of the most significant milestones in her career was her role in crafting a communication campaign to pass a $410 million bond for Omaha Public Schools. This feat required Farmer to navigate the complexities of public communication while also managing the sensitive announcement of job cuts. “I had never worked on a bond before, so getting my footing and making the message simple for diverse audiences was key,” she recalled. The experience strengthened her ability to handle largescale communication efforts and develop crisis communication strategies, something that became a cornerstone of her expertise.
“I HAD NEVER WORKED ON A BOND BEFORE, SO GETTING MY FOOTING AND MAKING THE MESSAGE SIMPLE FOR DIVERSE AUDIENCES WAS KEY.”
-Monique Farmer
In August 2019, Farmer founded Avant Solutions, a firm specializing in internal and external communication strategies and executive communication for nonprofits, government agencies, and small businesses. The firm also offered counsel in crisis communication, though Farmer emphasized the importance of proactive crisis preparedness for her clients. “I loved digesting national crises, studying their performances, and
identifying gaps to ensure my clients were ready for anything,” she said.
Beyond her success in public relations, Farmer has also ventured into authorship. Her book, “Chart Your Path: A 9-Step Method to Getting Unstuck,” reflects her personal journey of self-discovery. “Writing this book was about learning more about my innermost desires and who I am as a person,” she reflected. The project allowed her to integrate her passion for writing with her PR expertise, giving her an opportunity to step into the spotlight a rare occurrence for public relations professionals. “It pushed me out of my comfort zone, but it has been a rewarding experience,” she said.
As Farmer continues to grow Avant Solutions, some exciting projects have emerged. In July 2024, she shared the stage with nine other speakers at Northwestern University. Her talk will air on Apple TV and Roku, which she hopes will open doors for future public speaking opportunities, including TEDx talks. “I’m thrilled about the opportunity to expand my speaking engagements,” she said.
In the meantime, Farmer remains committed to building strong communication strategies and taking on new clients at Avant Solutions.
To learn more, visit avantsolutions.org. Note: the author is also a freelancer for Avant Solutions. B2B
ON THE RISE | STORY BY BRANDI LONG-FRANK | PHOTO BY SARAH LEMKE
FUSION MEDICAL STAFFING’S OFFICE A
FUSION OF WORK & PLAY
Fusion Medical Staffing realized they were outgrowing their offices near 120th and Blondo streets after the COVID-19 pandemic started to ease, and some employees wanted to return to the office. The problem was that not all employees could fit into the office at once.
A move in September 2023 into 115,000 square feet of the 180,000 square foot Waterford Building in Elkhorn changed that. An impressive building with ample parking, outdoor seating areas, and a beautiful water feature in front, the Fusion space puts the employee experience front and center throughout the building.
From the various coffee stations situated throughout the building to the incredibly pleasant voice that announces, “Going Up!” in the elevator, the Waterford Building hosts employers who want employees to feel comfortable in their workspace.
Fusion’s intent was to “give people places where they can be themselves and unwind,” said Calli Hite, Fusion’s vice president of communications and public relations. Moreover, they wanted to ensure that employees aren’t “shackled to a desk,” but instead enjoy the space and feel like they can collaborate with their coworkers, but also have opportunities to retreat to a quiet space if needed.
The bright and welcoming reception area leads to the Fusebox, a lounge and kitchen area where employees line up in the morning to get their coffee. Pleasant music plays on speakers in the space. After work hours, employees can stop by for a beverage and socialize with one another in a casual setting.
Beyond the Fusebox, refresher stations appear throughout the office for employees who want a coffee boost or a snack. Focus
rooms are also available throughout the space for one-on-one meetings, or, as Fusion’s senior public relations strategist, Leah Kemple, explained, “for introverts who just need a quiet break from the lively banter of coworkers.” Focus rooms can be booked in advance or snapped up when not in use.
Kemple’s favorite feature of the new space is the collection of sitting areas tucked away in different corners. Employees also enjoy a golf simulator, video games, and three fitness centers in the building, two of which are exclusively for Fusion employees and staffed by a personal trainer.
Fusion’s office space design was conceptualized by RDG Design, but it was the employees who decided on the themes for each of the five sections of working areas. One such area is themed after Omaha dive bars and features a sign for “Caddyshack,” a bar near the old Fusion office that employees often frequented together.
Hite is most pleased that the new space “opened up possibilities.” They now have the space to host some of their community partners such as QLI or Angels Among Us, for events. The availability of the Fusebox prompted the long-term care team to start a “Breakfast Club,” where they gather regularly to cook and serve breakfast to one another.
The Fusion office is more than a workplace; it’s also a gathering place and vibrant, collaborative space where everyone has the opportunity to feel productive, refreshed, and welcome.
For more information, visit fusionmedstaff.com.
IN THE OFFICE | STORY BY TAMSEN BUTLER | PHOTO BY SARAH LEMKE
“$30 TRILLION IN ASSETS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE HANDS OF WOMEN BY THE END OF 2030, SO WE’RE FOCUSED ON HELPING GET MORE WOMEN INTO OUR BUSINESS AS FINANCIAL ADVISERS BECAUSE WOMEN ARE GOING TO CONTROL A GOOD PORTION OF THE WEALTH.”
-TERI SHEPHERD
OMAHA! | STORY BY DAISY HUTZELL-RODMAN | PHOTO PROVIDED
PRESIDING OVER WOMEN IN WEALTH MANAGEMENT
TERI SHEPHERD INCREASES NUMBERS FROM COAST TO COAST
Teri Shepherd understands that financial wealth means making connections, even though finances are, traditionally, a private matter. That’s why she’s the driver behind Carson Partners, which has grown to over 140 advisory firm locations nationwide.
A large part of her work has been connecting women to careers in her industry. When Shepherd became chief operating officer and chief finance officer of Carson Wealth in 2012, the wealth management firm had no female advisers on staff. Within a span of seven years, the now-president changed that number to 40%.
That’s nearly double the percentage of female wealth advisers nationwide statistics vary between 20% and 25%, depending on the source.
“$30 trillion in assets are supposed to be in the hands of women by the end of 2030, so we’re focused on helping get more women into our business as financial advisers because women are going to control a good portion of the wealth,” Shepherd said.
Shepherd has increased the number of women in the company from the top down the leadership team of the nationwide firm that boasts locations from San Francisco to Boston includes five women, including Shepherd.
The sixth female leader is Nelly Carson, the beloved company dog and woof-erful chief comfort officer.
“A lot of women like to work with other women, so that’s a big reason why we are focused on diversity, and it’s something we’re strategically focused on, on a go-forward basis,” Shepherd said. Carson
“I THINK A LOT OF WOMEN VERY OFTEN FEEL LIKE THEY NEED TO DO IT THEMSELVES. WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR FAMILY, YOUR FINANCES, AND PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE, I ENCOURAGE (YOU) TO SEEK OUT A PROFESSIONAL.”
-Teri Shepherd provides several options for their clients, including a financial strategy for female CEOs.
Shepherd is increasing numbers even as the industry on the whole is declining. With 60% of advisers over age 40 (according to Zippia, SmartAsset, and other sources) and electronic alternatives available, adviser numbers have been falling. Cerulli’s 2023 research revealed a 1.9% decline in their roles.
To help gain more women in leadership, Shepherd advocates for coaching beyond mentorship.
“One of the things that we learned in our Women in Wealth Report is that a lot of women get mentored, but very few actually get sponsored,” Shepherd said. “And that means someone is taking the time to really introduce you to others, to help you leverage the relationships you have, and help promote you, whether it’s in different circles or other ways.”
She continued, “I think it’s so helpful to get mentorship, but sponsorship kind of takes it to the next level.”
One of the ways Carson, and Shepherd, is helping people get sponsored (and mentored) is by creating
strategic internships. The company has partnered with colleges in Nebraska, including the University of Nebraska and Creighton University, to advocate and nurture the next generation of financial industry professionals.
Shepherd herself uses her voice to help promote other people in the financial industry. She has spoken at key industry summits such as Schwab Impact, Tiburon CEO Summit, and T3.
She’s been a speaker, a financial services employee, and a strong woman in business but she’s mostly described as a trusted, empowering leader who helps business-owners, especially those who are women, succeed in the wealth of their businesses and their personal lives.
“I think a lot of women very often feel like they need to do it themselves. When it comes to your family, your finances, and planning for the future, I encourage (you) to seek out a professional,” Shepherd said. “It is life-changing, and it takes all the pressure off of them.”
Her extraordinary efforts have paid off, whether through expanding her organization nationwide or being recognized on a national level. In fact, due, in part, to Shepherd’s extraordinary efforts, Carson Group was this year named an Excellence Awardee, and finalist for the top honor of “DEI Organizational Effort of the Year” through InvestmentNews Awards.
Visit carsongroup.com for more information. B2B
OMAHA CVB BY DEBORAH WARD
OMAHA ATTRACTS MORE THAN 14 MILLION VISITORS
A nother record-breaking year for tourism means local residents and businesses benefit. Research by Tourism Economics, an Oxford Economics Company, shows 14.2 million people visited Omaha in 2023 700,000 more than the year prior. Visitors spent more than $1.5 billion while they were in the city in 2023, a 7% increase over the year prior. Here’s where they spent that money:
Tourism also supported 15,823 jobs for our friends, families, and neighbors in 2023, a 4% increase since 2022. However, while all other visitor data surpassed pre-pandemic numbers in 2022, this is one statistic that has lagged behind. The local tourism community continues to face staffing shortages, an industry trend felt nationwide.
Overall, the steady rise in visitation and visitor spending is a testament to Omaha’s appeal as a growing tourism destination. As we head into 2025, the city is poised to continue that growth with the expansion of the airport, new and improved sporting venues such
as Tranquility Park and Levi Carter Park, the planned downtown soccer stadium, and more than $8 billion in development throughout the city. Investments like these continue to inspire increased visitation and make Omaha’s tourism industry a billion-dollar-plus baby.
Find more information about tourism’s positive impact on Omaha at https://www.visitomaha.com/wtll.
CHAMBER PRESIDENTS BREAK BARRIERS
I n Omaha, we have a thriving business environment. From our Fortune 500 companies, to emerging and small businesses, every organization makes an impact on our city. As the Greater Omaha Chamber President and CEO, I have the honor of getting to know these organizations day in and day out.
During my time in this role, I have found that Omaha is uniquely rich in exceptional business leaders. At the Chamber, we do not have to look far to find them. Our current chair of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors is Carmen Tapio, president and CEO of North End Teleservices.
Recently, North End Teleservices was named one of America’s Top 100 Small Businesses by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. It is a major accomplishment to be selected out of 14,000 nominations, as well as being the only business selected from Nebraska. This prestigious award came as no surprise to those of us who know Carmen. Her business instincts and ability to bring people together have changed the landscape of Omaha as we know it. During her tenure as chair, she has driven our Chamber forward with her bold leadership.
Going forward, we knew picking Carmen’s successor would be key to continuing our momentum. That is exactly what the board had in mind when they named Beth Whited, president of Union Pacific, as chair-elect.
Beth has been a leader at U.P. for over three decades, all while giving back to our community through her involvement with organizations such as the Aksarben Foundation, RPM International, Inc., Humanities Nebraska, and the Omaha Symphony. She also leads by example as the founding member and former president of Union Pacific’s LEAD (Lead, Educate, Achieve, Develop) Women’s Initiative.
I have had the fortune of great mentorship in this job and it has been an absolute privilege to learn from some of the best in business first-hand. One of the top priorities of the Greater Omaha Chamber is to cultivate the next generation of leaders.
Fortunately, Carmen and Beth have spent their careers breaking down barriers and set the path for the future trailblazers of Omaha.
For more information, visit omahachamber.org.
Heath Mello is the CEO for the Greater Omaha Chamber.
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Deborah Ward is the executive director of Omaha Convention and Visitors Bureau.
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FAR HILLS FARMS
VISIONARY
DREW STATZ SEMO PASTA + WINE CHEF PROFILE
LISA ROSKENS
PHOTO + VIDEO
