These women are leaders within our campus and Lincoln communities that have had positive impacts on the lives of peers, friends, family, mentors/mentees, and students. Their photos and bios will be displayed on the Caffina Café wall in the City Union throughout the week, and will be honored at the Women's History Month Banquet on March 17th. Complementary banquet tickets are available to all nominees.
Name: Amanda Bergeron-Bauer
Position: Recruitment Coordinator, School of Natural Resources; Board Member, Outlinc
Amanda works to recruit future leaders to the School of Natural Resources, who will learn to address the complex natural resource, environmental and human issues facing our planet.
Amanda serves on the board for Outlinc, a nonprofit that fosters the well-being and advancement of the LGBTQ community in Lincoln. Amanda works to ensure that a variety of programming is available to our community. Amanda coordinates Pride in the Park, a family-friendly event for LGBT and ally families to enjoy fun activities in conjunction with Star City Pride which was larger this year than it has been in the past.
Amanda also coordinates the Classy Tacky Ball. Thanks to Amanda’s leadership at this year’s event, Outlinc raised enough money to pay for six month’s rent on our office space. Amanda is always organized and cheerful, making her a delight to work with.
When she is not busy making our world a better place, Amanda spends time with her wife, Crystal, and son, Emmett.
Name: Becky Carter
Position: IANR HR Specialist
Becky Carter is truly a woman of character, courage and commitment. She is also a woman dedicated to informing, empowering and inspiring action – both at work and in her personal life. Becky always goes the extra mile for others – she is truly a giver. Through trainings, workshops, or conversation over coffee or lunch, Becky encourages her audience to become the best version of themselves as possible. Becky is also a lifelong learner. As she gains new knowledge, she is quick to share that knowledge with others. Becky is creative and inventive in all of her efforts. She is kind, passionate about life and her family, and an excellent leader. She is a role model and has a positive impact on everyone she encounters. I am fortunate to call Becky both a colleague and a friend.
Name: Belinda Hinojos
Position: Counseling And Psychological Services Psychologist
Dr. Belinda Hinojos represents character, courage, and commitment at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (University of Nebraska-Lincoln). She is truly committed to the Latina/o community on campus. I met Belinda as a graduate student and was inspired by the leadership she demonstrated within the community at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She provides me with guidance that has made an impact in my professional and personal life. She quickly connects me with different resources and people I could build relationships with that have been helpful in my journey as a future psychologist interested in working with the Latina/o community. I see courage in Belinda as a single mother who is a full-time psychologist, advisor for the Mexican American Student Association, and facilitator for the Latina group at the Women’s Center. She shows good character as a trustworthy and caring individual who has quickly become my mentor and I feel comfortable discussing personal and professional struggles and successes.
Name: Carmen Ochoa
Position: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student
Carmen is truly a woman of character, courage, and commitment as she works so her future is brighter than her family’s past. Her father immigrated to the United States, but her grandparents still perform backbreaking work every day to keep food on the table and do not have access to quality health care. Carmen excels as a pre-med major, with the goal of helping people be treated with dignity and respect as they age. Everything she does has a purpose—from researching the danger of e-cigarettes and educating youth about tobacco, working at a funeral home and home health care assistant, serving her sorority as a Wellness Advocate, and interning with AARP. She has witnessed how quality healthcare can impact a person, and it is her passion to be able to give back to the community—especially the Hispanic community—which she has so much pride to be part of.
Name: Deena Curtis
Position: Retention Coordinator
Deena is a woman of character, courage, and commitment. This is evidenced by her willingness to serve others and go above and beyond for the students she works with. She works hard to plan engaging activities and has developed an environment where students can feel comfortable sharing their struggles and celebrating their successes. Deena gives so much of herself into the work that she does and the role she fulfills, no matter the setting.
Name: Emma Himes
Position: ASUN Senator, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student
I have known Emma for all of her life, and she is an inspiring, hard working, intelligent, driven, and thoughtful woman. I have watched her work hard as a counselor at YMCA Camp Kitaki with campers from all different backgrounds. I have watched her become passionate about digital humanities and devote countless hours to her internship this semester. I have watched her connect with 20 students from Southern Africa in a deep and meaningful way. Watching Emma grow strong and independent throughout her life has been one of my favorite things. I am lucky to have a younger sister that makes me want to be a better person.
Name: Erin Sheehan
Position: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student
Erin Sheehan is an outstanding young woman, dedicated to social justice advocacy. As a member of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Speech and Debate Team, Erin has given multiple speeches regarding women's rights, including urging the inclusion of women in history museums. Her passion for equality is seen in every facet of her life, including her academic career in political science and communication, as well as her involvement on pro-women political campaigns. She continually fights for women, and is a wonderful student of integrity. Erin is caring towards others, and displays open-mindedness and respect always. She is currently involved in student government, where she is developing plans for a wage negotiation program for women on campus. Erin fights for women and is a wonderful example for other young feminists through her dedication, integrity and courage.
Name: Grace Solem-Pfeifer
Position: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student
Grace Solem-Pfeifer is one of the most remarkable young women I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Grace is a constant advocate for women's rights, both through her involvement on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Speech and Debate team and her personal advocacy. She has given multiple speeches revolving around women's rights and women's issues. She has crafted and presented moving speeches to her peers about important issues effecting women in today's society, such as online harassment and the pro-choice movement. She constantly challenges her peers for increased awareness, education and activism, both academically and socially. From personal experience, I know that her defense of women is a constant presence in her friendships and her day to day interactions. She is a student of integrity, exemplifying character, courage and commitment in her everyday life. She is a champion of women, and an outstanding feminist.
Name: Jena Mendoza
Position: Counselor
Jena is a woman of character, courage, and commitment because she is so devoted to her students and their families. She has developed so many supportive, meaningful relationships with students and their families, and she is committed to assisting them as they strive to reach their dreams. She is a woman of courage for all those she carries and supports, and she is a woman of character because she is an advocate for others.
Name: Joy (JD) McCown
Position: Outspeaking Coordinator for LGBTQA+ Resource Center, President of Spectrum University of Nebraska-Lincoln, employee of the Women's Center
I feel very lucky to have been impacted by JD McCown. She is an exceptional human being who is always looking out for others. During my time serving as treasurer for Spectrum, JD has always been one of amazing leadership and courage, which has made her a perfect president for our RSO. She constantly encourages our members to stay positive and do their best, along with lending her support whenever she can. In the LGBTQA+ Resource Center she works hard to provide LGBTQA speaking panels and informational meetings to anyone who seeks them. JD is dedicated to being an LGBTQA and Women's activist, supporting equal rights for all. She is also an amazing friend to all who meet her. This is why I am nominating JD McCown for this award.
JD is a valued member of the community and a student of The University of Nebraska- Lincoln who needs to be acknowledged. JD is a virtuous, confident, and kind woman who spends her time either helping others in The LGBTQA+ Resource Center or The Women's Center. JD also is president of the student RSO: SpectrumUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln. The organization SpectrumUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln is the campus's social LGBTQA+ organization that offers information and social support to the campus and Lincoln. I have witnessed first-hand of the power of JD's actions and feel she needs to be recognized for her hard work. I have nominated JD for many awards around campus and she has yet to won any. I will continue to nominate her for these awards. I believe she has earned them.
Name: Kate Bolz
Position: State Senator
As a senator in the Nebraska Unicameral she has fought hard to help working families, to ensure gender equality, and to provide education opportunities to all. In the last year along she has sponsored 25 different bills. Bills she has sponsored focus on reforming Nebraska's prisons, improving the behavioral health system, reform student debt, create job training, and help students with disabilities. Senator Bolz is an articulate speaker who represents the will of her constituents and has show a willingness to reach across the political divide to find solutions to Nebraska's most pressing problems.
Name: Leemah Nasrati
Position: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student
Leemah Nasrati is a junior studying Political Science and Global Studies. Leemah’s involvement on campus is vast, including: Delta Gamma, Co-Director of Family Relations for University of Nebraska-Lincoln Miracle Network Dance Marathon, and Nebraska Human Resources Institute (NHRI) Co-Chair of Teenage Project and Senior Counselor. Her dedication to student government began as a member of Freshman Campus Leadership Association (FCLA), and currently holds positions as Arts & Sciences Senator, member of Committee for Diversity and Inclusion, and a member of ASUN Government Liaison Committee. She is currently running for Student President of University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Since her freshman year, Leemah is committed to the furtherance of equity and understanding, and unabashedly fights for the well-being of all. She is an incredibly strong female leader due to her unwavering support and dedication to helping others. There is no one more deserving of this recognition.
Name: Mary Fran Flood
Position: Lecturer (Faculty)
“You remind me of Mary Fran” was one of the most generous compliments I have ever received. Dr. Flood is a University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate and has served in multiple teaching roles in the Psychology Department over the past 17 years. She is the embodiment of empathy, kindness, and respect for human life. Dr. Flood has dedicated her life to the betterment of others, working many years in early childhood education, fighting to prevent child maltreatment, and instilling her morals in the future of psychology. Dr. Flood teaches University of Nebraska-Lincoln students the importance of taking others’ perspectives and challenges her trainees not only to be better psychologists, but better citizens. Through her example, I have learned that successful leadership follows from a precise formula of conviction and grace. I, and so many others at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, take pride in the training we received from Dr. Flood and are honored to call her our colleague.
Name: Michelle Waite
Position: Assistant to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor for Community Relations
Michelle is an outstanding role model for both young women and men on campus aspiring to be a community builder. She is exceptionally capable of bringing people together to facilitate strong relations for the betterment of the community. Michelle holds a high position at the University and is a strong example of women empowering others when they are in positions of power. In the past year of working closely with Michelle, I have never witnessed her acting in the interest of anyone else but the community that she cares for so deeply. In her role, Michelle interacts daily with public figures who are often intimidating and interests that may be conflicting. However, she displays courage and persistence when advocating for the rights and interests of the university community and especially for our students. Michelle is an exemplary model of dedication to service and people.
Name: Mollie Gribbin
Position: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student
I was fortunate to meet Mollie last semester when she enrolled in my Health Communication course last fall. She exemplifies this award because she is working to 'inform, empower, and inspire action' among college women regarding eating disorders, and especially among women athletes. She is a leader among her peers on campus in that she is inspiring change in how women view their bodies and empowering others to cope with their eating disorders and/or help other women they know who are suffering from one. She has organized an event on campus on March 14, 2016 for student athletes, featuring a team of people to talk about this issue, including a nutritionist. Because of her efforts above, I believe Mollie is an outstanding example of a young woman with "character, courage, and commitment", working to improve the lives and experiences of her fellow University of Nebraska-Lincoln students.
Name: Reshell Ray
Position: Associate Director, Student Involvement
Reshell Ray is a phenomenal woman, who has devoted over 25 years of service to students and I have been a part of that experience for the past 20 years as a former University of Nebraska-Lincoln student and now as the UPC Program Coordinator. Reshell has made a major impact in the lives of many students of color, as well as mainstream students through her contributions to UPC, the Culture Center, Student Involvement, Campus NightLife (CNL), and Nebraska East Union. Her greatest contributions are made during the personal relationships she develops through the supportive management of her student staff, as well as her positive and professional departmental collaborations. Reshell devotes much of her time in getting to know her students on a personal level and possesses an effortless nature to listen, provide guidance, and empower every student she meets. Reshell is continually COMMITTED to provide programs that are educational, entertaining, and relaxing.
Name: Rhonda Revelle
Position: Nebraska Head Softball Coach
Visit Rhonda Revelle’s Huskers.com profile and you’ll find a head softball coach who has a list of accomplishments many covet. Dig a bit deeper and you’ll find the rarest form of authenticity, a servant leader, an encourager, a change agent and someone who understands the importance of having a true north.
Revelle’s journey of courage, character and commitment started long before she came to Nebraska and mirrors that of the late Dr. Barb Hibner, a key Title IX trailblazer and Revelle’s mentor. In grade school, Revelle faced many who didn’t think girls should play sports, let alone compete with the boys. Using her instincts, intellect and athleticism, Revelle blazed her own Title IX trail and opened the door for females to participate in the male-dominated environment. Fast forward 40 years, couple Revelle’s tenacity and resilience with her insatiable thirst to make herself and those around her better, and you find Nebraska’s all-time winningest coach and Nebraska’s first female coach to record 500 victories.
Name: Rupal Mehta
Position: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Faculty
Dr. Mehta is a new addition the Political Science department at University of Nebraska-Lincoln and one of the best teachers I have had the opportunity to learn from. Her expertise and intelligence in foreign affairs is expansive and impressive. But her interactions with students, in and outside of the classroom, is why I am nominating her. I walked into Dr. Mehta's Political Science 260 classroom everyday last semester with excitement because I knew whatever we were going to discuss was going to be dynamic and engaging, not because I was necessarily interested in every subject, but because of her presentation. Everything is interactive and open to discussion and questions. She is a very accomplished person but she is humble and welcoming in the classroom. She never lets her prestigious education or connections intimidate students but rather she uses them to inspire her students. I walked out of her classroom grateful to learn from such an intelligent person, but also to be genuinely encouraged to enter and excel in such a highly competitive field. No other professor has made me feel this way like Dr. Mehta has. Her personality is sparkling, her intelligence sharp as a whip, and she is such a valued member of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Political Science community.
Name: Sandra Williams
Position: Associate Professor of Art
Sandra Williams spends hundreds of hours each academic year helping students receive scholarship funds to study art, art history, and graphic design at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The dedication and time she gives to serving students is commendable. The hours she graciously and patiently seeks out, mentors and assists students with scholarship application processes is monumental.
In addition, Sandra constantly strives to help diverse students achieve their academic goals with endless amounts of compassion, empathy and kindness.
Name: Sarah Haskell
Position: Director, Alumni Engagement and Outreach; Nebraska Alumni Association
Compassionate, encouraging and tenacious are all words to describe Sarah Haskell. Sarah, an employee of the Nebraska Alumni Association, is a champion for women. She currently leads a program known as the Nebraska Women's Leadership Network, whose membership is comprised of over one hundred female students and alumna of University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She is essential in planning meaningful conferences and meetings to maximize leadership in these already successful women, and broaden their personal networks. Sarah is continually recruiting women to join this incredible organization, which also had a significant impact on Sarah as an undergrad. She continually works hard to better this program for all, including crafting mentoring relationships to help students and alumna grow as leaders. Moreover, Sarah is an active alumna of Chi Omega, and mentors young women in the sorority to assist them in leading their chapter. Sarah is a great woman of integrity and honor.
Name: Shannon O'Connor
Position: Student/ PREVENT Peer Educator and Greek Liaison
Shannon is an outstanding student majoring in secondary science education as well as a woman of character, courage, and commitment. She has been a leader in PREVENT, a peer education group dedicated to preventing sexual assault and relationship violence on campus, from the moment she became a peer educator. She has been integral in expanding the reach of violence prevention education within the Greek community as well as increasing the numbers of Greek members actively involved with PREVENT. Her passion for gender violence prevention, education, and diplomacy have made her an extremely effective presenter and peer educator. I am excited to know that she will take this passion, knowledge, and skills with her into her future career as an educator, helping to create positive change by working with young people.
Name: Stacy Dam
Position: Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment
Stacy Dam has made a significant impact on my life as a young professional. Stacy is the Assistant Director of Graduate Recruitment and as a Graduate Assistant for this office; I report directly to Stacy and constantly am inspired by her professionalism and authentic desire to provide opportunities for me to grow as an individual. I am nominating Stacy Dam for the Woman of Character, Courage, and Commitment award.
Stacy exhibits a genuine and authentic personality to everyone she meets. She constantly balances a variety of projects to improve graduate recruitment, provides support for all academic departments, and corresponding with prospective students. During all of her various roles she is present in every task and with every individual. She is committed to excellence and continually strives to improve Graduate Studies and takes time to mentor me as a young professional. Additionally, she handled structural changes within the office with fearlessness.
Name: Susie Brown
Position: Program Associate
Susie Brown is a woman of character, courage, and commitment because of her dedication to her students and to the Nebraska College Preparatory Academy. She has shown such an amazing level of organization and determination throughout her time here. Susie is creative in planning events and seminars, efficient in implementing her plans, and dedicated to improving overall student experience. Our students are lucky to have her as a resource, support, role model, mentor, and leader.
Name: Sydni Rowen
Position: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Student
Sydni is a woman of character, courage and commitment in every aspect of her life. She demonstrates what it means to be a woman of faith and humility every day. She empowers others around her, she inspires others to strive to be the best version of themselves and the impact that she has left on countless lives in incredible. Sydni deserves this honor because she is the type of woman who every other woman should want to be like: kind, purposeful and full of joy.
Name: Victoria Chraibi
Position: PhD Candidate, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Vicky is finishing her PhD in Earth & Atmospheric Sciences as a Fling Fellow. In four years, she has voluntarily raised $14,500 for environmental outreach and education in Nebraska, implementing ideas that she develops. In 2013, she established the nature photography club at the Lincoln Boys & Girls Club. In 2014, she collaborated with Nebraska Game and Parks to provide teacher training on sustainable wind energy and bat conservation. In 2015, she collaborated with the Department of Entomology to design a pollinator garden as an outdoor classroom for LPS. She collaborated with Morrill Hall to develop a virtual field trip program for their evolution exhibit. Additionally, she volunteers at annual events at Morrill Hall and Lincoln Children’s Museum. I am inspired by my wife’s character of environmental stewardship, her courage to find collaborators and implement new projects, and her commitment to the Lincoln community since we moved here.