Nominations

The Inspire awards celebrate women who have truly excelled, not only in their professional lives, but as leaders and role models. While many of these women come from different industries and walks of life, they share several traits — a strong sense of self, a success-driven work ethic and the extraordinary accomplishments to show for it. Their commitment, vision and talents make them true leaders in their chosen fields.

Awards Category Descriptions

THE INSPIRE AWARDS – The Inspire awards celebrate women who have truly excelled, not only in their professional lives, but as leaders and role models. While many of these women come from different industries and walks of life, they share several traits — a strong sense of self, a success-driven work ethic and the extraordinary accomplishments to show for it. Their commitment, vision and talents make them true leaders in their chosen fields.

FINALISTS – Finalists will be chosen in nine different categories by an advisory board consisting of local business and organization leaders.

AWARDS – One person will be honored in each category. Finalists for each category will be announced in the Omaha World-Herald. The winners in each category will be announced at the 2024 Inspire Awards Luncheon.

One individual will receive top honors and be acknowledged as Woman of the Year.

2024 Nominations are now OPEN.

Nominations close on September 1, 2024

Who are you:
All nominations will remain anonymous.
Your Name*
Your Email*
Phone
Relationship to Nominee*

Who are you in relation to the person you will be nominating?
Who are you nominating:
Nominee's Name*
Address
City*
State
ZIP Code
Nominee's Email*
Nominee's Phone*
Nominee's business or employer*
Nominee's position*

What is the nominee's current role at the above business / employer?
Which Inspire Award are you nominating them for?
Which Inspire Award*
Click here to view award category descriptions
Consent 1
Yes I have read the category descriptions.
Consent 2
This individual fits the description of award they have been nominated for.
Why are you nominating this woman?
Why do you feel this woman is a good candidate?*
Describe the significant impact the nominee has made in her field or community. Highlight specific projects, initiatives, or accomplishments that showcase her influence and effectiveness.
Give examples*
Examples include: contributions, volunteer commitments, time and expertise aimed at improving the status, enhancing the quality of life and/or meeting the needs of women in Omaha.
How does she serve as a mentor to others?*
Optional: Submit a photo of the woman you are nominating
Max. file size: 50 MB.
CAPTCHA
Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Category Descriptions

Excellence in Business
(Sm/Med: 100 or less employees)
An Omaha area female employee who works for a small/medium size business and makes a difference in the lives of her colleagues in the business or in her networking groups, who contributes to nonprofits, the local community or women’s/girls’ groups.

Excellence in Business
(Large: 100+ employees)
An Omaha area female employee who works for a large size business and makes a difference in the lives of her colleagues in the business or in her networking groups, who contributes to nonprofits, the local community or women’s/girls’ groups.

Emerging Leader Award
This award recognizes a young Omaha metro-area woman under 30 years old who has contributed exceptionally in school activities, her local community and philanthropy or girls groups over the past year. She has a strong sense of self, a success-driven work ethic and great career aspirations.

Community Volunteer
(Philanthropy, time, talent, financial contribution)
This award recognizes an Omaha metro-area woman volunteer or philanthropist who has made a major difference to local charities or nonprofits through a donation of volunteer time, talent or financial contribution.

Excellence in Education
An Omaha metro-area female educator or administrator who has made a difference in the lives of other women or girls. She contributes to the local community and nonprofits, encourages colleagues, and shares her skills for the benefit of others.

Excellence in Healthcare
An Omaha metro-area female who excels in the healthcare industry. She contributes to the local community and nonprofits, helps her colleagues to develop, and shares her skills for the benefit of others.

Excellence in Public Service
(Government, non-profit)
An Omaha area female that works in government, the arts, journalism or for a nonprofit organization. She goes above and beyond in her role and empowers her colleagues, and collaborates with other groups for the greater good to help improve the lives of others in the community.

Excellence in Women's Athletics
This award honors either female athletes, coaches, or individuals who have made significant contributions to women's athletics in the Lincoln area. It celebrates their achievements, leadership, and impact on the development and promotion of women's athletics.

Visionary
(Entrepreneur, founder)
This award recognizes a woman who is an entrepreneur, a founder. Someone who built a dream into a successful venture that benefits and improves the lives of others in the Omaha community. This could be a small business or fundraising event.

Inspire Scholarship
An Omaha area female high school or college student who has contributed to her community, excels in the classroom, and has great career aspirations.

2023 Inspire Finalists

Community Volunteer
Carol Russell, Community Volunteer
Kristin Lowrey, Access Period
Mary Louise Carlson, Omaha Sunrise Lions Club
Pearl Thunn, Pearl’s Beauty Shop
Mary Larson, Community Volunteer

Emerging Leader
Yajaira Gonzalez, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Michaela Atkins, Elevate Omaha
Adria Tipp, Elkhorn High School
Stefanie Bezduch, Angel Guardians
Shelby Belmore, Lacey Brown State Farm

Excellence in Business (Large)
Megan Belcher, Scoular
Calli Hite, Fusion Medical Staffing
Amy Hennings, Signature Performance
Amy L. Lawrenson, Baird Holm LLP
Liz Hall, Medical Solutions

Excellence in Business (Small)
Jodie McGill, McGill Law
Monique Farmer, Avant Solutions
Nicole Bianchi, Nicole Bianchi Speaks
Karli Meisinger, J&R Mechanical
Shanna Turner, T4 Enterprises

Excellence in Education
Dr. Rachel Cushing, Creighton University School of Medicine
Dr. Deb Carlson, Nebraska Methodist College
Dr. Ferial Pearson, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Dr. Joanne Li, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Catie Baker, Creighton University

Excellence in Healthcare
Chanda Chacon, Children’s Hospital
Dr. Joann Porter, Creighton University School of Medicine
Dr. Emily Patel, Methodist Health System
Jen Tran, Methodist Health System
Carol Gaebler, UNMC

Excellence in Public Service
Morgan Keegan, Girls Inc.
Cydney Franklin, Seventy-Five North
Dr. Neena Nizar, The Jansen’s Foundation
Lauren Micek Vargas, Education Rights Counsel
Vanessa Ward, 4ward Leap

Inspire Scholarship
Aylin Sanjuampa Cerezo, College of Saint Mary
Monserrat Medina Hernandez, Student
Maggie Wadginski, GRIT is our Superpower
Mia Perales, Students for Sustainability
Maddie Mollner, College of Saint Mary

Visionary
Haley Piper Haas, Anastasis Theatre Co.
Yareli Garcia, Prestige Cleaning
Julie Hockney, JH Interior Design
Stephanie Grade, Ovation Heartwood Preserve
Tracy Zaiss, ZCo Global Partner Solutions

Woman of the Year
Nancy Williams, No More Empty Pots
Carmen Tapio, North End Teleservices
Cydney Franklin, Seventy Five North
Carol Russell, Volunteer
Dr. Joanne Li, University of Nebraska at Omaha