2018 Women of Achievement Luncheon
Featured Speaker
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Jacquelyn is an award-winning journalist with honors from the Associated Press, Nebraska Broadcasters Association and Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association.
She launched new newscasts, created work flows and trained staff to deliver a news product that increased viewership and ratings in the region. Once Gray Television purchased KNEP in Scottsbluff in 2016, Jacquelyn assumed the leadership of news team development and remodeling of news facilities. Jacquelyn developed a team that uses anchors and reporters in both locations to broadcast newscasts seven days a week. Jacquelyn also leads special projects such as NBC Sweep Series, and statewide broadcasts for a Nebraska network of television stations (KOLN, KSNB, KNPL, KIIT, KNEP).
Jacquelyn Harms leads the KNOP/KNPL/KIIT news department in North Platte and spearheads the collaborative news delivery services with KNEP-TV in Scottsbluff. Jacquelyn joined the KNOP-TV staff on a part-time basis in 1994 as an anchor, reporter, photographer, and producer. She assumed news director responsibilities in 1997. For almost 25 years, she has led the news team through sever- al newsroom upgrades including a digital con- version, remodeled studios and robotic cameras. With Gray Television’s purchase of KNOP in 2014, Jacque led the relocation of the North Platte television studio and consolidation of KNOP-TV with the Gray’s CBS affiliate KNPL.
Jacquelyn Harms
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Krista Heiss Krista Heiss, nominated in the Business category, is executive vice president and chief credit officer at NebraskaLand National Bank. She has been a staple in the community for many years, doing everything from coaching youth basketball to serving on the Rape and Domestic Abuse Program board. Over the years, Heiss has leveraged her foundation in banking to help her serve as the treasurer for various organizations, currently serving in that role for the North Platte Catholic Schools Foundation and the Children's Advocacy Center/Bridge of Hope. At Bridge of Hope, she does double duty as treasurer and vice president.
"She is consistently supportive of work-life balance for those persons she supervises at her job and works to maintain balance in her own life. Her integrity is apparent in all she undertakes," said Katherine Hall, Heiss' nominator. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Renae Brandt Renae Brandt has been nominated for Women of Achievement in the Cultural Arts category. As a driving force behind the renovation of downtown North Platte, the mother of three took charge in the recently completed renovation of the Dixon Building. Brandt, is office manager for the building owner, Blakely Enterprises.
example of a woman of extraordinary achievement in the community of North Platte," said Wendy Dodson, executive director of the North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment Trust. "For the past five years, she has served as a selfless leader on the North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment Board of directors. As president for the past two years, Krista has provided incredible vision and leadership that has led the Endowment and North Platte Catholic Schools to great success." While Heiss is heavily involved in her volunteer roles, she still finds time to progress in her banking career. In July 2016, she was named a "Rising Star in Banking" by the Northwestern Financial Review. The award recognizes bankers who make significant contributions to their community and institution and are poised to continue to impact those areas in the future.
"She is, in my opinion, the absolute perfect
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most enjoyable, beneficial time possible. She is nominated in the Education category.
She is continuing the downtown's rejuvenation by leading the renovation of the Mutual Loan Building. "Very few people in this community have the understanding of the history of downtown North Platte and the potential grants and subsidies available to them," said Chris Blakely of Blakely Enterprises, who nominated Brandt. "Renae not only works tirelessly to improve downtown, she also researches information about these things more than anyone I know. She is a wealth of knowledge and has amazing dedication to improving our community." Brandt also has taken the lead on the push to improve the historic Pawnee Hotel. She has started and completed a petition to request a review of the building and operates a Facebook page for the building with over 1,000 followers and regular engagement with community members. "Not only are her efforts with the Pawnee Hotel project awe-inspiring, but her desire to make the entire downtown district a visually appealing and destination place to visit is equally admirable. She truly cares about this community and takes it a step further by actively trying (and succeeding) in making it better," said Megan McGown, vice president of economic development and marketing for North Platte Area Chamber and Development. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Brenda Aufdenkamp As the 4-H youth development educator at the Nebraska Extension Center since 1998, Brenda Aufdenkamp oversees the office's programs for children in Lincoln, Logan and McPherson counties. Partnering with area schools and working with the Lincoln County 4-H clubs,
Aufdenkamp's work reached 5,254 students, approximately 80 percent of the age-eligible children in the three counties, in 2017. "Her programming in schools, after-school programming, as well as summer programming are focused on helping youth make healthier life choices by teaching them of the importance of eating right and exercising," Kelly Bruns, Extension Center director, wrote in the letter nominating Aufdenkamp in the Education category. "She has engaged in a wide variety of youth programs with a focus of reaching the underserved youth in the community." Aufdenkamp's programs cover everything from physical health to civic and government responsibilities. One of her biggest programs last year was the school enrichment embryology program, in which incubators and eggs were taken to area classrooms to teach students about the requirements to sustain life. That program reached 425 students in 25 classrooms around the area. "While we do not always recognize, nor are we able to quantify, the long-term impacts of youth programming, I am confident that Brenda's work is making an impact in our community," Bruns said. Along with her work at the Extension Center, Aufdenkamp is also active at First Evangelical Lutheran Church and has served as a committee member on the United Way campaign. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Pam LeDroit Known as a loving friend and neighbor, Pam LeDroit has operated a day care business out of her home for 25 years and spends most of her time working to ensure that the kids have the
LeDroit says there is nothing she would rather do instead of what she is currently doing.
In the spare moments when she is not with the kids or prepping for them, LeDroit enjoys working in the yard, going on walks and spending time with family and friends. LeDroit's nominator, Rhonda Gottula, has been friends with Pam for years and felt that her positive attitude and strong bond with the children she takes care of warranted nomination for the award.
"Pam is the kindest. She loves her day care children like they were her own," Gottula said.
"She's been doing this over 20 years, has a big heart and smile. The children refer to her as Pammy."
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Brittany McDaniel Brittany McDaniel, a North Platte native, is a language arts educator, speech and theater coach, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes volunteer at North Platte High School.
In a letter nominating McDaniel in the
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Amanda Speichert Amanda Speichert is a public defender for Lincoln County. She is nominated in the Government/Law category. "I cannot think of a better candidate that embodies the ideals and values this prestigious award represents," County Judge Kent Turnbull wrote in his letter recommending Speichert. "I can safely say that as an attorney, she has conducted herself with the highest degree of professionalism and integrity at all times when representing her clients. However, her representation of children and families shines the brightest. Ms. Speichert's pledge to children extends outside the courtroom through her volunteer work." That volunteer work includes serving on the Connection Homeless Shelter's Board of Directors since 2011. She is the board's vice president. She's coached mock trial teams for North Platte High School and St. Pat's High School and is the secretary for the Legacy Home for Women. Jennifer Smith, a co-worker of Speichert who nominated her for the Women of Achievement award, wrote that Speichert is "dedicated, hard-working and well-respected among her peers. She works tirelessly to improve the system of justice through juvenile law reform and drug court involvement." Lincoln County Attorney Rebecca Harling acknowledged Speichert's service in many roles day-to-day in her letter of recommendation. "There are times when I wonder how Amanda gets done all she does," Harling wrote. "In one day Amanda can file a divorce proceeding, spend five hours in court advocating for clients in juvenile court, read grant applications, be on a phone conference with Through the Eyes of a Child program, go to one of her many board
Education category, Tami Eshleman spoke of the energy and determination McDaniel brings to everything she does despite typically balancing multiple responsibilities at once. "McDaniel is a great role model for students on being a professional, wife, parent and volunteer. She is able to balance her many roles and is always positive," said Eshleman, associate superintendent of North Platte Public Schools. "When you first meet Brittany, you feel the energy bubbling from her, and her creativity is contagious. Students seek her out for guidance and she is often asked to be a mentor for new teachers." McDaniel and her husband, Sam, have been actively involved in the youth ministry at First Baptist Church. The couple has three kids under the age of 4, but that has never slowed McDaniel. Her first child was born two days into the Miss Nebraska Pageant of which she was the producer, and she led the First Baptist youth group on an out-of-state mission trip while nine months pregnant with her third child. "She puts her heart and soul into making a difference in the lives of our youth and positively directing them in their life choices," Eshleman said. Eshleman's letter referenced McDaniel's commitment to students, using a firsthand example. "I cannot think of a more sincere and kind person to represent North Platte for Women of Achievement in the category of education," she said. "She is an advocate for all students. When my son optioned to North Platte High School his senior year, she made it a point to share with me what she appreciated about him. Her attention to students' strengths is remarkable." • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
meetings, and meet with her criminal clients. No one works harder or deserves this accolade more than Amanda."
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Deb Weaver Deb Weaver, who operates Dr. Deb's Express Medical Care, has served on the board for Rape and Domestic Abuse Program of North Platte since 2014 and has been its vice president for the past three years. Her background in medicine provides the RDAP board with a unique look into the situations of the survivors they assist. She is nominated in the Medical category. "She has approached and served the RDAP board with integrity and leadership and has personally advocated for survivors when needed. Her no-nonsense attitude has also provided RDAP staff with a source of stability and guidance, especially related to trauma response," said Jenny Bonta, RDAP executive director. Jenifer Fowler, a co-worker of Weaver's at Dr. Deb's, spoke of the unique way that Weaver cares for patients. "Being in medicine for nearly 20 years, I've had the chance to observe the style of many physicians. Just as her name implies, Dr. Deb rather than Dr. Weaver, she has a very personal and caring relationship with her patients," Fowler said. "It is a humble approach to taking care of her patients that is more like a friend helping a friend, rather than someone in a white coat dictating instructions." Weaver employs that humble, personal approach in both her profession and her volunteering, a fact that is not lost on Bonta.
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Dana Songster, Tatman's nominator and director of the North Platte Ready to Serve Volunteer Program, wrote in her letter of recommendation of the caring heart that Tatman brings into everything she does. "Shawna loves all the seniors who come to the center. She greets them with a warm, friendly smile and makes them feel welcome and comfortable. She tries to get to know everyone on a personal basis," Songster said. "Most of these seniors are like extended family to Shawna." • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Rachel Young A 14-year-old nominee for the Volunteer cate- gory, Rachel Young has a diverse set of experi- ences and accomplishments. She was nominated for the award by Lincoln County Community Connections staff and serves on its Young Leaders team. "She is a young lady who not only strives for success within herself, but encourages those around her to find their path to success. She is a beacon of positivity that shines from within our community to all she interacts with," Heather Jensen of Community Connections said.
"I may not know all the specifics of what she has accomplished in her life and career, I know she serves her patients (and has served on the RDAP board) with immense empathy, respect, sincerity and persistence," Bonta wrote. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Andrea Hongsermeier The Bridge of Hope Child Advocacy Center welcomed Andrea Hongsermeier to its team in 2017, when Andrea and her husband, Jon, moved back to the area. Originally she was simply a volunteer advocate, but in the fall Bridge of Hope offered her a full-time position as advocate and forensic interviewer.
referral of community resources," said Amber Berliner, Bridge of Hope's executive director.
Along with her work at Bridge of Hope, Hongsermeier is on the North Platte Library Board, volunteers at the senior center, and has worked with Meals on Wheels to deliver food. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Shawna Tatman The Senior Center in North Platte has expanded its reach in the community under the leadership of Shawna Tatman, who is nominated in the Social Services category. As director, she has added fitness programs to the center's offerings, including strength training and tai chi. Along with extending the options at the building, she has worked to stretch the center into the community through the Meals on Wheels and Congregate Meals program, both of which she actively cooks and delivers for. Recently, Tatman secured grants that helped purchase a new pickup truck that has a heater to help with delivering warm meals. "I am always amazed at Shawna's work ethic and dedication. If we need to raise more funding for the senior center, Shawna says 'no problem, we can do it.' If we are short staffed and Shawna has to
Her role functions as the link between the families and the help they need.
Kim Hongsermeier, Andrea's mother-in-law, nominated her for the Women of Achievement award in the Social Services category because of Andrea's selflessness and heart for service. "Andrea is very generous giving her time to the families in crisis and need, being on call and available when needed. She has spent countless hours training and traveling for her position," Kim said. "Andrea is the most compassionate and caring person I know. She has the biggest heart and her love for children is evident in her life." Most recently, she attended training to become a "Steward of Children facilitator." The training program is meant to help raise awareness and educate to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. "Whether interacting with young children, teenagers or caregivers, Andrea is an excellent advocate by listening to families tell their story and assisting them with the identification and
work in the kitchen to help make meals that day, she says 'no prob- lem, I can do it.' During her tenure at the Senior Center, she has con- stantly worked to help make seniors' lives bet- ter," Community Action Partnership CEO Meredith Collins said.
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and frames out of old barn wood.
Young was named the 2018 Miss Twin Rivers Outstanding Teen. She volunteers at Rail Fest, Nebraskaland Days and many Kiwanis events and has an extensive list of school-centric extracurricular activities. With the Youth Leaders program, she has recorded radio public service announcements, performed skits for Kids Klub and served in leadership roles for camps. "She has a certain drive about her that sets her apart from the average hard worker without being overbearing," Logan Elliott of Community Connections said. "Rachel possesses a sincere heart for service and compassion for others. There is no hidden agenda in her actions, it is not for admiration nor attention, but simply because it is the right thing." Along with the plethora of volunteer experiences, she is a talented performer, having often sung the national anthem at area sporting events and receiving an invitation to perform at the Fort Cody summer concert series. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Shelli Arensdorf Shelli Arensdorf, a grandmother of four, has been employed by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for almost 35 years and consistently finds ways to use her talents to affect others. She is nominated in the Volunteer category.
the Army of Angels does so much good for the community.
Arensdorf has been on the Buffalo Bill Rodeo Committee for 10 years and has been a co-chairman for three years. She has served as secretary and judge at several events. In 2002, she created the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show, an annual event in North Platte for which she organizes the group of vendors and also sells her own creations. The "entry fee"to the show is canned food, which is then donated to food pantries in North Platte. "Shelli is not only talented and smart, donating back to the community, but she also has an open door policy for friends and family," Arensdorf's nominator, Cindy Swanson, said. "She is a great friend and neighbor. As my grandfather would say, 'She is the one that would give the shirt off her back if you needed it.'" • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Leslie Fries A founding member of the Army of Angels volunteer group, Leslie Fries has done many things to better the North Platte community. The group was founded by a group of women who wanted to assist a cancer-stricken friend. The friend passed away, but the group stuck together, operating today to help anyone in the community who is in need. Fries, one of about seven original members still part of the group, also works for the North Platte Public School District as an in-school- suspension teacher. Michelle Whips, known as Groovy Granny, nominated Fries in the Volunteer category. She said she made the nomination simply because
Whips and Army of Angels have worked together on several projects to help people in North Platte going through hard times.
Such projects include bake sales, Christmas basket deliveries, silent auctions and raffles.
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Leigh Henline Leigh Henline spent 10 years with the Postal Service, where she became North Platte's first female mail carrier. Following her time there, Henline began to work at the family business, Fort Cody Trading Post. Henline also has a rich history in service to North Platte, doing extensive work with First Presbyterian Church, Eisenhower Elementary's PTA, the Grace Ministries Food Pantry and the people of North Platte in general. She is nominated in the Volunteer category. "When I had cancer and faced losing my hair, she was there with one of her mother's beautiful scarves to cover my head. That's just one of the many types of joy Leigh has supported me with," said Sandra Meyer, who nominated Henline for the award. When Henline's twin sons were in elementary school, she served on the Eisenhower PTA for six years in the roles of secretary, vice president and president. She received the lifetime PTA award in 1997. At the food pantry, she has served on the board for the past 10 years. She sends out thank-you notes for donations, visits with civic organizations on the pantry's behalf and writes
She uses her talents in baking to cook up cakes for weddings, birthdays and graduations.
She also is skilled in horsemanship and woodworking. She helps her father and neighbors work cattle. She also builds furniture
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bike ride from the Rec Center to the Golden Spike.
of these as a volunteer," wrote fellow church member Brian Gardner, who nominated Shore in the Volunteer category. "Shari understands that meeting the physical needs of people has a great effect on their ability to be productive and mentally healthy members of society. Her efforts as a volunteer are making a tremendous difference in the lives of many people in our community." Volunteering is just one aspect of Shore's contributions to the community. She is a board member for the Platte Valley Recovery House as its secretary, volunteers to drive people to out-of-town treatments if they do not have a ride and conducts free workshops at Mid-Plains Community College for middle school girls to talk about careers for women - all while working at Family Matters Counseling Services as a mental health counselor. "I believe Shari Shore is the epitome of what it is to be a selfless, loving, caring, committed, talented volunteer who makes a huge impact for so many men, women and children in our community," Julie Hlavaty wrote in her letter of recommendation.
organizations on the pantry's behalf and writes a monthly column for the church newsletter.
"She works diligently and nonstop for the betterment of animals. Not only does Jo show these wonderful attributes for animals, she shows them for all humanity," said Jean Whyte, a PAWS-tive Partners member. Mayber's main project at the moment, Paws on the Platte, features dog statues that have been painted by artists and are now "on tour" around North Platte. The statues will be auctioned off at Pals Brewery on July 27. "While Jo always credits others with the success of a project and prefers to remain low-key, many of us would like to see her be recognized for all she has accomplished," said Pat Dannatt, who along with Dianne Morales nominated Mayber in the Volunteer category. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Shari Shore Every Wednesday night, Shari Shore heads up an effort to provide a meal for the needy at the Episcopal Church of Our Savior in North Platte. Shore volunteers her time to pick up food and ingredients from Salvation Army and sometimes
One of Henline's biggest active volunteer outlets is First Presbyterian's ongoing card campaign. Yearly, Henline sends approximately 500 cards to celebrate birthdays or anniversaries and encourage those who are sick or going through hard times. "When I told Leigh I was nominating her, of course she said, 'Oh, I don't deserve it,'" Meyer said. "But I told her that God gave her the ability and the will to do this." • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Joanna Mayber Joanna Mayber has devoted countless hours to improving the lives of pets in North Platte and the surrounding area. Mayber spearheaded the movement to create two dog parks in North Platte, working with her husband, Bob, to clear the parks' grounds of trash, weeds and cacti. Mayber also fosters pregnant dogs, taking many into her home over the years and sacrificing her home's garage for the dogs' comfort. She also has been in charge of PAWS-itive Partners' spay-and-neuter program and led the fundraising to remodel the city shelter. When the shelter's remodel was completed, Mayber worked to raise funds for the creation of a cat room. When that cat room started to get full in late 2013, Mayber launched an initiative to slash the adoption fee from $20 to $1 to help clear space in the shelter. She also worked to establish Paw Prints, a group that emphasizes pet health in Dawson County, and created the annual Pedal for Paws
will donate from her own pocket if there is not enough to feed the average of 100 people each time. "The criteria for a Women of Achievement Award references ethics, social responsibility and outstanding leadership. Shari demonstrates all
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