S4 inspire: celebrating women’s leadership
www.theindependent.com The Grand Island Independent SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2025
Finalists
2025 Inspire Woman of the Year
Across every part of her life, Tracy strives to help others live active, meaningful, and fulfilling lives. Whether she’s teaching yoga, tutoring English, or mentoring athletes, her commitment to empowering others is clear. For over 19 years, Tracy has taught chair yoga at the Grand Island YMCA. Her classes are welcoming, supportive, and fun. She’s always finding new ways to help participants improve balance and flexibility, doing so with kindness and humor. She also volunteers as a swim coach with the Grand Island Special Olympics team, encouraging athletes with patience and heart. For over a decade, Tracy has tutored with the Grand Island Literacy Council, helping individuals learn English, prepare for the U.S. Citizenship Exam, and build literacy skills. She creates personalized lessons and celebrates their progress. Her favorite phrase—“we all smile in the same language”—now appears on the Literacy Council’s mural.
Sponsored by:
Liz Mayfield Executive Director Hope Harbor
Tracy Noble Volunteer Grand Island Literacy Council & YMCA
Raised on a farm in Dunlap, Iowa, Tracy learned the value of hard work and giving back. After earning her master’s in speech-language pathology from the University of Iowa, she worked in healthcare and schools before focusing on raising her four children and serving the Grand Island community. She and her husband Tom—her biggest cheerleader—have called Grand Island home for over 30 years. They enjoy traveling, local events, and time with family, including their beloved grandson. Tracy’s selfless spirit, collaborative heart, and quiet leadership inspire those around her— qualities that make her a deserving Woman of the Year nominee.
Liz Mayfield is a passionate leader dedicated to fostering thriving communities and reimagining what leadership can look like. Since entering the nonprofit sector in 2014, she has spent the past decade advancing sustainability and growth through strategic leadership and deep community engagement. Liz currently serves as Executive Director of Hope Harbor, where she leads efforts to provide housing and holistic support for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Under her leadership, Hope Harbor has undergone a powerful transformation—including securing an entire city block to expand the shelter’s capacity. Her current focus is the Lighthouse Apartments capital campaign, which will bring 20 units of supportive housing to central Nebraska. Liz was nominated for the Woman of the Year Award in recognition of her unwavering dedication to Hope Harbor’s mission and her relentless pursuit of meaningful change. She is a dedicated and exceptional nonprofit professional whose life’s work centers on uplifting women, children, and vulnerable families. Beyond Hope Harbor, Liz is a tireless advocate for youth and mentorship. She serves on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters and volunteers as a Big. She previously chaired Project Connect for seven years and served five years on the Grand Island Community Youth Council board. A lifelong learner and systems thinker, Liz is a graduate of Leadership Tomorrow, the Nonprofit Excellence Institute, and the T.E.A.M. Building Culture Executive Leadership Program. She brings these insights to her consulting venture, Tether & Torch, helping organizations challenge traditional leadership models and build community-driven change. Liz holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Communication from Doane University and a Master of Public Administration – Nonprofit Management from the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Tami Smith serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Health Center (HHC), a role she has held since January 2018. With over two decades of experience in the long-term care industry, Tami brought with her a wealth of knowledge, a strong commitment to values-based leadership, and a dedication to cultivating future leaders. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management and an Associate of Science in Health Information Management. These credentials, paired with her experience, have equipped her to guide HHC through both growth and challenge with steady leadership. Under Tami’s direction, Heartland Health Center has seen major expansion. She led the opening of three new clinic locations—an acute care clinic in Grand Island in 2019, a satellite clinic in Ravenna in 2020, and a long-anticipated
Tami Smith Chief Executive Officer Heartland Health Center
clinic in Hastings in 2024. The Hastings site marks a milestone for HHC, offering medical, behavioral health, and soon, dental services. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, HHC was the only Federally Qualified Health Center in Nebraska to experience growth, a testament to Tami’s resilience and vision. Her leadership is marked by accessibility, strategic thinking, and empathy. Her open-door policy and ability to navigate complex situations have fostered trust and collaboration. She offers not just guidance, but heartfelt support to team members in difficult times. Tami was nominated for the Woman of the Year award for her unwavering service, commitment to expanding healthcare access, and work with non-profits to meet community needs. Her legacy is one of servant leadership, community focus, and the pursuit of excellence in healthcare.
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