inspire: celebrating women’s leadership S7
SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2025 The Grand Island Independent www.theindependent.com
Sponsored by: Community Partner Award
Finalists
Melissa DeLaet has served as CEO of the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation since 2016. With over 20 years of experience in human services, fundraising, sales, and marketing, she brings a strong, compassionate approach to nonprofit leadership. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hastings College, a Master’s in Community Counseling from the University of Nebraska at Kearney, and a Certificate in Fundraising Management from The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University. Melissa has led transformative projects, including the Pirnie Inclusive Playground and Stolley Park improvements, creating inclusive spaces for all children. Her leadership is marked by integrity, humanity, and a deep commitment to honoring the trust of fundholders and community members. An active presence in Grand Island, Melissa has served with numerous organizations, including Leadership Unlimited, Rotary, Make-A-Wish, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and United
Tracy Noble Volunteer Grand Island Literacy Council & YMCA
Melissa DeLaet Chief Executive Officer Greater Grand Island Community Foundation
Way. She currently serves as secretary/treasurer on the CEONet board, is a former member of the Governor-appointed Commission on Housing and Homelessness, and has been recognized as the YWCA’s Young Woman of Achievement and one of Grand Island’s Top 35 Under 35. She is a proud graduate of Leadership Tomorrow, Class 24. A mentor to many women in leadership, Melissa empowers others by example. She and her husband, Nathan—General Manager of their family business, MainStay Suites—have three teenage boys. In her free time, she enjoys golfing, cooking, traveling, cheering on Husker football, and time with family and friends.
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 uplifting 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. No one ever feels left behind in her care. She also volunteers as a swim coach with the Grand Island Special Olympics team, encouraging athletes with patience, positivity, and heart. For more than a decade, Tracy has served as a tutor with the Grand Island Literacy Council, helping individuals learn English, study for the U.S. Citizenship Exam, and build literacy skills. She creates customized lessons for her students and celebrates every step of their progress. Her favorite phrase—“we all smile in the same language”—now lives on the mural outside the Literacy Council, a tribute to her lasting impact and joyful spirit. Raised on a farm in Dunlap, Iowa, Tracy learned early 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 giving back to her community. She and her husband Tom have called Grand Island home for over 30 years and enjoy traveling, local events, and time with family—including their beloved grandson. Tracy was selected for the Community Partner Award because of the deep and lasting impact she has made across Grand Island. From literacy tutoring and yoga instruction to mentoring Special Olympics athletes, Tracy gives her time, energy, and heart to help others grow and thrive. She builds trust, fosters belonging, and lifts up everyone around her—quietly and generously. She is the very definition of a true community partner.
Carolina “Lina” Sutton has been a dedicated member of the Grand Island community for nearly 12 years. With a Bachelor’s degree in Cross-Cultural Communication, Lina brings both professional skill and deep compassion to her role as Operations Director for the Multicultural Coalition—a position she has held for the past six years. In addition to her work at the MC, Lina serves on the leadership team for GI ACT (Area Coalition on Trafficking) and the steering committee for Project Connect, demonstrating her commitment to collaboration, advocacy, and service across multiple spheres of the community. Lina and her husband Scott are the proud parents of five children. Formerly licensed foster parents, they grew their family through legal guardianship—a testament to their heart for others and their belief in providing a safe, loving home. Lina was nominated for her quiet, unwavering leadership. She is a woman who works behind the scenes with humility and purpose, never seeking the spotlight for herself but consistently turning it toward those who are overlooked,
Carolina “Lina” Sutton
Operations Director Multicultural Coalition
unheard, or unseen. Through her work at the Multicultural Coalition, she strengthens the organization’s capacity to serve by building bridges—with other organizations, leaders, and community resources—ensuring that clients have access to a strong and supportive foundation. Her ability to see from multiple perspectives makes her an effective and empathetic leader, one who brings people together and uplifts those who are too often left out of the conversation. Whether she’s organizing resources, forging partnerships, or mentoring others, Lina leads with heart. She loves traveling, spending time in nature, and trying new cuisines, and she strives daily to live a life that reflects her love for God and neighbor.
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