S4 inspire: celebrating women’s leadership
www.kearneyhub.com Kearney Hub SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025
Finalists
2025 Inspire Woman of the Year
Dr. Melissa Herrmann serves as the Director of Human Resources for Kearney Public Schools (KPS), bringing more than 20 years of experience in education and leadership. She began her career as a high school social studies teacher and softball coach before moving into administration, serving as Dean of Students at Kearney High School from 2011 to 2014, Assistant Principal from 2014 to 2019, and Director of 6–12 Education beginning in 2019. In 2022, she assumed her current role as HR Director, where she focuses on recruiting, developing, and retaining exceptional educators and staff to support the district’s mission. Dr. Herrmann is passionate about creating a positive, forward-thinking environment for both students and staff. She is committed to implementing progressive strategies that keep KPS at the forefront of educational excellence in Nebraska. As Vice President of the Nebraska Association
Sponsored by:
Judi Sickler President/CEO Kearney Area Community Foundation
Dr. Melissa Herrmann Director of Human Resources Kearney Public Schools
for School Personnel Administrators, she contributes to statewide efforts to address teacher shortages, enhance professional growth, and strengthen human resources practices in education. She frequently speaks at conferences across the state on recruitment, retention, and other HR-related topics impacting schools. Deeply aware of the critical role schools play in local communities, Dr. Herrmann partners with area agencies and organizations to build strong connections between KPS and the city of Kearney. Her collaborative leadership and dedication to service reflect her belief that thriving schools are essential to thriving communities.
Judi Sickler has served as President and CEO of the Kearney Area Community Foundation (KACF) since 2017, after joining the organization as Executive Director in 2001. A Kansas native who has called Kearney home since 1989, Judi brings more than three decades of management, marketing, and communications experience to her leadership role. Before entering the nonprofit sector, she worked with Coleman Powermate, Baldwin Filters, and the advertising agency Sullivan, Higdon & Sink. Under Judi’s guidance, KACF has grown from $5 million in assets to more than $51 million, overseeing 200+ charitable funds dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Kearney area. Since its founding in 1995, the Foundation has distributed over $89 million in grants, scholarships, and program support. She also serves as Executive Director of the Yanney Heritage Park Foundation and leads a team of five professionals who share her commitment to philanthropy. In 2024, the Foundation’s annual “Give Where You Live” campaign raised more than $1.9 million in just 24 hours. Judi’s service extends far beyond her professional role. She has held leadership positions with organizations such as Rotary, the Kearney Family YMCA, the Heartland Council of Community Foundations, United Way, Buffalo County Community Partners, and the Kearney Area Disaster Recovery Group. She has also supported youth programs, arts initiatives, housing and workforce nonprofits, and numerous church and school committees. A graduate of Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications, Judi enjoys mentoring nonprofit leaders, writing resumes, and partnering with visionaries to strengthen her “little corner of the world.” She and her husband, Terry—owners of Integrity Dental Arts—have three adult children, three granddaughters, and a beloved mini goldendoodle. Honored with the Leadership Kearney Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2020 and the Nebraska Young Careerist Award in 1995, Judi continues to inspire generosity, collaboration, and lasting impact throughout central Nebraska.
Dr. Letitia “Letty” Reichart is a Full Professor and Co-Chair of the Department of Biology at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where she has been teaching and mentoring students for 17 years. She earned her PhD in Zoology from Washington State University in 2008 and has dedicated her career to making biology accessible, exciting, and meaningful for students of all ages. Letty has mentored dozens of undergraduate and graduate students, many of whom have presented research at national conferences, and she takes pride in supporting students as they discover their passions and achieve their goals. Beyond the classroom, Letty is an active community member. She has served on the boards of the Kearney Area Animal Shelter and the Safe Center Purses for a Purpose Fundraiser, delivers engaging bird talks at the Iain Nicolson Rowe Audubon Sanctuary, and organizes Sandhill Crane events and teaching workshops through the Nebraska Academy of Sciences. She has also created educational programs for local schools, scouts, children’s museums, and summer camps.
Dr. Letitia Reichart Professor & Co-Chair, Department. of Biology University of Nebraska at Kearney
Passionate about birds, wildlife, and outdoor life, Letty enjoys birding, camping, fishing, Zumba, singing in her church choir, and painting ceramics. She lives near Gibbon, Nebraska, with her husband, Dale, their son Matthew, two dogs, and two cats, while staying closely connected to her family in Pennsylvania. Known for her warmth, approachability, and infectious curiosity, Letty inspires students, colleagues, and community members alike. She doesn’t just teach biology—she builds connections, sparks curiosity, and leaves people feeling seen, valued, and excited to learn.
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