inspire: celebrating women’s leadership S7
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2025 Kearney Hub www.kearneyhub.com
Finalists
Sponsored by: Community Partner Award
Dawn Becker is the Firm Administrator at Jacobsen Orr Law Firm, a position she has held since 2012. Born in York and raised in Kearney, she is a proud graduate of Kearney High School and the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Dawn and her husband, John, enjoy a close-knit family that includes their three children—Meagan, Jaiden and her husband Cameron, and Zach and his wife Emalee—and two grandchildren, Skylar and Aiden. Deeply committed to community service, Dawn has spent more than two decades contributing her leadership and energy to numerous boards and organizations. She has been an active member of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce Envoys since 2005, serving as chairperson in 2010. Her long-standing involvement with Make-A- Wish Nebraska includes roles as state board member,
Renae Zimmer Director of Student Engagement & Leadership University of Nebraska at Kearney
wish granter, and founding member of the Greater Nebraska Friends Council, where she has also chaired major fundraising events and children’s programs. She currently serves as president of the Kearney Area Children’s Museum Board of Directors, mentors through the UNK Gold Torch Society, and sits on the Nebraska State Bar Association Insurance Consortium Board. Previously, Dawn held leadership positions with Leadership Kearney, the S.A.F.E. Center, and Junior Achievement in Kearney. Passionate about making a difference, Dawn thrives on opportunities to bring joy or ease to others—whether supporting friends, family, or strangers. Her dedication, warmth, and “all-in” approach continue to inspire and strengthen the community she calls home. Dawn Becker Firm Administrator Jacobsen Orr Law Firm
Renae Zimmer serves as the Director of Student Engagement and Leadership at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where she is passionate about helping students discover their strengths, develop as leaders, and find meaningful ways to engage on campus. A Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, she uses her expertise to guide students, staff, and colleagues in identifying their talents and applying them to serve others and reach their fullest potential. Renae’s dedication to her community extends far beyond the university. She is a former executive board member of the Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce and is active with Envoys, Habitat for Humanity, the Buffalo County Suicide Prevention Coalition, PEO Chapter IX of Kearney, and Chaperone Kearney. She has also served as a council member for First Lutheran Church, participated in Leadership Kearney Class 17, graduated from Leadership UNK, and contributes to statewide initiatives through the Nebraska State Suicide Prevention Coalition. In 2014, Renae and her husband, Dave, co-founded the Central Nebraska LOSS (Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors) Team. Partnering with local mental health professionals, they built a network offering compassionate support to families grieving a loss by suicide while raising awareness about mental health needs across the region. The LOSS Team’s impact earned the CHI Healthy Community Advocacy Award in 2017 and continues to make a difference for countless families. Renae earned her Master’s Degree in Higher Education Student Affairs from UNK in 2022. She loves attending sporting events and live music— especially concerts at the Pinewood Bowl and The Astro—and traveling with Dave to explore new places each summer. Together, they cherish time with their children, Nolan (and his wife, Miranda) and Kamryn (and her husband, Anthony), as well as their grandson, Miles. Guided by curiosity, resilience, and a commitment to personal growth, Renae strives daily to be the best version of herself while encouraging others to do the same.
Jennifer Behlmann and her husband, Gary, have proudly owned Kearney Towing & Repair for 38 years. Jennifer oversees dispatching tow trucks around the clock, manages bookkeeping, and keeps daily operations on track, ensuring the business remains a dependable part of the Kearney community. Jennifer’s greatest passion lies in building inclusion and strengthening connections. For more than 25 years, she has been deeply involved with Special Olympics Nebraska, serving the past 11 years as Head of Delegation for the Kearney team. Under her leadership, the delegation has doubled in size, added two sports, and cultivated an atmosphere where every athlete feels valued. She organizes practices several times a week, coordinates competitions in Lincoln and Omaha, and was inducted into the Special Olympics Nebraska Coaches Hall of Fame in 2023. Many of her 75 athletes lovingly call her “Coach Mom” because of the care and encouragement she provides.
Jennifer Behlmann Co-Owner Kearney Towing & Repair
Jennifer’s community spirit reaches far beyond coaching. She has forged strong partnerships with local law enforcement, UNK, the YMCA, Kearney CrossFit, Kearney Parks and Recreation, and other organizations to expand opportunities for unified sports and increase volunteer engagement. Her efforts create bridges between athletes and the wider community, fostering inclusion and understanding. A generous mentor and volunteer, Jennifer frequently supports families of children with special needs and contributes to causes throughout the region. Whether through her business, Special Olympics, or civic projects, Jennifer’s dedication, warmth, and tireless advocacy continue to make a meaningful impact on Kearney and beyond.
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator