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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
Megan McGown ..... chief development officer Wendy Ward ............ director of patient safety and risk management We salute this year’s Women of Achievement nominees with a special congratulations to our very own GPHealth nominees.
Danni Franzen ......... chief operating officer Loretta Baca ............ MD, internal medicine
Loretta Baca M.D. WOMAN OF ACHIEVEMENT FINALIST FOR MEDICAL
Your center for integrative, holistic hea l th and wellness. We are aligned with the world famous Riordan clinic. We are the medicine and health of the future.
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MISTY RICHARDS APRN
LAURIE SOPER APRN-C
KATELYN WILLIAMS FNP-C
WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024 PAGE 3
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
Wendy Ward 2024 Nominees in Medical Loretta Baca, M.D. Nominators: Laurie Soper, Sali Lindenberger, Wendy Mueller and Michelle Dowhower Loretta Baca owns and operates The Center for Health in North Platte.
Nominator: Barbara Petersen Wendy Ward serves as the director of risk management and patient safety at Great Plains Health in North Platte. She is certified as a Healthcare Accreditation Certified Professional and has 25 years of experience as a nurse, which has given her years of nursing leadership and a transformational leadership style. Serving on a number of community boards and committees, Wendy gives her time and has a close relationship with law enforcement, the Child Advocacy Center and RDAP, and is on the board of directors for Deborah’s Legacy in addition to being a Chamber
Hostess. “In addition to her knowledge and skills, Wendy is quite humble and is always directing any credit away from herself and toward others,” nominator Barbara Petersen said. “Wendy often very quietly goes out of her way, using her own time and resources to give to patients, families and staff in some of their most dire times of need. She has assisted with getting patients clothing when needed, food, gas, shelter and plugging patients into community resources that they otherwise would not know existed.”
for additional responsibilities outside of her own as a sergeant. These include drug recognition expert, datamaster maintenance officer, anti-bias trainer, field sobriety testing instructor and field training officers. Lisa’s impact and involvement with the community extend far beyond the police department. She was named the 2018 Miss Habitat for her work with Habitat for Humanity, served on the board of the Lincoln County Ag Society and served on the St. Patrick’s Church Parish Council and North Platte Catholic Schools Safety Council. Lisa also volunteers with Lincoln County CASA and the Juvenile Assessment Center. She co-chaired the Battle of Heroes, raising money for area nonprofit organizations. When she is not at work or volunteering her time, Lisa also owns and operates her own businesses: Snowball Express and Axes & Aces. “A law enforcement officer's job is very demanding physically and mentally,” Lt. Jeffrey Foote said in a letter of this life of service I nominate her for this award.” Loretta is board certified in internal medicine and specializes in family practice, according to the center’s website. She is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Academy for the Advancement of Medicine. She was an associate professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Before moving to North Platte in 1998, she was associate program director of the internal medicine residency program at St. Joseph Hospital in Denver and came to North Platte monthly as a rheumatology consultant.
Colleague Laurie Soper, who nominated Loretta, wrote: “Dr. Baca has been at the forefront in bringing holistic care options to Nebraska. Opening her business The Center for Health gave her the opportunity to use integrative, functional, alternative medicine and traditional medicine for the best patient outcomes. “To date thousands of patients around the country and indeed around the world have benefited from her care. For
2024 Nominees in Government
Lisa Citta volunteered
recommendation. “Lisa has taken on extra responsibilities within the department, which adds to this demand. Add in that she is a business owner, involved in almost every charity organization in the area and received
her master’s degree at the same time, there is no argument that she has achieved more than most people have, and I don't see an end to it.”
Nominator: Gayle Reed Since 2012 Lisa Citta has been protecting and serving the city of North Platte as an officer, now sergeant, of the North Platte Police Department. During that time she has received numerous commendation awards from the department for her acts of bravery and service to the community. “Lisa has gone far and above in her profession,” Gayle Reed wrote. “She has continued to be involved and learn as much as she possibly can as she has developed into an outstanding officer. She has been promoted to investigator and then sergeant and has continued to excel in her duties.” Gayle said Lisa is the second woman to have attained the rank of sergeant in the North Platte Police Department and is a mentor to the other women officers. “I am constantly amazed at how she is so involved and invested in everything she does,” Gayle said. “She is truly invested in people and is able to connect on a personal level.” Chief Steve Reeves said Lisa has
Debra McCarthy
With several leadership roles in Lincoln County under her belt, Deb has served as the jury commissioner, secretary of the Lincoln County Mental Health Board, Lincoln County Merit Commission, Lincoln County HIPAA committee and Clerk of District Court Association secretary/treasurer, vice president and president. In addition, she has served on the legislative, nominating and auditing committees of the Clerks Association. “I have been in the County Assessor’s Office for 20 years in July and have worked with Deb over my 20 years,” Julie Stenger said. “She has been a great asset to the county and will be missed when she retires in August 2024.”
Nominators: Richard Birch and Michael Piccolo Debra McCarthy serves as the clerk of District Court for Lincoln County. Her role is both to protect and provide open access to the records collected and filed in their offices. Her role also includes court rules, child support, juror information, passports, immigration services, domestic violence programs and vital records. “Given the often stressful situations that exist in the court system, Deb has consistently exhibited leadership and professionalism in delivering excellent and efficient service to the public,” Judges Richard Birch and Michael Piccolo wrote. “We are honored to work alongside such an exceptional leader as well as a dedicated team player.”
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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
2024 Nominees in Business Nominators: Angela Morris, Jan Wright and Lori Yoshida Danni Franzen Kathryn Hisel
Danelle Franzen,” nominator Angela Morris wrote. “Her dedication to Christ, her husband, her family and to lifelong learning make her extremely eligible.” Danni has earned multiple awards throughout her years at GPH. She became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives in 2023 and was named to Mid-Plains Community College Distinguished Alumni in 2021. “Danni’s expertise at the hospital is a huge asset that leads to growing our community,” nominator Lori Yoshida said. “I met Danni when she worked part time in the lab. I have watched her get her master’s degree, I was with her at graduation. I watched her work on her laptop at softball games watching our girls play. Of all the people I’ve worked with, Danni is among the top that has so much passion for her job and community.”
Nominators: Tristen Winder, Shannon Booth and Victoria Cramer Beatriz Reyna has been with KNOP News 2 in North Platte for almost 20 years. She is the current news director, but has spent many years out in the field, talking with Nebraskans and telling their stories as a reporter. As news director, Beatriz leads the news team and is responsible for deciding what goes in each of News 2’s newscasts. She also spends time coaching and mentoring young journalists in her newsroom, shaping future reporters in North Platte. “Beatriz is a tremendous person,” nominator Shannon Booth said, “She’s Nominator: Brad Hisel Kathryn Hisel is part owner and chief financing officer for both JA Wever Construction Co. and Integrated Power Co., an electrical substation company based out of North Platte. When she started working with Integrated Power Co. there were only a handful of employees. Kathryn was instrumental in the growth of the business that now employs over 150 people with projects all across the country. Kathryn's company works on the electrical grid for the country and has done projects for companies such as Amazon and Google. In addition, she is part owner of her family’s cow-calf operation in the Sandhills, helping with the finance side of things. Brad Hisel noted that not only has Kathryn been successful in the business world, but also in the community. A member of the North Platte Hostesses, she served as treasurer and has volunteered her time with numerous events. “Her input at board meetings is held in high regard by all board members and she has been a driving force behind the
always present, always involved and always pushing and encouraging her team. She has achieved several National Broadcasters Association awards for excellence.” Victoria Cramer described Beatriz as an extremely helpful mentor and role model. “She continues to innovate the industry and she inspires those around her to work hard and do the same,” Cramer wrote. “Her professionalism in the workplace is something to be envied, and her ability to solve any problem gives the entire station a calm and can-do perspective. She is one of the most encouraging people I have ever met.” “She consistently demonstrates a strong ability to effectively manage employees, navigate challenges in a male dominated field with grace and resilience and inspire others to reach their full potential,” she said. “Furthermore, Kathryn serves as a role model for women within the construction and professional industry, showing through her actions and words that much can be done with a positive attitude.” successful Backyard BBQ fundraising event,” Robert Stefka wrote. “If you ever want to see the epitome of efficiency, work for an event that Kathryn spearheads.” For almost a decade Kathryn has been a member of the North Platte Public School Foundation and serves as treasurer for its board. “Kathryn is a caring and devoted friend to many people,” Brad Hisel said. “She is always there if one of her friends needs something as she cares deeply for those who care about her.” Kandace Andrews wrote that Kathryn is a “phenomenal leader, deeply involved in her community, an exemplary mother and a truly inspiring role model for all women.”
Danni Franzen started as a phlebotomist at Great Plains Health, working her way up through the ranks and serving as blood bank manager, laboratory director, senior director of ancillary services, senior director of provider services, chief of the provider network and finally chief operating officer. During this time, Danni was also helping her husband run their family plumbing business, scheduling and keeping books for her daughters’ softball teams, leasing and managing the family’s multiple rental houses, and owning and operating Creekside Event Center. “When I think of a woman who exemplifies what it means to be a woman of achievement, I think of my friend
Beatriz Reyna
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024 PAGE 5 2024 Nominees in Cultural Arts WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
Jessie Lovett Allen
Peggy Fox
learning opportunities and expanding her knowledge. She has been an English instructor for over 15 years and shares her passion for podcasts and literature in the classroom, providing her students with different experiences that enrich their worldview,” nominator Sky Seery said. Jessie’s literary work has appeared in publications such as the Los Angeles Review in 2023, the NCTE English Journal in 2020 and The Forge in 2021, where her work “What Will Happen to the Fat Girl” was selected for Best Small Fictions 2022. Nominator Chantel Burch said Jessie’s “First Day at the Community College” brought her to tears when she read it. “She conveys all of the feelings of worry and helplessness a nontraditional student feels on their first day and the impact that kindness can create,” Burch said. “Jessie takes great care to understand her students and the stage of life they might be in. I can speak firsthand about the investment she makes into people. Whether it be inviting a new faculty member who is new to the area out to lunch, or helping a down on her luck single mom go back to college, Jessie wants to see them thrive.” In April 2019 she published her academic piece “Teaching with Narrative Nonfiction Podcasts” in the Journal of Educational Multimedia and Hypermedia. “Dr. Jessie Lovett is an outstanding educator, a talented published writer and an incredibly kind person,” nominator Chantel Burch said. “I have had the pleasure of being a mentee, co-worker and friend of this amazing woman. Jessie has made invaluable contributions in her field as an educator, writer and a resource to all. Above all else, Jessie truly believes in people, cultivates their strengths and makes the world a better place.”
Nominator: Paulette Stefka Peggy Fox has dedicated thousands of hours to the Miss Nebraska Scholarship Program, where she serves as an ambassador for North Platte and an exceptional example of work ethic to young women from across the state of Nebraska, said nominator Paulette Stefka. Paulette and Peggy became acquainted in the 1980s on the Miss Nebraska Board of Directors. “She never stepped back from any task given to her and often took on the jobs that were the most difficult and time-consuming,” Paulette said. In 2020, the program was not able to go forward due to COVID-19. A reboot was to take place in 2021, but one month before it was scheduled, the director resigned. Peggy stepped forward and took on the responsibilities of putting together the weeklong event “and did it seamlessly.” She travels the entire state attending preliminaries, talking to local program directors and encouraging young women to seek the dollars offered to them by these scholarship programs. A second passion of Peggy’s is the North Platte Community Playhouse, which has benefited greatly through her involvement. She has served in many capacities, from actress to stagehand, to director to board member. In many productions she is the unseen person moving the props for the next scene. “This is Peggy in a microcosm, never needing to be seen or thanked for her hard work but necessary for the cause,” Paulette said. “The jobs she has volunteered to take on for the benefit of the Community Playhouse are hour- and labor- intensive.” Her resume includes many other volunteer and cultural organizations. “Our community, schools, churches and the entire state have benefited from having Peggy involved,” Stefka wrote.
Nominators: Chantel Burch, Skye Seery and Holly Andrews
Jessie Lovett Allen is an English professor at North Platte Community College since 2007 and a published writer in both academic and creative publications. She created and manages The Yard Rake, a student- and faculty-led publication of NPCC that allows students to share their creative works. Additionally, Jessie is part of the NPCC Faculty Association and works to raise funds for student scholarships. Originally from western New York, Jessie earned her bachelor’s degree in theater arts at Nazareth University, master’s in English at DePaul University and doctorate in literacy education from the University of Wyoming. Since her start at NPCC, Jessie has created innovative course curriculum that engages students while teaching them about the language arts. Some of her courses include “Television as Literature” and her upcoming class “Taylor Swift as Poetry.” “What distinguishes Jessie as a professor is her ability to meet students where they are at,” nominator Holly Andrews said. “She takes time to get to know them as an individual while at the same time creating a supportive environment that encourages them to become better readers, writers and human beings.” Jessie also made a YouTube channel, ProfessorAllen NPCC, which acts as a resource for the more technical side of English arts. This channel acts as both a tutoring tool and a resource for educational professionals. Jessie researched, created and implemented videos to help educators learn to spot artificial intelligence use in the classroom. Additionally she curated resources for students who are accused of using artificial intelligence. These videos have garnered hundreds of thousands of views and a subscriber base of nearly 6,000. “A lifelong learner, Jessie is constantly seeking out
Congratulations On being nominated for the Women of Achievement award!Your dedication, hard work, and leadership have not gone unnoticed, and this nomination is a well-deserved recognition of your contributions. We are proud to have you as TO KATHRYN HISEL
Congratulations ongratulations Mrs. Henderson! for being named a 2024 Women of Achievement FINALIST From your North Platte Catholic Schools family
Katy Henderson McDaid Elementary
a part of our team and are in your corner as you continue to inspire and empower other women! You are an inspiration to us all and we are confident that you will continue to achieve great things in your career!
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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
2024 Nominees in Education
Aida Ullrich
Lana Watson
Nominator: Hannah Hoaglund Lana Watson became a registered nurse in 1997. She worked at Great Plains Health as an obstetric nurse until 2011 when she started teaching at Mid-Plains Community College to help educate and instruct students as a nurse educator and Clinical Coordinator. MPCC Director of Nursing Kathy Harrison said Lana’s dedication, hard work and commitment have significantly contributed to the success of the nursing students and the nursing program. “Lana has demonstrated excellence, leadership and dedication in her profession of nursing as well as being a nurse educator,” nominator Hannah Hoaglund said. “Her commitment to helping students succeed is truly inspiring. She goes above and beyond her job description to make sure that
each and every student she works with receives the guidance they need to reach their full potential.” In addition to her role at the college, Lana is a member of the West Central District Health Department’s Board of Health, the McPherson County School Board and the McPherson County Improvement Club, and is an adviser for the MPCC chapter of the Nebraska State Student Nurse Association Previously she had been a member of the West Central Emergency Response Corps. “She is someone who likes to cheerlead for those around her and continues to be a supportive member of the communities she is involved in,” Addie Schaeffer wrote. “I think she is a great role model for those around her and shows how important it is to continue to pursue your dreams and give back at the same time.”
Community College. She has been with this program for eight years and teaches both at the college and for North Platte Feeders. Aida was also recognized at the Hispanic Heritage Gala for cultivating education. “Many immigrants to the United States arrive with a strong desire to be active, productive members of the community, but often lack language skills and resources,” Janet Livingston wrote. “Aida’s sponsorship in their efforts to improve their English language skills and to provide support for them has made a positive difference in their lives.” and consistently gentle approach. Laura said her son had been diagnosed with ADHD, and his brain was churning faster than his little body could handle and he simply could not contain his explosive energy. “Enter Mrs. Henderson,” Laura wrote. “Her first priority was getting to know him: what his interests were, what he would respond to and what he wouldn't. She did not attempt to put (him) in a mold. She built a foundation of love for him, making sure she truly knew him.” With Katy’s support and care, Laura said, her son instantly felt loved, seen, known and secure. Katy’s patience, expertise “I can truly say that no teacher has had the impact on a child the way Mrs. Henderson has influenced our (son). She is constantly going beyond what is asked of her, she is patient, she is creative, she is full of grace. She is a fountain of encouragement. Her kindness and gentleness are unmatched.”
Nominator: Janet Livingston Born in Ecuador, Aida Ullrich first came to the United States as an exchange student. She later moved permanently to the U.S. and achieved citizenship. Aida uses her bilingual skills to help others who have recently moved to the U.S. or who may have limited English proficiency. She has worked with the Healthy Families America program and the Minority Health Initiative programs at West Central District Health Department, and later worked with Legal Aid as an interpreter. Now, Aida teaches the English as a Second Language program through the Adult Education program at Mid-Plains Nominator: Laura Heirigs An early childhood educator for 20 years, Katy Henderson has taught first grade at Washington and kindergarten at Jefferson and Washington elementary schools and currently teaches kindergarten at McDaid Elementary. McDaid Principal Pam Wood said Katy’s “passion for teaching kindergarten stems from her belief in the power of early childhood education and its ability to shape the future.” “Patience is at the heart of teaching and Mrs. Henderson’s patience is unparalleled,” she wrote. “She approaches each day with a calm demeanor and a willingness to guide her students through their learning experiences, no matter how challenging they may be. Mrs. Henderson is always willing to take time to answer questions and reassure parents.” Laura Heirigs wrote that Katy had a life-changing impact on her son, noting
Katy Henderson
WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024 PAGE 7
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
2024 Nominees in Volunteer
Past Winners
2023 Business: Lori Bergman
Social Services: Nan Hynes Up and Coming: Michaela Schmid & Emma Young Volunteer: Mary Pendleton Work with Youth: Betty Van Boening
Education: Kathleen Craig Government: Angela Blaesi Medical: Jovanka Vuksanovic, M.D. Social Services: Caroline Sabin Volunteer: Barb Baldridge
Amy Parker
2015 Business: Ardell Krizek Cultural Arts: Donna Pucket
Nominators: Kendra Uphoff and Holly Carlini
but she also encourages others to display, enter and show off their works. “This is so integral to the arts community,” Carlini said. “Often people are afraid to take the step and share their work with others, but her encouragement and dedication helps our arts facility grow.” Amy has helped with several events at the Prairie Arts Center, volunteering her time to set up, tear down and work, including gallery receptions, fundraisers, community events and classes. “Amy has been such an asset to not only our nonprofit, but so many others in this community,” Carlini said. “Her dedication to North Platte and the people in it is truly remarkable.”
2022 Business: Abbie Pack
Education: Joyce Delgado Government: Lisa Burke Medical: Kira Krautz, DVM Social Services: Jill Vaughn & Allison Huebner Up and Coming: Chantel Johnson Volunteer: Brandi Barrett Work with Youth: Carrie Lienemann
Cultural Arts: Sue McKain Education: Jody Tomanek Government: Judy Clark Medical: Renee Engler
Amy Parker has been a Prairie Arts Center Board member for six years, a board member for Midwest Destroyers Wrestling Club and media and facility manager of D&N Event Center all while working full time for Coors Distributing of North Platte for the past 14 years. Nominator Kendra Uphoff said Amy is a valuable member to the North Platte community who works continually to fundraise for the D&N Event Center to help provide activities to the children in the community. Her work at the Prairie Arts Center expands beyond the board. Executive Director Holly Carlini said she is not only prevalent in many of the gallery exhibits,
Up & Coming: Elleigh Fisher Social Services: Traci Sawyer Volunteer: Emily Wurl & Tauni Morris
2014 Business: Clarine Eickhoff Cultural Arts: Mary Hepburn Education: Sally Thalken Government: Molly O’Holleran Medical: Lori Barrett Social Services: Jennifer Haneborg Volunteer: Claudette Nelson
2021 Business: Robyn Foote
Cultural Arts: Paulette Stefka Education: Kimberly Flanders Government: Laurie Jones Medical: Jasmine Hahn & Jenny Lantis Social Services: Jenny Bonta Volunteer: Alyssa Fabik 2020 Business: Shae Caldwell Cultural Arts: Amy Minshull Education: Jodi Howard Government: Tanya Roberts-Connick Medical: Fiona Libsack Social Services: Molly Morales Up and Coming: Addilyn Wilson Volunteer: Kathy Swain Work with Youth: Mitzi Mueller 2018 Business: Krista Heiss Cultural Arts: Renae Brandt Education: Brenda Aufdenkamp Government: Amanda Speichert Medical: Deborah Weaver Social Services: Shawna Tatman Volunteer: Shari Shore
2013 Business: Michele Aloi
Cultural Arts: Pat Hoban Education: Linda Clavel Government: Lisa Josten Medical: Dr. Kathy Lopez Volunteer: Pat Dannatt Work with Youth: Susan Sukraw 2012 Cultural Arts: Sharron Hollen Business: Teresa Sweley Education: Joan Davis Medical: Barb Petersen Social Services: Kris Steinbeck Work with Youth: Brandy Buscher Volunteer: Waneita Schomer 2011 Business: Nancy Faulhaber Cultural: Cheri Erickson Education: Tami Eshleman Government: Dawn Miller Volunteer: Jan Wright Work with Youth: Vikki Carlson Social Services: Wilma Hackney
Megan McGown
refacing project and, most recently, she provided outstanding leadership for the Mayor’s Wellness Committee prior to and throughout the effort to fund a remodel of the North Platte Recreation Center, Cody Park Pool and the skatepark.” In addition, Megan is running for the Mid-Plains Community College Board of Governors District 5 seat. Kelliher said Megan frequently gives her free time to meetings, tirelessly working to make North Platte and the surrounding area a better place to live, work and thrive. “Not only does Megan put in the hard work to make the community better, but she does it with a smile,” he said. “Quietly, humbly and with true grace she enjoys the benefits of helping the community.”
Nominator: Brandon Kelliher Megan McGown serves as both the chief development officer of Great Plains Health and the head of the Great Plains Foundation. She leads GPH’s efforts to improve the community and region by directing foundation funds that improve the lives of all area residents. She also helped with the downtown improvements project in North Platte that Mayor Brandon Kelliher said “has ended with astounding results and may have single-handedly rekindled business interest in downtown North Platte.” “Megan is an extremely valuable asset to the community of North Platte,” Kelliher said. “She has successfully started a number of notable improvements for the community including the downtown storefront
2017 Business: Kay Lucas Medical: Karen Waite
Social Services: Maria Lein Cultural Arts: Holly Carlini Volunteer: Sandee Kroon 2016 Business: Cassie Condon
2010 Business: Cindy Petersen Cultural: Sharon Skinner
Education: Margo Hirschfeld Government: Rebecca Harling Volunteer: DiAnn Nichelson Social Services: Jeanie Gilbert Work with Youth: Lee Ann Nielsen
Cultural Arts: Susan Werkmeister Education: Barbara Christensen Government: Dana Songster Medical: Kelley Hasenauer
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WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
SATURDAY, APRIL 27, 2024
THE NORTH PLATTE TELEGRAPH
Celebrating our Women of Achievement Thank you for making a difference in our comm(unity) everyday!
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