Women unite as Leadership Nebraska's 13th class comes to a close

NEBRASKA -- Leadership Nebraska is cultivating several women leaders in its most current class, having started last June and coming to an end this coming March 3rd.

The program is for community leaders to learn about the history and economy of the state while making business connections with other leaders. Founded in 1937 by the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce, the class this year featured four stellar women: Marketing, Events and Tourism Coordinator at Wayne Area Economic Development Abby Schademann; Clearwater & Neligh Economic Development Lauren Sheridan-Simonsen; Northeast Community College's Vice President of Development & External Affairs Tracy Kruse; and Daycos Chief Operations Officer Andrea Libengood.

"I think I bring a strong sense of positivity to my community," Schademann said.

"I would say I am a community cheerleader," Simonsen said.

"I feel like I live, breath, believe Northeast Community College," Kruse said. 

"I just want this community, not just Norfolk, but northeast Nebraska to grow," Libengood said.

Through the program Leadership Nebraska, they say they've gained skills; learned about the state's history, and connected with a massive network that's helped them to start projects like the Neligh tourism app.

"There's a difference between a leader and a manager," Kruse said.

"I'm not from Nebraska originally, I'm a transplant who did just buy my first snow boots three years ago, there's so many regions about the state you don't know about, " Simonsen said.

"The class has been great to get connections from all over the state, but also people who participated," Schademann said.

"If you have the opportunity to do it -- if you're not so sure about it even getting involved in your local leadership groups is great," Libengood said.

The women have plans to stay connected and improve their communities well after they graduate on March 3rd.