Maria Cade is a journalist at First Alert 6 who joined the WOWT news team in 2024 after working at WTAJ News in Central Pennsylvania and is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Beyond journalism, Maria is a trained vocalist who has performed in numerous musicals, plays, and operas and is passionate about supporting women through volunteer work with the Miss America Opportunity and other scholarship and empowerment organizations.

Madelynn is a Community Banking Officer and Diversity & Inclusion leader at Security National Bank, where she drives community engagement, deposit growth, and strategic initiatives while supporting employees, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. With more than 30 years of banking and community leadership experience, she serves on several nonprofit boards and advisory councils and is passionate about economic empowerment, workforce development, and strengthening the communities she serves.

Lisa L. Hukill is Senior Officer of Development Operations at Boys Town and President of WIN (Women’s Investment Network). A passionate advocate for leadership, mentorship, and women supporting women, Lisa is an active member of Women With Voices and committed to helping others recognize their strengths and reach their goals.

A proud wife, mother of three, and grandmother of four, Lisa believes in using her voice to inspire, encourage, and create opportunities for others.

Deb Denbeck is President and CEO of Partnership 4 Kids, an Omaha nonprofit helping youth from pre kindergarten to careers. Under her leadership, P4K connects students with mentoring, goal setting, career exploration, and college access opportunities. Deb has helped lead the organization through major milestones while expanding programs and fundraising efforts that directly support students.

A global talent strategist, she specializes in building talent attraction strategies, employer brands, AI-powered sourcing pipelines, and workforce development programs that connect organizations with the right people and help them thrive. With experience across manufacturing, higher education, professional services, and staffing, she has led global talent functions, built university and community partnerships, and launched recruitment and staffing programs from the ground up.

As a leadership consultant, keynote speaker, educator, and author, she helps executives and organizations build cultures that support both people and performance through leadership development, organizational resilience, and the O’Neil CARE Model©. With more than 30 years of executive leadership experience in the hospitality industry, she brings practical expertise in developing leaders, navigating change, and strengthening high-performing cultures, while continuing her research as a doctoral candidate in Organizational Leadership.

Makayla leads an award-winning marketing and communications team at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, overseeing branding, media relations, digital communications, crisis communications, and strategic events. Previously a Senior Marketing Executive for ABC affiliate KETV, she is a recognized community leader who serves on several boards and is dedicated to the growth and development of Omaha.

Dr. Tonika Brockman, known as The Leadership Doctor™, is a Whole Person Leadership Strategist, corporate executive, educator, speaker, and entrepreneur with more than 20 years of experience in banking, financial services, leadership development, higher education, and entrepreneurship. As founder of The LeadHerShip Doctor™ and co-founder of Jabez Capital Solutions, she empowers women and leaders to align purpose, strategy, and personal well-being while building lasting impact, wealth, and legacy.

Sarah Spooner is the owner and founder of Four Sisters Boutique, a women’s clothing boutique in Omaha, Nebraska. Inspired by her family’s entrepreneurial roots and her grandmother’s career in fashion, Sarah opened Four Sisters Boutique in 2015 at just 26 years old with the goal of creating a shopping experience that felt personal, welcoming, and fun.

Since then, Four Sisters has grown into a team of 20+ employees, a thriving online store that ships worldwide, and a loyal community both in Omaha and across the country. The boutique is known for its unique clothing, graphic apparel, Nebraska and collegiate-inspired collections, and strong social media presence. Sarah has also expanded the business through FSB Designs, the custom merchandise side of the company.

At the heart of it all, Sarah is passionate about building community, creating meaningful customer experiences, and helping women feel confident and excited about what they wear.

Kathy has been turning stories into a source of inspiration for more than 25 years. She earned a Journalism degree from Iowa State University, has worked for several Fortune 500 companies, and served as the Executive Editor for Edge Publishing for more than a decade where she shared the stories of hundreds of professionals across all industries. She also has a passion for inspiring creativity in children, which led her to 11 published children’s books. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska, where she loves to golf with her husband and two sons. She enjoys connecting over a glass of wine (any varietal welcome) and if there’s cheese, even better!

Abby McLeay is the Founder, CEO, and Owner of Zen Coffee Company, a family-owned, Green Certified specialty coffee company headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. Since opening the flagship café in 2017, Abby has grown Zen Coffee into a beloved regional brand with multiple locations across Nebraska, known for its exceptional coffee, thoughtfully designed spaces, and unwavering commitment to community.
With more than a decade of experience in the coffee industry, Abby founded Zen Coffee with a vision of creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where people feel connected and valued. Under her leadership, the company has earned recognition for its innovative customer experience, sustainable business practices, and dedication to giving back through partnerships with local nonprofits.
A passionate entrepreneur and community leader, Abby believes coffee is more than a beverage—it is an opportunity to build relationships, foster belonging, and create meaningful impact. She continues to lead Zen Coffee with a focus on authenticity, intentional growth, and cultivating spaces where both customers and employees can thrive.

She is a CEO, executive coach, and strategic advisor who helps founders and CEOs grow personally and professionally through her work with refHER, Vistage, and Executive Mindset. With 17 years of experience across private and public companies and involvement in more than $2 billion in mergers, exits, and acquisitions, she brings expertise in strategic partnerships, operating models, growth initiatives, and executive development to help leaders drive transformation and lasting success.

Erin Sparr is a certified life and performance coach, travel advisor, speaker, and founder of Eden’s Ambassador. She helps women reconnect with their purpose, pursue their dreams, and create a life they were meant to live. Drawing from decades in critical care, Erin inspires women to stop waiting, break through limiting beliefs, and put their dreams in motion.