2023 Young Nebraskans AwardS
Young Nebraskans Awards celebrate talented, influential young Nebraskans who are making a positive impact in their workplaces and communities.
Young Nebraskans Awards are presented for the following categories: CYN Network Weaver, Young Professional of the Year, Leadership & Professional Development, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, Community Involvement & Impact, and Diversity & Inclusion. CYN is excited to announce the recipients of the 2023 Young Nebraskans Awards! |
CYN Network Weaver - KAYLA SCHNUELLE, Diller
CYN's Network Weaver Award goes to an individual who embodies CYN's mission to connect young Nebraskans and empower them to lead and shape the future of our communities and state. A network weaver has a passion for making a difference, a willingness to learn, and the desire to build important relationships to help shape the future of Nebraska.
Kayla Schnuelle of Diller, Nebraska, is many things to many, many people. She is a facilitator, trainer, consultant, mentor, connector, leader, friend, wife, mother, and rural Nebraska enthusiast. Her professional passion is the intersection of leadership development and facilitation, and she specializes in strategic planning, organizational capacity building, meeting facilitation and design, and leadership development. Kayla still manages to find time to volunteer for the Diller-Odell Booster Club and the Diller Community Foundation Fund and was instrumental in launching Diller's Youth Serviceship Camp, which is teaching young people the importance of community and how to be of service to others. Kayla's mark on the CYN network is undeniable... in part because she invented the group, but also because her continued engagement has touched and transformed the lives of countless CYNers. Kayla is the embodiment of CYN's mission to connect young Nebraskans and empower them to lead and shape the future of our communities and state. She epitomizes what it means to be a network weaver.
CYN's Network Weaver Award goes to an individual who embodies CYN's mission to connect young Nebraskans and empower them to lead and shape the future of our communities and state. A network weaver has a passion for making a difference, a willingness to learn, and the desire to build important relationships to help shape the future of Nebraska.
Kayla Schnuelle of Diller, Nebraska, is many things to many, many people. She is a facilitator, trainer, consultant, mentor, connector, leader, friend, wife, mother, and rural Nebraska enthusiast. Her professional passion is the intersection of leadership development and facilitation, and she specializes in strategic planning, organizational capacity building, meeting facilitation and design, and leadership development. Kayla still manages to find time to volunteer for the Diller-Odell Booster Club and the Diller Community Foundation Fund and was instrumental in launching Diller's Youth Serviceship Camp, which is teaching young people the importance of community and how to be of service to others. Kayla's mark on the CYN network is undeniable... in part because she invented the group, but also because her continued engagement has touched and transformed the lives of countless CYNers. Kayla is the embodiment of CYN's mission to connect young Nebraskans and empower them to lead and shape the future of our communities and state. She epitomizes what it means to be a network weaver.
Young Professional of the Year - MELISSA NORGARD, Sidney
A young professional who takes unusual or extraordinary measures to positively impact their communities while balancing work, family, and life. This young professional demonstrates qualities from all of the Young Nebraskans Awards categories.
In a rural community, you have to wear a lot of hats... Melissa Norgard, owner of Sam & Louie's and Boss City Brewing, chair of the Sidney and Greater Area Fund, and lead of the Creative District and Historical Preservation Board has a whole closet full. The brewery was a courageous investment, but it's just one of the many ways Melissa is working to grow and improve Sidney. In her spare time, she writes grants for the City of Sidney (including a housing proposal that was recently awarded $1.5 million). She worked tirelessly on a 90-plus page application for Sidney to be a certified Creative District and is also active in the local Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems initiative, volunteering her time and giving guidance rooted in her experience in economic development and small business ownership. Melissa also serves on the Historic Preservation Board and has worked to retool programs to update dilapidated historic buildings downtown. She cares deeply about her community and will do everything she can to continue to help it grow.
According to her nominator, Sarah Sinnett, "We are so lucky to have Melissa in our community. She never asks for thanks or awards, and many don't realize all she does to support the community because of this. We area a better community because of Melissa."
A young professional who takes unusual or extraordinary measures to positively impact their communities while balancing work, family, and life. This young professional demonstrates qualities from all of the Young Nebraskans Awards categories.
In a rural community, you have to wear a lot of hats... Melissa Norgard, owner of Sam & Louie's and Boss City Brewing, chair of the Sidney and Greater Area Fund, and lead of the Creative District and Historical Preservation Board has a whole closet full. The brewery was a courageous investment, but it's just one of the many ways Melissa is working to grow and improve Sidney. In her spare time, she writes grants for the City of Sidney (including a housing proposal that was recently awarded $1.5 million). She worked tirelessly on a 90-plus page application for Sidney to be a certified Creative District and is also active in the local Energizing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems initiative, volunteering her time and giving guidance rooted in her experience in economic development and small business ownership. Melissa also serves on the Historic Preservation Board and has worked to retool programs to update dilapidated historic buildings downtown. She cares deeply about her community and will do everything she can to continue to help it grow.
According to her nominator, Sarah Sinnett, "We are so lucky to have Melissa in our community. She never asks for thanks or awards, and many don't realize all she does to support the community because of this. We area a better community because of Melissa."
Leadership & Professional Development - COURTNEY BURBACH, Kearney
A young professional who has made a significant positive impact in their workplace and career. This can be someone who has made a significant impact on their peers by nurturing intellectual growth, career development, professional guidance, and positive role modeling.
As Program Leader at the Kearney Family YMCA, Courtney Burbach has positively impacted thousands of young people, adults, and families. Her relationship building, strong work ethic, leadership, and passion have fueled a new creative arts program at the YMCA as well as programs for people with special needs. She recruits and trains nearly 2,000 volunteer coaches and recently led an event that raised over $14,000 in a single day for the Strong Families Campaign. Courtney has also served numerous organizations in volunteer capacity, among them Kearney Area Young Professionals Network, TeamMates, Alpha Omicron Phi, UNK, Kearney Area TOPSoccer, St. Jude's, the ARC of Buffalo County, and Millard North High School Unified Special Olympics. Courtney's energy, enthusiasm, professionalism, organization, and compassion are changing her workplace and community for the better.
Nominator Scott Hayden said, "Courtney is a great example of someone who recognizes what one individual can do to benefit society as a whole. She also recognizes that a successful team can do even greater things. Her passion, kindness, and welcomeness are contagious."
HONORABLE MENTION: Madison Jagels, Hastings
A young professional who has made a significant positive impact in their workplace and career. This can be someone who has made a significant impact on their peers by nurturing intellectual growth, career development, professional guidance, and positive role modeling.
As Program Leader at the Kearney Family YMCA, Courtney Burbach has positively impacted thousands of young people, adults, and families. Her relationship building, strong work ethic, leadership, and passion have fueled a new creative arts program at the YMCA as well as programs for people with special needs. She recruits and trains nearly 2,000 volunteer coaches and recently led an event that raised over $14,000 in a single day for the Strong Families Campaign. Courtney has also served numerous organizations in volunteer capacity, among them Kearney Area Young Professionals Network, TeamMates, Alpha Omicron Phi, UNK, Kearney Area TOPSoccer, St. Jude's, the ARC of Buffalo County, and Millard North High School Unified Special Olympics. Courtney's energy, enthusiasm, professionalism, organization, and compassion are changing her workplace and community for the better.
Nominator Scott Hayden said, "Courtney is a great example of someone who recognizes what one individual can do to benefit society as a whole. She also recognizes that a successful team can do even greater things. Her passion, kindness, and welcomeness are contagious."
HONORABLE MENTION: Madison Jagels, Hastings
Entrepreneurship & Innovation - JOSH HOLMQUIST, Burwell
A young professional who has brought an innovative initiative, product, or service to the market in an original way. This award aims to recognize achievers, innovators, and makers who have contributed significantly towards the development of a new business or idea.
Born and raised in Burwell, Nebraska, Josh Holmquist didn't see many career options of interest upon graduating high school. Today he gives young people and fellow Nebraskans the advice he would've liked to hear: think outside of the box and use the resources in your community to try careers that aren't always front and center. For Josh, that was becoming the co-owner and Chief Operating Officer of Normal Roasting Company, a small batch specialty coffee roasting company located in Central Nebraska. Josh is also a plumber, electrician, speaker, husband, father, and mentor to numerous Midwest coffee shops through his newest business venture, Theory Coffee Tech.
According to his wife (and nominator), Sara, "I've watched Josh not only care for our family, but also make improvements in his business while working a second (and sometimes third) job to support our family and our business... he has fine tuned to a level of excellence his ability to be present where he is and give attention to all of the people who need him."
HONORABLE MENTION: Aliza Brunsing, West Point
A young professional who has brought an innovative initiative, product, or service to the market in an original way. This award aims to recognize achievers, innovators, and makers who have contributed significantly towards the development of a new business or idea.
Born and raised in Burwell, Nebraska, Josh Holmquist didn't see many career options of interest upon graduating high school. Today he gives young people and fellow Nebraskans the advice he would've liked to hear: think outside of the box and use the resources in your community to try careers that aren't always front and center. For Josh, that was becoming the co-owner and Chief Operating Officer of Normal Roasting Company, a small batch specialty coffee roasting company located in Central Nebraska. Josh is also a plumber, electrician, speaker, husband, father, and mentor to numerous Midwest coffee shops through his newest business venture, Theory Coffee Tech.
According to his wife (and nominator), Sara, "I've watched Josh not only care for our family, but also make improvements in his business while working a second (and sometimes third) job to support our family and our business... he has fine tuned to a level of excellence his ability to be present where he is and give attention to all of the people who need him."
HONORABLE MENTION: Aliza Brunsing, West Point
Community Involvement & Impact - COURTNEY GLOCK, Grand Island
A young professional who has made significant contributions to the community through civic engagement, board or committee work, and/or involvement with charitable organizations and whose pioneering work and vision is impacting their community for the better.
Courtney Glock's impact on her community extends far beyond her role as Vice President of the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce. A connector of young people and coordinator of the Grand Island Young Professionals, she is always going above and beyond to ensure everyone feels comfortable, welcome, and appreciated. Courtney has grown the Grand Island Young Professionals like never before. Under Courtney's leadership, the groups now host three tri-city events every year, connecting hundreds of young professionals in the area. Courtney coordinates over 800 volunteers at the Nebraska State Fair and works tirelessly to streamline the program and recruit new volunteers. She helped launch a soft-skill upskilling program from which 56 people have already graduated in just two years. Courtney has also lent her skills to numerous charitable organizations, including Northwest Education Foundation, GRACE Cancer Foundation, Make-A-Wish, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Nominator Lindsey Boardman said, "Courtney does not like being in the spotlight. She doesn't enjoy receiving praise, but she is beyond deserving. She has positively impacted so many lives in her short time on earth and the sky is the limit for her.
HONORABLE MENTION: Kristina Reeves, Chadron
A young professional who has made significant contributions to the community through civic engagement, board or committee work, and/or involvement with charitable organizations and whose pioneering work and vision is impacting their community for the better.
Courtney Glock's impact on her community extends far beyond her role as Vice President of the Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce. A connector of young people and coordinator of the Grand Island Young Professionals, she is always going above and beyond to ensure everyone feels comfortable, welcome, and appreciated. Courtney has grown the Grand Island Young Professionals like never before. Under Courtney's leadership, the groups now host three tri-city events every year, connecting hundreds of young professionals in the area. Courtney coordinates over 800 volunteers at the Nebraska State Fair and works tirelessly to streamline the program and recruit new volunteers. She helped launch a soft-skill upskilling program from which 56 people have already graduated in just two years. Courtney has also lent her skills to numerous charitable organizations, including Northwest Education Foundation, GRACE Cancer Foundation, Make-A-Wish, and Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Nominator Lindsey Boardman said, "Courtney does not like being in the spotlight. She doesn't enjoy receiving praise, but she is beyond deserving. She has positively impacted so many lives in her short time on earth and the sky is the limit for her.
HONORABLE MENTION: Kristina Reeves, Chadron
Diversity & Inclusion - NINA LANUZA, Schuyler
A young professional who is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment and fostering a sense of belonging for all people, especially for people of diverse cultures, backgrounds, identities, and experiences, in the community or workplace. This individual is passionate about providing the tools and resources necessary to assist diverse individuals in becoming successful professionals.
Nina Lanuza of Schuyler lives and breathes welcoming and belonging. As a Senior Community Organizer at the Center for Rural Affairs, she meets with community leaders to discover their challenges and assists them with bridging the gaps across cultural divides. During the pandemic, Nina launched a YouTube channel to distribute public health information in Spanish when everything was in English. As the first Latina to serve on the Schuyler Public School Board, she was often the only line of communication between the board and Spanish-speaking parents. She has also served the missions of the Immigrant Legal Center, Heartland Workers Center, Schuyler Chamber of Commerce, and Centro Hispano Comunitario de Nebraska. Both personally and professionally, Nina is a compassionate listener who remains calm and always seems to know the right solution. She is passionate about rural communities - especially her community of Schuyler. Nina understands the unique challenges that immigrant families face when making a life in a new country and wants to make sure their voices are at the table and they have the resources they need to succeed.
Her nominator, Sandra Renner, said, "Nina is someone who rarely wants the spotlight for herself, but she does so much for others. She is very family oriented and is very involved in assisting her parents and other family members, her friends, her colleagues, and her community. I can't think of someone more deserving of this award."
HONORABLE MENTION: Martha Marfileno, Kearney
A young professional who is dedicated to creating a welcoming environment and fostering a sense of belonging for all people, especially for people of diverse cultures, backgrounds, identities, and experiences, in the community or workplace. This individual is passionate about providing the tools and resources necessary to assist diverse individuals in becoming successful professionals.
Nina Lanuza of Schuyler lives and breathes welcoming and belonging. As a Senior Community Organizer at the Center for Rural Affairs, she meets with community leaders to discover their challenges and assists them with bridging the gaps across cultural divides. During the pandemic, Nina launched a YouTube channel to distribute public health information in Spanish when everything was in English. As the first Latina to serve on the Schuyler Public School Board, she was often the only line of communication between the board and Spanish-speaking parents. She has also served the missions of the Immigrant Legal Center, Heartland Workers Center, Schuyler Chamber of Commerce, and Centro Hispano Comunitario de Nebraska. Both personally and professionally, Nina is a compassionate listener who remains calm and always seems to know the right solution. She is passionate about rural communities - especially her community of Schuyler. Nina understands the unique challenges that immigrant families face when making a life in a new country and wants to make sure their voices are at the table and they have the resources they need to succeed.
Her nominator, Sandra Renner, said, "Nina is someone who rarely wants the spotlight for herself, but she does so much for others. She is very family oriented and is very involved in assisting her parents and other family members, her friends, her colleagues, and her community. I can't think of someone more deserving of this award."
HONORABLE MENTION: Martha Marfileno, Kearney