2025 Young Nebraskans AwardS
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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: 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 2025 Young Nebraskans Awards! |
young professional of the year
anita foor, seward
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.
Anita grew up on a farm south of Stuart, NE where she learned ethical values of hard work, honesty, and relationship building. She has expanded these values to her roles as wife and mom, as well as in her professional vocations. Anita has worn many hats throughout her career, but took a big leap in 2022, investing in Nebraska and her community of Seward, by starting her own business, Development412. Anita helps leaders communicate clearly with themselves to yield self-competence, self-confidence, and clear and confident communication with others. She recently designed and is facilitating a monthly empowerment series for women business owners in the Seward area. Anita's entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and focus led to a successful, growing business venture that serves Seward, Nebraska, and the country, with her talents and strengths as a coach, consultant, and communicator.
According to her nominator and husband, Ryan Foor, “Anita is a linchpin for her family, masterfully orchestrating her professional schedule with the schedules of her four girls, ranging in ages from 4 – 15. Anita demonstrates how to balance her family and career aspirations, while doing so in small town Nebraska.”
Anita is active in her church community, serving as education board chair, which oversees the school and child development center. She recently finished her term as president of the Seward Rotary club, where she initiated a signature project to commemorate the club’s 100th anniversary. With Anita’s leadership, the club raised over $150,000 to install shades over the historic Seward bandshell, which hosts summer band concerts, Fourth of July activities, and other community events. Anita has also served as a host for two Community Catalyst groups, particularly focused on serving educators.
Anita is a shining example of a Young Professional, demonstrating community involvement and impact, entrepreneurship and innovation, leadership and professional development, and diversity and inclusion.
Honorable Mention: Mynesha Spencer, Papillion
Anita grew up on a farm south of Stuart, NE where she learned ethical values of hard work, honesty, and relationship building. She has expanded these values to her roles as wife and mom, as well as in her professional vocations. Anita has worn many hats throughout her career, but took a big leap in 2022, investing in Nebraska and her community of Seward, by starting her own business, Development412. Anita helps leaders communicate clearly with themselves to yield self-competence, self-confidence, and clear and confident communication with others. She recently designed and is facilitating a monthly empowerment series for women business owners in the Seward area. Anita's entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and focus led to a successful, growing business venture that serves Seward, Nebraska, and the country, with her talents and strengths as a coach, consultant, and communicator.
According to her nominator and husband, Ryan Foor, “Anita is a linchpin for her family, masterfully orchestrating her professional schedule with the schedules of her four girls, ranging in ages from 4 – 15. Anita demonstrates how to balance her family and career aspirations, while doing so in small town Nebraska.”
Anita is active in her church community, serving as education board chair, which oversees the school and child development center. She recently finished her term as president of the Seward Rotary club, where she initiated a signature project to commemorate the club’s 100th anniversary. With Anita’s leadership, the club raised over $150,000 to install shades over the historic Seward bandshell, which hosts summer band concerts, Fourth of July activities, and other community events. Anita has also served as a host for two Community Catalyst groups, particularly focused on serving educators.
Anita is a shining example of a Young Professional, demonstrating community involvement and impact, entrepreneurship and innovation, leadership and professional development, and diversity and inclusion.
Honorable Mention: Mynesha Spencer, Papillion
leadership & professional development
regen lux, 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 Marketing Director at Grand Island Casino Resort, Regen Lux has played a pivotal role in establishing the resort’s presence in Nebraska while cultivating a culture of professional growth within her team. Regen has designed and led successful marketing campaigns that elevated the Grand Island Casino Resort brand across Nebraska and beyond. She also invests in her staff’s professional development, ensuring her team members receive mentoring, coaching, and opportunities to advance in their careers.
Nominator Drew Aldinger said: “Regen is known for balancing strategic innovation with people-focused leadership, making her not only an asset to her organization but also a role model in her community.”
Regen serves on the board for the Young Professionals Network in both Kearney and Grand Island, helping foster opportunities for networking, leadership growth, and civic engagement among emerging leaders. She frequently shares her marketing expertise to support nonprofits and civic groups with promotional strategies and event visibility. Regen also demonstrates a genuine commitment to empowering peers, developing future leaders and strengthening Nebraska’s professional community.
Regan leads with professionalism, resilience, and integrity, making her a trusted mentor and role model for young Nebraskans. She is an established leader who blends professional achievement with community services, inspiring others to pursue growth while giving back.
HONORABLE MENTION: Jenn Gjerde, Lincoln
As Marketing Director at Grand Island Casino Resort, Regen Lux has played a pivotal role in establishing the resort’s presence in Nebraska while cultivating a culture of professional growth within her team. Regen has designed and led successful marketing campaigns that elevated the Grand Island Casino Resort brand across Nebraska and beyond. She also invests in her staff’s professional development, ensuring her team members receive mentoring, coaching, and opportunities to advance in their careers.
Nominator Drew Aldinger said: “Regen is known for balancing strategic innovation with people-focused leadership, making her not only an asset to her organization but also a role model in her community.”
Regen serves on the board for the Young Professionals Network in both Kearney and Grand Island, helping foster opportunities for networking, leadership growth, and civic engagement among emerging leaders. She frequently shares her marketing expertise to support nonprofits and civic groups with promotional strategies and event visibility. Regen also demonstrates a genuine commitment to empowering peers, developing future leaders and strengthening Nebraska’s professional community.
Regan leads with professionalism, resilience, and integrity, making her a trusted mentor and role model for young Nebraskans. She is an established leader who blends professional achievement with community services, inspiring others to pursue growth while giving back.
HONORABLE MENTION: Jenn Gjerde, Lincoln
entrepreneurship & innovation
katelynn broders, wayne
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.
As the owner of ‘I Wet my Plants’, Katelynn portrays innovation and creativity by not only growing her own business, but also using it as a platform to educate and mentor the next generation. She invites local high school students into her shop to gain real-world, hands-on learning experiences. Through this, she provides valuable mentorship, teaching both technical skills and professional work habits that prepare students for future careers. She encourages students to ask questions, experiment with new ideas, and learn through practice, which builds both confidence and competence. This initiative has inspired others in her field to consider similar programs, making her a model of excellence and innovation in her profession.
Katelynn serves in numerous roles, including being a committee member for: Wayne Elementary Boosters, Wayne America Special Events Committee, and several other organizations. She is also a graduate of the Leadership Wayne Class 15. Through these roles, Katelynn has demonstrated long-term dedication to her community, actively contributing her time and leadership to strength both local organizations and community traditions. Her forward-thinking approach blends professional growth with community investment, proving that entrepreneurship can also be a tool for education, opportunity and a lasting impact.
Nominator Sami Scheffler said, “I believe Katelynn is a true example of service, leadership, and integrity. She is deeply committed to her profession, her family, and her community. She continually goes above and beyond to make a positive impact.”
HONORABLE MENTION: Trevon Newmann, Sidney
As the owner of ‘I Wet my Plants’, Katelynn portrays innovation and creativity by not only growing her own business, but also using it as a platform to educate and mentor the next generation. She invites local high school students into her shop to gain real-world, hands-on learning experiences. Through this, she provides valuable mentorship, teaching both technical skills and professional work habits that prepare students for future careers. She encourages students to ask questions, experiment with new ideas, and learn through practice, which builds both confidence and competence. This initiative has inspired others in her field to consider similar programs, making her a model of excellence and innovation in her profession.
Katelynn serves in numerous roles, including being a committee member for: Wayne Elementary Boosters, Wayne America Special Events Committee, and several other organizations. She is also a graduate of the Leadership Wayne Class 15. Through these roles, Katelynn has demonstrated long-term dedication to her community, actively contributing her time and leadership to strength both local organizations and community traditions. Her forward-thinking approach blends professional growth with community investment, proving that entrepreneurship can also be a tool for education, opportunity and a lasting impact.
Nominator Sami Scheffler said, “I believe Katelynn is a true example of service, leadership, and integrity. She is deeply committed to her profession, her family, and her community. She continually goes above and beyond to make a positive impact.”
HONORABLE MENTION: Trevon Newmann, Sidney
Community involvement & impact
taylor wills, sidney
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.
Taylor is known to lead with compassion, serve with humility and inspire with her actions. Taylor approaches community leadership not just as a responsibility, but as a personal calling. Her dedication is fueled by a genuine love for her hometown and a deep belief in the power of connection, tradition, and opportunity to strengthen the fabric of a community. Taylor serves as committee chair for several cornerstone community events including: Potter Car Bowl, Christmas on Chestnut, and Potter Days. She has played a central role in preserving and enhancing the events that define local culture and bring residents together year after year. She also founded the First Annual Marcus Hartzler 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament not only to bring people together for a day of fun and competition, but to honor the memory of a dear friend. She was also instrumental in bringing the Alan Hartzler Memorial Court to fruition, where the tournament is hosted. A project she helped bring to life through fundraising and hands-on involvement. Taylor also serves as President of Potter-Dix Booster Club, Treasurer of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and is a member of the Cheyenne County Extension Board. These are only a few of the many organizations she is involved in.
Nominator Holly Bruce said, “Every role that Taylor takes on is driven by the same core value: building a stronger, more connected community where people feel seen, supported, and inspired.
HONORABLE MENTION: Channing Reha, Pender and Sarah Sinnett, Sidney
Taylor is known to lead with compassion, serve with humility and inspire with her actions. Taylor approaches community leadership not just as a responsibility, but as a personal calling. Her dedication is fueled by a genuine love for her hometown and a deep belief in the power of connection, tradition, and opportunity to strengthen the fabric of a community. Taylor serves as committee chair for several cornerstone community events including: Potter Car Bowl, Christmas on Chestnut, and Potter Days. She has played a central role in preserving and enhancing the events that define local culture and bring residents together year after year. She also founded the First Annual Marcus Hartzler 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament not only to bring people together for a day of fun and competition, but to honor the memory of a dear friend. She was also instrumental in bringing the Alan Hartzler Memorial Court to fruition, where the tournament is hosted. A project she helped bring to life through fundraising and hands-on involvement. Taylor also serves as President of Potter-Dix Booster Club, Treasurer of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, and is a member of the Cheyenne County Extension Board. These are only a few of the many organizations she is involved in.
Nominator Holly Bruce said, “Every role that Taylor takes on is driven by the same core value: building a stronger, more connected community where people feel seen, supported, and inspired.
HONORABLE MENTION: Channing Reha, Pender and Sarah Sinnett, Sidney
diversity & inclusion
ashley caballero lazaro, neligh
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.
Ashley has proven that excellence in academics can coexist with deep commitment to service as a high school student. Ashley’s extraordinary vision, compassion and leadership started at a young age. At only 14 years old, Ashley recognized the need for inclusive swings and playground equipment so that children of all abilities, including her brother with special needs, could play side by side. Her Double-A Project has raised more than $50,000 to date for this community asset. Ashley has shown remarkable initiative by planning, organizing, and managing a series of highly successful fundraising events. She personally met with local businesses to secure donations, recruited volunteers, helped prepare food, and oversaw event logistics from start to finish. Her efforts to provide an inclusive environment have not only raised significant funds, but also brought the community together around a shared purpose. Ashley’s ability to engage the public with creativity, heartfelt storytelling, and persistence has set her apart as an exceptional young leader. In addition to her Double-A Project, Ashley served as Vice President for her local Future Farmers of America chapter, was involved in athletics, and was named Valedictorian of her graduating class. Ashley’s story is still unfolding, but her impact is already undeniable.
Nominator Lauren Sheridan said, “Her heart for service, ability to rally others, and commitment to inclusion make her an outstanding candidate for this award.”
Ashley has proven that excellence in academics can coexist with deep commitment to service as a high school student. Ashley’s extraordinary vision, compassion and leadership started at a young age. At only 14 years old, Ashley recognized the need for inclusive swings and playground equipment so that children of all abilities, including her brother with special needs, could play side by side. Her Double-A Project has raised more than $50,000 to date for this community asset. Ashley has shown remarkable initiative by planning, organizing, and managing a series of highly successful fundraising events. She personally met with local businesses to secure donations, recruited volunteers, helped prepare food, and oversaw event logistics from start to finish. Her efforts to provide an inclusive environment have not only raised significant funds, but also brought the community together around a shared purpose. Ashley’s ability to engage the public with creativity, heartfelt storytelling, and persistence has set her apart as an exceptional young leader. In addition to her Double-A Project, Ashley served as Vice President for her local Future Farmers of America chapter, was involved in athletics, and was named Valedictorian of her graduating class. Ashley’s story is still unfolding, but her impact is already undeniable.
Nominator Lauren Sheridan said, “Her heart for service, ability to rally others, and commitment to inclusion make her an outstanding candidate for this award.”
