This group of amazing people may have very different backgrounds, but they also have one thing very much in common: their passion for giving back to the community. Here's a little bit about everyone — click through for a Q & A about each of them!
Stacy brings wide-ranging passion and expertise to The White Cane Foundation. Stacy has shown exceptional support for nonprofits in Lincoln over the years, including as former JDRF Board President and current Chair of the Education and Communication Committee with Plan Sponsor Council of America, and Treasurer of Southwest Toastmasters.
Chief Operating Officer of Cornhusker Bank, Crystal serves her community in many different capacities: as a Care Board member at Southwood Lutheran church where her family has delivered meals on wheels for nearly 20 years; as Board member of the Friendship Home Board; and the Teammates of Lincoln Advisory Board.
A Lincoln native, UNL graduate, and recent retiree, Jennifer was the National Partner in Charge of Audit Learning, based in Chicago. As a CPA, her knowledge of budgeting and running a tight financial ship is sure to benefit us in a big way. She's an ardent supporter of causes that benefit kids, and we're certainly happy to have Jennier on the team!
Cindy enjoyed 37 years in Lincoln Public Schools as a teacher, curriculum specialist, and Principal, and lastly Director of Elementary Education, which provided the opportunity to support and supervise the 40 LPS elementary principals. She retired from LPS in June 2021. Cindy is an active member at Trinity United Methodist Church.
Deb brings over 20 years of nonprofit management experience, specializing in developing partnerships, programs, fundraising, and strategic plans. She was the Lincoln Executive Director for JDRF, developing it as a trusted charity of choice over her 10 years there. Deb has spent the past 10 years developing programs for national nonprofits.
A recent Lincolnite who relocated from Virginia, Quentin is currently the Executive Director at Educare Lincoln, an early learning program that supports Lincoln's most vulnerable children and their families. Quentin brings over 15 years of experience in child-centered nonprofits, making him a more than perfect fit for the White Cane Foundation.
Kara, whose career started as a public school teacher, has spent the last 20 years leading people and organizations through times of change. She helps organizations grow through service excellence, talent development, market positioning, and sales. Kara is passionate about giving back to her community, supporting JDRF and Woven Charm.
Born and raised in Lincoln, Kathy retired from her position as Senior Vice President at Haberfeld Associates, where she spent 20+ years as a consultant to community banks. Kathy is a member of the Board for Lincoln’s Friendship Home and was previously on the Board for JDRF. She also volunteers for us at Lakeview Elementary and as part of the Lover of the Light event!
Gary has been professor in journalism at UNL for the past 10+ years. He was on the teams that launched USATODAY.com and Newsweek.com and is a former director of AOL News. He has a Master's degree in social work from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Gary is a two-time Fulbright grant winner, working on projects in South Africa and Ethiopia.
Ronesha was born and raised in Lincoln, attending McPhee, Park, and Lincoln High Schools. She is currently the One-Stop Operator for the American Job Center, helping individuals seeking employment and job readiness assistance by networking local agencies together. Ronesha also has eight years experience working with families and youth.
Laurie has served LPS for over 25 years as an Occupational Therapist, and naturally cares for our students' well-being. She's a past board member of JDRF, with tremendous experience in fundraising and advocacy — skills that are sure to help us, too. She's a lover of Lincoln's trail system and you might find her out there with her dog, Dundee!
After graduating from UNL in 2009, Keshia found her career path in the healthcare industry, where she focuses on improving the patient experience. Keshia is a Training Manager for NRC Health and is responsible for onboarding and training new associates and supporting their professional development. Keshia also volunteers at Bryan Health.
A Lincoln native, Curt has been a part of the local marketing scene since graduating from UNL in 1998. He's beeen at Union Bank & Trust since 2004 and loves working with a strong team on a strong, local brand. Curt’s nonprofit support includes the United Way, Community Blood Bank, and BraveBe Child Advocacy Center.
Kim has worked for Lincoln Public Schools for nearly 30 years and is currently the principal at Belmont Elementary. In the past, she taught special education, third grade, and kindergarten, and has been in a variety of administrative positions. In addition to supporting the White Cane Foundation, Kim is a member of the Lincoln West Optimist Club.
Rob is an Associate Professor of Practice in Marketing at the College of Business Administration, helping students gain relevant, meaningful experience. In addition to supporting the White Cane Foundation, Rob chairs the Lincoln Calling Music and Educational Festival and is a member of the Lincoln Arts Council Board.
Dave is married to Kelly, co-founder of The White Cane Foundation. He owns and still practices full-time at Havelock Chiropractic Center. Dave has a passion for giving back to his community, and has had prior nonprofit board roles with the Alzheimer’s Association Lincoln Chapter and the JDRF Heartland Chapter.
Kelly is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of The White Cane Foundation. Born in Virginia and raised in Lincoln, she attended Prescott, Irving, Southeast, and UNL, earning a degree in Elementary Education and Human Development. She met her husband Dave at Tico's and they've been together ever since, raising Josh (Pam), Jared (Peter), Jameson (Jenn) & Jackson, and now have two grandchildren in Austin, TX. Seeing things through their eyes as they grow and discover their world inspires us to be “present today” for our future generations. Being a part of this wonderful group of people who have come together to serve our children of Lincoln is such an honor. Downtime includes painting, writing, and traveling to be with our growing family!
Samantha grew up in small-town Shelby, Nebraska and has had many roles: restaurant manager, photography studio owner, and most recently, stay-at-home mom to seven year-old, Royce. She has volunteered for the Red Cross, coordinating and hosting several blood drives, and is also a huge advocate for Live On Nebraska & Donate Life.
A registered nurse, Megan currently serves Lincoln Public Schools as a Coordinator for Health Services. She has been a school nurse for almost 10 years, primarily working in Title 1 schools (Huntington, Everett, Brownell, and Goodrich Middle School), making her a great fit for our team.
Wendy feels strongly about the importance of helping kids grow by building their confidence and the way they carry themselves with newfound pride. She has climbed the tallest mountain in Colorado, and will be instrumental in taking the White Cane Foundation to new heights!
Kate is currently a senior majoring in Marketing and Management at UNL. She was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and has gone to school here her whole life. Kate is involved in Greek life on campus and holds a position in her Delta Gamma sorority, and recently joined the marketing team at Union Bank & Trust.
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