2023-24 Recipient: Alyssa

Alyssa is originally from Aurora, Nebraska, and currently lives in Clay Center, Nebraska, with her fiancé, their 18-month-old daughter Emmalyn and her soon-to-be stepdaughter Jaelee, who is six. She graduated from Central Community College with an associate’s degree in nursing in 2019 and decided it was time to go back for her bachelor’s degree last fall through the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Alyssa currently works at Memorial Hospital in Aurora, where she intends to stay after she obtains her bachelor’s degree. Over the next few years, she hopes to become more of a leader within the organization.

A few fun facts about her daughters: Emmalyn LOVES to sing and dance! She is constantly moving and grooving, whether there is music playing or not. Jaelee has the biggest heart and is the kindest soul. She is always going out of her way to make people feel important and included.

2022-23 Recipient: Jackeline

Jackeline is originally from Miami, FL but has made Lincoln her home since 2016. She is currently in nursing school, and her first goal is to pass the N-CLEX. After that she intends to continue studying for a career as a Nurse Practitioner. When her kids grow up, she hope to partner with Nurses Without Borders when she can travel and do more for the world.

She has 4 kids and 3 future step-kiddos. With 7 kids to care for, chasing her own dreams and goals doesn't feel easy to attain at times. Jackeline says: "...I promise you that if I can do it, anyone can do this. Kids seeing their mom work hard for their future is inspiring to them and it teaches them what hard work, resilience and dedication looks like; and they are so much better for it."

Jackeline always wanted to be a nurse but didn’t have the support in the past. She is so grateful to finally pursue her goals and continue to set the bar for her sweet kids who see their momma study and love them every day. Her kids all do well in school and share responsibility over two puppies. They are all kind people, and are very, very loved.

2021-22 Recipient: Kylee

Kylee is from David City, Nebraska. She is currently pursuing an Associate's Degree in Business Technology and Administration. Kylee enjoys accounting and office administration, and ultimately hopes to achieve financial independence for her and her daughter.

At the age of 17, Kylee said a brave "Yes" to both parenthood AND her dreams for an education and career. She wants to encourage women with unexpected pregnancies, saying, "To all the young mamas or young expecting mothers, kids are a blessing and [they] change your life completely and for the better, despite it not being what you had planned". Her daughter is 20 months old and she keeps her mom on her toes! This little one loves the outdoors and loves walking by herself.

2020-21 Recipient: Alyssa

Alyssa Blair is from Lincoln Nebraska! She is currently going to school for nursing, and has a year and a half left of her four year program. In the next few years she hopes to graduate from nursing school, pass her boards, and work in an emergency department or pediatric unit! She also hopes to spend a lot of time with her little guy as he is growing up so fast.

After she had Blake he was only four weeks old when she had to go back to school and it was difficult to leave him everyday for class and clinical but she knows that getting an education is important to her, and it will benefit the both of them and be so worth it in the end! Blake is now almost 11 months old, he has quite the personality and keeps her on her toes (especially now the he is running).

2019-20 Recipient: Ana

Ana was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. She is currently going to school for a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. In the next few years, she plans on graduating from Bryan College of Health Sciences with her BSN and will take the NCLEX to become a Registered Nurse (RN).

Her goal is to get a good job somewhere as an RN so she can make a difference in people's lives while supporting herself and her son. Her son is five years old and will be starting kindergarten in the fall!

2018-19 Recipient: Tiah

Tiah was born and mostly raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. Having barely dipped her toes into various parts of the world, Tiah is inspired by stories from perspectives that are different from her own and the exploration of identity that is unique to every individual.

She has received her Associate’s of the Arts and is currently working towards her Bachelor’s of the Fine Arts in Graphic Design. She is twenty-five years old and has a six-year-old son. She works to teach him to recognize the finer details are what create the most extraordinary of experiences. By constantly reviewing this philosophy, Tiah strives to create the best designed experience in attempts to create more inclusive social conditions.

Tiah currently resides in Lincoln with hopes of attending grad school somewhere outside of Nebraska.