MENTOR Nebraska presents awards annually to individuals and organizations that have made tremendous contributions to young people and the mentoring field in Nebraska. We are thrilled to honor this year’s award recipients at the virtual Excellence in Mentoring Awards ceremony on Thursday, April 22 at 12:30 p.m. CT.
The award ceremony will be streamed live on MENTOR Nebraska's Facebook and YouTube pages. Please join us virtually on April 22 at 12:30 p.m. to celebrate this year's award recipients!
THANK YOU TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS!
Silver Sponsors
First National Bank of Omaha
Home Instead Senior Care
Kutak Rock LLP
Bronze Sponsors
Bland Cares Foundation
Fraser Stryker
Metropolitan Utilities District
One Source Inc.
Omaha Public Power District
SilverStone Group, a HUB International company
Vic Gutman & Associates
2021 EXCELLENCE IN MENTORING AWARD CATEGORIES
Mentor of the Year
Given to an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to mentoring by helping a young person reach their full potential
Young Leader of the Year
Given to a young person (8-21 years old) who is involved in a mentoring program and has demonstrated service to their community and great leadership potential
Mentoring Practitioner of the Year – In Honor of Deborah Neary
Given to a mentoring practitioner who has made tremendous contributions to young people and the mentoring field
Mentoring Advocate of the Year
Given to a foundation, company, organization, or individual who has made a significant impact on young people by using their influence and public platform to support mentoring opportunities or mentoring initiatives
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY
MENTOR Nebraska is committed to fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion for all. We embrace our differences and celebrate our common humanity in advancing the need and transformative power of supportive relationships for our young people. We believe that varied experiences and opinions are central assets in our mission to close the mentoring gap. Through the Excellence in Mentoring Awards, we seek to elevate the voices, contributions and accomplishments of leaders who are diverse in skill, perspective and experience and encourage nominations for people from all backgrounds.
Past Award Recipients
2020
- Mentor of the Year: Erica McGruder, Nominated by Partnership 4 Kids
- Business of the Year: University of Nebraska Medical Center
2019
- Mentor of the Year: Vicky Muli, Nominated by Girls Inc. of Omaha
- Business of the Year: Greater Omaha Chamber
- Advocate of the Year: Willie Barney & The Empowerment Network
2018
- Mentor of the Year: Edward Stevens, Nominated by 100 Black Men of Omaha
- Business of the Year: First National Bank
- Advocate of the Year: Lisa Utterback
2016
- Mentor of the Year: Ben Ries, Nominated by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands
- Business of the Year: KETV News Watch 7
- Advocate of the Year: Richard Holland, Nominated by Partnership 4 Kids
2015
- Mentor of the Year: Amy Nelson, Nominated by Kent Bellows Mentoring Program
- Business Advocate of the Year: Creighton University, Nominated by Kids Can Community Center, Youth Emergency Services, Girls Inc. and Ollie Webb Center, Inc.
2014
- Mentor of the Year: Dakotah Taylor, Nominated by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands
- Business Advocate of the Year: Mutual of Omaha & Mutual of Omaha Foundation, Nominated by Youth Emergency Services
2013
- Outstanding Collaborator: Oanh Heiser
- Mentor of the Year: Tess Larson, Nominated by Girls Inc.
- Business Advocate of the Year: OPPD, Nominated by Partnership 4 Kids
2012
- Mentor of the Year: Laura Hopp, Nominated by Ollie Webb
- Business Advocate of the Year: Kiewit Company, Nominated by TeamMates
2011
- Mentor of the Year: Elaine Bankey, Nominated by TeamMates
- Business Advocate of the Year: Kutak Rock, Nominated by Partnership 4 Kids
2010
- Mentor of the Year: Don Bend, Nominated by Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands