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Chancellor Li Named "Inspire Woman of the Year," Other Mavericks Also Honored

Now in its third year, the Inspire Awards program recognizes women and emerging leaders who make an impact within their industries, their communities, and beyond.

  • published: 2024/12/08
  • contact: Sam Peshek - Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA., 2024 Inspire Awards Woman of the Year winner.

UNO Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA., 2024 Inspire Awards Woman of the Year winner. Photo: Ryan Soderlin, UNO Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications.

University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, was named Woman of the Year at the 2024 “Inspire: Celebrating Women’s Leadership Awards” ceremony on Dec. 3.

Now in its third year, the Inspire Awards program recognizes women and emerging leaders who make an impact within their industries, their communities, and beyond.

Chancellor Li accepted the award on UNO’s behalf.

“I am honored and humbled by this recognition, but it is more than a personal recognition. It is a testament to the collective efforts of our Maverick community,” Chancellor Li said. “Together, we have worked to position UNO as a leading workforce development engine in Nebraska, driving innovation and creating opportunities that transform lives. I am also deeply proud to celebrate the accomplishments of my fellow Mavericks who exemplify leadership, dedication, and the spirit of excellence that define our university.”

Other Inspire Award Winners and Finalists With Maverick Ties

In addition to Chancellor Li, several other Mavericks were also honored at the awards.

  • Community Volunteer Award Finalist: Amber Gard, Community Volunteer, UNO Alum

  • Emerging Leader Award Winner: Kashya Burrell, Seventy-Five North Revitalization Corp., UNO Alum

  • Emerging Leader Award Finalist: Mishala Lewis, Kiewit Luminarium, UNO Alum

  • Excellence in Business (Large) Winner and Woman of the Year Finalist: Samantha Mosser, Bankers Trust, UNO Alum

  • Excellence in Education Award Winner: Janice Garnett, Ed.D., former UNO Department of Educational Leadership instructor

  • Excellence in Education Award Finalist: Stephanie Marie Kidd, Ph.D., UNMC UNeTech Institute, UNO Alum

  • Excellence in Education Award Finalist: Dr. Heather Phipps, Millard Public Schools, UNO Alum

  • Excellence in Healthcare Finalist: Jamie Bland, DNP, RN, CyncHealth, UNO Alum

  • Excellence in Healthcare Finalist: Dr. Megan Chacon, UNMC, UNO Alum

  • Excellence in Public Service Winner and Woman of the Year Finalist: Lauren Micek Vargas, Educational Rights Counsel, CEC partner.

  • Excellence in Women’s Athletics Award Winner and Woman of the Year Award Finalist: Connie Claussen, UNO Athletic Director Emerita and UNO Athletic Hall of Fame softball coach

  • Excellence in Women’s Athletics Award Finalist: Jacque Tevis-Butler, Millard Public Schools, UNO Alum

  • Inspire Scholarship Finalist: Ana P. Lopez-Zurita, Business Administration and Studio Art double-major.

Four Mavericks, including Chancellor Li, were award winners or finalists at the 2023 Inspire Awards.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university, committed to innovating for the public good, advancing social mobility, powering workforce development, and serving as a hub for community engagement. Nearly 15,000 Mavericks choose UNO for its hands-on education experiences, nationally ranked online and graduate programs, military-connected student support, and innovative approaches to supporting lifelong learning. UNO holds the Carnegie Research Activity “R2” designation, securing more than $40 million annually in external research funding and counts its faculty among the world’s most cited scholars. Sixteen Omaha Athletics programs compete in NCAA Division I as members of the Summit League and National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC). 

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