Bio Nebraska and Nebraska Cures announced today that the 2024 Nebraska Women in STEM Awards were presented to Nancy Williams for Outstanding Woman in STEM and Turner Construction Company for Outstanding Organization in STEM.
The honorees were recognized at the Nebraska Women in STEM Conference on Thurs., April 4, 2024, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Omaha La Vista Hotel & Conference Center in La Vista, Nebraska.
“We created the Nebraska Women in STEM Awards to recognize amazing women representing Nebraska’s STEM industry, as well as the organizations in our state leading the way to reduce barriers for women in STEM,” said Amanda McGill Johnson, Executive Director of Nebraska Cures.
Nominations were reviewed by a committee of volunteers. The Outstanding Woman in STEM Award was presented by UNeTech’s Dr. Stephanie Kidd. Williams was unable to attend due to illness, and her children accepted her award in her place. The Outstanding Organization in STEM Award was presented by Sasha Forsen, Assistant Director of Bio Nebraska.
“This year’s award winners are perfect examples of how both individuals and organizations can support women in their STEM career journeys,” said Sasha Forsen. “It was an honor having the opportunity to recognize Nancy Willams and Turner Construction Company for their outstanding efforts to create more opportunities for women.”
The awards are part of the Nebraska Women in STEM Initiative started by Bio Nebraska and Nebraska Cures as a result of the Nebraska Women in STEM: Listen Then Act report. A download of the Listen Then Act report can be found at the Nebraska Women in STEM website HERE. An Executive Summary of the report is HERE.
Full Award Descriptions:
The Outstanding Woman in STEM Award honors a woman who has demonstrated a commitment to the STEM fields. Through specific actions the recipient has proven to be a leader and mentor in the STEM fields, breaking barriers and/or advocating for their peers and successors.
The Award for Outstanding Organization is for a company, agency, employee resource group, or other organization that has taken demonstrable actions to decrease barriers and to promote participation for women in STEM
About Nebraska Cures
Nebraska Cures supports, promotes and advocates for scientific research and education to advance our quality of life and our economy. Nebraska Cures carries out its mission by educating the public and policy makers on health science research and strengthening and diversifying the research career pipeline. For more information, visit nebraskacures.com.
About Bio Nebraska
Founded in 2005, Bio Nebraska is a non-profit trade association dedicated to supporting and promoting Nebraska’s bioscience sector and ensuring the sector grows and thrives. Bio Nebraska is the only organization in the state representing over 100 bio-related entities in the human health, medical device, animal health, agriculture, renewable fuels and industrial biotech sectors, as well as educational institutions and service providers. For more information, visit bionebraska.org.