WiS 2024 –
Applications Open
Until Feb. 5
Program Goals
In an effort to overcome the barriers that women and femme-identifying people face in STEAM industries, especially as entrepreneurs, the main goals of Opportunity Corps are:
- To provide women femme-identifying people in STEAM access to mentors and program presenters who are experts in their fields.
- To create awareness of existing women femme-identifying leaders.
- To help forge a path to leadership and entrepreneurship for women femme-identifying people in STEAM, whether to become leaders within an existing organization or to start their own venture.
- To benefit the community and STEAM industries in Nebraska by helping women femme-identifying people address and overcome barriers to leadership and entrepreneurship, allowing for a more confident sharing of ideas and leadership abilities.
Meet the Leadership Team
Stephanie Kidd, PhD
UNeTech Institute
Maggi Thorne
AIM Institute
Megan Bell
Nebraska Tech Collaborative
Meet the WiS 2024 Mentors
Nancy Williams
Science
Nancy Williams is the Managing Partner at Block 27 Consulting, LLC, focusing on leveraging strengths to build generational wealth. Previously, as Co-Founder and President/CEO of No More Empty Pots, she fostered self-sufficiency and food security in communities. Nancy excels in resource leveraging, strategic planning, and creative work, with a passion for lifelong learning and maximizing potential. Her extensive experience spans agriculture, technology, education, business development, and food systems. Committed to a love ethic, Nancy promotes dignity, joy, and equity, viewing love as a foundation for regenerative practice and justice.
Ameshia Doll-Weier
Technology
Ameshia Doll is a seasoned IT professional and Scrum Master at FNBO, balancing her career with being a mother of four. She excels in IT process improvement and agile frameworks, focusing on application integration and development. Ameshia is dedicated to diversity and inclusion, actively participating in initiatives for women in IT, especially women of color, and is integral to FNBO’s DEI efforts, especially in “Black Excellence and Women” programs. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, gardening, traveling, and exploring Omaha’s culinary scene. A true leader, Ameshia is known for her advocacy, passion for diversity, and commitment to excellence. She is currently pursuing an MBA, demonstrating her ongoing dedication to personal and professional growth, as well as her commitment to empowering underrepresented communities.
Caitlin Schmit
Engineering
Caitlin Schmit joined SNB Building Solutions as an Architectural Representative in 2018 after working as a Structural Engineer Intern for three years. In her current position, Caitlin specializes in promoting and educating architects and designers about various product solutions and providing design assistance and support to customers. Having graduated with her master’s degree in architectural engineering and expanding her knowledge of the many products she is proud to represent, Caitlin is uniquely suited to help design teams bridge the gap between form and function on their projects. Throughout her years in the building industry, Caitlin has honed her presentation, communication, and customer-service skills to best support her clients, resulting in the achievement of sales goals. She enjoys seeing projects materialize from concept to finished product while building lasting partnerships in the industry.
Haley Haas
Art
Haley Haas is the Executive Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Anastasis Theatre Co. She recently directed the tour of the Anastasis play More Than a Number, as well as the original production of the play inside NE State Penitentiary. Haley and the Anastasis Theatre Co. won the 2023 Nebraska State Arts Award for Access to the Arts. She was also a finalist for the 2023 Inspire Award in the visionary category. Haley has worked as a teaching artist and facilitator with The Union for Contemporary Art, Omaha Community Playhouse, WhyArts, and Creighton University’s Theatre for Social Justice class. She worked for 15 years as an actor and the Training and Education Director for RESPECT, a touring educational theatre company. Haley holds a BFA in Theater Performance from Creighton University and trained with the groundbreaking community-engaged theater company Cornerstone, based in Los Angeles, CA.
Alyssa Kuta Cave
Mathematics
Alyssa Cave is a Nebraska native and UNO graduate with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration. She currently serves as an Analyst at Invest Nebraska, having previously worked as a shared Analyst with the Nebraska Angels and a business consultant at the Nebraska Business Development Center. Alyssa is deeply committed to fostering entrepreneurship in Nebraska and engaging the next generation of innovators in this endeavor. Her work extends beyond her professional roles as she actively advocates for innovation and business growth within the state.
Sheila Fields
Alternate Mentor
Sheila Fields, MBA CPLC, is a Nebraska entrepreneur, philanthropist, and certified life coach. She founded The Bobby Byars Foundation, which has awarded over $50,000 in scholarships for family and community empowerment. Fields is involved in several initiatives, including Project W.O.R.K., and serves on multiple boards, such as the Metropolitan Community College Foundation. She owns BFields Solutions, providing technical solutions, and writes for the Omaha Star newspaper. Fields holds degrees in computer science and an MBA, with certifications in life coaching and women entrepreneurship. She is dedicated to family and community service.
Meet the WiS Fellows
Applications are open now – due on Monday February 5 at midnight! Apply HERE
