Whether educators, medical professionals, law enforcement officers or business women, Women of Achievement strives to honor and recognize the work women in North Platte do every day.
On Thursday morning, nominees attended the 2024 Women of Achievement luncheon with their friends and families. Guests got to celebrate the dedication of women in the community and their efforts to make the world around them a better place.
19-year-old Miss Hershey Teen USA Addilyn Wilson gave the keynote speech for the event. Wilson talked about her experience with leadership throughout her high school — and now college — career.
“When I look out into this room, I see so many distinguished women who I’ve looked up to for years,” Wilson said. “You are all living testaments to the strength and resilience that women are capable of. Your experiences, stories and wisdom are treasures that set an example of leadership for so many people, myself included.”
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Wilson has had the opportunity to work alongside former senator and Husker football coach Tom Osborne with TeamMates Mentoring. She also donated nearly 400 backpacks filled with school supplies to families in need and even wrote and published a book titled “Cassie’s Confidence.”
“I’ve come to realize that the greatest victories are not found in trophies or titles, but in the lives we touch and in the hearts we uplift along the way,” she said. “I want to thank each and every one of you for taking the initiative to do something with your lives, giving selflessly for the benefit of others. Our community truly would not be the same without you.”
A total of 14 women were finalists, with six winning the title of Woman of Achievement. Categories included business,cultural arts, education, government and law, medical and volunteer work.
Business:
Kathryn Hisel, part owner and chief operating officer for both JA Wever Construction Co. and Integrated Power Co., won the Women of Achievement award in the business category. Not only was she instrumental in the growth of Integrated Power Co., she is also part owner of her family’s cow-calf operation in the Sandhills, she has served as treasurer of the North Platte Hostesses and volunteers her time with numerous events.
Cultural Arts:
Jessie Lovett is not only an English professor at North Platte Community College, but a published writer in both academic and creative publications. Lovett was named the Woman of Achievement in cultural arts for her work at the college and her dedication to creativity. She created and manages “The Yard Rake,” which allows students and staff from the college to share their creative works.
Volunteer:
Megan McGown serves as both the chief development officer for Great Plains Health and the head of the Great Plains Foundation. The Women of Achievement volunteer winner also has dedicated her time to the growth of the community, helping with efforts to fund and remodel the North Platte Recreation Center, Cody Park pool and the skatepark.
Medical:
Wendy Ward, winner of the Woman of Achievement in the medical category, serves as the director of risk management and patient safety at Great Plains Health. Ward has 25 years of nursing experience, granting her a transformation leadership style. In addition to her experience in the medical field, Ward serves on a number of community boards and committees, gives her time to the Child Advocacy Center, RDAP and is on the board of directors for Deborah’s Legacy.
Government:
Since 2012 Lisa Citta has served the city of North Platte as a member of the North Platte Police Department. Citta earned the Women of Achievement award in government and law due to her profound acts of bravery and service to the community. She is also the second woman to have attained the rank of sergeant in the North Platte Police Department. In addition to her work protecting and serving, Citta also owns and operates her own business, Snowball Express and Axes & Aces.
Education:
For 20 years Katy Henderson has been an early childhood educator. Henderson won the Women of Achievement award in education for her work as a first grade and kindergarten teacher for several schools in the area, including Washington Elementary, Jefferson Elementary and McDaid Elementary. With a gentle approach, patience and years of experience, Henderson has guided students through their learning experiences and ensured each student has the tools they need to succeed.
