Each year, PRSA Nebraska honors some of the top individuals and organizations in Nebraska who do the profession proud and represent the highest public relations standards. PRSA Nebraska is proud to announce the recipients of the 2023 Chapter Service Awards.
This year’s chapter service awards are being presented to Josefina Loza, Lyn Wineman, Monique Farmer, the Nebraska We Care for Kids Initiative, John Chapman, and Shari R. Veil.
Congratulations to all of our 2023 PRSA Nebraska Chapter Service Award Winners who were recognized at the 2023 PRSA Nebraska Paper Anvil Awards gala on Thursday, Dec. 7 at the Omaha Press Club.
Newcomer of the Year - Josefina Loza
The newcomer of the year award, presented to one- to three-year members who have made a significant contribution to PRSA Nebraska, will be awarded to Josefina Loza, founder and CEO of Lozafina, LLC.
Her nominators shared that Josefina has proven herself as a dedicated leader within her first year of PRSA membership. She uses her engaging leadership, strategic thinking and innovation, and enthusiasm to recruit and retain members, ultimately connecting the community and expanding the reach of PRSA Nebraska.
We are proud to honor Josefina Loza as the 2023 Newcomer of the Year. Previous winners have included Magdalena Axtell, Amanda Lustgraaf, Dani Hatfield, Lauren Fischer, LeAnne Morman, Erin Van Zee, Kelly Bast, Elise Peterson and Hallie Miller
Nebraska Chapter Service Award – Lyn Wineman
The Nebraska Chapter Service Award, which recognizes a member who has provided leadership or assisted in strengthening PRSA Nebraska, will be awarded to Lyn Wineman, president and chief strategist of KidGlov.
For the past three years, Lyn has been instrumental in advancing the PRSA Nebraska Paper Anvil Awards. By leading efforts to modernize the award process and introduce new relevant categories, the number of award submissions has increased since 2020. Her nominators say that her invaluable insights from her role at KidGlov and her commitment to the chapter have served her well in making an impact on the Paper Anvil awards, making her deserving of the 2023 Chapter Service Award.
We are proud to honor Lyn for her extraordinary dedication to the chapter and the Paper Anvil Awards through the 2023 Nebraska Chapter Service Award. Past winners have included Kellie Wostrel, Randa Zalman, Kathy Broniecki, Cris Hay-Merchant, Angie Hempel, Brittney Ryba, Angie Hempel, Kathy Broniecki, and Jill Heggen.
Special Achievement in Public Relations – Monique Farmer
The Special Achievement in Public Relations award, which recognizes a member for an outstanding achievement or representation of the profession, is being awarded to Monique Farmer, APR, president of Avant Solutions.
Monique’s nominators say that her contributions and story stand out as an inspiration in PR. Her commitment to mentoring the next generation and her impeccable communication strategies set her apart in the industry. She is in the process of sharing her philosophies for mentorship and success in an upcoming book entitled, "Chart Your Path: A 9-Step Method to Getting Unstuck."
We are proud to honor Monique for her outstanding commitment to the future of the profession here in Nebraska with the 2023 Special Achievement in Public Relations award. Previous winners have included the Omaha Police Department, Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, Rachel Carver, Jill Heggen, Karen Weber, Bozell, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln CoJMC Bateman Team.
Community Service Award – Nebraska We Care for Kids Initiative
The Community Service Award recognizes an organization that has made significant contributions elevating the professional practice of public relations. This year, it will be presented to the Nebraska We Care for Kids Initiative.
This partnership, led by the Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska, brings together organizations from across Nebraska to advocate for quality early childhood education for every Nebraska family. Their website, NebraskaCaresforKids.org, offers essential information and resources for early childhood organizations, educators, parents, and community leaders. The group also joins over 20 experts and leaders in its We Care for Kids Campaign Advisory Group which advocates for stronger early childhood education and awareness across the state.
PRSA Nebraska is proud to present the 2023 Community Service Award to the Nebraska We Care for Kids Initiative. Previous winners have included We Don’t Coast Community Service, Restoration Exchange Omaha, First National Bank of Omaha, Jill Heggen, and the Arbor Day Foundation.
Media Partner of the Year - John Chapman
PRSA Nebraska honors a media professional in Nebraska who has made a significant effort to foster connection and community in their market with the Media Partner of the Year award. This year, the recognition will be awarded to John Chapman, reporter at WOWT.
John Chapman has reported for WOWT on issues and impactful stories in our community for decades. His partnership with the community and his journalistic professionalism shows through in each story he shares. As a trusted partner with public relations practitioners across the area, John stands out as a genuine individual and an ally to his peers in both journalism and public relations. John’s nominators shared, “His recent induction into the Omaha Press Club Hall of Fame is a testament to his legacy and influence. His long-standing collaborations with PR professionals over the years make him more than a media partner of the year; he is indeed a media partner of the decades.”
Congratulations to John Chapman for receiving the PRSA Nebraska 2023 Media Partner of the Year award. Previous winners have included Erin Grace, Mike Hogan/KIOS, Emily Chen-Newton/NOISE, and Ava Thomas.
Professional of the Year – Shari R. Veil
The Professional of the Year award, which recognizes an individual who represents the best in public relations this year, will be presented to Shari R. Veil, dean of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications.
Shari R. Veil, Dean
Professional of the Year
University of Nebraska Lincoln College of Journalism and Mass Communications
Shari R. Veil has led UNL’s College of Journalism and Mass Communications into a period of unparalleled growth—both academically and in its outreach. She is committed to providing students with a world-class education in journalism and public relations, opens doors to experiential learning and career opportunities, and develops the next generation of public relations professionals. Shari’s commitment extends beyond the classroom, with efforts to build partnerships with industry professionals in the community that ultimately enrich the student experience. Her nominators shared, “Her unwavering passion, innovative initiatives, and visionary approach to education make her a standout nominee, deserving of recognition for her exemplary contributions to the field.”
PRSA Nebraska is proud to honor Shari R. Veil as the 2023 PRSA Nebraska Professional of the Year. Previous winners have included Tom Albers, Linda Lovgren, Monique Farmer, Joan Lukas, Cindy Workman, Bill O’Neill, Phil Rooney, Lindsey Langemeier
