2006 Distinguished Sustainer Service Award  

Ruth Keene 

  

  

"The training is outstanding.  The contacts for future volunteer and professional career interests are tops.  And the friends you make—amazing!"  These are just a few of the catch phrases relayed by Ruth when asked why she would encourage a new member to join the Junior League of Omaha.  Beginning her League career in 1974 and participating as an Active for more than a decade, Ruth has truly embodied the spirit of our mission: promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving communities.  Ruth recalls one favorite placement as the League representative to the Concerned Citizens for Omaha in 1976.  This group hoped to peacefully integrate our public schools.  She went on to chair the volunteers for this effort and enjoyed meeting people from all over the city—people with different backgrounds, different interests, and very different ideas!  In working with such a diverse group, Ruth began to cultivate the unique skills associated with uniting people for a common cause.  Ruth has continued to use her League training, whether that be strategic planning, organizing projects and volunteers, or fundraising, for many organizations in Omaha, as well as throughout Nebraska and the U.S.  Ruth's influence spans from Omaha to Kearney to Kansas City, MO and even on to the East Coast (where she currently sits on the Advisory Council for the Johnson Museum at Cornell University)!  Ruth has served on several guilds and boards of directors; she has been involved with numerous fundraisers; she has always been an advocate for the arts; she has been a Sustainer Advisor for our League, but most of all, Ruth has been an advocate for Omaha, for strong and healthy families and for the power of volunteering!             

 

 

  

2006 Sustainer Hall of Fame Inductees 

 

  

Jody Carstens 

As an Active member of the Junior League of Omaha for eight years, Jody commented, "I learned everything about volunteer service as a member of the JLO.  The League has been the organization that has had the greatest impact on my life."  Jody was prompted to join the League because of our reputation for volunteer and leadership training.  She embraced all that she learned, and has gone on to use her training for numerous Omaha organizations.  Jody is currently serving as the Co-Chairman for Santa's Preview, a fundraising event benefiting the Clarkson/Nebraska Medical Center.   Additionally, Jody is also currently involved in TeamMates, the Omaha Children's Theater, Camp Fire Girls Guild, and the Clarkson Service League, to name a few.    

  

  

  

Joni Craighead 

Joni remembers when she became a Provisional member of the Junior League of Topeka, Kansas in 1985.  Joni recalls that the League was THE organization to join.  Not only did you have to receive a special invitation, but you also needed one sponsor and two endorsers!  Throughout her time in Topeka and continuing as a Transfer into the Junior League of Omaha, Joni enjoyed the League for the friendships she cultivated, the many networking opportunities it provided, and the evolving education of learning how to really get involved in one's community.  In addition to owning and operating her own real estate development company, Joni is the author of First Impressions: Tips to Enhance Your Image, is the newly-elected Chairman of the Douglas County Republican Party, is an active member of several area professional organizations, and holds key roles with many area community agencies such as the Grace University Foundation, YWCA, Friends of Lied, and the American Heart Association. 

  

  

Mary Ochsner  

Mary was tickled when she received her invitation to join the Junior League of Omaha in 1972—little did she know that over the next fourteen years she would really learn the ins and outs of our League.  Of the many lessons Mary gained during her time as an Active, she credits the two most powerful as being 1) a dynamic group of women working together can, and does, accomplish great things for our community, and 2) the friendships you create when working together last forever!  When asked about her many placements, Mary said, "I think my favorite placement was serving as Chairman of the Placement Committee.  It was such fun to meet all of the members, get to know them a little bit, and learn where their passion lies."  Throughout her time in the League and continuing on to today, Mary has shared her commitment with organizations such as the Omaha Symphony, Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha Community Playhouse, Duchesne Academy, St. Margaret Mary's, and the Loveland Garden Club.