Once a client of Omaha’s Stephen Center, Beth Robbins transformed her experience into a mission to uplift others. Now serving as the organization’s Chief Experience Officer, her journey from hardship to leadership has made her a powerful force for change as she assists individuals and families moving from crisis to stability.

As a lifelong advocate for equity, service, and empowerment, Deb Shaw has volunteered for and held leadership positions in a variety of organizations, including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), and Partnership 4 Kids. Shaw was also integral to bringing the CARES Mentoring Movement to Omaha, urging the community to rally around children marginalized due to race or economic status. She is a proud member of the Heartland Family Service North Omaha Community Council (NOCC).

Following his 2024 diagnosis of pediatric high-grade glioma, 12-year-old Liam Settles and his family channeled their battle with cancer into heightened awareness and support for cancer research. Liam’s medical team and family have partnered with leading institutions across the country, including UCSF, Seattle Children’s, Texas Children’s, Boston Children’s, St. Jude, Children’s Hospital Colorado in Denver, City of Hope Los Angeles, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Liam also advocated for cancer research on Capitol Hill at CureFest and is a Team Jack Foundation Hero, representing the Nebraska-based nonprofit dedicated to funding impactful pediatric brain cancer research and awareness.

Civic champion and mother of eight, Janis Berry has dedicated her life to advocacy for compassionate, affordable healthcare and improved access to opportunities and resources in her community. She has served on the North Omaha Community Coalition (NOCC) for more than 30 years and worked extensively with the North Omaha Area Health (NOAH) Clinic, an Omaha-based organization providing critical low-cost healthcare services and screenings.

Judy Vann’s philanthropic legacy spans decades, including participation in a global effort to eradicate the polio virus alongside her late husband and Suburban Rotary founder, Howard Vann. Vann is also a longtime supporter of Jewish Family Service, the Omaha Community Playhouse, and the Omaha Symphony. For nearly 20 years, a scholarship at CHI Health Immanuel bearing the family’s name has provided funding for students pursuing degrees in physical or occupational therapy.

Continuing this family tradition of service, Judy Vann’s son Tom Vann and his wife, Gina Gottsch, established the Tom and Gina Vann Scholarship Fund through the Suburban Rotary Charitable Foundation in 2024. Their $50,000 contribution provides college scholarships to high-achieving students who succeed academically while overcoming significant physical challenges.