This Summer, the GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center (GNWBC) was offered an opportunity to partner with Step Up! Omaha – a nonprofit organization that assist youths in resume and interview preparation and first job placements. Step Up! Omaha was able to pair us with an amazing intern named Lydia Okuku. Lydia came to us as a 2022 graduate from Millard North who was excited to learn more about marketing and business management.

Lydia Okuku states, “Being introduced to be a part of GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center has been a new adventure. I have been given the opportunity to sit beside Eden to observe and support the start of new entrepreneurs. Every single one of these entrepreneurs has sacrificed so much to start and I’m so happy that I can reassure and relieve their stress. Seeing so much effort from GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center and beyond makes me truly believe no one is ever alone, the system is a family.”

Lydia was able to join the GNWBC Team on several excursions from picking up distribution orders to meetings with collaborative partners and sponsors. Lydia also helped a lot with the intake process for our one-on-one meetings and got a chance to speak with both upcoming and established business owners about their goals and challenges.

Eden Butler, Executive Director of GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center states, “In the short time we had with Lydia, we were really impressed with her attention to detail and desire to support every individual that we connected with. I see nothing but great things instore for Lydia’s future and we were very lucky to have her!”

Lydia Okuku goes on to say, “Not only have I been a support to others, but Eden has also been a huge support to me. Every day I come in I am greeted with positive energy and drive from Eden that makes me excited to work. Eden has shown my worth in the GNWBC family even though my role isn’t top-level. I am extremely grateful for her to be by my side, she is a strong influential person that has become my role model now, and in my future years. Furthermore, I am, from the bottom of my heart, grateful that
I can be in this family, and know that I am doing something not many get the chance to have. I
am definitely enjoying myself and loving every moment of my adventure here.”

We wish Lydia the best of luck, and a special thank you goes to Step Up! Omaha for making the connection. The GNWBC looks forward to continuing its partnership with Step Up! Omaha and welcome our next intern which will start as our new assistant in the Fall.

About the GROW Nebraska® Women’s Business Center

The Grow Nebraska® Women’s Business Center’s mission since 2021 is to serve all Women, Cultures and Communities in achieving their Educational, Professional and Entrepreneurial goals. We believe in the potential of Women, Minorities, Immigrants and Families and choose to Educate, Train and help them obtain successful business ownership and employment.