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Ready to Run Rally Raises Awareness of Need for More Women in Office

Speakers Diane Battiato and Jennifer Rasmussen

Nearly 200 people attended the recent Ready to Run Rally promoting the importance of electing women to office.

"The situation we have not only in our community but in our country is really dire when you look at the number of women in elected office, and it needs to change," said Diane Battiato, Ready to Run committee member. She encouraged women to discover their passion, find the office where they will be able to unleash that passion, and then throw their hats into the ring.

Jennifer Rasmussen, Ready to Run committee chair, told attendees they had taken the first step by attending the rally. She suggested that women get engaged and involved with other campaigns and then take the next step and run for office.

The rally was followed by a screening of the award-winning documentary, “Miss Representation” presented in collaboration with Film Streams at the Ruth Sokolof Theater.

Check out the list of local female candidates for elected offices.

View the Ready to Run Rally video on You Tube.

Read the Omaha World-Herald article on the rally and film.

Women’s Fund Announces New Executive Director

Michelle Zych has been named the new executive director for the Women’s Fund of Omaha, effective May 29. She will replace Ellie Archer, who is retiring after 11 years in the position.

Zych is currently regional development director for Planned Parenthood of the Heartland. Prior to assuming this position, she served as director of strategic development for Camp Fire USA – Midlands Council (now known as Completely Kids).

She holds a master’s degree in public administration – nonprofit management from the University of Nebraska – Omaha and a bachelor of art’s degree in women’s studies and sociology from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

Zych has been involved with the Women’s Fund for the past year, serving as founding chair of the Women’s Fund Circles group for young professional women. Her volunteer experience also includes Friends of Planned Parenthood, Project Interfaith’s communications committee and Omaha Morning Rotary.

Women Run for Office

Fifty-three women’s names will be on the ballot this year in Douglas and Sarpy counties. This represents 22 percent of the total candidates who filed for offices, including U.S. Senate, U.S. House, state legislature, city council, school board and more.

School board races drew the most female candidates, with 19 total. Nine women are running for legislative seats.

See the list of female candidates for Omaha-area offices.

New Report: Secrets of Successful Female Executives

To better understand paths to leadership and key elements contributing to the success of women who have made it to the top, the Women's Fund interviewed nearly 50 female executives. Their candid answers to questions on personal choices made to reach a leadership position, how they manage their time, their greatest successes, challenges they’ve overcome, the value of mentors and sponsors, and more are included in “Leadership Conversations.”

Download the report.

Read the Omaha World-Herald article on the report.

Our Mission

The Women's Fund of Omaha examines issues and conducts research to provide informed support for initiatives that improve the lives of metropolitan area women and girls.

Our Vision

A community where every woman and girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential.