Today, we’re putting the spotlight on Brenda Council, Adolescent Health Project Manager here at the Women’s Fund of Omaha. Brenda joined the Women’s Fund in January 2014 and leads the Women’s Fund’s project with its strategic partners, which is aimed at reducing teen pregnancies and STIs in our community.
She has an extensive record of public service, including election to the Omaha Public Schools Board of Education, the Omaha City Council and the Nebraska Legislature.
We sat with Brenda and asked her a few questions about her experience at the Women’s Fund, and what she likes to do outside of work.
What’s your favorite part of working for the Women’s Fund?
It would have to be being able to work on the issues affecting women that I am passionate about. In particular, the Adolescent Health Project with its mission of increasing the sexual knowledge of young people—with the ultimate goal of reducing STDs and teen pregnancy.
Describe the Women’s Fund in 3 words.
Dynamic, Results-Oriented, Focused
Best thing about living/working in Omaha?
It’s my home. I was born and raised in Omaha. I’ve spent most of my professional career in Omaha.
When you’re not working, what’s your favorite thing to do?
Spend time with my family. That includes my family here in Omaha and my husband’s family in Arkansas. That’s what I enjoy doing. I have a remarkable group of girlfriends; we do a lot of things together and we support each other.
What’s one goal you hope to accomplish within the next year?
I want to more fully engage the broader community in the Adolescent Health Project in achieving its mission. I’m going to focus more time and energy on reaching more of the community and engaging them in our project.
What’s the most interesting or unusual job you’ve ever had?
A lot of people would be surprised that I used to drive an ice cream truck during the summers when I was in high school. What was unusual about it was it was before I turned 18. I legally could not drive the truck because I was an independent contractor, and a contract with a minor is not enforceable. They found out how old I was and that’s how I lost my ice cream truck driving job.
What are you reading or listening to these days?
I’m constantly listening to old R&B on my satellite radio in my car, and on my Pandora on my phone. Luther Vandross, the Spinners, and Teena Marie are my favorites. In fact, those are my three Pandora channels.
I’m reading the books that have been written and published by my niece Alexandra Warren.
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?
Viola Davis, I just think she has such a remarkable ability to get into the characters that she portrays. She’s a powerful actress. She’s a lot like me, she doesn’t have to wear makeup all the time and she’s cool. It’s got to be Viola