We’re shining the light on Lynette Ingram who joined the team this month as the new Adolescent Health Project director.
Lynette joins us after more than 16 years at Bellevue University, where she worked as a coordinator, admissions counselor, undergraduate admissions manager, high school manager and relationship manager.
She currently serves on the board of the North Omaha Community Care Council helping to drive their mission and accomplish fundraising goals and works with the SAVE Program to connect underserved youth with opportunities to be successful students and active individuals. Lynette also teaches professional development courses at the Women’s Center for Advancement with a focus on interview skills, resume building and transferrable skills. Her love of people, education and providing valuable training to women and girls is evident in the work she does.
We asked Lynette a few questions about her experience at the Women’s Fund so far, and what she likes to do outside of work.
What’s your favorite part of working at the Women’s Fund?
The atmosphere. I can come in and be in a positive environment where we help each other and lift each other up to succeed and do well. That’s so beneficial in any working environment. I’m excited to come to work every day.
Describe the Women’s Fund in three words?
Real. Powerful. Advocacy.
Best thing about living/working in Omaha?
There is diversity everywhere and I feel good about my community. I’m a believer that you can find your place anywhere, and if for some reason you feel out of place you have options to thrive in other areas of town. I love my family and adore that they live throughout the metro. No matter where we’re at, we can get together, and we make it a point to spend real quality time so that we do not become strangers.
When you’re not working, what’s your favorite thing to do?
Anyone that knows me knows family time and quality time is important. I come from a big family of seven siblings and 19 nieces and nephews, so being able to spend time with them is a lot of fun. We love playing games like Taboo, Guesstures and Pictionary—we’re definitely a fun family. I also love spending quality time with my boyfriend at our home.
What’s one goal you hope to accomplish in the next year?
I want to develop strong relationship internally and externally. One of the things I am extremely passionate about is building and fostering those relationships so that everyone feels that they have the support needed to help the people they serve. I care about making a positive impact on people so that they in turn will continue to make positive impacts on the people in our community.
What’s the most interesting or unusual job you’ve ever done?
Cosmetologist. In that role, I provided haircare services, but also served my clientele as a confidante. Women and young girls took lots of time from their day to come in for a visit with me, receive a wonderful shampoo (they are legendary with these hands), and style before they leave to conquer their day-to-day lives. They were confident with styles that were definitely worth complimenting.
What are you listening to these days?
I’m listening to all kinds of music. I love 90s R&B, rap, some country—I could listen to Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton everyday—and a lot of artists from the neo soul genre.
If Hollywood made a movie about you, who would you like to see cast as you?
Jill Scott. I love her soulful vibe, she’s very passionate, very real and absolutely beautiful!