Today, we’re putting the spotlight on Michelle Zych, Executive Director here at the Women’s Fund of Omaha. As executive director of the Women’s Fund of Omaha, Michelle leads the nonprofit organization as it identifies critical issues, funds innovative solutions and leads dynamic change to provide every woman and girl in our community with the opportunity to reach her full potential.
Prior to joining the organization in May 2012, Michelle served as founding chair of the Women’s Fund Circles, a group designed to provide young women with the opportunity to network, interact with established community leaders, learn about philanthropy and support our mission.
We sat with Michelle 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?
The mission. The fact that we make hardcore change for women and girls for our community in ways that people don’t necessarily think about. We have an incredible team, not only the staff but our board of directors, our volunteers, and our founders that continue to be involved with the Women’s Fund.
Describe the Women’s Fund in 3 words.
Bravery, Progress, Love
Best thing about living/working in Omaha?
All of it. I grew up in Omaha and haven’t left for very long except for school. Omaha, like many other things, is what you make of it. We have made a lot of progress and have a lot of progress left to continue to make. We have an incredible sense of community here.
When you’re not working, what’s your favorite thing to do?
I like to go on adventures with my husband, my friends and dog. I like to have a drink and talk about how to change the world. I like to bike and I also like riding the couch all day.
What’s one goal you hope to accomplish within the next year?
There’s so much work to be done. My biggest goal for 2017 is to get it together; handling all of this and making sure that everyone on our team has what they need to get this important work done.
What’s the most interesting or unusual job you’ve ever had?
I would say the most unusual job was being a picker for Oriental Trading Company. That lasted for a solid three days. You basically pick little prizes and orders in an assembly line and put them in a box. I didn’t last long.
What are you reading or listening to these days?
I just finished reading a book called “Pretty Baby”. If I’m going to read a book, I like to do it in one sitting so I don’t do it a lot.
We do a lot of late night listening. My husband and I will sit on the kitchen floor and play different songs. We try to convince each other otherwise, but we have very different tastes in music. The one I always go to is Sia’s “Elastic Heart.” That’s our favorite collective video; it’s incredible. Other than that, I’m definitely a radio listener. I love all the pop music and I know all the words.
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?
I would say Amanda Pete. I’ve been told there’s some resemblance there and I find her incredibly goofy.