Nebraska Women’s Leadership Council celebrates 25 years of trailblazers, connections

Over the last two decades, the Nebraska Women’s Leadership Network has forged a worldwide network of Husker trailblazers.

The program is one of several offered through the Nebraska Alumni Association and has been growing its network of alumnae leaders since 1999. Originally named Cather Circle, the network’s roots are tied to a group of university alumnae who sought to connect students and graduates through a small event held at the Wick Alumni Center.

In the 25 years that followed, the Nebraska Women’s Leadership Network has grown into a community showcasing the university’s best and brightest.

“That initial event kick-started what has been a worldwide program that has continued to enrich the lives of alumni and students,” said Maria Muhlbach, senior director of alumni outreach at the Nebraska Alumni Association.

Muhlbach, a 2009 graduate of the University of Nebraska­–Lincoln, has seen the firsthand impact of the network as a student. She said many of her friends were involved in the network.

“I know several of my friends who have benefited from this program and continue to benefit from it,” she said. “As an outsider, I’ve really enjoyed learning about this program. It’s really been impactful for me.”

The mentorship Muhlbach observed among her friends as a student has been a pillar of the network since its inception. Muhlbach said the network’s goal is to encourage organic connections between students, young alumni and seasoned mentors.

She said creating these moments of connection — whether through recruiting events, on-campus tours or lecture series — can lead to a lasting impact.

“I know women who are still very connected with their mentee, whom they met over 15 years ago,” Muhlbach said. “Personal relationships are a critical part of what this network aims to provide.”

Thanks to donor support for the Nebraska Alumni Association, the Nebraska Women’s Leadership Network has continued to expand and will celebrate its 25th anniversary this fall. Muhlbach said the network wouldn’t be able to continue bringing together UNL’s best and brightest without this support.

“These funds help create opportunities for women to connect, especially because we are part of the alumni association,” Muhlbach said. “It’s hard to describe just how thankful we are for the generosity of these gifts.”