All good things must come to an end, but the impact of strong leadership leaves a lasting legacy. As Eden Butler’s chapter closes, a new one begins with Nekola Distefano — and the mission of empowering women in business continues to grow.
Eden Butler has helped to lead the GROW Nebraska Women’s Business Center since 2021, and her impact has helped grow the center to one known throughout the Omaha area. Eden has recently decided to pursue opportunities in Shreveport, LA where she’ll be enrolling in LSU to study for her MBA and PMP Certification and assist with her family business.
Upon Eden’s move, we are proud to announce that Nekola Distefano, previously Business Development Specialist, is set to take on the role as Director. Prior to her position with the GNWBC, Nekola was the Member Services Coordinator for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce.
“This is the most fulfilling professional role that I have taken on. I cannot stress enough that seeing first-hand the impact that we are making on individual entrepreneurs’ lives is awe inspiring. Sometimes people just need a bit of guidance to catapult them to the next level in the business journey,” said Nekola.
“Being able to partner with so many other great organizations within the ecosystem has been key. ‘It takes a village’ applies to more than just raising children. Together I know that we are going to see a measurable increase of successful small business startups here in Omaha. I’m so looking forward to seeing what opportunities the future will bring to GNWBC. Our organic growth and expansion is not only needed, it’s welcomed into a community that’s ready to grow businesses and create jobs,” she added.
The GROW Nebraska® Foundation was founded with the idea of expanding resources to businesses and entrepreneurs alike to make a sustainable living anywhere within the state of Nebraska. As a 501(c) 3 educational foundation, the GROW Nebraska® Foundation was founded in 1998 and now works to extend resources, training, a brick and mortar store, as well as an eCommerce site full of Nebraska products to help elevate Nebraska-based businesses and connect Nebraska entrepreneurs to the global marketplace. Support or join GROW Nebraska Foundation’s efforts by visiting www.grownebraska.org.
GNWBC is a nonprofit organization that educates and supports entrepreneurs in their pursuit of successful business ownership through education and connections to resources for sustainable growth and development. You can learn more at www.gnwbc.org.