Tell us about your family? Justin – husband, Harrison – son

Pets: Shelties, Finley and Sophie

Hometown: Columbus, NE

College: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from University of Missouri – St. Louis

Sorority: Pi Beta Phi

Job/Business: Advisor for the University of Nebraska at Omaha Thompson Learning Community

 

 

Why did you join the Junior League?

I truly believe it is important to give back to the community and I found Junior League to be a group of talented and amazing ladies who have the same ideals. I knew instantly that I wanted to belong to such an outstanding organization for women.

What do you see as one of the biggest turning points in your life?

One of the biggest turning points in my life involved our decision to move back to Nebraska. My husband and I both grew up in Nebraska but left to pursue our graduate degrees. We really enjoyed our time in St. Louis and spending our first couple years of our marriage being able to create our own traditions.  Moving back meant we would be near more of our friends and families but the tradeoff being that we would be giving up some of that independence. Three years later we are happy we moved to Omaha and definitely see ourselves staying for the long term. We are excited to raise our family here.

What is your favorite thing about living in Omaha?

I love living in midtown. It is so nice being within walking distance to entertainment.  Always something new to explore.  I also love my job. In my current role I am an advisor to freshmen in the Thompson Learning Community (TLC).  Our learning community specifically works with students receiving the Susan Thompson Buffett Foundation Scholarship at UNO. I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to work for TLC because I firmly believe education has the ability to change not only the lives of the student receiving their degree but also of their families, friends, networks, etc. Getting to help students fulfill their goals is the ultimate reward.

What are your favorite restaurants in Omaha?

Salween Thai, Lot 2, Block 16, Dixie Quicks, Pitch

What other organizations are you affiliated with?

Nebraska Beta Chapter of Pi Beta Phi Chapter House Corporation, Countryside Community Church Family Activities Committee

What is your strongest talent?

I have a really great memory for music. I can usually recall lyrics, artist, beat, etc. after hearing a song maybe once or twice. Makes me really invaluable during trivia nights.

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go?

I was adopted at 4 months old from South Korea. A goal of ours is to travel to Korea for a few weeks and really explore the culture. My husband and I plan to take our son Harrison when he is old enough to remember the experience.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?

Wheel by John Mayer. I particularly love this lyric: “I believe that my life’s gonna see, The love I give, Return to me.”

What is one of your favorite quotes?

“If you have everything under control, you’re not moving fast enough.” – Mario Andretti