Junior League of Omaha members Colby Jensen, Alyson Manning and Alysia Radicia won a 2020 Midlands Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 award, the 19th edition of the prestigious awards program for Omaha’s entrepreneurs, executives and professionals. This is part of a series recognizing the League members who won the award.

Colby Jensen has been with BKD for over seven years. 

Her role includes: building and supervising governmental and not-for-profit industry teams on varying audit engagements; building and contributing to a culture to foster meaningful relationships and retain talent throughout the offices and audit engagement teams; and providing support to other BKD offices as needed providing industry expertise to clients in need.

“Passing the CPA exam and earning my license to practice was the first monumental professional accomplishment of my career,” she said. “My biggest career accomplishments now relate to building the team at work and helping others succeed.  I instruct various firmwide trainings as others progress in their careers and feel accomplished when I receive positive feedback that I was able to help them understand the content covered, keep the training fun and showcase my knowledge and passion for the work I do. In addition, anytime I can provide additional opportunities to my team members to help them further their career, build their confidence and be seen as a trusted advisor, makes my career much more rewarding.”

Colby earned her associate’s degree from Metropolitan Community College and her bachelor’s degree at University of Nebraska-Omaha. 

Her advice to other young professionals: “Be open, honest and own your mistakes. Take interest in others and create genuine rewarding relationships. Give yourself credit and celebrate your accomplishments. You’re capable of more, don’t hold yourself back.”

Colby’s League experience includes bRUNch 5k Treasurer, bRUNch5k co-vice chair, bRUNch 5k co-chair, Finance Manager and Financial Vice President.

“The League has introduced me to a variety of amazing, connected women that have helped me grow my personal and professional network,” she said. “The various training opportunities related to the League operations, policies and meetings has crossed over into professional meetings and other organizations that I participate in, making me feel more comfortable, confident and able to successfully participate and manage meetings.”

Besides being involved in the League, Colby is a mentor for the UNO College of Business Scholars Academy and NESCPA (Nebraska Society of Certified Public Accountants), sits on the BKD Nebraska Foundation Board, participates in Boy Scouts of America events and volunteers at other various community organizations.