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.

An interior designer, Alysia Radicia joined RDG Planning & Design in 2011.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work on some pretty amazing civic minded projects: Work at UNMC, the Women’s Center for Advancement, The Jewish Community Center – all organizations that are mission minded and work for the community,” she said. “I’m an avid volunteer and am constantly trying to do good in my community, having the ability to blend professional and volunteer passions is highly meaningful and impactful.”

Alysia is in her eighth year with the Junior League, currently serving as the Executive Vice President-Elect, a step-up position to Executive Vice President for the 2021-2022 League year. Other positions she has held include 2019-2020 Member at Large, 2018-2019 Development and Donor Relations Annual Appeal Coordinator, 2017-2018 Fundraising Council Director, 2016-2017 Done in a Day Vice Chair and multiple positions on American Girl.

Alysia also spearheaded the League’s headquarters redesign in 2018-2019.

The League has helped her in so many ways, she says.

“I have had so many opportunities to learn and grow that I certainly would not have had in my professional career,” Alysia said. “At the beginning of my League career it was managing a committee of 23 working towards raising $70,000. Wow! The energy and effort involved in that; I learn financial organization, donor stewardship, communication strategies, logistics and planning, team development, marketing. Not every single element of these skills I used in my day-to-day, but my clients certainly do. Having this perspective has helped me in becoming their best advocate and consultant, I know what their role and work entails and I can help in ways that other designers can’t. Now, as I develop in my League career I am constantly gaining skills and insight on working with and developing teams. How to manage different personalities, how to build trust, effective means of communication, fostering empathy, being the best cheerleader and motivating various teams in achieving some pretty amazing stuff.”

Alysia is also active beyond the League with Greater Omaha Chamber Young Professional Council, Friends of Nebraska Children, Opera Omaha, Joslyn Art Museum Young Art Patrons, Share Omaha and Women’s Fund Circles. She is a Leadership Omaha Class 40 graduate.

“Be open to opportunities,” Alyisa said of her advice for other young professionals. “I am a firm believer in self-care, boundaries, knowing when to say no, but simultaneously you have to be open to opportunities when they present themselves. Sure, life is hectic and chaotic, but when asked to take on a new role, join a committee, or a new project, take a moment and reflect how you could learn and grow from the opportunity. Also, take stock on the fact that someone thought you were best suited for a particular role – you. Lean into what opportunities are in front of you while caring for yourself.”