Supporting Women and Children of Ukraine

BIOS

Vi See

Vi See grew up on a cattle ranch in north central Nebraska. Following graduation from Rock County High School, she attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln attaining a B.S. (health education) and an M.B.A. Vi retired on October 30, 2021 as the CEO of Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties. Community Action empowers people living in poverty to reach economic stability. During her 40-year career in human services, Vi also worked as the Executive Director of Girl Scouts – Homestead Council, Director of Volunteers and Assistant Administrator with Tabitha Health Care Services, and Assistant Director of the United Way Volunteer Center.

Community and professional involvement include service on the boards of CASA of Lancaster County, United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County, Association of Fundraising Professionals Nebraska Chapter, and Greater Lincoln Workforce Development. Vi is a member of Lincoln South Rotary, Leadership Lincoln Alum, and Leadership Circle University of NE Alumni Association. She (and Ken) currently volunteer at the Gathering Place serving evening meals and with Meals on Wheels delivering nutritious lunches to those who are homebound.

In 2006, Vi achieved certification as a fundraising professional and continues to hold that certification. Recently Vi was named to the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Nebraska Chapter, Hall of Fame, and presented a Lifetime Service Award by the Lincoln Homeless Coalition, a Mayor’s Service Award by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, and the Community Action at Work Award by Community Action.

Vi and her partner Ken enjoy travel. This summer they enjoyed Yellowstone National Park the week before the massive flooding and last traveled internationally to Italy, spending Christmas in Rome then flying home one week before COVID restrictions were introduced.

Jenny Cardwell

Ms. Cardwell has been involved in the nonprofit arena her entire career.  She was Director of Volunteers at Tabitha and worked with the Hospice Program as Bereavement Coordinator where she had the opportunity to co-lead grief groups. 

She worked for Girl Scouts – Homestead Council as Director of Fund Development and Public Relations for 10 years and then another seven years as Fund Development Director and Vice President of Fund Development for Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska (after the five Nebraska Councils merged into one).    

She finished her career at HopeSpoke where she was Director of Development for more than five years. She currently helps HopeSpoke with grants and other projects on an as needed basis. 

Ms. Cardwell’s volunteer work has been through Lincoln South Rotary Club, Northeast United Church of Christ and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  Currently she is the Stewardship Coordinator for Northeast United Church of Christ and helps with the monthly Community Breakfast.  She and her daughter and grandchildren make sure that the Little Free Pantry is filled almost daily. She is arranging for programs in November for Lincoln South Rotary Club. 

Ms. Cardwell is married to fellow Lincoln South Rotarian, Tom Cardwell. They have three children, two sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren.  She loves to read, travel, and spend time with her family. Before going to volunteer in Poland she and Tom took five of their grandchildren to the Rotary International Convention in Houston which was an amazing experience for all!