Today, we’re putting the spotlight on Jill Heggen, public relations and social media manager here at the Women’s Fund of Omaha. Jill joined the Women’s Fund in October after working as PR Counsel for Swanson Russell, a local advertising agency. She’s worked on several regional projects, including Do Space and the Nebraska Tourism Commission. Prior to that, Jill worked as director of communications at Bethany College in Kansas.
We sat with Jill and asked her a few questions about her experience so far at the Women’s Fund, and what she likes to do outside of work.
What’s your favorite part of working for the Women’s Fund?
I would say the supportive nature of not only the office culture, but the support that the Women’s Fund is providing to women and girls in our community.
Describe the Women’s Fund in 3 words.
Innovative, Game-Changer, Supportive
Best thing about living/working in Omaha?
There’s so many different neighborhoods and things to do. From the food scene, to the music scene, entertainment and shopping. You can’t get bored.
From a work standpoint, it’s a larger city but it still feels small once you start networking and building relationships. You start to see that it’s not that big.
When you’re not working, what’s your favorite thing to do?
Be with my kids, making them laugh. Dance parties.
What’s one goal you hope to accomplish within the next year?
To raise the profile of the Adolescent Health Project as a program of the Women’s Fund. Not only for the community, but also for our audience to know the resources that are available for them.
What’s the most interesting or unusual job you’ve ever had?
When I was 12, my parents opened a restaurant in our small town. My little sister and I would seat people. My position evolved and I also worked as a dishwasher, a fry cook, a waitress, and we would fold the cloth napkins that my mom washed. It was definitely a family affair.
What are you reading or listening to these days?
Lots of podcasts, I recently bought a fixer upper, so I listen to a lot of DIY blogger and home décor podcasts.
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see cast as you?
I’ve answered this question before, and I typically say Kirsten Dunst. I think it’s because of the time she was in the cheerleader movies. I danced in high school and college and would sometimes get comparisons to her.