Meet Katie Bohlmeyer, Business Policy Advocate at the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce (www.lcoc.com).
Who inspires you? – My grandpa, Gene Bohlmeyer, instilled a good work ethic in me at a young age. He taught me to have a strong work ethic and seek a high level of professionalism, not only for me, but so I can give back to the community who built me up.
Throughout my career in local politics, Tammy Ward has become a strong woman I look up to. Her poise and determination to do what is right for her community is something that should be celebrated daily. I think it is important to help build confidence in the women around us, and that is exactly her style of leadership.
What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Scoot over and make some room. It’s a heck of a lot easier to live within our bubbles – where everyone thinks and acts like us – than it is to burst those bubbles. But do know you what happens when you live inside a bubble? It blurs your vision on everything outside the bubble. In other words, you can’t see straight. And if our view of people who are different from us is blurry, then our view of God is blurry as well.” A good friend of mine gave this quote to me, and it now is framed in my office. I think this is especially important for Lincoln.
What descriptive word would you like to be remembered by? – Tenacious: persisting in existence; not easily dispelled.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? – “When You Believe” -Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey.
If you could have a super power, what would it be? – Photographic memory. Most people probably wouldn’t consider this a superpower but life would be so much easier.
What local nonprofit are you passionate about and why? – I am currently a volunteer for the CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) of Gage County and have been on my case for about two years. CASA is an amazing organization because we are the voice for the children in the court system. I believe everyone should be involved in their local branch because there are so many children in Nebraska who need extra support that they otherwise might not get. There are also so many nonprofits and organizations that CASA utilizes to help children in foster care and adults struggling to care for their families. Both of my parents have always been very active in our communities in helping those around us and taught me to give as much back as I can. I encourage everyone, if you cannot monetarily help those around you, please reach out to any local nonprofit and work to make your community loving and supportive of all.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Lincoln has so many good local restaurants, but my favorite is Toast. I am always met with great service and excellent food!
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be? – If I could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, it would have to be Ruth Bader Ginsburg. She was determined to achieve success in the face of adversity and gender discrimination. It is because of her that I can achieve my goals and become a policy advocate to work diligently for those around me. “Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – (402) 436-2352; kbohlmeyer@lcoc.com.