Meet Treva Haugaard, Executive Director at the Council of Independent Nebraska Colleges Foundation (CINCF) (cincfoundation.org).

Tell us a little about your business. – The Council of Independent Nebraska Colleges Foundation seeks to provide scholarship support to students attending the 13 private nonprofit colleges and universities in Nebraska. CINCF recently celebrated its 70th anniversary. Since its founding in 1953, CINCF has distributed over $40 million in student scholarships to member institutions.

How did you get started in the business? – My goal in life has always been to help others. I also have a deep passion for education. Through the mission of CINC,F I am able to do both. I was drawn to CINCF and the idea of helping college students achieve their academic goals and graduate with less debt by providing scholarship funding to the member colleges and universities. I strongly believe that a college degree can be life changing!

What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Achievement means so many different things. What I value the most is helping others grow and supporting them to reach their dreams. What fills my bucket is knowing that I helped make a difference.

Tell us a little about your family. – I met my husband, Scott, in college over 30 years ago. We recently celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary and have three daughters.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – When I am not working, I love to be outside and spend time with family. My favorite times of day are sunrise and sunset. There is nothing more breathtaking than Nebraska sunrises and sunsets!

Who inspires you? – My inspiration comes from a collection of amazing individuals who have taken the time to not only provide support, but also challenge me to continue to grow personally and professionally in order to be the best version of me that I can be.

We all have choices in life about what inspires and drives our passions and dreams. I believe in surrounding myself with individuals who will support me and be there to help me achieve my dreams.

But, I must say… if it were not for my mother and father, I would not be the person I am today, as they laid a solid foundation of love and encouragement.

What is your favorite quote or the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? – “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

What local nonprofit organizations are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – My career has been focused on human services and nonprofits. Nebraska is fortunate to have many important nonprofits that make a difference. Of course, I am passionate about the Council of Independent Nebraska Colleges Foundation, but other nonprofits such as the GOALS Center, Nebraska Ataxia, Mentor Nebraska and Table Grace Café are a few organizations that I believe make a difference in the lives of others.

What is your favorite local Omaha restaurant? – I will take a locally owned (not a chain) restaurant any day of the week. A food truck might be even better!

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – Treva.Haugaard@cincfoundation.org | www.cincfoundation.org