Member Profiles
Our Amazing NPW Members
“After 20 years as a newspaper reporter around the Great Plains and Midwest, I now work raising philanthropic support for independent journalism in Nebraska. I believe Nebraska needs journalists so we can uncover problems and work together on solutions. Journalists also tell stories that connect us across diverse communities, strengthening our ties.
“NPW connects me to other journalists across Nebraska so we can support and learn from each other.”
Barb Soderlin, Omaha
Director of Advancement
Nebraska Journalism Trust
“I spent the bulk of my career in Cleveland, my hometown, where I was senior editor and award-winning columnist for the Sun News, a subsidiary of the (Cleveland) Plain Dealer. When newspapers began to fade, I took a buy-out and moved to Kearney.
“NPW has been a lifesaver! I had been deeply involved with Ohio Press Women, and I knew Nebraska members from NFPW conventions, so I had instant friends and quickly got involved with NPW.
“I value NPW for the stimulating programs, and, of course, the friendships.”
Mary Jane Skala, Kearney
General Reporter, Columnist
Kearney Hub
“I work with the non-profit sector now, but I use my journalism skills daily. Interviewing people with disabilities and investigating places where they live feels like interviewing people for a news story and forwarding it to editors. I learn from the varied content and high caliber of NPW’s semi-annual conferences. Most of all, I enjoy meeting and befriending such interesting people.”
Molly Klocksin, Lincoln
Advocacy Specialist, Disability Rights Nebraska
“Joining the Nebraska Press Women/National Federation of Press Women in 1977 was one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve attended almost all of the bi-annual NPW conventions and more than 20 annual NFPW conferences. I’ve met incredible men and women from across the country in a wide variety of communications-related careers. I love the educational opportunities offered; the networking; the special friendships I’ve cultivated; and traveling across Nebraska and to a number of states.
“I’m retired after nearly 44 years as a reporter, editor and photographer for the Norfolk Daily News. Now I concentrate on editing and proofreading projects.”
Mary Pat-Finn-Hoag, Norfolk
Freelance Editor/Proofreader
“I own and operate justmelaniew.com, which is a news/opinion website in York County. I have worked in the journalism field for more than 30 years and it’s truly been a rewarding career as I have been able to cover vibrant rural communities and tell the stories of amazing people.
“I thoroughly enjoy being a part of NPW, as the conferences offer valuable information and inspiration, as well as a chance to network with amazing people working in the world of journalism and media.”
Melanie Wilkinson, York
“After graduating from Kearney State College, I joined NPW as a rookie reporter and immediately met women who became my friends, mentors and networking group. I’ve learned many things at state conferences that are often held in locations that I probably wouldn’t visit on my own. The same is true for conferences of the National Federation of Press Women, for which I was president in 2011-13.
“As a freelance writer-photographer since March 2021, I mostly contribute stories, photos and/or columns to the Flatwater Free Press, the Harvest News magazine and the Minden Courier. Prior to my retirement, I worked at daily newspapers in Alliance, one year; York, nearly eight years; and Kearney, 33-plus years.”
Lori Potter, Kearney
Freelance Reporter, Photographer
“I joined the organization in South Dakota and continued when we moved to Nebraska. That’s the fun of being part of a national group of like-minded people who motivate and inspire each other. We have so much information and so many experiences to share as we continue learning from the speakers and workshops offered at conferences.
“My background is in print journalism, so I started in newspapers, moved to public relations, worked in radio, did some design work which led to advertising and — after earning more degrees — I ended my career teaching at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln.”
Dr. Ruth Brown, Lincoln
Professor Emerita
UNL College of Journalism & Mass Communications
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