{h1}
![Mia Wilken](https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/11/011903ba-22bf-11ef-9ffc-ffdc36a304c6/665f910aacca1.image.jpg?resize=150%2C225 150w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/11/011903ba-22bf-11ef-9ffc-ffdc36a304c6/665f910aacca1.image.jpg?resize=200%2C300 200w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/11/011903ba-22bf-11ef-9ffc-ffdc36a304c6/665f910aacca1.image.jpg?resize=225%2C337 225w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/11/011903ba-22bf-11ef-9ffc-ffdc36a304c6/665f910aacca1.image.jpg?resize=300%2C450 300w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/11/011903ba-22bf-11ef-9ffc-ffdc36a304c6/665f910aacca1.image.jpg?resize=400%2C600 400w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/11/011903ba-22bf-11ef-9ffc-ffdc36a304c6/665f910aacca1.image.jpg?resize=540%2C810 540w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/11/011903ba-22bf-11ef-9ffc-ffdc36a304c6/665f910aacca1.image.jpg?resize=640%2C960 640w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/11/011903ba-22bf-11ef-9ffc-ffdc36a304c6/665f910aacca1.image.jpg?resize=750%2C1125 750w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/11/011903ba-22bf-11ef-9ffc-ffdc36a304c6/665f910aacca1.image.jpg?resize=990%2C1485 990w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/11/011903ba-22bf-11ef-9ffc-ffdc36a304c6/665f910aacca1.image.jpg?resize=1035%2C1552 1035w, https://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/journalstar.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/0/11/011903ba-22bf-11ef-9ffc-ffdc36a304c6/665f910aacca1.image.jpg?resize=1175%2C1762 1200w)
Mia Wilken, events and program manager, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce.
Events and Program Manager, Lincoln Chamber of Commerce{/h1}
Education• Bachelor of Arts and Sciences from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Professional memberships• Director of Lincoln Young Professionals Group;
• Member of RISE Lincoln and EventLNK.
Board memberships• EventLNK Board of Directors;
• Inspire Awards Advisory Board.
Who has inspired you?
I have been inspired by many people over the years, but one who inspires me daily is my younger sister. I am in awe of her tenacity and ability to be her true self. There are days when I look at her and think she is the strongest person I’ll ever meet – she walks through life the way she wants to and doesn’t worry about what other people think. She is absolutely not afraid to speak her mind, and I think that is so important in today’s age. She fights for those she loves with a desire to protect others. She is free-spirited and has a love for life and living it to its fullest.
People are also reading…
What book or podcast is currently inspiring you?
BookTok has taken over my life with a variety of books, so while there isn’t one in particular, what I am drawn to most are those that feature a main character who grows throughout the book or series. The stories that showcase a woman who experiences some form of turbulence and finds herself again, whether it’s through using her own voice or the love of those around her, have been inspiring lately. I think the deeper meaning for me with these books is that it’s OK to not be OK for a little while; you can always find yourself again with the right support.
The Inspire Women’s Leadership platform launched Inspire Girls. What advice would you give them?
Be authentically yourself. I’ve seen too many change who they are to fit into a mold we have created. No matter what you do in life, if you are authentically yourself then you will be your happiest.
How can we better inspire, include and invest in others in our community?
I am no expert. I fear I have barely lived and grown in my own enough to even think about inspiring others. I think something that is so important that may be overlooked by many is that sometimes you need to put yourself first. We of course need to inspire, include and invest in others. But if we don’t respect ourselves enough to look in the mirror and be inspired by what we see and do, to include ourselves in important, pivotal moments vs. pull away, or invest in our own growth, how can we begin to do this for others?
What does leadership mean to you?
It’s about embodying the values and behaviors you want to see in others rather than just dictating instructions. It’s about setting a positive example that inspires and motivates others to follow suit.
What is your favorite inspirational quote or motto?
“Everything will fall into place” is something I have reminded myself of for over 10 years. It reminds me to slow down and take a step back. Not everything can be controlled, and things will always work out.
How would you describe a great day?
Being surrounded by people I care about. Whether it’s at work or at home, I am at my happiest when I am with those who love and understand me for me. I am surrounded by a group of inspiring people at my office who make me laugh each and every day, even in the most stressful times. At home, I have an incredible partner who supports me through it all and our two cats who absolutely love hanging out in the backyard or snuggling up on the couch. On a sunny, summer day I’m at the lake with family and friends. A great day can be anything, but for me it’s usually because the people around me make it great.