With nearly 30 years of experience translating assets to outcomes, Wernke is adept working with nonprofits locally, regionally and statewide. She has written, reviewed and administered grants for social justice, public health, juvenile justice and prevention for various agencies in Box Butte County, the Panhandle and Nebraska, plus several at a federal level. Wernke’s oral and written communication skills are honed on several stages, as both an administrator and board leader at various levels in the above-described communities.

Wernke has been instrumental in developing programs defining collaboration and coalition-building capabilities, human and financial resource development, cultural competence and sustainability. As the Panhandle Partnership’s training coordinator, her ability to build community capacity around core competencies and special events for large and small groups is well-known among her peers.

In addition to a college degree in interdisciplinary studies, with an emphasis on business and communications, Wernke has completed advanced studies in internet marketing and advanced training as a fundraising executive. Additional training includes 40 Developmental Assets, the Strategic Prevention Framework, digital photography, internationally-accredited large group facilitation and community organizing.

Grant development is one of Wernke’s special strengths. Development begins with finding the right grants and the right partners, building a program and a proposal that fit the funder’s needs and reviewing the proposal before and after submission. At least 85-90% of funds requested by her clients were received.

And, once the grant has been approved, it must be administered and evaluated. Sustainability is not something to be considered after the funds expire, but must be an integral part of the proposal from the very beginning.

As a public information officer and again as a journalist and blogger, Wernke uses her communication skills to advocate for advancement of social justice causes of her community, state and nation. By listening to the needs of others, she is able to promote the ideas and programs each community can use to thrive.

For more information on Wernke’s knowledge and skills, experience and education, professional affiliations and organizations, please refer to her resume below or her LinkedIn profile.