Congratulations to our Founder, Beth Ostdiek Smith, for being recognized as the 2025 Pioneer Award Winner for Philanthropy by Midwest Women Entrepreneurs Collective. We’re so proud to see her impact honored in this way!
🌟 MWE-Collective Pioneer Award 2025: Philanthropy Honoring Beth Ostdiek Smith MWE-Collective is proud to announce Beth Ostdiek Smith as our 2025 Pioneer Award Winner for Philanthropy — a woman whose leadership, courage, and unwavering commitment to community have reshaped how Greater Omaha approaches hunger and environmental stewardship. In 2013, Beth founded Saving Grace Perishable Food Rescue with a mission as bold as it is necessary: 👉 Feed bellies, not landfills. Under her direction, Saving Grace has rescued and redistributed over 10 million pounds of excess perishable food to 45+ nonprofit partners, ensuring nutritious food reaches families instead of ending up in landfills. What began as one refrigerated truck became a movement — a replicable model of compassion, sustainability, and innovation. Beth’s career spans 35+ years across global business leadership, nonprofit development, and community-building. She has traveled the world, mentored youth, served the elderly, sat on advisory committees, championed local arts, and represented Nebraska in the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition. Her work has earned prestigious recognition including: • FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award • Greater Omaha Chamber Business Excellence Award for Innovation • Earth Day Friend of the Environment Award • Food Day Omaha Nonprofit of the Year • WCA Tribute to Women Award But the most memorable moment of the MWE-Collective Awards Night came when Beth accepted her recognition and shared a truth that captured the room: “Purpose grows in places where courage meets uncertainty.” — Beth Ostdiek Smith That single sentence reflects who Beth is: A visionary who acts before conditions are perfect. A builder unafraid to enter the unknown for the sake of others. A pioneer who leads with both heart and backbone. Today, Beth continues her impact through executive coaching and consulting, guiding nonprofits and small-to-midsize businesses to grow with clarity, operational strength, and purpose. Join us in celebrating Beth Ostdiek Smith, our 2025 Pioneer Award Winner for Philanthropy — and a woman who continues to show us what’s possible when courage and purpose collide. #PioneerAwards2025 #MWECollective #WomenWhoLead #Philanthropy #OmahaLeadership #SavingGrace #FeedBelliesNotLandfills Pamela Finn Jennifer Lea Kaitlyn Rambo Jill Slupe Monica Messer Angie Fiedler Anna Goeschel Margaux Towne Laura Lasher Alisha Nutt