Aleah Williams (Heikkinen) grew up in Lawrence, NE and attended high school at Lawrence/Nelson Public Schools. After spending her freshman year at Hastings College, she is currently studying at Fort Hays State University and obtaining a degree in Business and Marketing. Her parents are Mike and Carrie Heikkinen and she has three brothers: Wyatt, Lane, and Cooper. This summer, Aleah spent time working as a "Hometown Intern" for the Nebraska Community Foundation and was placed with the Red Cloud Community Fund. In Red Cloud, Williams worked with Red Cloud Heritage Tourism Development's "e3" program which focuses on small businesses. Aleah lives in Smith Center, KS with her husband.
What is your favorite thing about Red Cloud?
It was cool to be a part of a different community this summer. I would say my favorite part was meeting all the different business owners I interviewed.
You were part of the Nebraska Community Foundation's "Hometown Intern" program with Red Cloud Heritage Tourism Development/E3 this summer. What drew you to the position?
Kim Ely [RCCF member, Chair of the the RC Youth Committee] had reached out to me about this position that was available in Red Cloud. It sparked my interest when I was informed I got to work with small-town business owners.
What are your favorite places in and around Red Cloud?
I enjoyed going into all of the different businesses in Red Cloud but some of my favorites are The Corner Nook, Abundant Life Honey, and Fat Fox's.
It was cool to be a part of a different community this summer...my favorite part was meeting all the different business owners.
Can you tell our audience a bit about the projects you worked on for the E3 program this summer?
Most of my work has been done remotely, scheduling meetings with businesses. Then I would come to Red Cloud to meet with the business owners to interview with them. Then I got to help with bigger events around Red Cloud like the Spring Willa Cather Conference, photography at the Webster County Fair and, in a few days, TVCDC Intern Kerrigan Karr and I have organized an interactive children's event for Street Car Days.
I enjoy getting to meet new people and doing what I love. I have been doing photography for about a year. I have had over 150 clients. I mostly do couples and seniors.
What has been your favorite Hometown Intern experience so far this summer?
Meeting with all the businesses in Red Cloud and hearing how they started a business in a small town.
You are working part-time for E3/Heritage Tourism/RCCF this summer while juggling several other responsibilities including getting married! Can you tell our audience a bit about your other interests and what it has been like to juggle all of your responsibilities this summer?
Yes, this summer has been a very crazy one. My husband and I had our Wedding celebration on June 3rd in Kansas. Then I also have a photography business. I have 41 sessions this summer. So not a lot of free time. But I enjoy getting to meet new people and doing what I love. I have been doing photography for about a year. I have had over 150 clients. I mostly do couples and seniors.
I enjoyed going into all of the different businesses in Red Cloud but some of my favorites are The Corner Nook, Abundant Life Honey, and Fat Fox's.
Do you have a favorite TV show?
I love Yellowstone and the spinoff shows from that series as well.
If you could have a superpower what would it be and why?
Teleportation! Duh, I could go anywhere in the world!
Do you have any hobbies or interests you’d like to share?
I love going to the lake and bow-fishing. It’s one of my favorite things to do with my Husband.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have an Aussie named Luna who is fully deaf, and a Lab/Pointer named Chester.
What do you think Red Cloud leaders could do to make it a more attractive place for recent college grads and younger folks to move to?
Offer more internships and good jobs to the younger community.
What are you most proud of?
Starting a photography business at the age of 18 and being pretty successful at it.
Do you have a mantra or mission statement you live by?
"For the LORD is good: his mercy is everlasting: And his truth endureth to all generations" Psalms 100:5. KJV.
What historical figure or celebrity would you most like to have dinner with? Why?
I would probably have dinner with Ryan Reynolds because I love to laugh.
What is your favorite song and/or recording artist?
"Graves into Gardens," by Brandon Lake
What is your dream vacation?
I would say going to going to Hawaii.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life? Explain why.
I would say my parents. They always expected me to work hard no matter what I’m doing and I feel that has helped me.
Other than Red Cloud or Lawrence, what is your favorite place to visit in Nebraska?
Johnson Lake
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Thank you Red Cloud for this amazing experience this summer.