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'I Am the ROI': Adrienne Cavill

Growing up in a rural community in central Nebraska, Adrienne Cavill always dreamed that her career would take her places. The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) enabled her to chase that global dream.

  • published: 2022/10/03
  • contact: MarComm Editorial and Media Relations - Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
UNO alumna Adrienne Cavill, manager of business attraction and expansion for the Greater Omaha Chamber

UNO alumna Adrienne Cavill, manager of business attraction and expansion for the Greater Omaha Chamber

This profile is part of the "I Am the ROI" series featuring alumni whose return on investment from their UNO education goes far beyond career opportunities.

Growing up in a rural community in central Nebraska, Adrienne Cavill always dreamed that her career would take her places. The first step on her journey: The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO).

UNO enabled her to chase that global dream. Cavill double majored in international studies and business administration while also earning concentrations in marketing management, international business, business leadership and global strategic studies.

Cavill furthered her international aspirations by immersing herself in everything that touched the global stage, including five study abroad trips, involvement in several foreign language clubs, and the College of Business Administration’s Scholars Academy. She also worked with the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Institute (YSEALI) Initiative at UNO where she helped international students learn the campus, explore the community, and see how UNO serves as a global ambassador.

Mentoring others came naturally for her as she benefitted from her mentors at UNO. Phani Tej Adidam, Ph.D., professor of marketing and entrepreneurship, worked with her to ensure she got the most out of her study abroad experiences. She continues to keep in contact and collaboration with Patrick McNamara, Ph.D., director of international studies at UNO, for work which includes serving on the board together for the Nebraska World Affairs Council.

Yet, despite her international focus, there was something about Omaha that kept her staying local while thinking global.

“I thought I was going to have a big international career outside the bounds of the city of Omaha, and I studied abroad a few times. I moved away for work a couple of times and every time that I came back to Omaha, it just felt like home,” she said. “Omaha ended up being that perfect balance of a big city, but a small community.”

Now she thinks of Omaha as UNO’s citywide campus and as her hub for global connections. “In my professional career, when I think about Omaha as my campus, I think about community, economic, and workforce development,” Cavill said. “I think about quality jobs for people of all backgrounds, for all skills sets, and a thriving community that wants you here."

“In my professional career, when I think about Omaha as my campus, I think about community, economic, and workforce development. I think about quality jobs for people of all backgrounds, for all skills sets, and a thriving community that wants you here." 

 Adrienne Cavill, manager of business attraction and expansion for the Greater Omaha Chamber

Today, Cavill works toward making this picture of Omaha into a reality as the manager of business attraction and expansion for the Greater Omaha Chamber. In this role, she uses her international business acumen to recruit new companies and new jobs to Omaha, grow businesses that already call the city home, and work on projects that ultimately make Omaha a place where people want to be, live, work, and play.

Cavill credits UNO for the education she received, but also for developing soft skills related to communication, team building, integrity, and accountability that have helped her succeed in her role. “Now, in my day-to-day job, I really love that I get to impact this community that I’ve learned so much from and I get to give those gifts back to this community.”

“Maverick Spirit is about community pride,” Cavill said. “When you’re at UNO, you benefit from the great community that you’re part of. You benefit from all the new developments happening in Omaha, the companies being brought here, and the job opportunities that are being created every single day for you to stay in Omaha, to love Omaha, and to have a successful career after UNO in Omaha.”

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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