Cheryl (Hughes) Powers is a self-employed investor in agriculture, technology and manufacturing and the co-founder of Jord Producers. Her focus is indoor agriculture and alternative, sustainable protein. Powers received the University of Nebraska at Kearney’s Cultural Unity Conference Educator of the Year award and a Small Business Innovative Research Phase 0 grant for food product research. She was nominated for the Nebraska Impact Award as Outstanding Volunteer of the Year and participated in start-up programs at the University of Arizona and University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
For nearly 20 years, Powers taught in the Hastings Public Schools system, then came back to Hastings College, her alma mater, where she was assistant director of admissions. She later served as graduate recruitment coordinator for Bryan College of Health Sciences in Lincoln.
Powers graduated in 1987 from Hastings College, receiving her bachelor of arts degree in mathematics and biology education. She received her master’s degree in secondary school counseling from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Powers and her husband, Vernon, reside in Lincoln. In her spare time, Powers enjoys walking, biking and traveling.
