Rural Prosperity Nebraska is excited to welcome Mary Von Seggern as its newest Extension educator. A Nebraska native, Von Seggern grew up in Fremont and has spent much of her career working in community engagement, health promotion and research. Her journey has taken her from the Cornhusker State to the West Coast and back, with a strong commitment to serving communities in meaningful ways.
After earning her undergraduate degree from Midland Lutheran College, Von Seggern explored opportunities beyond Nebraska, completing two years of service with AmeriCorps in Oakland, Calif., and Seattle, Wash. These experiences deepened her passion for community development and public health, ultimately leading her to pursue a master's degree in health kinesiology with a concentration in physical activity and health promotion at the University of Nebraska–Omaha. She is now a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s College of Public Health, focusing on health promotion and disease prevention research.
Von Seggern’s work has centered on connecting community-driven initiatives to broader health outcomes. She has facilitated local wellness improvement projects and collaborated with diverse communities across Nebraska, including efforts with the Winnebago Tribe and other rural areas. In her role as a Rural Prosperity Nebraska Extension educator, she will be based in Blair and work with communities in Burt, Cuming, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders, Thurston and Washington counties. She believes in building on existing community strengths rather than focusing solely on deficits.
“My role isn’t to tell communities what prosperity should look like,” Von Seggern said, who will be stationed in Blair and serving Burt, Dodge, Douglas, Sarpy, Saunders and Washington counties. “It’s about working together to help them define their own vision while identifying and coordinating local resources to achieve it.”
Outside of work, Von Seggern enjoys staying active, walking her schnauzer, Bailey, and spending time with family. A former marathon runner and longtime soccer player, she values physical activity and volunteers as a Sunday school teacher and a youth soccer coach in her community.
Rural Prosperity Nebraska is thrilled to have Von Seggern on board, bringing her expertise and enthusiasm to rural communities throughout the state.
