Carmen Tapio Named Nebraska Honoree of USA TODAY's Women of the Year
OMAHA, Neb. March 13, 2022 – North End Teleservices, LLC (NET) today announced the organization’s chief executive officer, Carmen Tapio, is the Nebraska honoree of USA TODAY's Women of the Year.
USA TODAY designed the honor to recognize “exceptional women who make their communities better,” according to the organization’s Women of the Year website. The publication named one woman from each of the 50 states and Puerto Rico to receive this year’s accolades. Tapio was chosen by committee, from thousands of candidates, whose names and credentials were submitted by nomination.
USA TODAY’s Women of the Year continues a tradition inspired by the organization’s Women of the Century.
“What a privilege it is to stand today with so many incredible women working toward the advancement of all. Thank you, USA Today, for using your voice to share the accomplishments of this remarkable group of change-makers. I am truly humbled to be among them,” Tapio said.
Tapio, who founded North End Teleservices in 2015, also founded Nebraska Black Women United (NBWU) in 2021.
NET is the largest Black-owned business in Nebraska, and is currently No. 754 on the 2021 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing, privately held organizations in the U.S.
“North End Teleservices is a workforce innovator,” Tapio said. “We honor the full, authentic person, by taking a holistic view of the individual and crafting tailored opportunities for economic and career advancement. We lean into our mission of creating jobs and changing lives, believing that a rising tide lifts all boats. We exist for the good of each other and the community, while creating leaders and delivering exceptional services to our customers.”
This inclusive and innovative leadership approach has paid dividends, earning Tapio a spot on the 2021 Forbes Next 1000.
Like NET, Nebraska Black Women United is growing rapidly, from 200 members in June 2021, to nearly 800 members to date.
“Nebraska Black Women United is designed to create opportunities for education, inspiration and access for its members. We are Black women coming together to mentor, support and sponsor each other.”
Part of that support includes opening doors to new opportunities, and serving as a talent database.
“Black women still face significant barriers to leadership opportunities, health equity and access to capital,” Tapio said.
For example, in 2021, ProjectDiane reported the national median seed round for startups was $2.5 million. For Black women entrepreneurs, that number was markedly lower: just $125,000.
“NBWU was born as a way to network women across the state. We agree we are better served in encouraging each other. NBWU is a connector for community, business and life,” Tapio said.
She added being named the USA TODAY Women of the Year Nebraska Honoree reinforces her commitment to connection. “This milestone is less about each of us as individuals, and more about the collective impact of strength, resiliency and courage of each of the women being recognized,” she said. “I am very grateful to be counted among those who have had such a positive influence on their colleagues, community, environment and organizations.”
About North End Teleservices:
North End Teleservices, LLC (NET) is an omnichannel global provider of outsourced contact center services to government and commercial sectors. The company is committed to creating jobs and changing lives. North End Teleservices is a certified woman-owned, minority-owned, HUBZone and Enterprise Zone business that serves as an extension of its clients' brands and service delivery model. Working with small and large B2B, B2C and government agencies, NET customizes contact center operations to meet every client's specific needs.
About Nebraska Black Women United:
Founded in 2021 by Carmen Tapio, president and CEO, North End Teleservices, LLC, Nebraska Black Women United (NBWU) is the largest group of its kind to connect Nebraska’s nearly 45,000 Black women statewide. As such, NBWU convenes, empowers and supports women from a variety of backgrounds, ages and stations in life. The group is committed to celebrating and encouraging one another through peer-mentoring, programming and positive association, in order to amplify opportunities for all.