Evie Zysman has been an advocate for children for many of her 92 years. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa from UNL in 1930 with a degree in economics, accepted a fellowship to study social work in New York City, and earned a masters degree in social work from Columbia University in 1932. Returning to Omaha in 1948, Zysman began Playtime Equipment Company to provide quality learning materials for preschoolers. She became a prominent figure in early childhood education and started the Omaha chapter of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. She championed several preschool programs, including Project Chance and Head Start: formed school and community councils in Douglas County. Zysman has won many awards for her advocacy for children and is still active in the Omaha community.
Evie passed away in 2012 at the age of 102.