Yesenia Peck’s journey spans continents and sectors, but the throughline is always the same: service, equity, and connection. Originally from Lima, Peru, she worked as an attorney in the Peru Supreme and Superior Courts before moving to the United States, where her drive to advocate and lead found new forms.

Edward “Babe” Gómez was born August 10, 1932, in Omaha, into a large Mexican American family, one of thirteen children of Modesto and Matiana Gómez. He grew up in South Omaha and attended Omaha South High School, where he played football and ran track. Though he left just one quarter shy of graduation, Babe would become one of the community’s most revered figures.

Viridianna Almanza Zavala has built her career around a simple truth: service is a calling. As Director of Programming at the Latino Center of the Midlands, she channels her passion for immigrant rights, indigenous peoples, and youth empowerment into programs that open doors and expand opportunity across Omaha.

Javier Fernández is a leader whose impact reaches far beyond the energy sector. As Chief Executive Officer of the Omaha Public Power District (OPPD), he oversees one of the nation’s largest publicly owned electric utilities, ensuring that affordable, reliable power fuels homes, businesses, and communities across Nebraska.

Inclusive Communities is proud to present Transformational Leadership Retreat from Oct. 15 to 17, in Grand Island, Neb. This immersive three-day event is designed to equip today’s mid-level and people managers with strategic, human-centered tools to lead tomorrow’s workforce with authenticity, vision, and impact.

Kai came to Omaha, expecting to stay with his father. At the last minute, everything changed. His plans dissolved. There was no welcome home. With no place to turn, he made his way to the public library, hoping for some refuge, even if only temporarily.

A librarian overheard him telling another teen his situation. Recognizing this was more than a moment of distress, the librarian called  Youth Emergency Services’ Safe Place line.

Lozafina client The Bloc is honored to announce Omaha Mayor John Ewing Jr. as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 50 Over 50 Nebraska Awards. The ceremony, presented in partnership with AARP, will take place on October 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Omaha (555 S. 10th St.), celebrating Nebraskans whose leadership and legacy have transformed communities across the state.

Cristina Castro-Matukewicz has built her career on leadership rooted in perseverance, transparency, and justice. As Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo, she brings a rare blend of corporate expertise and community vision to every role she takes on.

Armando Salgado has spent decades building bridges for Latino entrepreneurs in Omaha. As founder and CEO of the United Hispanic Contractors Association and co-founder of the Latino Economic Development Council (LEDC), he has dedicated his career to breaking down language, cultural, and business barriers that often prevent Latino business owners from succeeding.

María Arriaga, executive director of the Nebraska Commission on Latino-Americans, has built her career at the intersection of culture, communication, and advocacy. A native of Michoacán, Mexico, Arriaga began her professional journey as a radio announcer, a role that ignited her gift for connecting with people and amplifying community voices.

When Diana Gleisberg Meredith looks back at the fall of 2023, her memory is sharp and vivid, stitched with the sounds of oxygen tubes, the prayers of family, and the stubborn belief that she would beat cancer.

Her diagnosis came fast. One day, she was visiting her brother in Seattle. Two days later, she was at Nebraska Medicine, gasping for air, terrified.

“Not being able to breathe was panic-inducing,” Diana remembers. “Usually, you can calm yourself with deep breaths. But when you can’t catch your breath, it freaks you out even more. That’s how it all started.”

Tony Vargas has built his life around service, leadership, and the belief that opportunity should be within reach for every family. The son of Peruvian immigrants and a first-generation college graduate, Tony’s journey reflects both the challenges and possibilities of the American Dream.

For more than three decades, Dr. Lourdes Gouveia has been one of Nebraska’s leading voices on Latino immigration, labor, and community change. A Professor of Sociology and longtime Director of the Office of Latino/Latin American Studies (OLLAS) at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, she built a nationally recognized program that continues to shape policy and understanding of Latino life in the Great Plains.

Roger Garcia has dedicated his career to uplifting families, youth, and communities through service, policy, and leadership. As a Douglas County Commissioner and Associate Director of Recruitment & Retention, he brings both professional skill and personal passion to the work of building a stronger, more equitable Omaha.

Born and raised in South Omaha, Dr. Maria Vazquez has built her life around a simple but powerful calling: to serve others. Today, as Vice President for Student Affairs at Metropolitan Community College (MCC), she continues to embody that mission by ensuring all students, regardless of background, have access to higher education and the support they need to succeed.

Marcos E. Mora was raised in South Omaha and is proud to be part of La familia Barrientos, one of the largest Mexican American families in Omaha, celebrated for more than 90 years of contributions to the city’s music scene. Surrounded by that cultural legacy, Mora carried forward a deep love for music, tradition, and community.

For more than 35 years, Cindy Gonzalez has been one of Omaha’s most trusted storytellers. An Omaha native, she has carved out a career not just writing headlines, but shaping how we see our city and ourselves.

Cindy’s reporting has spanned business, real estate development, city politics, immigration, demographics, and the stories of diverse communities, including Latinos.

Francisco “Paco” Fuentes was born in León, Guanajuato, Mexico, and came to Omaha as a child with his family, chasing the promise of new beginnings. From an early age, he embodied the values of hard work, humility, and dreams. Dreams he would turn into a lifelong mission to uplift others and his family.

We believe stories are the heartbeat of our community.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are launching a new feature series spotlighting Latinos who have left an extraordinary mark on Omaha and beyond. These are the trailblazers, mentors, visionaries, and everyday heroes whose impact continues to ripple across generations.

Remember when I said at $500 I’d spill the tea on my YES! Dance for a Chance song?

Well, fam, the wait is over… drumroll please.

We’re taking it back — way back — with “Time Warp” from The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

For those who don’t know, Rocky Horror is that cult-classic musical that’s been delightfully weirding people out since the ’70s. It’s bold, campy, unapologetically fun, and has this insane community vibe where everyone’s in on the joke. Honestly, it’s kind of perfect for me and for Lozafina.