One year ago, ICE raids shook South Omaha.

Today, we're still standing. And we're not being quiet about it.

Nebraska's immigrant community contributes $2 billion in taxes annually. They built this state. They are raising families, running businesses, and sending kids to Nebraska schools — kids who now face having their tuition tripled overnight because of a backroom deal between the state and federal government that bypassed every democratic process.

The Nebraska Legislature refused to repeal in-state tuition. The public showed up against it every time. And yet here we are.

LEDC stands with every student, every family, and every business that has been targeted, threatened, and told they don't belong.

You belong here. We are fighting for you. And we are not going anywhere.

Juntos, adelante.

In our latest blog, our very own Dr. Arturo Aceves González, MD shares his journey from attending the National Hispanic Medical Association (NHMA) 2026 Conference as a 40 Under 40 honoree to leading boots-on-the-ground change right here in Nebraska.

At LEDC, we believe that true economic mobility is impossible without addressing the Social Determinants of Health. Dr. Arturo’s role is integral to our impact—bridging the gap between policy, grassroots outreach, and wealth creation by:

🔹 Bringing vital health resources directly to the Latino community at Omaha’s Cinco de Mayo Health Fair.

🔹 Championing legislative breakthroughs like LB1212 to pave pathways for Internationally Trained Physicians to practice in underserved rural counties.

🔹 Breaking cycles of poverty to build sustainable, generational wealth.

Transformational change isn't a solo journey—it requires conscious leadership from all of us.

Read the full blog below to learn how we are moving our community from survival to thriving 🌟

Gather at The Joslyn on Sat, Jun 20, to celebrate Omaha’s rich diversity while learning about issues facing the city’s refugee population.

Free event; all are welcome. World Refugee Day is hosted by The Joslyn and brought to you by the Omaha Refugee Task Force.

The inaugural Latino Summit: A data-driven and community-centered convening focused on health equity, economic strength, and collective wellbeing.

Read the full story on this month's blog!

We are incredibly proud to announce the successful culmination of our very first Youth Activators Cohort! Learn about it on this month's blog 👏

The latest CHIP data shows that in SE Omaha, 42.2% of residents are food insecure and 42.8% struggle to access healthcare. These aren't just numbers; they are the results of systemic barriers.

We're calling for a shift in how Omaha grows. We need:

✅ Revitalization without gentrification
✅ Cross-sector collaboration
✅ Inclusive investment

Let’s move from responding to crises to building the conditions our community deserves.

When Bad Bunny held that football high and declared “Together, We Are America,” it wasn’t just a moment — it was a movement.

🇺🇸 Unity over division.
🔥 Culture as power.
🤝 Community as strength.

Our latest blog breaks down why that stage became a mirror for who we really are — and what we can build when we move as one.

Read it. Share it. Alza tu voz 📣

Democracy needs informed, prepared, and accountable leaders—and that work starts early. Our January Youth Activators session connected civic engagement with financial literacy, reinforcing a simple truth: economic empowerment and civic power go hand in hand.

What if health equity was treated as an economic strategy?

This blog written by Dr. Arturo Aceves González, MD explores why student voices matter today, how systems shape health outcomes, and what real community partnership looks like.

We are proud to highlight one of the women guiding our mission forward: LEDC's Board President Laura Contreras, M.P.A.

Youth Activators will help guide what comes next for the Plaza de la Raza: the programming they want to see, the spaces they want to build, and the community they want to grow. Because this is their city too, and they deserve to lead in what it becomes.

The truth is, no single organization can build equity alone. If we want healthier communities, we must also build fairer economies. If we want thriving families, we must also ensure inclusive development.

From all of us at LEDC, gracias for believing in our work and the future we’re building together ✊🏽

🎉 Today marks 2 years since Itzel López became the inaugural CEO of the Latino Economic Development Council (LEDC) — and what an incredible journey it's been!