Empowering the Next Generation: Celebrating Our Inaugural Youth Activators Cohort
Youth Activators with LEDC partners Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim
We are incredibly proud to announce the successful culmination of our very first Youth Activators Cohort here at the Latino Economic Development Council (LEDC). Over the past few months, these remarkable young leaders have engaged in an intensive journey of personal growth, civic education, and community advocacy.
This program would not have been possible without the immense support of our community partners. Together, we are building a foundation for the next generation of leaders in South Omaha and beyond. Here is a look back at the incredible work our cohort accomplished:
Building the Foundation: Leadership & Values
Our journey began by establishing a shared foundation for values-based leadership. Participants explored the concept of intersectionality, diving deeply into how our layered identities shape our lived experiences and access to opportunities. We focused on ethical power mapping as a tool to build reciprocal relationships and advance collective impact. Crucially, the youth examined inclusive leadership across marginalized communities, including the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, reinforcing the importance of cultural awareness and active allyship.
Partner Spotlight: A special thank you to the Nebraska Enterprise Fund for supporting this foundational session.
Equipping for the Future: Financial Literacy & Civic Engagement
To create lasting change, our youth must have the tools for both personal stability and public participation. In January, the cohort reviewed banking basics, saving, and budgeting. We then transitioned into the "Power of Participation," exploring the history of representative democracy and voting. Through a comprehensive Legislative 101, participants learned exactly how the Nebraska Legislature functions, how youth can effectively engage, and the key policy issues currently being tracked.
Partner Spotlight: Thank you to Union Bank & Trust and Nebraska Appleseed for empowering our youth with these vital life and advocacy skills.
Leadership at Scale: The USHLI National Conference
A major highlight of the program was taking all our dedicated youth to the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) National Conference in Chicago. This experience provided national exposure to leadership development, advocacy, and network building. Our Youth Activators returned with increased confidence in professional spaces and a deeper understanding of national Latino leadership pathways, ready to translate that learning into local action through legislative engagement and our Plaza de la Raza initiative.
Partner Spotlight: We extend our deepest gratitude to the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute, Nebraska Enterprise Fund, and Casa de la Cultura for making this transformative trip a reality.
Designing Our Future: City-Building & Belonging
Our final session centered on inclusive community planning. Engaging with the Omaha 2050 Comprehensive Plan, participants examined how urban environments are shaped, expressed the current challenges they face as the city grows, and why youth perspectives are absolutely essential in long-term decision-making.
The session also actively celebrated Indigenous heritage, teaching our youth how to identify shared systemic challenges and build meaningful solidarity among marginalized communities. We emphasized moving beyond performative land acknowledgments to deeply respect and honor the original stewards of the space we occupy, specifically recognizing the Umoⁿhoⁿ, Ponca, Oto-Missouria, and Winnebago Nations.
Partner Spotlight: Thank you to We Make Omaha and Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixim for guiding these critical conversations on belonging.
Sustaining the Momentum: Join the Youth Advisory Council
The end of the cohort is just the beginning. We believe in sustaining leadership through mentorship and continuity. We are thrilled to announce our structured alumni engagement pathway: the LEDC Youth Advisory Council.
Alumni of the Youth Activators program are invited to step into this new role to:
Mentor future cohorts and attend at least one session in the upcoming cycle.
Participate in LEDC’s annual strategic plan.
Continue building social capital as they navigate high school and college.
Gain exclusive access to cultural and community events in collaboration with Casa de la Cultura, including Mi Casa es su Casa, Fiestas Patrias, Cinco de Mayo, and more.
A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Curriculum Partners
Developing a comprehensive, impactful curriculum requires expertise and dedication. We want to specifically recognize our Curriculum Development partners who helped shape the educational framework of the Youth Activators program:
University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO)
Creighton University
South High School
To our inaugural cohort: your passion, resilience, and vision inspire us. We cannot wait to see how you continue to activate change in our community, seguimos adelante!
