Five Years of Growth: How LEDC is Transforming Omaha
LEDC Latino Summit August 29, 2026 at the Omaha Central Library
It is almost unfathomable to look back at the past five short years and measure the sheer magnitude of change in South Omaha. What began in 2021 as an urgent, grassroots response to an unprecedented global crisis has exploded into a multi-million-dollar engine for generational prosperity. The Latino Economic Development Council (LEDC) has defied expectations, transforming from a coalition of passionate volunteers into a leading powerhouse dedicated to ensuring economic opportunity and community wellness are permanently intertwined.
Excellence in Leadership
The explosive growth of the LEDC is a direct testament to visionary leadership. In 2024, the organization transitioned into a formalized institution by appointing Itzel López as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. Bringing nearly two decades of community development expertise, she shifted the organization from crisis response to profound, proactive growth.
This momentum reached new heights this past year with the appointment of Laura Contreras, MPA as LEDC’s Board President. Leading with profound dedication and resilience, Contreras exemplifies exactly what Latina Excellence is, guiding the organization into its most ambitious chapter yet.
Breaking Silos: A Data-Driven Approach to Community Health
True economic development cannot exist without a healthy community. This year, the LEDC dramatically increased its focus on health prevention. By breaking down traditional silos, every decision is now justified through rigorous, epidemiological data and focused on comprehensive wellness.
This integrated approach to health equity came to life through massive community mobilization. The LEDC successfully chaired the Cinco de Mayo Health and STEM Fair, delivering vital preventive screenings to the community. Just a month later, the LEDC proudly chaired the World Refugee Day event at the Joslyn Art Museum, seamlessly directing health resources, cultural performances, and community exhibits to celebrate and protect our diverse populations.
The Adelante Initiative & Reclaiming Cultural Spaces
A defining moment in this trajectory was securing state, county, city, and philanthropic funding to launch the Adelante Initiative—an effort to invest in Plaza de la Raza, a cultural park rising at 24th and N Streets in the heart of South Omaha's Latino commercial district. Far more than a standard infrastructure project, this effort honors the area's deep legacy as a historically significant gathering site for the community. Through community-led planning, Plaza de la Raza is being restored into a dynamic, accessible public space featuring a thematic play area, and performance venue where culture, art, and commerce will thrive for generations. A major landmark was established late June 2026 when construction officially began, paving the way for the plaza's grand opening in fall 2027.
Multiplying Impact: Strategic Alliances and Future Leaders
To truly maximize community impact, LEDC recognizes the power of unity. The United Hispanic Contractors Association (UHCA) operated for years as its own successful independent nonprofit. Recognizing that we are stronger together, the LEDC and UHCA made the strategic decision to bridge our organizations. This powerful alignment equips Latino professionals with unmatched educational and business resources, allowing them to scale their operations and literally build the future of Omaha and beyond.
We are also building the leaders of tomorrow. In 2025, the organization launched the Adelante Youth Activators to engage high school and first-generation college students in civic planning. A monumental milestone occurred in February 2026, when a pilot cohort of fifteen participants traveled to the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) conference in Chicago, returning to Omaha armed with national-level advocacy tools. Today, we continue pouring into our alumni through mentorship, networking opportunities, community engagement and a deep sense of belonging.
The past five years of the Latino Economic Development Council have been nothing short of revolutionary. By refusing to work in silos, relying on hard data, and bridging powerful organizations, LEDC is ensuring that our comunidad’s future is boundless.
We invite you to be part of this unstoppable momentum. Join us in celebrating these milestones, and the leaders who made them possible, at the upcoming Adelante Soirée on September 3, 2026.
Together, we are not just witnessing history; we are building it. ¡Juntos, Adelante!
