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Published:  July 20, 2020

“This is a pivotal moment for our country,” said Dr. Randal Pinkett, CEO and Co-Founder of BCT Partners.  “If we work together, as the Network says, we can transform the country and transform Omaha.”

Three years ago, Damita Byrd and Willie Barney of the Empowerment Network and WDB Resultants worked with Dr. Pinkett & Dr. Jeffrey Robinson of BCT Partners to convert their bestselling book, “Black Faces in White Places,” into a year long curriculum and cohort.  The response and results have been overwhelmingly positive.

Pinkett is no stranger to Omaha.  He has been a featured keynote speaker and strategic partner with the Empowerment Network for the past five years.

“Omaha is like a second home for me,” said Pinkett.  “The Redefine the Game Institute is expanding nationally, especially with the racial equity and diversity issues facing our country, but it started in Omaha in partnership with the Empowerment Network, WDB and BCT Partners.”

One of the goals of the program is to help facilitate the movement of African-Americans into leadership positions within corporations, organizations and to the next level with entrepreneurial endeavors.  Over half of the original participants have received promotions or moved into new positions that are more aligned to their purpose and life mission.

The program has captured the attention of local and national media.  Julie Cornell, co-anchor for KETV Channel 7 in Omaha, featured the Redefine the Game Institute on Thursday, July 16th in a 2 minute news story.  Cornell was so intrigued and impressed by the program and the results that KETV decided to dedicate a 30 minute Chronicle edition to it on Sunday, July 19th.

The special segment includes interviews with Dr. Pinkett and two graduates of the program, Maurice Kimsey II, an Electrical Engineer with OPPD, and LaKeisha Gatson-Dunham, a Senior Director with Union Pacific.

“Redefine the Game can be whatever you need it to be,” said Kimsey.  “The program takes high potential African-Americans and helps them grow in managerial and leadership skills.”  In his interview, Kimsey focuses on building trust and creating pathways and pipelines for African-Americans.

“The group process allows you to learn strategies from others in different sectors and organizations who are like you that have similar experiences,” said Gatson-Dunham, who started with Union Pacific right out of college and has been promoted to Senior Director of Commercial Strategy and Pricing.  Gatson focuses on common voice, strategies and the classroom perspectives brought by different personalities.

Now headed into its third cohort, Redefine the Game works with African-American professionals, community leaders and entrepreneurs to maximize their gifts and strengths, enhance their leadership skills, build their network and advance their careers, businesses and communities.

“I believe it is more important now, than ever before, to teach black business professionals how to organize, strategize, network, plan and create a successful career plan,” said Damita Byrd, Sr. Director for Racial Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at BCT Partners.

Applications for the 3rd cohort are open until July 31st.  To learn more or to apply:  Redefine the Game Application

Here’s the link to the 2 minute news story:  Redefine the Game Story

Here’s the link to the 30 minute Chronicle story:  RTG Chronicle

The Redefine the Game Institute is part of the Empowerment Network‘s Advance Omaha Racial Equity and Diversity initiative in partnership with BCT Partners.  To learn more more:  Advance Omaha

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Careers

2024 African-American Leadership Awards presented by Urban League of Nebraska

The Urban League of Nebraska hosted the annual African-American Leadership Awards on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at the Hilton Downtown Omaha.  The organization celebrated thirteen extraordinary leaders in various fields with a beautiful, inspiring and wonderfully planned and executed event.

Dr. Andrea Jones
Health

Dr Andrea “Drea” Jones is an Associate Professor in the Department of Family Medicine at UNMC and Nebraska Medical Center.

Gregory Johnson
Business

Gregory A. Johnson is currently Senior Shareholder with Hayes & Associates, LLC CPAs and Consultants.

Jasmine Harris
Government

Jasmine Harris is the Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at RISE.

John Farmer
Community

John Farmer is Fire Captain for the City of Omaha’s Fire Department.

Marquisha Frost
Someone Special

Marquisha Frost is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Engagement and Initiatives for Nebraska Children and Families Foundation.

Latunya Sumpter
Education

Latunya Sumpter is a Kindergarten teacher at Bellevue Elementary with 30 years of experience as an educator.

Pastor T. Michael Williams
Faith

Pastor T. Michael Williams is the Senior Pastor of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.

Tina Forte
Education

Tina Forte is the Director of Title I in the Department of School Improvement with the Omaha Public Schools.

Caroline McDonald
Youth

Caroline McDonald is a junior attending Marian High School in Omaha, Nebraska.

Ashlei Spivey
Advocacy and Empowerment Award – Presented by 2024 Urban League Young Professionals

Ashlei Spivey is the Founder and Executive Director for I BE Black Girl and candidate for State Senate.

 

Leontyne Evans
Young Professional

Leontyne Evans is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Founder of The Relationship Corner.

 

John Jackson
Community Catalyst Award

John Jackson is the Founder and Director of Black Student Leadership Council

 

Ty Nared
Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Ty Nared is the Director of Belonging, Diversity and Inclusion at Marian High School and Co-Founder of Melanin Market.

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Careers

Anthony Ashby announced as President of CHI Health Immanuel

On Wednesday, August 28th, CHI Health Market President of Nebraska and Iowa, Cary Ward, announced Anthony Ashby as the new President of CHI Health Immanuel in Omaha, Nebraska.

“Anthony has been a valuable part of the Immanuel team since 2019, serving as Vice President of Operations,” said Ward.  “He has a deep understanding of our hospital’s operations and strategic goals and has been instrumental in helping support the Immanuel leadership team. In April, he stepped in to serve as Interim President providing steady guidance during a period of change.”

Prior to being promoted to President, Ashby was Vice-President and COO at CHI Immanuel where he provided leadership with strategic planning, clinical ancillary support services, culture, engagement, performance improvement and community relations.

Ashby is already highly engaged in the community.  He is the founding President of the Regional Heartland Chapter of the National Association of Health Service Executives. Anthony has served on several other local boards, including Heartland Family Service, Omaha-Council Bluffs American Red Cross, and the Mayor’s Community Advisory Board to develop a Strategic Plan for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the City of Omaha.

Anthony is currently the President for the Nebraska & Southwest Iowa Chapter of the American College of Healthcare Executives and is a Board-Certified Fellow through that same institution.

“I am honored to accept the privilege and responsibility of being the next President of CHI Health Immanuel,” said Ashby.

Anthony is a native of Baltimore, MD, and earned his BS in Accounting and MBA in Healthcare Administration at University of Baltimore. He is an ACHE Fellow and serves on the Board of the Nebraska & Western Iowa ACHE Chapter and chairs its Membership Committee.

“It is with great commitment and passion that I take on this role to make Immanuel the best place to work, practice and receive care,” said Ashby.  “I look forward to continuing to serve our community in this capacity and bringing the Mission of Common Spirit beyond the walls of our hospital.”

Ashby will begin his duties on Sept. 15, 2024.

“I am confident Anthony will be a great fit and will continue to build upon Immanuel’s legacy of providing the best care to the North Omaha community,” said Ward. “Please join me in congratulating Anthony on his new role and offering him your continued support.”

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Careers

Curtis Morgan to lead MBK Omaha programs for Empowerment Network

Published:  July 21, 2024

The Empowerment Network is pleased to announce the addition of Curtis Morgan as the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Omaha Program Manager. Morgan brings a wealth of experience in public administration, youth development, community engagement, and nonprofit management to his new role.

Morgan has spent more than a decade working in various leadership roles, demonstrating a deep commitment to fostering community development and youth empowerment.

He previously served as program coordinator for TeamMates, a school-based mentoring program from Omaha Public Schools, where he recruited community members to mentor students in schools across the district. Morgan has also served as the re-engagement specialists for D2 Center, where he helped high school students with chronic absenteeism and truancy find a path to graduation. Additionally, he’s managed and facilitated after-school programming for elementary and middle school students in North and South Omaha. As a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., he also volunteers as the director of the Omaha Kappa League.

“I am humbled and truly honored to join the Empowerment Network team as the MBK Omaha program manager,” said Morgan. “I’ve had the pleasure of volunteering and participating in several Empowerment Networks events and collaborations over the last decade. Now I’ll have the opportunity to lead a collaborative effort with a mission that is closely related to my passion for mentoring and youth advocacy. Together, we will fill the voids that exist for young men of color in our community and provide them the tools they need to be successful.”

In his new role, Morgan will work with Jonathan Chapman, vice president of community collaboratives, and the Cradle to Career director, to lead the MBK Model Community initiatives for the city of Omaha. This initiative aims to achieve a measurable shift in outcomes for boys and young men of color. This role will play a pivotal part in strengthening local collaborations and establishing new partnerships to help the community achieve the six key milestones to success identified by the Obama Foundation’s MBK Alliance.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Morgan as the MBK Omaha Program Manager,” said Willie Barney, founder and CEO, Empowerment Network. “His dedication to fostering community development and youth empowerment aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to the innovative and impactful programs he will help us create and implement.”

Supported in part by the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, a program of The Obama Foundation, the Empowerment Network is dedicated to building safe and thriving communities through economic, educational and social success. Programs like Omaha 360 and Step-Up Omaha exemplify these efforts. My Brother’s Keeper Alliance promotes supportive communities for boys and young men of color, ensuring they feel valued and have clear pathways to opportunity.

With Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology and Psychology from Nebraska Wesleyan University, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Bellevue University, Morgan is currently completing his certification in Fundraising Management at University of Nebraska-Omaha.

To stay connected with the Empowerment Network and learn about upcoming events, visit https://empoweromaha.com/. Follow Empowerment Network on Facebook at Facebook.com/EmpowermentNetwork.

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About the Empowerment Network
The Empowerment Network is a nonprofit organization committed to advancing economic, social, and civic progress within Omaha’s African American community, North Omaha and the region. Through collaborative efforts and innovative initiatives, the Empowerment Network strives to create opportunities for empowerment and transformation in every zip code and neighborhood in Omaha and beyond.

Vicki Quaites-Ferris
The Empowerment Network
402-502-5153

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