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Published:  Wednesday, March 2, 2022

‘Get your finances in order first and amazing opportunities will be available to you’ was the core message heard at the Revive Center at 24th and Lake last Saturday.

One of the critical keys to success for business owners and entrepreneurs is having strong financials, personally and professionally.

The February edition of the Revive Black Business Summit was dedicated to building wealth, business credit, investments and gaining strong banking relationships.

“I’m thankful for another great response for the Revive Black Business Summit,” said Willie Barney, co-owner and co-publisher of Revive Omaha and co-owner of the Revive Center.

“Between the first two sessions we’ve had over 100 Black business owners, entrepreneurs and support organizations engaged.  We’re going topic by topic and connecting participants with information and resources.”

The session held on Saturday, February 26th was a hybrid event including in-person and virtual attendees.  It was the first time the Revive Black Business Network has gathered in-person since February of 2020, just before the pandemic started.

National speakers included strategic business partners for the Revive Black Business Network, Tawanna Black and Dr. George Fraser.

Black is the CEO and founder of the Center for Economic Inclusion which recently secured a five million grant to support business owned by Black and brown women in the state of Minnesota.

She emphasized the importance of individuals knowing and understanding their purpose and the values of their company as they consider various forms of capital and investors.

“As banks and investors are reviewing your credentials, you should be reviewing theirs as well,” said Black.  “Your business has value.”

She also encouraged Black business owners to consider angel investors if it makes sense for their business.

“Majority companies use this as a key ingredient for success,” said Black.  “Most of our businesses don’t know about or have access to venture capital.  We need to change that.”

The Black Business Summits have proven to be of value to attendees based on the comprehensive feedback from current and future business owners.

“This has been one of the greatest business summits that I have attended,” said Karnetta Rushing retired former Vice President at First National Bank.

“It was extremely informational,” said Chef Jamil Djibril Bah traore, who leads both a for-profit business, House of Bah and a non-profit organization, Eat N Talk Africa.

Fraser, CEO of FraserNet and the PowerNetworking Conference returned as a cohost and keynote speaker once again for the second summit and delivered another powerful message.

“If you don’t have a system, you don’t have a business,” Fraser reminded the participants.  “And, you don’t build a successful business without building people.”

Fraser’s message always resonates with the group.

“I thank each of you for your dedication and sharing your knowledge, this has been truly amazing and I’m taking notes on steps to help build myself and build my community,” said virtual attendee, Shawnita Mack.

Local speakers included Nicka Johnson, owner and founder of Budget to Success; Ernest White, First Vice President of American National Bank; Richard Webb, owner of Abundant Living; and, Earl Johnson of EverGreen Capital Management.

Winsley Durand of the Greater Omaha Chamber and Jim Reiff of Nebraska Enterprise Fund rounded out the event by providing overviews of the funding, services, training and networking opportunities their organizations have available.

The sessions have been well attended and appear to be making a major impact as participants are asking for more frequent opportunities.

“We should do this monthly, if not at least quarterly,” said Bridget Hadley, economic development manager for the City of Omaha.

“Thank you, Yolanda and Willie, for putting together another great business summit,” stated Linda Davis, owner of The New Beginnings Transitional Living Homes, LLC.

“I appreciate how your organization continually gives back and supports the Black community.  As a business owner, this information is invaluable.”

Willie and Yolanda’s plan for 2022 is to continue hosting Summits on a monthly basis with different speakers and topics of most interest to attendees.  For those looking to attend the upcoming events, Willie suggests you mark your calendar for the 4th Saturday of each month and stay connected to reviveomaha.com.

Black business owners and entrepreneurs can also become formal members of the Revive Black Business Network to take advantage of all of the opportunities and resources being provided throughout the year.

 

 

Community News

Step-Up Omaha interns gain valuable work experience at UNMC

Front row from left: Evelyn Grixby, UNMC employee relations programs coordinator; Alona Wilson; Jennifer Esqueda; Amari Johnson; Lakeisha Bonam of Step-Up Omaha; and Linda Cunningham, associate director for UNMC Human Resources. Back row from left: NeRae Davis; Niara Bowie-Berry; Randy Smith; Mukundaha Devanaboyina; Julia Livingston of Step-Up Omaha; and John Skradski of Step-Up Omaha.

 

Published:  July 21, 2024
WRITTEN BY Jeff Robb, UNMC strategic communications

Step-Up Omaha interns are back at UNMC for another summer of work experience and learning opportunities around the academic medical center.

Step-Up Omaha is an initiative of the Empowerment Network, the City of Omaha and community partners to give youths summer job training and work experience.

Since 2016, UNMC has participated by hosting interns in a variety of departments, centers and offices around the campus. This year, the program, which started June 17, has eight interns.

Evelyn Grixby, employee relations programs coordinator in UNMC Human Resources and the Step-Up Omaha program coordinator, said UNMC’s Step-Up internship program is a coordinated effort with the worksite partners to invest in the interns and intentionally provide them valuable outcomes by the end of summer.

The interns receive job shadowing, mentoring, career guidance and networking opportunities, Grixby said.

“In the short period of time that the interns are on campus, they gain soft skills training that leave them feeling empowered, inspired, connected and more confident about their career interest,” she said.

Linda Cunningham, associate director for UNMC Human Resources, said the department is excited to welcome the 2024 interns to UNMC.

Cunningham credited Grixby for her dedicated efforts to the program. She also thanked participating UNMC departments, saying they are mentoring future leaders while also embracing the fresh, new perspectives shared by the interns.

Said Cunningham, “Our campus remains committed to providing thoughtfully designed and impactful learning experiences for our Step-Up interns in a supportive environment that exceeds their expectations and hones their curiosity for career exploration and success.

“We encourage each of them to take full advantage of the rich opportunity, resources and connections available to them during this experience.”

Intern Randy Smith is back at UNMC for a fourth summer through the program, this time working with the UNMC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. Smith, who is studying psychology at Metropolitan Community College, said he was drawn by UNMC’s environment of friendly people.

“It’s great working along with people who are like-minded, driving towards a better future in technology and health care,” he said.

This summer’s interns and their departments are:

  • Jennifer Esqueda, UNMC Human Resources
  • Alona Wilson, UNMC Human Resources and the Office of the Chancellor
  • Randy Smith, UNMC Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
  • NeRae Davis, UNMC Facilities Management and Planning
  • Amari Johnson, UNMC Office of Inclusion
  • Mukundaha Devanaboyina, Munroe-Meyer Institute community engagement
  • Ajay Repakula, Munroe-Meyer Institute Trailblazers Program and administration
  • Niara Bowie-Berry, UNMC Global Center for Health Security

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Community News

Ashlei Spivey running for State Senate, marches towards general election

Published:  August 20, 2024

As Nebraska’s Legislative District 13 prepares for a new season, Ashlei Spivey is running for office to become the clear choice to lead this truly resilient and diverse community.

A lifelong resident of North Omaha, Ashlei epitomizes the spirit and core of the district’s culture, rich history and vast potential. With a deep commitment to her community along with a proven track record of advocacy, Ashlei is campaigning to be the leader District 13 needs.

Growing up in North Omaha, Ashlei didn’t just witness the challenges her neighbors faced, she lived them. This personal connection fueled her passion for social justice and inspired her to dedicate her life to serving others.

With degrees in Communications, Marketing, and Urban Social Planning, Ashlei brings a unique blend of vision, intelligence, and Omaha grit to the table. Ashlei believes her educational background, coupled with her vast experience in nonprofit leadership, equips her with the necessary tools to create meaningful change.

Ashlei is a leader on a mission. Having founded the nonprofit, I Be Black Girls and currently sitting as its Executive Director, her impact has driven significant change, notably in Black maternal health. Her tireless work led to the creation of Nebraska’s first statewide Black maternal health coalition, transforming healthcare delivery for Black women across the state.

But Ashlei’s vision extends beyond healthcare. Her goal is to make a measurable difference in the lives of Nebraskans.  She plans to tackle head-on issues affecting her constituents, like public safety, economic development, lowering property tax, and improving education. “Residents of District 13 deserve the opportunity to thrive in a safe community,” she said. My commitment is to fight for the things that matter, such as affordable housing, quality healthcare, and well-funded schools accessible to all.

Ashlei’s heart is on full display when you examine her professional work and personal life. Having worked alongside many in the district, she has built strong relationships with local community organizations, businesses, and residents alike.

Her unwavering commitment to the region she calls home is palpable. Her ability to listen, empathize, and act on behalf of her constituents is what she says sets her apart and prepares her to bring the voices of District 13 to the Capitol.

Given the successes under her belt, her talent has not gone unnoticed. Ashlei has been nationally recognized, earning such distinctions as the Ten Outstanding Young Omahans Award, the Chamber YP Changemaker Award and she has been featured in Forbes and Essence.

Ashlei Spivey is not just running for political office but for the many neighbors who rely on her to make a difference. She wants to empower the residents of District 13 to ensure they have a voice at the highest levels of their government.

“I am ready to hit the ground running on day one,” Ashlei says, “and I look forward to earning the vote and trust of Legislative District 13.”

To learn more about Ashlei Spivey’s vision for Nebraska Legislative District 13, visit https://www.ashleifornebraska.com/

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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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