Changemaker Honor

A Grand Island leader with deep roots in the community, Laura Gamboa Urrego is passionate about lifting up others and advancing racial justice. She has worked with immigrants and refugees through the Multicultural Coalition, as a Community Organizer with YWCA’s Nebraska Table, and now serves as Director of Community Engagement at Stuhr Museum. Laura is a founding member of Amplify, an affinity group for young professionals of color, and serves on multiple boards including EPIC Children’s Museum, Nebraska Table, and the Grand Island Concert Association. As one nominator shared, “Laura is young, but she is wise beyond her years and approaches racial justice with a sense of urgency and compassion.”

Community Impact Honor

Monica Lee-Buss has served the Grand Island community for over a decade as a Labor and Delivery Nurse, currently working at Grand Island Regional Medical Center and with Bryan Health System. She coordinates the Grand Island Prenatal Access Coalition, consults with Healthy Nebraska on maternal health, and mentors future nurses. Bilingual in English and Spanish, Monica also volunteers with immigrant legal services and serves as vice chair of Choice Family Healthcare. As one nominator noted, “Her work is rooted in equity and empowerment… she has helped remove economic, legal, and cultural barriers for women across the region with humility, focus, and heart.”

Empowerment Honor

Amy Sjoholm is a licensed mental health therapist dedicated to supporting children, teens, and women in rural Nebraska. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development from the University of Nebraska–Kearney and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Doane University. After years of service with Head Start and as a Rooted in Relationships Coach, Amy now provides therapy through Acme Behavioral Health, working alongside Dr. Jody Lieske and Dr. Lexie Fladhammer. A registered Play Therapist and board member of the Kids and Dreams Foundation, Amy is recognized for her creativity and collaboration. As one nominator shared, “Amy has the ability to see the possibilities in the problem… and work to bring that solution to fruition.”