Excellence in Action Honors ↘

Changemaker Honor

Date: Thursday, October 24th, 2024 at 6pm | Location: The Hideout Banquet Hall (1607 Locust St Grand Island, NE 68801)

Lisa is a dedicated civic leader and advocate in the Grand Island community, known for her unwavering commitment to racial justice and civic engagement. As a former president of the Grand Island Public Schools Board of Education, Lisa has led efforts to protect and enhance public education, especially during challenging times. Her work includes supporting creation of the Academies of Grand Island Senior High, encouraging access to free period products at Grand Island Senior High and asking the community for support of period poverty in Grand Island. She believes in providing the best public education all students can access. 

Beyond her role in education, Lisa actively participates in legislative advocacy, contributing to laws aimed at protecting young people and addressing critical issues like period poverty and the age of consent. She serves on the board of the Heartland United Way and is a previous board member of the YMCA and the GIPS Foundation, continually striving to bridge political divides and engage the community in meaningful dialogue.

Lisa’s leadership is marked by her integrity, tenacity, and deep commitment to creating a better future for all of us.

Sandra is a dedicated NE Extension Educator with a passion for empowering Latina entrepreneurs in the Grand Island community. Since moving from Colombia to Grand Island in 2000, Sandra has been instrumental in helping women and minorities launch and grow their own businesses.  Through her work with the NE Extension office, she has supported over 676 individuals in starting their ventures, offering guidance in areas such as LLC formation, licensing, and financial management, helped entrepreneurs with more than 600 consultations per year, connect more than 1500k entrepreneurs and owners’ business on online community. Facilitated integration and communication among clients and businesses and raised awareness on existing Small Businesses with the Business Diversity Tour and Latino Small Business Conference.  Sandra holds a bachelor's degree in accounting and a master's in financial planning, further enhancing her ability to support and guide aspiring entrepreneurs.”

Founder of Grand Island Latino Network (2005), co-founder of McDes -Multicultural Center for Development of Education and Sports (2003) which promotes higher education and wellness for children. Sandra's community involvement is extensive, including her leadership in the Grand Island Latino Network, which played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic by ensuring Spanish-speaking residents had access to vital information. She also serves on various boards and has been recognized:

 AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

2009 UNL EXTENSION- Employee of the Year, 2017 REAP Latino Business Center Partner of the Year Award, 2017 NACDEP North Central First Place Region Award –Diversity Award, 2017 NACDEP National Award –Diversity Award NACDEP (National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals), 2018 NEBRASKA HISPANIC OF COMMERCE- Special Recognition, 2019 NE LATINO AMERICAN COMISSION-Inspiration Award, 2020-NE EXTENSION Excellent in Extension – Impactful, 2021-UNL Epsilon Sigma Phi Alpha Upsilon Chapter (ESP)- Team Diversity Award -Regional, 2022-UNL Epsilon Sigma Phi Alpha Upsilon Chapter (ESP)- Team Diversity Award -National, 2023-TELEMUNDO NE- Lider 2023, and 2023 NETFORCE- Educator of the Year 2023.

Brenna is a dedicated community leader committed to the health and safety of women and children in the Greater Grand Island area. As the Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Nebraska, Brenna has made significant strides in fostering a safer and more inclusive community. Her leadership in Grand Island Pride has notably increased community engagement, raising awareness and promoting diversity.

Brenna’s work extends beyond Grand Island Pride, as she also chairs the PFLAG Grand Island Chapter, participates on a local Foster Care Review Board, and actively contributes to the broader nonprofit sector. Her passion for improving the lives of children and ensuring the success of programs that support them makes her one of the community's strongest advocates. Brenna is committed to making a lasting impact, ensuring that the systems in place continue to benefit those in need well into the future.