Inclusive Communities has announce the 2021-22 class of LeadDIVERSITY advocates.

LeadDIVERSITY is a year-long program designed to build a network of leaders dedicated to creating opportunities and solutions related to diversity, equity and inclusion in the Midwest region.

“It redefines leadership both for the folks who participate and the organizations and businesses they represent,” said Inclusive Communities Business Development Manager Tena Hahn Rodriguez.

The 31 advocates selected, comprise an inclusive sample of the Omaha metropolitan area’s diverse community representing various identity and affinity groups. Of the participants, 81% identify as female and 54% identify as Black, Indigenous or people of color.

The advocates selected are:

• Daryl Anderson, creative director, Clark Creative Group

• Cody Brookhouser-Sisney, attorney, McGrath, North Mullin & Kratz PC LLO

• Cruz Cabrera, director of diversity and access, Omaha Children’s Museum

• Shari Collins, training specialist, Farm Credit Services of America

• Ana Diaz-Orozco, community engagement coordinator, Office of Latino/Latin American Studies, University of Nebraska at Omaha

• Alexis Dickerson, manager of African American and Latinx education, Planned Parenthood, and licensed mental health practitioner, Omaha Integrative Care

• Julie Dierberger, director, Service Learning Academy, UNO

• Lauren Foster, director of quality of life, Greater Fremont Development Council

• Ireydisa Gomez-Hall, family engagement specialist, Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative

• Wendy Hamilton, chief development officer, Girls Scouts Spirit of Nebraska

• Janique Hayes, administrative coordinator, Creighton University

• Andrea Haynes, assistant superintendent of human resources and district operations, Westside Community Schools

• Raheem Jackson, senior continuous improvement specialist, Omaha Public Power District

• Gina Langel, director of continuous improvement, Metropolitan Utilities District

• Tess Larson, program associate, The Sherwood Foundation

• Scott Lloyd, co-founder and chief operating offier, Miso

• Vanessa Martinez-Hernandez, business services coordinator, Heartland Workforce Solutions

• Collette Nero, principal, Omaha Public Schools

• Caitlin Osborn, deputy director, Amplify Arts

• Ericka Payton, assistant principal and program director, Westside Community Schools

• DerNecia Phillips, principal consultant and founder, Nelson Mandela Elementary, OPS

• Jamie Reyes, transportation director and rail safety manager and legal counsel, Nebraska Public Service Commission

• Connie Schaffer, director, Center for Faculty Excellence, UNO

• Deb Shaw, diversity, community and recruitment leader, Partnership4Kids

• Tina Struck, senior associate, Koley Jessen PC LLO

• Pernell Toney, talent acquisition manager, Farm Credit Services of America

• Chris Tooley, director of culture and engagement, Methodist Health System

• Leah Whitney Chavez, executive director, World Speaks

• Crystall Williams, staff chaplain, Nebraska Methodist Hospital

• Melissa Wurth, executive director, Omaha Girls Rock

• Sam Zeineddine, human resources director, Midwest Maintenance Co., Inc.