At the Omaha Community Foundation, we believe in empowering our staff to grow as leaders, not only for the benefit of our organization but also for the broader community. When our team members engage in leadership programs, they bring back invaluable skills, insights, and connections that align with our mission: to strengthen our community by helping donors achieve their charitable goals, building community knowledge, and creating lasting impact.

This year, we are proud to announce that three of our staff members have been selected to participate in leadership programs that will enhance their ability to serve OCF and the community.

Laura Contreras – Hispanics in Philanthropy Líderes Fellowship

Senior Program Manager Laura Contreras has been invited to join the Hispanics in Philanthropy Líderes Fellowship program. The fellowship is dedicated to empowering Latinx leaders through relationship-building and leadership development. Contreras will be part of the ninth cohort, joining a national network of more than 250 Latinx leaders. Her involvement in the program will amplify her ability to advocate for the Latinx community within Omaha and beyond, enriching her work with OCF and the local nonprofit sector.

“ I’m deeply inspired by the passion and commitment of my cohort in the Hispanics in Philanthropy Líderes Fellowship,” Contreras said. “I’m particularly excited to engage in peer coaching that emphasizes cultural healing and safety, while also receiving one-on-one executive coaching, which will offer invaluable leadership support as I continue to navigate my role and the philanthropic sector.”

Wynter Davis – Leadership Omaha

Wynter Davis, Donor Services Advisor, will be a participating in Leadership Omaha. This 10-month program, hosted by the Greater Omaha Chamber, is designed to develop effective community leaders who are committed to community trusteeship, awareness, and impactful leadership. Davis will join a network of more than 1,700 Leadership Omaha alumni, where she’ll gain a deeper understanding of Omaha’s challenges and opportunities, and develop skills to drive positive change. Her participation will further strengthen her work with individual donors and the Omaha Venture Group, allowing her to bring new perspectives to her role at OCF.

“I am thrilled to have been selected to join Leadership Omaha,” Davis said. “This is an incredible opportunity for both personal and professional growth, and I can’t wait to embark on this journey. I look forward to meeting my fellow classmates, connecting with a diverse group of leaders, and learning from their experiences.”

Molly Mullen – LeadDIVERSITY

Molly Mullen, a Content Manager on OCF’s Communications & Marketing team, has been selected to join the sixth cohort of LeadDIVERSITY. The Inclusive Communities program, held in partnership with Omaha Public Power District, the Greater Omaha Chamber, and Tri-Faith Initiative, is focused on creating leaders who champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across the Midwest. Over the next nine months, Mullen will engage in critical discussions and training on these topics, gaining the expertise needed to anticipate and address DEI needs in both workplace and community settings. Mullen’s participation will enhance her contributions to OCF and help us better serve the diverse needs of our community.

“Being a part of LeadDIVERSITY is such an honor, and I’m truly excited about the collective impact we as advocates can have in our community,” Mullen said. “Omaha is my favorite place, and I’m committed to helping it grow into an even more inclusive and vibrant city. This program offers a unique opportunity to contribute to that growth, and I’m eager to bring what I learn back to the Omaha Community Foundation and the community as a whole.”

These leadership programs are more than just personal growth opportunities for our staff—they are integral to OCF’s pool of knowledge and resources for our partners. By investing in our team members, we are investing in the future of Omaha, ensuring that we can continue to support our donors and the community with the knowledge, passion, and leadership necessary to make a lasting impact.