Abiola Kosoko

Abiola Ademola Kosoko is a marketing professional and freelance photographer in Omaha, Nebraska. After graduating from Creighton University in 2009, Abiola chose to stay in Omaha and spread his talents throughout the city. As a marketing professional, he has worked for many non-profits locally, and most recently was the Director of Marketing for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands. Abiola also has a multimedia business, DemoLives Multimedia, where he does design, photography, and video. Abiola is an advocate for his community and black people living in Omaha. You will see this when you look through his body of work. One of his biggest motivations is to create a better world for future generations by spreading love and delivering his learned wisdom to the next generation.

Jodi Benenson (she/her) 

Jodi Benenson is an Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska Omaha, where her primary teaching and research interests include civic engagement, nonprofit organizations, social policy, and social equity. Her research has been published in a variety of academic and practice-based outlets, and she is engaged with several local and national organizations that center youth civic engagement, equity, and representation. Jodi received a B.S. and M.P.A. from Indiana University and a Ph.D. in social policy from Brandeis University. You will often find Jodi scoping out the vegetarian options at a local restaurant, hiking in the woods, and searching for the best ice cream in town.

Fun fact: Jodi named her cat Tig after comedian Tig Notaro. Also, Jodi is allergic to cats.

Krystal Rice (she/her)

Krystal is the Director of Creighton University’s TRIO SSS program, which serves students that are the first in their families to attend a four-year college. A graduate from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a masters in public administration, Krystal has a passion for innovation and engagement in Omaha. She is honored to serve on the board for Elevate Omaha and can’t wait to “redefine who is an expert on youth lives.”  She is ready to invest in young people's social, political, and personal power across the city of Omaha.

Fun fact: Krystal makes the world's greatest chili and facilitates an “adulting” workshop series where she teaches students how to change tires on their cars.

Madisen Reed (she/her)

Madisen is a former Central High Eagle and now studies psychology at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She believes in giving youth the power to create meaningful change in their communities, and wishes to change the funding and lack of support for education in Omaha. She says: “I love how Omaha is a little big city. There are enough people where you can always make new friends and try new things but at the same time it’s small enough to recognize people and feel safe. I think Omaha could be amazing if we dedicated more time to mental health resources, education, and the environment.”

Fun fact: Madisen can play four instruments: violin, piano, guitar and flute.

Malena Rosseau (she/her) | Co-President

Malena works at the Iowa West Foundation as a program associate, specializing in program evaluation, strategic planning and grant management. She has a Ph.D in anthropology from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill and is an experienced researcher and strong advocate for grassroots community engagement - especially for historically marginalized communities. Malena moved to Omaha from North Carolina in 2014 and hopes to see Omaha open up to innovation and bridge the gaps in our city’s history of social isolation. She is excited to support Elevate because of its unique combination of leadership development, community engagement and youth-led research initiatives. 

Fun fact: Malena loves collecting rare houseplants and caring for her two aquariums that house various fish, shrimp, snails, and aquatic frogs.

Nate Johnson (He/Him)

Nate (he/him) is a nonprofit professional in Omaha. He studied public administration and urban studies as a graduate student and sociology and political science as an undergrad at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He has worked with a number of nonprofits, political campaigns, and community organizations across the metro. Nate is most passionate about racial justice, civic engagement, and the environment. In his free time, Nate likes to hike, camp, kayak, read, and spend time with his loved ones.

Olivia Gilbreath (She/They)

Hi I’m Olivia Gilbreath, I’m a student at UNO studying for a French and Biology double major. I love language studies and hanging out with my friends. In my free time I like to make art, do makeup, hang out with my family, read, and learn new things!! Currently, I’m studying as a pre-med student to aid my interest in fields of dermatology and women’s health. I am interested in both fields because of their very close relationship with discrimination against BIPOC. I would like to change the system and use my white privilege to dismantle the whitewashed structure the fields currently operate under. I’m excited to be involved in something new and this organization pulled me in as soon as I discovered it. 

Yvonne Kaburu (She/Her)

Yvonne Kaburu (She/Her) was born in Kenya, Africa and moved to the United States when she was 7 years old. Yvonne holds a Criminal Justice degree acquired from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Yvonne currently works as a social worker for the State of Nebraska in the Child Welfare System. Yvonne has interest in advocating for but not limited to women’s rights issues, human rights issues, voting rights issues, criminal justice reform, and diversity and inclusion issues. In her free time, Yvonne loves to travel, hang out with friends and family, and watch a show or movie. Yvonne is excited to be a part of the board of an exceptional organization doing good work in the community.  

FUN FACT: I HAVE NEVER BROKE A BONE.

Lily (L) Castellan (Any Pronouns)

Lily Castellan or L (any pronouns) is a full-time public health student at UNO and the secretary of the UNO Public Health Student Association. With interests in reproductive justice and youth advocacy, they have been doing work in the Omaha community for nearly 4 years. They have worked with Planned Parenthood, The Women’s Fund of Omaha, and Elevate Omaha to follow their passion for making community-wide change.

Efren Garcia (He/Him/His)

I am a first-generation student currently completing my master’s degree in public health at the University of Colorado Anschutz, with a concentration in health systems, policy, and management. I have a passion for the sciences, policy advocacy, and promoting equity in healthcare, government, and workforce. I love and value Omaha as my hometown. I graduated from Omaha South and Creighton University and worked in non-profits such as the Latino Center of the Midlands.  My experiences in Omaha motivate me to ensure that it grows towards diverse and equitable representation and accountability in government.

Fun Fact: I love hiking, lifting, watching shows/movies, and listening to music. 

Renata Valquier-Chavez (She/Her)

I am Renata Valquier Chavez, a proud native of Omaha, Nebraska. With a passion for the built environment, community development, and a commitment to creating positive change, I bring a diverse educational background and a deep-rooted understanding of our local landscape. I hold a B.S. degree in Political Science from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where I developed a solid foundation in understanding the intricacies of governance and public policy. This educational journey equipped me with critical thinking skills and a comprehensive understanding of the political landscape. Driven by a desire to make a tangible impact, I pursued a Master's degree in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Through this program, I gained invaluable insights into creating sustainable and inclusive urban environments, working closely with stakeholders to foster positive growth and equitable development. Currently, I am further expanding my knowledge and skills as a law student at Creighton University. This endeavor allows me to delve deeper into legal advocacy and the pursuit of justice. I am honing my ability to analyze complex issues and effectively communicate my thoughts, preparing myself to be an agent of change within our community.

In addition to my academic pursuits, I am deeply committed to community service. Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of collaboration, inclusivity, and effective leadership in driving meaningful progress.

As a dedicated advocate for the advancement of Omaha, I am thrilled at the opportunity to contribute my skills and expertise to the board of Elevate Omaha. I believe in the power of this organization to uplift and empower our community and I am eager to work alongside Elevate to bring about positive change.

Fun Fact: I can speak three languages 

Clarice Dombeck

Clarice Dombeck was born and raised in North Omaha. She is an urban planner, urban farmer, creative placemaker, and community organizer. Her background in Black Studies and Sociology profoundly informs her work in a way that centers the history, experiences, knowledge, and expertise of Black people.