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Hina Agarwal arrived in Omaha during the summer of 2019 after spending most of her life in Chicago. She attended University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and received a BS in Bio-engineering and a BS in Biochemistry. She followed up her undergraduate studies by earning her MS in Education at Northwestern University.
Hina taught high school science for fourteen years in the Chicago-land area and coached volleyball during ten of those years. During her years in the classroom, she presented at Northwestern University’s Annual STEM Summit, attended Seeds of Peace Camp for two weeks in Ottisfield ME, was a Fulbright Fellow in the Teachers for Global Classrooms Program, presented at NSTA & participated in Summer Research Experience for Teachers at Northwestern University.
Hina currently works at the Kiewit Luminarium and sits on the Completely Kids' Guild. She believes that communities flourish and neighborhoods thrive when citizens are able to earn a living doing what they love and feel safe in their space. Education, for many, is the first step to that happiness and she is grateful to be a part of that journey for the students that attend MCC.
Dr. Jennifer Allen is the current owner of Cohen & Kelly's Lounge. She has 25 years of experience as a public educator and administrator. She is a certified Speech, Language Pathologist and was a supervisor for Speech, Language & Hearing for Omaha Public Schools, Assistant Principal at Bryan High School from 2010-2012 and Assistant Principal Millard West High School from 2012-2022. She has a background with teaching college and career skills and enjoys working with counselors, teachers, parents and students on sharing how to access vital information to support their post-secondary goals. Dr. Allen has a strong passion for supporting continuing education that is the right fit for each individual student. She recognizes that there is no one right path for finding a trade or career that is the right fit for each one of us. She encourages all students to be lifelong learners and to pursue the dreams that are right for them.
Ricardo Castro is the father of two girls. He was born in Lima, Peru and immigrated to Nebraska, with his wife, in 2001. He is blessed to have a college degree in Business Administration with emphasis in Marketing.
He is a realtor helping families purchase homes and business owners acquire commercial properties in Nebraska and has been since 2003. In 2013, together with a colleague, he opened Castro Realty Group, affiliated with Nebraska Realty. He is honored to lead a team of professional realtors who from 2015 each year to 2023 sold more properties and represented more sellers in Nebraska Realty, a company of over 1,000 realtors.
His business is funded in the following pillars:
Ethics, professionalism, community involvement and education. These fundamentals are the core of his own life and the life he planning to leave for his daughters and loved ones.
Ricardo's educational, professional and community involvement credentials:
- Bachelor Degree in Business Administration
- Small Business Owner since 2004
- National Association of Realtors
- Omaha Area Board of Realtors
- Omaha Area Multiple Listing Service
- Nebraska Association of Realtors
- Randall School of Real Estate, Graduate
- Board member of the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce since 2005 - 2010
- President of the Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 2008-2010
- Executive Director, Nebraska Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 2008-2010
- Board member of the Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation, 2007 - 2010
- Grant Committee member of the Omaha Community Foundation’s Latino Futuro Fund 2010 - 2012
- GOCC, South Omaha Development Project; Business and corridors' Committee 2010 - 2012
- Mayor of Omaha; South Omaha Advisory Committee 2010 – 2011
- President of the Board of the Heartland Workers Center, 2015 – 2019
- MCC Foundation Board member 2020 – 2023
- Latino Economic Development Council, Board of Trustees 2024
- Advance CDC Board member 2024
- 50 over 50 Nebraska 2023 awardee
- Latino Center of the Midlands, Orgullo Empresarial (Entrepreneur pride) 2023 award recipient
- MYLPA (Metro Young Latinos Professional Association) 2023 Latine Business Leader award
Sheila Fields, MBA CPLC is a Nebraska-based entrepreneur, philanthropist, professor, writer, certified life coach and speaker whose passion is to help others live a legacy of vision, hope, and empowerment. She does so by leveraging her education, professional background, and life experiences with her unique approach to storytelling and belief in her clients.
Fields is the founder and CEO of The Bobby Byars Foundation, Incorporated, which focuses on strengthening families and local communities. Initiatives such as Community Safety Day, endowments and trade scholarships, the foundation has awarded over $50,000 in scholarships and provided tools to help families to thrive through empowerment. The organization's leadership development project, Project W.O.R.K. (Winning = Opportunities, Resources and Knowledge) — aims to increase opportunities for unemployed or underemployed individuals by partnering with small businesses and mentors. Project W.O.R.K. provides a toolkit that helps participants become more empowered while supporting small businesses who partner as mentors.
As the owner of BFields Solutions, Incorporated (BFSINC), her company fills a critical gap for businesses and layperson by providing technical services for those who lack technical knowledge or do not have the time to develop solutions efficiently. BFSINC has delivered courses, coaching, training, and technical solutions for organization and business across the U.S.
As a writer for the historical Omaha Star newspaper and her virtual discussion platform, Unobstructed Views, Sheila Fields used her "comeback coach" style storytelling to speak boldly on issues that matter. Her goal is to provide tools to help listeners and readers become more confident as they navigate through life, careers, challenges, and successes.
Mrs. Fields holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Science from the University of Nebraska and a Master of Business Administration from Creighton University. She is a certified professional life coach and speaker and recently completed a certificate – Women Entrepreneurship - from Cornell University. You can find additional information at www.sheilabfields.com , on Instagram @coachsheilafields or www.linkedin.com/in/sheilabfields.
Sara Hansen recently joined Microsoft as the Senior Community Affairs Manager covering areas across the Midwest. Her focus is on driving the mission of "Empowering every person and organization on the plant to achieve more".
Prior to Microsoft, she was the Director of Business Development for AOI and previously was a Regional Community and Citizenship Manager for Turner Construction Company. Sara has 15 plus years working for the State Government, holding positions with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Labor, and the Department of Education.
Sara has developed program models, utilized nationally, partnering with Education and Community Workforce Programs, to pipeline individuals into Skilled Trades.
She has most recently served on the mayoral appointed board of Heartland Workforce Solutions, chairing the youth committee. She participates in several non-profit workforce and community advisory boards, fulfilling her passion to give back to local communities.
Sara strives to live everyday by a quote from St. Francis, "Start by doing what's necessary, then do what's possible, and suddenly you are doing the impossible."
Matt is a Project Executive at Turner Construction Company. He graduated from the University of Nebraska – Kearney, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management and has over 20 years of construction experience on projects in Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Colorado, and South Dakota.
Prior positions he has held throughout the course of his career include Superintendent, Preconstruction Engineer/Estimating, and Senior Project Manager. Some of his previous projects include Arrowhead Stadium Renovation – Kansas City Chiefs, Hollywood Casino at Kansas Speedway, College of Business – University of Nebraska Lincoln, Discovery Hall – University of Nebraska Kearney, Interdisciplinary Building – Southeast Community College Beatrice Campus, Verizon Data Center Omaha , and Radius Omaha.
Current volunteer commitments include Construction Industry Advisory Committee for Metropolitan Community College, CAT Advisory Board for Wayne State College, Academic Advisory Council for University of Nebraska Kearney, Heartland for Hope, and Habitat for Humanity. He also volunteers time at his local church with his family. Matt leads the Higher Education and Industrial Market Segment Groups at Turner and enjoys working with others in this realm and making new connections.
Through his experience, Matt is driven to help others reach their full potential on the project teams he is working on including all stakeholders and business partners. He enjoys watching the projects come to life and revisiting them when they are in full use for the client.
Born on a Dairy Farm in Pickrell, Nebraska, he now resides in south Lincoln with his wife, son, and daughter.
Banti Iteffa is currently employed at Charles Schwab as a Product Manager focusing on strategy and continuous improvement. He has over 25 years of experience as a continuous improvement practitioner. He is a certified Six Sigma blackbelt. Banti is a graduate of the University of Nebraska in Lincoln with a degree in Industrial Engineering. His passion for learning and education comes from his mother a retired schoolteacher. His professional experience includes 15 years as a Manufacturing Engineer and 5 years of managing a Tool Room. His manufacturing experience gave him a firsthand interaction with many talented trade professionals in the state. As a father of two school aged daughters, he encourages them to learn inside and outside of the classroom.
Tracy Madden-McMahon is the president and chief executive officer of Methodist Hospital Foundation. She focuses on major gifts, grateful patient programs, and physician outreach along with supervising marketing, communications and other areas.
Madden-McMahon joined Methodist Health System in June 2011 as a director of development. Prior to that she was an anchor/reporter for WOWT-TV, the NBC affiliate in Omaha. She has been recognized for her work with a regional Emmy and Edward R. Murrow among other awards.
Madden-McMahon earned her bachelor's degree in communications from Illinois State University. She earned her Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) designation through The American College in a year-long program organized by Omaha Community Foundation. She received certification from Indiana University's Fund Raising School and is a graduate of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy's Madison Institute.
Madden-McMahon is a member of The Rotary Club of Omaha, sits on the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy Advisory Board and serves on the Advisory Council for Assistance League of Omaha.
Anayeli is a Project Executive for Kiewit Building Group.
She joined Kiewit Building Group, Inc. in 2007, her first project was renovation of the Lasting Hope Recovery Center in Omaha, Nebraska. Anayeli worked on several different projects and departments throughout her career; Project Management, Project Engineering, Special Projects, Commissioning, InEight, Client Services Group Manager, and was Project Manager for a multi-million-dollar building job in Lincoln, NE prior to becoming a Project Executive. She has 15 years of construction experience in Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, California, Hawaii, and is currently performing project executive functions on vertical building construction projects in the greater Omaha metro area. As Project Executive, Anayeli ensures budget, schedule, and quality meet or exceed client’s expectations for overall successful projects.
Anayeli graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Engineering with minor in Mathematics from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln (Omaha Campus). She currently serves on Small Business Outreach – Volunteer Instructor for MCC Contractor & Business Academy, Latino Economic Development Committee, Kiewit Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, United Hispanic Contractors Association, and UNL National Diversity Advisory Board Meeting.
Born in Mexico, spent her childhood in California, she now resides in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband, son, daughter, and cockapoo.
Bill McKay is Customer Service Manager at RDO Trucking. In this role he is responsible for supporting dealerships and fleet diesel technicians.
Bill has been involved in the heavy trucking industry in Omaha, Nebraska for more than 40 years. After earning an associate’s degree in Deisel Technology from Southeast Community College – Milford, he started his career at Wise Mack Inc, as a truck technician, later acquired by RDO Truck Center, since then, he has held a variety of roles including Shop Foreman and Service Manager. These experiences granted Bill a front-row seat in the ever-changing environment of heavy truck technology. He has embraced these changes and has been a recognized leader within RDO and the broader industry.
Bill is the Chairperson of the Technology and Maintenance Council for The Nebraska Trucking Association. This role allows him to share his experiences from a lengthy career in the trucking industry with students, technicians, and industry partners throughout the state.
Bill is passionate about assisting Secondary vocational and high school students, actively partnering with organizations to develop unique ways of supporting their vocational programs and promote the many possibilities this career can offer. He believes we all have a place in this world and has found his. He cherishes the opportunity to help others find theirs.
Bill is regularly active in the community, recently celebrating 25 years as an active member of Shepherds Inc., a non-profit which has raised more than $1 million dollars for youth in the Omaha metro. In his free time, Bill enjoys restoring antique British cars and spending time with his wife, five grown children and thirteen grandchildren.
Jill Panzer originates from Alliance, a small town in the panhandle of Nebraska. Mrs. Panzer received her Bachelor of Science from Southwest Missouri State University, where she studied recreational therapy. Upon graduation, Mrs. Panzer spent several years working in Rehabilitation Hospitals as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, reintegrating spinal cord injured patients back into the community.
Mrs. Panzer ventured into corporate America after her move to Omaha in 1996, where she embarked on a career in sales. Her sales career took her into the arena of data sales, event sales and eventually into pharmaceutical sales. After leaving Corporate America to focus on her family she stayed active as a volunteer and fundraiser in the community. Jill has been very active in the Omaha catholic school system, with special attention given to St. Stephens the Martyr, St. Patrick's in Elkhorn, Mount Michael and Duchesne Academy. Where she has chaired annual fundraisers and countless committees. Other organizations that are close to her heart are the Make-A-Wish foundation and Merry Makers. She is a proud member of the American Legion Auxiliary.
As the mother of a Type 1 Diabetic and a T1D herself, she has be a dedicated supporter of JDRF. Jill and her husband Jon were the fundraising Chairs for the 2017 Gala. In addition to raising their son, Jackson and their daughter, Joslyn, they have been international foster parents for 10 years to their "son" Alex Sunwoo.
In 2018 Mrs. Panzer took a leap of faith and made her passion a reality as she and her husband became owners of the historic V. Mertz restaurant in the Old Market. With this endeavor she is currently a member of the Old Market Association and the Omaha Restaurant Association.
Mrs. Panzer is looking forward to working on the MCC Foundation to make education obtainable for those seeking to learn. The strength and confidence gained from success in education, knows no limits.
Nick Shannon, CRPC® is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of California State University, Bakersfield. He earned a Business Administration degree while playing on the NCAA Division 1 baseball team. He is also a lifetime member of Beta Gamma Sigma – an international honor society for collegiate schools of business. Additionally, Nick earned an Organizational Leadership certificate from Harvard Business School. The College for Financial Planning has also awarded him with the Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation.
As a Vice President, Relationship Manager with Bridges Trust, Nick develops customized strategies for wealth preservation, strategic asset growth, family office services, trust services and philanthropic services to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, non-profits and foundations.
Prior to joining Bridges Trust, Nick was the founder of Prestige Wealth, LLC – an independent wealth management firm in Omaha. Over the course of his career, he has excelled in progressive roles with some of the largest financial institutions in the country (LPL Financial, Merrill Lynch, Edward Jones, Prudential Financial, and Ameritas).
Nick and his wife Lindsay have 3 wonderful boys – Austin (2016), Cameron (2019), and Jordan (2022). Outside of work, Nick is proud to serve his community. He serves on the Investment and Finance committees for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Omaha, he serves on the board and as a mentor for TeamMates of Elkhorn, he serves as a board member for the MCC Foundation, he serves as a board member of Salvation Army Echelon – Omaha, he serves as a volunteer baseball coach for Elkhorn Athletic Association, he volunteers at Life.Church Omaha and he is a member of the Nebraska Financial Planning Association. With his rare spare time, Nick enjoys attending his boys’ sporting events, golfing, going to the College World Series and rooting on the Nebraska and Creighton athletic programs.
Joe Strickland serves Valmont as Vice President – Global Irrigation Operations, a role in which he is responsible for manufacturing operations around the world supporting the Irrigation business. Prior to that Joe served for 3 years as Vice President & General Manager for North America Irrigation. Joe joined Valmont from Ecolab where he spent the last 10 years in a variety of roles in Corporate Finance and General Management. His most recent role at Ecolab was Vice President–Agribusiness. Joe has his MBA from the University of Michigan, with an emphasis in Finance and Corporate Strategy, and his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. Joe serves on the board of the JDRF Nebraska-Iowa Chapter, and previously the Minnesota AgriGrowth Council, as well as volunteered as an executive mentor as a part of Menttium program. Joe and his wife Lindsay, have two children.
Deputy Chief Thomas began her law enforcement career with the Omaha Police Department in October 1998 after graduating from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree. She rose to the rank of Deputy Chief in 2022 after various assignments, including patrol officer, School Resource Officer, detective in Domestic Violence, Internal Affairs Sergeant, Training Unit Sergeant, and Commander of Internal Affairs and Public Information Office.
She earned her Master’s in Public Administration from Bellevue University in September 2012.
Deputy Chief Thomas was a part of Leadership Omaha Class 41 and the inaugural class of the Empowerment Network’s Redefine the Game Institute. She advocates for community engagement, believes in giving back to the community, and volunteers regularly. She serves on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Nebraska, Youth Emergency Services, Metropolitan Community College Foundation, and Girls Incorporated of Omaha. She also was appointed by Governor Ricketts to serve on the Police Standards Advisory Council in 2022.
Deputy Chief Thomas is the President of the Nebraska Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. She serves on the executive board of the Black Police Officers Association of Omaha. She is a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.
Deputy Chief Thomas was the recipient of the City of Omaha’s 2021 Living the Dream Award, the 2021 Lynda Shafer Leadership Omaha Distinguished Alumni Award, the 2019 Rising Star Alumni Achievement Award from the University of Nebraska at Omaha School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, and the 2019 Julia D. Anderson Visionary Award from the Omaha Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Incorporated.
Deputy Chief Thomas is committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders in the Omaha Police Department.
Jennifer Zhang is President and founder of JZW International Development, LLC. Zhang attended Fudan University in Shanghai, China, where she received a bachelor’s degree in International Business. She moved to the United States in 1999 and became a naturalized citizen in 2009 and Found JZW in 2005. Her areas of expertise include 20 plus year International Business, Business Networking, Business Consulting, Sales and Marketing, helping and recruiting businesses invest in Nebraska and recruiting international students located in Nebraska schools. Zhang has Multi-Lingual skills and multi- cultural background and having a network with Chinese businesses and Government officials prove invaluable to Nebraska Businesses and Nebraska government.
She also serves as the Nebraska State Representative to China since 2005 and manages the Nebraska China Office in Shanghai since 2012 - 2019. She works with the State of Nebraska Department of Economic Development and the Governor’s office to facilitate business, agricultural and educational relationships between Nebraska and China.
She is also the owner of Omaha Prime Chop House in downtown Omaha, NE since Feb, 2022. Omaha Prime is Found in 1994 is 30 years history. Omaha Prime is proud to serve only the finest USDA Prime steaks and chops. Each Prime steak and chop is hand-selected for quality, marbling, and flavor.
She is also has a real estate portfolio and She loves real estate. She owns residential, commercial and retail properties in Douglas, Dodge, Saunders, Sarpy etc.
In May 2017, Governor Pete Ricketts, on behalf of MITA, presented Zhang with the Importer of the Year award. In 2008 She also received the Admiral award from the State of Nebraska and won small business of the month, in 2013, from the Greater Omaha Chamber.
She enjoys traveling all over the world, exploring cultures, education, languages, businesses. She has passion for education, learning and cultural diversity. Zhang loves playing golf and participates in business networking.