Itzel Lopez is a strategic community leader and collaborator with the ability to forge strong and authentic relationships with philanthropy, industry, nonprofits, government, and other key community stakeholders. Itzel is a seasoned fundraiser and offers a strong track record in leading community development projects. Most recently organized and led the Latino Economic Development Council (LEDC) effort to secure over $ 25 million dollars for South Omaha projects that will drive community growth and contribute to the area’s economic vitality. Itzel is a proactive and dedicated leader who also understands the importance of strong women leaders who empower and encourage one another to pursue a rewarding path in life. Itzel is also helping to lead the charge to create better diversity and access to life-changing careers in the region’s technology sector.Born and raised in Mexico, Itzel and her family moved to Omaha when she was 12 years old.

A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Marcos Eduardo Marcos Barrientos, a third generation Mexican American, was born in Los Angeles, CA and raised in South Omaha, NE. He comes from one of the largest Mexican American families in Omaha—la familia Barrientos which has contributed to the Omaha music scene for 96 years! Marcos is a graduate of the Goodrich Program at the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish and a minor in Chicano Latino Studies. As a pillar in the Latino community, Marcos has become one of the most recognized leaders for his family’s contribution in the arts, business and South Omaha community.

A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Welcome to Education with an Edge! Today, we have the honor of interviewing the inspiring Yuridia Igbokwe. Yuridia is a Mexican-born immigrant rights activist and entrepreneur who champions women in leadership, works with immigrants worldwide, and tirelessly advocates for social justice. With over 20 years of experience, she's trained legal professionals and developed case strategies to protect immigrant rights. Yuridia has founded the "Legal Conversations Show" and "Top Law Connect," providing valuable resources to immigrants in Latin America and West Africa. She's served as Marketing Director at prominent Omaha immigration firms and established Lincua, a language and marketing consultancy. Yuridia is also an influential speaker and has participated in conferences like the Global Women Forum & Global Leadership African Summit.

Most recently, she co-founded the EntreAmigas podcast, the only all-Spanish podcast in Nebraska for Latina Spanish speakers, and launched a bilingual show, Yuridia on Air, where she discusses social justice issues in Spanish and English. Let's give a warm welcome to our incredible guest, Yuridia Igbokwe!

A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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When Shannon Bingham moved to Omaha after graduating from Lenox, Iowa, she began to envision and pursue a life with purpose.

In 2004, at the young age of 26, she opened nationally recognized Seven Salon with her business partner Nikki, which has been in business 20 years with a staff of 30.  The salon was quickly awarded Salon Today magazine’s Top 200 Fastest Growing Salons in the United States.  In addition to being a business owner and hairstylist, Shannon has been a traveling haircutting educator for major manufacturers such as Tigi Bed Head and IGK, gracing stages and classrooms across the United States.  She has also dedicated several years of service to the beauty industry by serving on the DHHS Board of Cosmetology, Electrology, Nail Technology, Esthetics and Body Art, helping to form and fight legislation on multiple occasions and also uphold the integrity of these licensed professions.

Shannon has been published in national magazines including Modern Salon, has organized fundraisers for local and national charities including Hair for Haiti, which raised funds for the victims of the Haiti earthquake in 2010.  She was nominated for several awards including the local publication The Reader’s ‘Next Big Thing’ and the Beyond the Shear award, which recognizes philanthropy on a local level.

Her social media presence featuring her work has also been recognized internationally by large platforms, including Buzzcut Feed, American Salon, Hairbrained and Nothing but Pixies.  Shannon has been interviewed on several national forums and podcasts and developed personalized freelance classes to help guide and inspire beauty professionals.

In addition to her career, Shannon enjoys spending time with her family; two teenage boys, her 6-year-old daughter, and her entrepreneurial locksmith husband.  

In 2007 she became a mother of her oldest child though the process of adoption, which created a passion for 'Open Adoption' and the entire adoption process.

This year after being awarded the title of Mrs. Nebraska International, Shannon knew naturally for this event she could raise more awareness and education about the process of adoption.  

In her free time, she loves traveling, owning and operation her photography business, volunteering at her home church, golfing and eating out in new places!

A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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As an Omaha native, Dan has embraced his passions, from finance, to sales/marketing and recruiting. However, he found his place within DEI/ERGs.

As a Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion professional, ERG Strategist, and aspiring ally. Dan is well-known for his work in Omaha and for being a nationally-recognized DEI Consultant. Also, he recently joined Scoular as their new DEI manager, and he is excited to uplift their DEI footprint and maximize their efforts moving forward. From cultivating an impact within various aspects of DEI (strategy, analytics, and marketing) and ERGs (structure, design, and innovation), Dan embraces his passion through purpose! 

A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Marisa Hattab is passionate about mentorship, survivorship, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. She serves as the Douglas County Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer. She is intentional about ensuring all people are treated with dignity, respect, and acceptance and are not merely tolerated but fully embraced. She believes mentorship can open doors of opportunities to help young and older adults thrive and succeed. As a survivor of domestic violence, she uses her DEI and mentorship lens to help survivors stand in their power, takes ownership of their stories, and leverage their experiences to change lives. She is a fierce advocate by sitting as the Board Chair for a non-profit called Survivors Rising is a post-crisis resource center for survivors rebuilding their lives, and Board Chair for another non-profit named Smile Baggs, which focuses on equipping mothers and youth with tools to stand in their power and build healthy, thriving families and communities. Marisa believes that people deserve to live their best lives and should have equitable opportunities to succeed and be free!

A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Kristen DuPree is a candidate for the at-large seat on the Metro Community College Board of Governors. She is running because she believes that we all benefit when our community has access to high-quality and affordable higher education options. Kristen grew up in Omaha and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning a degree in Actuarial Science. Since graduation, she has worked in the insurance industry and became a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries in 2014.

Kristen believes Education is an investment we make in our community, and Metro Community College provides an exceptional return on investment. In fact, for every $1 invested in an MCC student, $11.90 in benefits is returned to the local economy. Her priorities include ensuring MCC remains affordable and serves the diverse needs of its student population while producing a workforce well equipped to react to the changing needs of our community.

A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Chef Sarah Slattery was born and raised in Nebraska's Legislative District Sarah knows the community and its needs because she has been here her whole life. Sarah is the middle child of three kids. Her father, Mike, is the elected public defender for Cass County and is on the Board of Directors of the Cass County Economic Development Council. Her mother, Barb, is a former elementary school teacher and college instructor. She is currently on the Board of Directors for Midlands Community Foundation and the President of the Cass County Tourism Board. Sarah continues to have a close relationship with her parents, having opened Slattery Vintage Estates Vineyard & Tasting Room with them in 2008. Sarah is the chef and manager there.

Philanthropy and community service are in Sarah's blood. She has given so much of her time and talent to many nonprofit organizations, such as the March of Dimes, the Visiting Nurse Association, and St. John the Baptist School in Plattsmouth. Sarah even spent a year building Habitat for Humanity houses in Omaha as a member of the AmeriCorps National Service program.

Sarah is a single mother to Helen Rose, a 6th grader at St. John's. Sarah is also an alumnus of StJB and is currently the head of the school's hot lunch program. She has reintroduced scratch cookery and significantly increased the fresh produce available to the school children through a fresh fruit and vegetable bar. School Nutrition is her passion and an essential pillar of her platform. Speaking of school, Sarah loves it! She earned her BA from Creighton University in 2004. In 2011, she graduated from the Institute for Culinary Arts at Metropolitan Community College with an AAS in Culinary Arts. She was also the Salutatorian of her class. Shortly after graduating, she accepted a position as an Adjunct Instructor at the ICA and taught Community Education classes at the Plattsmouth Learning Center for Southeast Community College. Sarah LOVES Education.

Sarah aspires to be the representative for ALL of District 2, and will work to fight for the rights of all its citizens. Sarah currently lives in Plattsmouth with her daughter Ellie, their dogs Alfred & Moxie, cats Pickles & Bean, and a whole lot of house plants.

#LunchLadyforLegislature

A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Sarah Phelps is the Executive Director of Owlish, a non-profit advocating for older LGBTQ+ adults through Education, policy, and resource development. Her passion for global equity, coupled with her lifelong advocacy for the LGBTQIA2S+ community, led her to Owlish when its rapid growth necessitated a formal Executive Director. Sarah has 20+ years of non-profit and volunteer experience, as well as award-winning professional expertise, building development programs, driving innovative thought, and leading diversity, equity, and inclusion groups. She writes on culture change, futurism, and creating innovative and just programs. Sarah is also on the speaker's bureau for Hummingbird Humanity, specializing in the challenges of the older LGBTQ+ community. She consults with senior-facing and senior-adjacent organizations invested in beginning the DEIBJ journey.

A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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Publisher/CEO: Midlands Business Journal & metroMAGAZINE | Speaker | Wellness Warrior

As a multimedia publisher, Hoig still—as she puts it—wears a lot of hats. In addition to managing the business side of things, she determines and creates content. The most enjoyable aspects of her work, Hoig said, are developing relationships and cultivating special projects.

“It’s relationship-building and connecting to the community and nonprofits and helping them get their message out to the community,” she said. “I love doing that.”

Although Hoig’s work supports hundreds of nonprofits, some touch her more closely including Nebraska Children’s Home Society (she is a birth mother) and several that serve animals like Nebraska Humane Society, Midlands Humane Society, Nebraska Wildlife Rehab, Inc., and Omaha Zoo Foundation.

Hoig clearly loves animals. She has three adopted cats: Sophie, Raj and Sunny, and fond memories of several others. Her first, Murphy, reached an unusually advanced age of 20 and was a source of support during some of Hoig’s most tumultuous years. Her beloved Benny, rescued as a kitten after being tossed from a car, passed away prematurely when he was just six years old. Hoig was devastated, but a little Sunshine soon came into her life. The kitten known as Sunny bears an uncanny resemblance to Benny and shares a coat of the same unusual color. Like her three-legged housemate Sophie, Sunny has special needs. She was born with underdeveloped eyes, a condition that caused blindness and necessitated surgical removal of her eyes. However, Sunny’s disposition fits her name, and she enjoys a happy life of ample playtime and exquisite care under Hoig’s watch.

“My cats have been a huge part of my life for so many years, the ones who are here, the ones who have passed,” she said. “They’re here for me and they are each unique little personalities.”

In 2018, Hoig introduced metroTV. Each episode of the weekly 30-minute talk show features guests who represent the community, enhancing and expanding the coverage in metroMAGAZINE and its sister publications The Giving Guide and Event Book and 101 Things to Love about the metro™. metroTV will reach show number 170 in January.

A Hurrdat Media Production. Hurrdat Media is a digital media and commercial video production company based in Omaha, NE. Find more podcasts on the Hurrdat Media Network and learn more about our other services today on HurrdatMedia.com.

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