Where passion meets purpose, and voices become movements
It’s the same energy that has always driven change in our great state—the unwavering belief that one voice, joined with another, and another, can reshape the landscape of possibility for Nebraska’s expecting mothers and young children.
Today, on behalf of First Five Nebraska, I am excited to introduce the seventh class of the Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy (PLA)—19 remarkable individuals who have stepped up to learn, engage and collaborate to shape a future full of promise for their communities.
A legacy of leadership
For seven years, the PLA has served as Nebraska’s premier nonpartisan advocacy program where emerging leaders are forged into powerful organizers and policy advocates. Our alumni don’t only occupy seats at existing tables—they build new ones, expand conversations and elevate voices that have often been excluded from the public decision-making process. From neighborhood dinners to the State Capitol, they empower their communities to carry the torch for maternal health and early childhood priorities, fighting tirelessly to expand access to quality, affordable child care and strengthen the vital prenatal-to-age-3 health care supports that our most vulnerable families deserve.
Rooted in community, united in purpose
Over the next seven months, these 19 emerging advocacy leaders will embark on a transformative journey that begins where all lasting change does: at the grassroots level. They will explore the anatomy of powerful movements, master the art of amplifying community voice and develop the sophisticated skill set required to bring together all of the essential elements that create advocacy success—influencing policy and inspiring communities to come together to transform their communal investment and governance.
One of the PLA’s values is to honor the diverse experiences and strengths of communities across Nebraska and this year’s cohort is no exception. They bring expertise from early care and education, higher education, economic development, maternal and public health and countless other corners of our public and private sectors. But their professional accomplishments, impressive as they are, are only part of their advocacy identity.
These leaders have proven to be deeply invested in their communities, driven by curiosity and united by an unwavering commitment to a cause greater than themselves. These are the foundational stones upon which effective, strategic grassroots advocacy is built—advocacy that doesn’t just suggest change, but expects it and is dedicated to working for it.
Meet the leaders: Class of 2025–26
- Sarah Berkebile, Applied Information Management Institute (AIM), Ralston
- Brissa Borjas Esparza, Center for Rural Affairs, Grand Island
- Sydnie Carraher, Nebraska Perinatal Quality Improvement Collaborative (NPQIC), Milford
- Katerin Castro, Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative, Bellevue
- Mikayla Doht, Pender Community Hospital, Pender
- Maddie Gates, TMCO, Lincoln
- Josh Gillman, Kids Can Community Center, Omaha
- Tiffani Holmes, University of Nebraska Omaha, Omaha
- Aspen Kouri, Empowering Kids Academy, Omaha
- Katie Krause, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Omaha
- Sarah Landell, Self-Employed Coach/Trainer, Dannebrog
- Molly Parsons, Lakeview Community Schools, Columbus
- Rosa Pinto, Heartland Workers Center, Columbus
- Amy Ramos, Central Nebraska Community Action Partnership, Columbus
- Amy Sjoholm, Acme Behavioral Health, Grand Island
- Barbara Stratman, Canopy South, Omaha
- Carrie Sullivan, Provider’s Network, Inc., Lincoln
- Kathleen Vacek, Omaha Public Schools and SRI International, Omaha
- Emily Weber, Family Health Services, Inc., Malcolm
The journey begins
Even after two decades as an organizer and advocate, I find myself renewed and inspired by each new cohort. These emerging leaders bring fresh approaches to age-old challenges, breathe new life into tried-and-true organizing practices and offer insights into the art of building influence and trust. I eagerly anticipate not just working alongside this remarkable group, but learning from them as we forge ahead together.
As these 19 leaders step into their roles as advocates and champions, they join a growing constellation of alumni whose work continues to illuminate the path forward. They begin with the infinite potential that comes when passionate individuals bring communities together around a shared vision. I’m excited to see that the future is in remarkably capable hands.
Learn more about FFN’s Nebraska Early Childhood Policy Leadership Academy
