Latino Economic Development Council

10/14/2026

As we wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month, we reflect on the vibrant cultures, rich histories, and invaluable contributions that enrich our community every single day. At the Latino Economic Development Council (LEDC), our commitment remains firmly rooted in leveraging Latino influence and economic strength to fuel collective prosperity.

Suscribe to our newsletter to learn how you can get involved, partner with us, or contribute today 💚

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10/09/2026

10/09/2026

This year, Omaha will celebrate the Year of the Neighbor, a citywide initiative led by the Mayor’s Office to strengthen kindness, connection, and shared responsibility across our community.

Each month highlights a different theme, moving from personal reflection to collective action.

October’s focus is: ELDER OMAHANS

How can we be good neighbors to retirees and seniors?

Do you know someone who checks in on an elderly neighbor, offers rides to appointments, shares a meal, helps with yard work or errands, or makes sure our seniors feel seen and valued in your neighborhood? 💚

The Mayor will recognize individuals, organizations, and programs that demonstrate outstanding neighborly impact. We invite you to submit nominations and consider how your organization can align your events, outreach, or programs with this monthly theme.

📩 Submit nominations: mailto:[email protected]

10/08/2026

53 cents.

That’s what Latinas earn for every dollar paid to a white, non-Hispanic man.

Today is Latina Equal Pay Day. The day that shows just how far into 2026 a Latina had to work to earn what her counterpart made last year alone.

LEDC stands with every Latina who has outworked, outperformed, and still been underpaid. Su trabajo vale más. Y lo sabemos.

Comparte esto. Start the conversation. Because pay equity isn’t just a workplace issue, it’s a comunidad issue.

10/06/2026

We’re back with another 24th Street Spotlight!

This week, we’re at Cecy’s Decoraciones, a hidden gem on 24th Street dedicated to keeping our cultural traditions alive and thriving. From colorful, custom piñatas to stunning handmade materials, they provide the authentic touches that make South Omaha’s milestones unforgettable.

In our community, every celebration is a way to pass down our history. Whether you are planning a Quinceañera, a baptism, or simply bringing warmth into your home with traditional decor, Cecy’s is the go to spot to make your special moments feel like home. Small businesses like Cecy’s Decoraciones are the heartbeat of our neighborhood, ensuring our culture stays vibrant for the next generation. Let’s keep investing in the local spots that make South Omaha so special!

👇 What milestone celebration are you planning next? Let us know below!
➡️ Follow for more 24th Street stories!

10/05/2026

¡Feliz cumpleaños, Itzel! 🎉

Today we celebrate our very own Itzel López, CEO of LEDC. Thank you for your liderazgo, your corazón, and your dedication to nuestra comunidad. Your vision inspires us every day to keep building collective prosperity for Latino families. 💛

Wishing you a year full of alegría, salud y bendiciones! 🎂

10/02/2026

What if the most powerful health intervention in South Omaha isn't a clinic, but a festival?

Dr. Arturo Aceves explores this in his new report, "Why Health Equity Should Start Where Communities Gather." The proven principle is simple yet radical: culture is infrastructure.

Special thanks to our collaborating partner, the National Hispanic Health Research Institute, and Dr. Valery Maya for helping us build this for our community.

📄 Read & download full report here: http://ledcnebraska.com/healthequityne-org

10/02/2026

What if the most powerful health intervention in South Omaha isn't a clinic, but a festival?

Dr. Arturo Aceves explores this in his new report, "Why Health Equity Should Start Where Communities Gather." The proven principle is simple yet radical: culture is infrastructure.

Special thanks to our collaborating partner, the National Hispanic Health Research Institute, and Dr. Valery Maya for helping us build this for our community.

📄 Read & download full report here: healthequityne.org

09/30/2026

Nebraska, swipe through this. 👉

272,000 Latinos. 14% of the state's population. A median age of 25. 55% homeowners. 63% born right here in the United States.

These aren't just statistics, this is nuestra comunidad, building something real in Nebraska while the rest of the country is finally starting to pay attention.

Latino power isn't a coast thing. It never was. It's right here, en nuestro estado, in every business opened, every home purchased, every generation that decided to stay and build.

Comparte esto. Let's make sure Nebraska knows its own numbers.

09/29/2026

LEDC is proud to have been honored with the Power in Partnership Award at the Nebraska Diplomats annual awards banquet, presented by Governor Jim Pillen during the 2026 Governor's Summit.

The Nebraska Diplomats recognized LEDC for our partnership work in support of Plaza de la Raza, a cultural park in the heart of South Omaha's Latino commercial district. In collaboration with Canopy South and the City of Omaha, LEDC has worked to rally community support and assemble the public and private resources to bring this project to life.

"This is more than just a development project. Plaza de la Raza represents an investment in Latino people, places, and prosperity — addressing decades of disinvestment with equity-centered planning." - Itzel Lopez

This recognition affirms what we have always believed: that investing in Latino communities is investing in Nebraska's future.

Este logro es para nuestra gente. To our partners, our sponsors, our board, our team, and every community member who has shown up, believed in this work, and trusted LEDC to carry it forward, gracias.

Juntos, Adelante. ❤️

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📷: Tony Aguilera, Barrientos Scholarship Foundation, Noah Torres, UNO Aviation Student & Governor Jim Pillen