I am filled with so much gratitude and pride as I sit down to write this. As someone who has been deeply shaped by the journey of One Omaha. Not only have I had the privilege of leading this incredible organization, but I am also a product of its mission and work. Over the past 10 years, One Omaha has empowered neighborhoods, supported civic leaders, and strengthened communities—and my own story is intertwined with this journey.

My Journey with One Omaha

I’ve been a neighborhood organizer since 2006, but my knowledge and growth as a leader truly took off when I connected with One Omaha. I took all their training, soaking up everything from leadership skills to community organizing strategies. These training sessions gave me the tools and confidence to take action in my community and make a real difference.

My love for One Omaha runs so deep that I knew I had to give back. That’s why we brought Julie Smith, the incredible creator of One Omaha, onto the board. Her vision and dedication laid the foundation for the organization, and it’s been an honor to work alongside her and others who share the same passion for building stronger neighborhoods.

The Birth of One Omaha

Founded in 2015, One Omaha was born out of a desire to address a critical need: helping communities take charge of their future. By providing education, resources, and support, the organization set out to empower neighborhoods to organize, lead, and advocate for themselves. From its humble beginnings, One Omaha has grown into a trusted partner for residents and leaders across the city—including me.

What We’ve Achieved Together

One Omaha’s impact over the past decade has been nothing short of extraordinary. Here are just a few milestones that matter deeply to me and the community:

• 2017: The Neighborhood Leadership Program
  This flagship program has trained over 500 individuals to become effective leaders in their communities. I’m proud to say I was one of them, and I’ve seen firsthand how this program transforms lives and neighborhoods.
• 2018: Fiscal Sponsorship Begins
  This initiative has supported more than 20 community projects, allowing passionate leaders to focus on their vision without the administrative burden of starting their own nonprofit. This is such a powerful way to help community organizers stay focused on their work.
• 2019: 50 Neighborhood Projects Completed
  From community gardens to safety initiatives, these projects reflect the heart and soul of One Omaha’s mission. They’ve brought people together and sparked pride in neighborhoods all over the city.
• 2023: 1,000 Leaders Trained
  Reaching this milestone is a testament to the organization’s commitment to equipping residents with the knowledge and skills to create lasting change. I’m proud to count myself among these leaders.
• 2024: Empowering Communities
  One Omaha awarded $10,000 in mini-grants for grassroots projects and created a MAPA survey amplifying resident voices and driving meaningful neighborhood engagement.

Why One Omaha Matters to Me

One Omaha has taught me that real change starts with empowered people. It’s given me and so many others the tools to turn ideas into action and action into impact. Being part of this organization has not only enriched my life but has also strengthened the neighborhoods I call home.

Looking to the Future

As we celebrate this 10-year anniversary, I’m excited about what lies ahead. Through our “10 for 10” campaign, we’re inviting supporters to give $10 a month to sustain and grow this incredible work. It’s a small but impactful way to ensure that One Omaha’s legacy continues for decades to come.

To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you. Whether you’ve attended a workshop, joined your neighborhood association, or supported our programs, you’ve helped make One Omaha what it is today. Let’s keep building stronger, more connected neighborhoods together.

Here’s to the next 10 years of One Omaha—and the milestones yet to come.

With gratitude,
Kimara Snipes
Executive Director, One Omaha