Environmental Justice and Neighborhood Organizing Speakers

Cheryl Weston

Cheryl Weston is a business entrepreneur, public speaker, long-time North Omaha resident and staunch community advocate. Ms. Weston, through various roles, has helped advocate for Black/brown Americans, low-income and marginalized communities in Omaha, despite the odds. In addition, she has volunteered and served on various boards. Her past and current affiliations include: The Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, National Association for Female Executives, Speakers Association of the Midlands, Governor’s Omaha Advisory Council for Lead Safe Neighborhoods, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Midlands, Highlander Neighborhood Association, Spark Capital Board and Nebraska Sierra Club.She continues to stay involved in the community and civic affairs despite pushback from others. Ms. Weston consistently speaks truth to power.Before retiring, Ms. Weston had a career with the Principal Financial Group, a Fortune 500 Company. A profession she thoroughly enjoyed. After retiring, she served as the director of Lead Safe Omaha Coalition for many years. Ms. Weston was instrumental in working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to secure funding for the Omaha Lead Superfund Cleanup Site which provided a financial, economic and health benefit to the residents who were most affected by lead poison in the area designated as the Superfund site.Ms. Weston continues to work as a community activist and organizer in Omaha. After prayer and meditation, Ms. Weston begins her day with: “You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas." - Shirley Chisholm.

Shayna Sterling

Over the past 6 years Shayna has gained knowledge from community mentorship through growing food, most recently with Free Farm Syndicate and Blazing Star Seed Co-op. Having worked with a multitude of volunteers in her professional experiences, she is passionate about mutual aid and how communities can work together to thrive.

Leah Wambui Keinama

Leah Wambui Keinama has worked as a systems engineer within the software industry, at food justice nonprofits and currently at Nebraska Journalism Trust. In the neighborhood realm she has worked to enhance food systems, with a particular emphasis on soil health, regenerative agriculture and bolstering food accessibility while fostering resilient communities. Leah’s fervor for cultivating networks and forging meaningful connections underscores her dedication.

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