I didn’t think I was big/worthy/important enough to change the world. After this experience, I realize how much light I have. I want to encourage others to recognize their light, too.
-Duchesne Academy Student
Inclusive Communities is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization. Through our powerful human relations work, we are providing education and advocacy related to the topics of diversity and inclusion. We work with schools, businesses and in the community. Our critical social justice work would not be possible without strong community partners, donors, advocates and an incredible group of committed volunteers.
History
In the 1930s, leaders from different faiths refused to be bystanders in the face of hatred, intolerance, bigotry, fear and deeply embedded prejudice. These leaders came together nationally in response to organized campaigns of hatred spreading throughout America.
The Ku Klux Klan was active in most areas across the country, directing vicious bigotry towards Catholics, Jews, blacks and “foreigners.” The rise of Hitler and Nazism spawned hate groups targeting Jews at a time when anti-Semitism was already overt and pervasive. Al Smith was subjected to hatemongering when he ran for President because he was Catholic. Acknowledging the need for action, leaders including Teddy Roosevelt, Benjamin Cardozo, Jane Addams, and U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice Charles Evans Hughes, created The National Conference for Christians and Jews – NCCJ. They mobilized citizens against the forces of violence, ignorance and exclusion, and contributed significantly to an expanded definition of “who is an American.”
In 1938 in Omaha, Nebraska, local leaders also refused to be bystanders. Otto Swanson, owner of the Nebraska Clothing Company, was visited in his office by a fellow businessman. He listened with growing disbelief and indignation while the man told him of the formation of an organization in Omaha which would promote a secret boycott of Jewish-owned businesses. The group would encourage patronage to the benefit of Swanson’s store because it was “Christian owned.”
After Swanson showed the visitor out, he sat back and considered what had just occurred. He is quoted as saying, “I couldn’t believe anything like that could happen, not in the United States and certainly not in Omaha.” Otto Swanson was committed to the cause of working toward human understanding…the element he knew would contribute to the end of religious and racial bigotry. Swanson, along with W. Dale Clark, banker; Milton Livingston, businessman; and Ralph Svoboda, attorney, joined with other leading citizens and established the Midlands NCCJ chapter, now known as Inclusive Communities.
Since 1938, this 501 (c)3 non-profit organization has served Nebraska, Iowa and the region by directing our efforts in the areas of youth, community and workplace human relations and leadership programming to achieve our mission of creating inclusive communities.
Mission and Vision
Mission
We confront prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination.
Vision
Inclusive Communities envisions a society that is strengthened by diversity, inclusion, respect and justice for all people.
Staff
Maggie Wood
Maggie Wood
Maggie Wood joined our team as Executive Director on September 21st, 2015. Maggie uses She/Her/Hers pronouns. Maggie moved to Omaha in 1997 with the Clark Construction Group, as part of the general contracting team for the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Courthouse and chose to stay in Omaha when the project was completed. In addition to her for-profit work, throughout her 20 year career, Maggie has worked successfully for some notable non-profits, including Planned Parenthood of the Heartland, Film Streams, Opera Omaha and CFDC/CDI Head Start. She has managed budgets, solicited funds, empowered volunteers and has overseen the daily operations of various sized organizations.
Camellia "Cammy" Watkins
Camellia "Cammy" Watkins
Camellia “Cammy” Watkins is an Omaha native who graduated from Omaha South High School. She received a BA Degree from Cornell College in Psychology and Vocal Performance. Cammy has 15 years experience working with not-for-profit organizations ranging from environmental activism to performing arts administration. The opportunity to work with many different facets of the not-for-profit world have provided Cammy with vast insights into the business needs of organizations. She is excited to utilize this expertise to partner with Omaha businesses as they begin the journey of creating an inclusive office culture.
In her spare time Cammy sings with the Opera Omaha chorus and other local churches and theaters. Cammy is the proud aunt of 3 nephews and 1 niece. She also enjoys spending time with her Mother who is her inspiration for hard work, dedication, and mindfulness.
Robbie Q. Summers
Robbie Q. Summers
Robbie Quinones Summers is a servant leader at heart. She joined the Inclusive Communities team as the Continuity and Sustainability Manager in October of 2017. She is originally from St. Louis, Missouri and eventually settled in Omaha with her parents for her senior year as a Central Eagle. Robbie spent three of her high school years in Germany by way of her step-father’s military civil service, where he worked as the Human Relations Director. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education and Master of Arts in Leadership.
Robbie has 12 years of experience in Human Resources and a strong background in leadership development, team building, and coaching. She has 10 years of experience in minority business ownership, including owning a global Dairy Queen franchise. Additionally, Robbie’s professional experience allowed her to serve at the University of Nebraska Medical Center as the Assistant Director and Activities Coordinator of Multicultural Student Recruitment and Retention.
She also worked with Omaha Public Schools and Douglas County Head Start Program as the Human Resource Manager and the Community and Family Partnership Manager. She most recently served as Youth Programs Manager with the Center for Holistic Development, where she helped to bring excellent afterschool program activities to inner-city youth.
Robbie enjoys time with family, and is a minister that is strengthened by using the Word of God to bring hope to all. Her love of Christ is what urges her to fight for the equal treatment and inclusive rights of all people from every background and belief. She remembers one her favorite quotes, “If not for the Grace God, there go I.”
Tena Hahn-Rodriguez
Tena Hahn-Rodriguez
Tena brings a full range of career experience to Inclusive Communities – all rooted in inclusiveness and education. Her background as an entrepreneur, educator and community organizer have made her one of the most recognizable people in North Omaha.
As co-founder of REVEL, Omaha’s only LGBT safe social space and monthly fundraiser, Tena has focused her efforts to organize, support and celebrate Omaha’s LGBT community since the events inception in 2014. Tena’s career experience as a dance and fitness instructor made her an entrepreneur at the age of 32 and an educator to three generations of youngsters and countless active adults.
A lover of music, movies, social media, and an avid reader, Tena is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Non-Profit Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. She lives in Northwest Omaha with her wife Nannette, daughter Josephine, and an energetic Schnau Tzu (Shih Tzu/Schnauzer mix), named Roxy.
Tena is a native of Omaha, a Benson High School graduate and a Board Member and current Entertainment chair for Heartland Pride. Tena is also an AFAA certified group fitness instructor, and a licensed Zumba and indoor cycling instructor, and a Mixxedfit Master Educator.
Christine Jaynes
Christine Jaynes
Christine Jaynes has recently joined Inclusive Communities as a Program Partner. She grew up in Nebraska and studied bilingual education, community health and Spanish at The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington.
She spent 10 years living and working in Mexico as a bilingual educator. Since returning to Nebraska she has been dedicated to her career in social services, education and health care management.
Suzanna "Zanna" George
Board
Board of Directors
- Ralph Kellogg,Chair
Centris Federal Credit Union - Tulani Grundy Meadows, Vice Chair
Metropolitan Community College - Andrew Rouillard,Former Chair
Mutual of Omaha - Gregory Ramirez ,Secretary
Domina Law - Megan Koziol, Treasurer
Seim Johnson LLP - Machaela Cavanaugh
Buffett Early Childhood Institute - Arvin Frazier
College Possible - Kathryn Goodman
TD Ameritrade - Kristine Hull
Nebraska Appleseed - Rieko Ikeda-Hayes
Omaha Public Power District - Craig Loya
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral - Katrina Wells
First National Bank of Omaha - Daniel Gutman
Fraser Stryker PC LLO
