Join us in Bridging to Belonging: 11th-Annual Nebraska Welcoming Convening Series
Join us for the (virtual) 11th-annual statewide welcoming convening series – which brings together community leaders from all over Nebraska to share experiences, insights, and strategies for building welcoming and inclusive communities.
During these summer sessions, we will have the opportunity to hear and learn from experienced local leaders, participate in workshops, and network with peers, all with the aim of enhancing our collective knowledge and skills. We hope you will join us on the following Wednesdays as we actively bridge to belonging together.
Save the dates now and register for the series!
(You can register for the series and attend whichever dates work for you!)
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Session 1: We Belong to Each Other – Unity Alliance & Multi-Sector Partnerships
Wednesday, June 11th, 10 – 11:30 AM CT (9 – 10:30 AM MT)
Come learn about creative, multi-sector belonging work in rural Idaho! “We Belong to Each Other” is a powerful, interactive presentation rooted in the work of Unity Alliance of Southern Idaho, an organization committed to building compassionate, connected communities. Through inspiring stories, visuals, and small group dialogue, participants will explore how fostering belonging can transform lives and reduce division—and discover how they can take meaningful action to help everyone feel seen, valued, and supported. Join this conversation with Alejandra Hernandez, Executive Director of Unity Alliance of Southern Idaho, and Matthew Hicks, Twin Falls Police Chief.
Alejandra Hernandez
Alejandra was born and raised in Santiago, Chile where she earned a BA in Agricultural Engineering and an MA in Social Communication. When she moved to the USA in 1997, she went back to school to learn English and earned a BA in Educational Psychology and an MA in Educational Leadership from Cambridge College, Massachusetts. She is the Executive Director of Unity Alliance of Southern Idaho, a nonprofit organization that supports and promotes the understanding that ALL immigrants contribute to our region’s economy, way of life, and values. Passion is what drives everything she does in life. She is a lifelong learner and her mantra in life is “Get curious, not furious.” Currently she lives in Twin Falls with Margarito, her best PETsona!
Matthew Hicks
Just last month, Mathew Hicks was named Twin Falls Police Chief. He has been with the police department since 1993 demonstrating a commitment to high standards within the department. Matthew holds an MA in Human Resource Training and Development from Idaho State University, a degree from the FBI National Academy in Police Administration, and a BA in Political Science & Sociology from Carroll College. He also contributes to the growth and success of community as a business co-owner.
Hicks said his goal as Chief is to continue building the relationships Twin Falls Police has established. He also expressed his desire to form new ones with groups and communities who might feel like they lack a connection with the police force.
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Save these dates! More information on these sessions to come!
Session 2: Authentic Allyship in Community
- Wednesday, July 9th, 10 – 11:30 AM CT (9 – 10:30 AM MT)
Session 3: Wellness through Indigenous and Immigrant Wisdom
- Wednesday, August 13th, 7 – 8:30 PM CT (6 – 7:30 PM MT)(Evening Session)
Session 4: Your Silence Hurts – Disrupting Bias
- Wednesday, September 10th, 10 – 11:30 AM CT (9 – 10:30 AM MT)
Please let us know what you need to be able to participate!
We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that allow all participants to engage fully. To request an accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please contact Christa Yoakum (402-438-8853 x114, cyoakum@neappleseed.org) or Eric Garcia-Mendez (402-438-8853 x113, egarciamendez@neappleseed.org). We will try our best to accommodate requests.
DID YOU KNOW: There is also an in-person Welcoming Communities Conference in Gering/Scottsbluff on June 19th!
Empowering Families and Panhandle Partnership will be hosting an in-person Welcoming Communities Conference on Thursday, June 19, 2025 at the Gering Civic Center. This conference focuses on providing over 140 professionals and community leaders a forum for awareness, dialogue, and skill-building to create welcoming and inclusive environments within their agencies and communities.
This year’s keynote speaker will be Kimberly Serrano. Kimberly Serrano is the Director of the Center for Inclusion and Belonging at the American Immigration Council where she provides vision and strategic direction for a portfolio of narrative and culture change projects that work to increase social trust, bridge diverse experiences, and foster a sense of belonging.
(Note: the registration links are different for the virtual series and the in-person conference!)