See you at Session 3 : The Value of Multisector Partnerships
Wednesday, August 5, 10:30am-12:00pm CT (9:30-11:00am MT) on Zoom
Building strong, welcoming communities doesn’t happen in isolation; it takes all of us. It happens when educators, local government, nonprofits, faith communities, businesses, and neighbors work together toward a shared vision and commitment to belonging.
During this third session, we will explore how two communities, separated by geography but connected by a shared commitment to belonging—have built valuable collaborative partnerships in unique and inspiring ways. Through their stories and experiences, we will discover the shared values and strategies that help create more connected and welcoming communities.
In Emporia, Kansas, a crisis became an opportunity for collaboration. When the local Tyson Foods plant closed, nearly 800 people suddenly found themselves without work. Rather than responding in isolation, the local government, the Chamber of Commerce, educational institutions, mental health providers, workforce partners and community organizations came together to support affected families. Join LeLan Dains, Executive Director of Kansas Spanish Speakers, as he shares how these cross-sector partnerships helped people find new opportunities and strengthened Emporia’s commitment to welcoming. Those collaborative efforts ultimately contributed to Emporia earning the 1-star Certified Welcoming designation from Welcoming America.
In North Platte, Nebraska, TinaMaria Fernandez, Executive Director at HOPE–Esperanza has spent years building relationships across sectors to address community challenges together. Through community conversations, community needs assessment, and a focus on building trust, these partnerships have improved language access, strengthened support for families and created more welcoming systems throughout the community. TinaMaria will share how lasting change happens when organizations move beyond working in silos and commit to solving challenges together.
Whether you’re part of a nonprofit, business, school, local government, healthcare organization, faith community, or you’re simply someone who cares about your neighbors, this session will leave you with practical ideas for building stronger partnerships in your own community.
Meet our local and national speakers for session three!
LeLan Dains
LeLan Dains is the Founder and Executive Director of Kansas Spanish Speakers, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people, cultures, and opportunities across the region. Through innovative programs in workforce development, entrepreneurship, language access, and community engagement, he works to remove barriers and strengthen communities. A passionate advocate for rural revitalization and belonging, LeLan is also a recognized leader in gravel cycling, having been inducted into the Gravel Cycling Hall of Fame in 2025. He is known for bringing people together, building bridges across cultures, and helping communities create opportunities where everyone can thrive.
TinaMaria Fernandez
TinaMaria Fernandez is a North Platte native, community leader, and the Founder and Executive Director of HOPE–Esperanza, a grassroots nonprofit she launched in 2021 to support newcomer and minority families in her hometown. Under her leadership, the organization has grown into a trusted, community-centered hub offering barrier-focused programs and services.
As the daughter of an immigrant family that experienced separation due to the complexities of the immigration system, TinaMaria’s lived experience deeply shapes her work. She brings both personal insight and professional expertise, grounding her leadership in empathy, cultural understanding, and a deep commitment to belonging. With a professional background spanning nursing, counseling, social work, and community advocacy, she takes a uniquely integrated approach—bridging clinical care with compassion while addressing the social determinants of health.
In addition to her community work, TinaMaria is a co-author of the children’s book Nico’s New Home, written with her son Micah, reflecting themes of transition, resilience, and belonging.
Save the Date for our final session!
Each of these sessions will include stories from local leaders, interactive workshops, and time to connect with others. We hope you’ll join us as well for the September session as we learn more about how we all belong in welcoming. More details to come on this final session!
Session 4: Community Arts for Wellness and Belonging
- Wednesday, September 2nd, 10:30am-12:00pm CT (9:30-11:00am MT)
(You can register for the series and attend whichever dates work for you!
Your Zoom link is unique just like you. To find your link to join, search your email for “Nebraska is Home: ‘We all Belong in Welcoming’ – Summer Welcoming Convening Confirmation”)
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.